I have an opportunity to buy a used 4D, but also interested in a 3D. I'm wondering if you get a more even cook in the 4, being that you can keep the meats further from the heat source and possibly having to rotate racks? Any thoughts. Thanks in advance.
I'm thinking that the performance of the 4D will be on par with the other smokers performance. It has a larger element for the larger cavity/capacity. As with any smoker, meat closest to the heat source will naturally receive the most heat initially, but it does even out over time. Same as in a house oven with multiple trays of cookies baking. Just monitor the large pieces of meat (brisket, butts) with multiple temp probes and remove as they reach the desired temp. Not much of an issue with food like ribs.
If the unit is used, what does the current owner have to say? And why is he selling?
If it's a 4D, with the integrated controller (not a 4 with the separate Auber PID), and the price is right, I'd jump at it! The 3D is fantastic, but the 4 will give you more capacity, if it's the same price or less!
As a 4 owner, I think that the extra air space in a 4 anything is an advantage over the other models. I know specifically that most of the other models will hiccup with drip pans in the smoker. Not with a model 4.