smokin-it 2 questions

[stout]

while i am still shopping around i have about decided that a smokin-it 2 will be the first electric smoker i'll ever buy.

a couple of questions, that i am sure have been asked here before, so i hope you don't mind me asking them once again.

can i fit a whole turkey in the 12 to 15 pound range? or if bigger how big?

how about a whole brisket in the 10 to 14 pound range? will that fit or need to be cut?

 

[TheLocNar]

Turkey you should be fine. Maybe even slightly over 15 if the turkey is trussed tightly.

Brisket I'm not too sure. Someone else can check in.

Keep in mind. Meat shrinks when cooked too.

I think the #2 will suit you well. I have one and don't really find myself needing more space.

Good luck!

 

[old sarge]

I am thinking the brisket will need to be cut.

 

[DivotMaker]

Hi Stout!  I've easily fit a 14+ lb turkey in the #2, no problem.  You actually never want to smoke a turkey bigger than that due to food safety (the length of time it stays in the "danger zone" of 40-140).  I've also fit a 12+ lb packer brisket in the 2, uncut.  It may curl up the edges a bit, but they shrink fast.

I'll throw a wrinkle your way....The #2 is a great smoker, and can fit a lot of meat.  But, if your budget allows, I really recommend the #3.  If for nothing else, the depth.  20" will accomodate BIG packer briskets, multiple butts, and a lot of uncut full racks of ribs.  You can always smoke less in the #3, but you can never smoke more in a #2.  That amount of Q real estate can't be underestimated, and really pays off when you need it!

 

[NDKoze]

+1 on getting the #3.

You can easily smoke larger whole packer brisket as well as full slabs if ribs and multiple pork butts.

I regularly smoke for only 3 people but love vacuum sealing my leftovers and putting them in the freezer for another day.

 

[swthorpe]

I have smoked a 12# whole turkey in my #2, and I think the last brisket that I smoked was around 11# and it fit fine.  However, I agree with others that if you can swing the #3, the additional space will be beneficial.

 

[stout]

like all of us i am not getting any younger. i'm starting to get up there which is what gets me wanting an electric smoker. tending a fire through the night is not something i want to do so much anymore. also while i need to get the cart/stand for the smoker.. seems the ground is getting further and further down there with every passing year.and of course a cover .. that puts me at the 600 or 700 dollar range all in which is really top of the mark for me. that's why i am looking at the 2 rather than the 3

i'm not ready to buy today but if the on sale prices hold (or go and come back again) i maybe could swing a 3


i have to have some money left over for some good meat to smoke after all



another question i see there are cold smoking plates available (that would be something i get after perhaps.. how well does it do as a cold smoker?


thanks everyone

 

[swthorpe]

I think you will be fine with the #2 ... I know I have not been disappointed with mine!  I have the cold plate and have smoked cheese on a couple of occasions (actually running out of cheese now, so I may be smoking more this weekend).  The cold plate works like a charm ... I place it on the lowest rack just above the smoke box, and then a pan of ice cubes on top of the plate.  With a small amount of wood, I have the #2 on for about 15 minutes until the smoke is rolling, and then turn it off for 45-60 minutes.  Then, I power it back up again for 15 minutes to get more smoke rolling.  I use a Maverick to monitor the box temp, which generally stays below 90F the entire time. 

 

[old sarge]

Just a thought:  the SI Facebook has or had a social store that you could get a discount on smokers by ordering there. Also if digital accuracy isn't a top priority go for the analog SI 3. Not sure if the 3D is offered on the Facebook page.

 

[stout]

thank you both

i'll check facebook and save some money for cheese. maybe get the cold plate for my birthday or christmas

 

[NDKoze]

Also, there are way cheaper alternatives to the SI cart. This is what I use and I like it because it sits up higher than the SI cart:
http://www.harborfreight.com/material-handling/service-carts/24-inch-x-36-inch-steel-service-cart-5770.html

 

[SuperDave]

stout, ordering the accessories after the fact tends to be at a premium, shipping costs are usually almost as much as the accessory.  Maybe consider getting one of your items with your order. 

 

[Texan in Tulsa]

Before I ordered my 3D last month I had checked the Facebook page and only the analog models were posted there. I e-mailed Steve and asked him if he was going to discount the 3D on FB and he said that the "D" models would not be going on FB.  I just looked at his FB page and don't even see the "Store" there anymore.

 

[NDKoze]

The Store is still there, but still only the non "D" models listed.

You just go to the SI page and click "Social Store" option that is listed under Apps on the left-hand side of the screen.

Here is the direct link:
https://www.facebook.com/Smokin-it-182919855212905/app/211311762253380/

 

[swthorpe]

stout, ordering the accessories after the fact tends to be at a premium, shipping costs are usually almost as much as the accessory.  Maybe consider getting one of your items with your order.

Dave makes a great point...shipping can be costly, so if you could bundle, it might lower the shipping expense.

 

[DivotMaker]

Also, there are way cheaper alternatives to the SI cart. This is what I use and I like it because it sits up higher than the SI cart:
http://www.harborfreight.com/material-handling/service-carts/24-inch-x-36-inch-steel-service-cart-5770.html

Gregg, I used this cart with the standard 3D, and loved it.  But, it's too high for the 3D (unless you're 7 feet tall); you can't read the controller display!  I think I'm going to break down and order the enclosed SI cart.  Using it on the floor, without a cart, is tough for an old fat boy!

 

[NDKoze]

I'm 6'2" and can the dial on my #3 fine. But maybe the D models are harder to view when they are up higher.

I will say that I wouldn't want it any higher though.

I am working on some ideas in my head to enclose the bottom and add a top that the #3 could sit sideways on the top and then build a plywood built DIY cold smoker roughly the same size as my #3 next to it so I could use the #3 racks and have more airflow so my A-MAZE-N smokers work a little bit better. It is just an idea in my head for now though. Maybe this summer if I get ambitious.

 

[nvw-ssv]

Love my #2, but if I found $1,000  of the infamous and so-called "extra money" or more floating around, the #3D would be the first impulse buy.  If you can afford it, go 3/3D.  Nothing wrong with my #2, but after feeding a few, the party keeps growing, and the real estate inside the smoker to feed MORE gets scarce.  You'll be happier if you NIP IT (barney fife) in the bud and go larger, if the budget allows.