Help #2 or #3

[DivotMaker]

@JackT
Thanks for the input.  I'm trying to justify the #3.  I don't cook for large parties (16 lbs of pork butt would be enough for any party I have) , and don't want to spend extra money to look "professional".  So there needs to be a need.

My cooks will be:
(A) 2x8lb pork butt + 1 pan beans/m&c
or
(B) Jerky (which you can get an accessory for extra racks)

It seems the #2 would be the right fit.  Unless...
Water pan is recommended to the above for better meat moisture, and can be added to the #3 while the #2 won't have the room.  Or the pan of beans/m&c could serve as the "water" pan, and the #2 would be good to go.
Jerky gets too crowded on the #2, or the batch is too small.  But the extra rack accessory for the #2 might make the crowding a non-issue.
Not cutting the brisket retains moisture for a noticeably better product.
Not sure why cutting a rack of ribs is a big deal.  I have to cut the ribs to portion/servings anyways.

Jake,

Don't get hung up on meat by weight, look at it by volume.  Yes, you can do 2 butts in the #2, but it's quite cramped, due to the volume of meat.  No problem in the 3.  Great point about the full briskets...again, no problem in the 3.  No, cutting racks of ribs in half is not a big deal...I've done many with no problem.
Water pan?  Yes, there's room in any of the smokers; it goes on the floor, next to the smoke box, not on a rack.

The main reason for the 3 is expandability!  I like to think of it like a stereo; if you listen to it at medium-volume most of the time, a smaller head unit and speakers are fine.  But, for those times when you really want to kick it up, there is no substitute for power and "head room!"  If you don't have it, you can't use it!  The 3 is like that....great to have the room, when you need it.  Plus, as your smoking ability evolves, you want to have the space to accommodate your needs.  Like Dave said...let your budget decide, but I recommend the 3, if you can swing it.

 

[snakyjake]

Yeah, it is trying to figure out how far I'm going to "evolve" and predict the future, and not have buyer's remorse (which can be over spending or not getting the right size).  I've already spent $$$ on this style of cooking already, and trying not to make the same mistakes again.  Some of it is evolution, some of it is not having the right information.

The jerky has me interested.  If the #2 is too crowded for a family size batch, then the decision is easier.

 

[DivotMaker]

The jerky has me interested.  If the #2 is too crowded for a family size batch, then the decision is easier.

Steve offers the side racks that have capacity for about twice the shelves for the 2 and 3.  You can make a lot with the 2, but a whole lot more with the 3!   If you're like me, you want to smoke as much jerky as possible...pretty much keeps forever in the fridge, vac-packed!

 

[Limey]

Jake, just get the #3. You will be happy you did. I have two of them, different locations, and could not be more pleased.

 

[Pork Belly]

When in doubt always go bigger.

 

[DivotMaker]

When in doubt always go bigger.

+1!

 

[Jake]

Well after all of the help and suggestion from everyone here I have made my decision purchased a Number 2D. I ordered it and will pick it up in a few weeks.

My final decision was based on the following points

I do not want each smoke to be years worth of meat.
I wanted it to be lighter in weight than the #3, as I have to left it off and on my deck two times a year. Spring and fall to roll up carpet.
I only hold a big group dinner 1 a year. Brothers a sister can take there turn.

I opted to get a D model instead.

Steve
So Wisconsin

 

[NDKoze]

Congrats! You weighed the options and chose what works best for you.

 

[old sarge]

Enjoy!

 

[SconnieQ]

Size and portability were HUGE issues for me. And I ended up with a #1. And love it! So your decision totally makes sense to me. Enjoy!

 

[DivotMaker]

Congrats, Steve!  As always, it always boils down to your needs, not ours!  The 2 is fantastic, and I use mine a lot, even though I have a 3D, too.  You'll love it!

 

[Walt]

Let me preface this by saying I would Love a #3. However, I have done as much as 30lbs of ribs in one cook and 2 13# briskets (26#) in one cook. The #2 will easily handle the demands of most people.....but its always nice to go big or even bigger.