Hello yall im new here. Do not currently own a Smokin-It smoker but I do own a Cook Shack SM-025. I am looking for something of similar design and ran across the Smokin-It. I was really liking the price of the #3 but that is a no go because I smoke everything at 275 and it only reaches 250. So I was wondering if anyone has one how well does it hold temp? is it worth the extra $200? and how well does it cold smoke? How does it compare to the cook shack?
Thinking About Getting a #3D.. Talk me into it!
- Thread starter gunman9
- Start date
Not sure why you smoke everything at 275 but we all have our techniques. As for how does the SI compare to a Cookshack, very well indeed in material and construction. I would say dead even. The SI "D" controller is a PID, and therefore very accurate and user customizable whereas the CS controllers while very good are not in the same league as a PID (that is NOT a condemnation of what CS uses). My SI 3D when it reaches my set temperature locks it in and there it stays with no drop or rise for the duration of the cook.
On my CS, I could watch the temp drop or rise a degree throughout the cook. I was good with that.
The racks in the SI are stainless steel rather than nickel plated as with the CS (stainless is extra). The racks on the SI 3D are larger than those on even the CS Amerique and will take full packer briskets straight in, as well as full lengths of ribs. Wheels are larger, the cord is longer, and of course there is the value. I firmly believe that dollar for dollar, you cannot beat the SI line of smokers.
I have nothing but good things to say about the CS 066 I used for years (and hoping my son enjoys it as much as I did). But I do prefer the SI 3D over the Amerique for a variety of reasons, chiefly the depth of the cooker. So convenient to put food in 'as is' without having to cut it to fit. Given a choice today as a first time buyer, I would go with the SI 3D and never look back.
On my CS, I could watch the temp drop or rise a degree throughout the cook. I was good with that.
The racks in the SI are stainless steel rather than nickel plated as with the CS (stainless is extra). The racks on the SI 3D are larger than those on even the CS Amerique and will take full packer briskets straight in, as well as full lengths of ribs. Wheels are larger, the cord is longer, and of course there is the value. I firmly believe that dollar for dollar, you cannot beat the SI line of smokers.
I have nothing but good things to say about the CS 066 I used for years (and hoping my son enjoys it as much as I did). But I do prefer the SI 3D over the Amerique for a variety of reasons, chiefly the depth of the cooker. So convenient to put food in 'as is' without having to cut it to fit. Given a choice today as a first time buyer, I would go with the SI 3D and never look back.
Old Sarge thanks for the reply! In liking the 3D the more I look it over online and the reviews. The only thing I don't like about my CS is it won't fit a whole Packard and you can't fit a lot of stuff in there at once. How many ribs can you fit in the 3D? And how many pork butts? max.
JackT
New member
Don't have the time to tell you all the reasons that I love my 3D, but it is approved for 300 degrees with the PID controller. As Old Sarge commented, not sure why you always cook at 275, but you would still be able to do that with the 3D, and it will stay right where you want it. If you go with the 3D, you won't regret your purchase. Happy Smoking!gunman9 said:
Glock_21
Member
I've had my #3 for just under a year. I was comparing 3 different brands (SI, CS, Smoking Tex) when I was buying. I did lots of research and reading, sent several emails, and made a couple phone calls. I decided that I couldn't beat the value of the #3 for the money. It is built rock solid and other than the occasional heating element replacement, it should last a very long time. I suffered some "buyers remorse" for a while after spending that much money on a smoker. But that disappeared after just a couple smokes. I love the smoker. I wanted the ability to smoke a whole packer brisket and whole slabs of ribs. I have yet to pack the thing full but I would rather have the space and not need it than need the space and not have it. If you are in the market for an electric smoker I don't think the SI can be beat for the money.
gunman9 - Getting back to your question on capacity I am going to conservatively say with all 4 racks you should be able to smoke 8 racks of baby back ribs without crowding. On St Louis style, 4 racks (1 per shelf); because of size, remove 2 racks and you should be able to do 4 butts (2 per shelf); and similarly 2 full packer briskets (1 per shelf). I don't have enough meat on hand to actually try fitting each to be sure, but I think what I said is fairly accurate and allows sufficient room for smoke and heat circulation. In any of those scenarios, that is a lot of meat. If someone has a more accurate or realistic answer, please chime in.
Dave
Dave
SuperDave
New member
When you order an SI smoker of any model with the idea of cold smoking, you'd want to order a cold plate or consider making one such as I did. It is basically a heat block that keeps heat in the lower chamber but allows smoke to rise to the cooler upper chamber where the food is.gunman9 said:
NDKoze
Moderator
The cold smoke plate is OK, but is not necessary. I cold smoke with my #3 all the time with my A-MAZE-N AMNTS cold smoke tube smoker. I have used it for hot and cold smokes.
I have smoked cheese and bacon with excellent results. Depending on the ambient temps, I have had to use frozen 2-Liter soda bottles to keeps the temps low enough for cheese.
I have had way better results with my tube smoker verses my A-MAZE-N AMNPS tray smoker.
I have smoked cheese and bacon with excellent results. Depending on the ambient temps, I have had to use frozen 2-Liter soda bottles to keeps the temps low enough for cheese.
I have had way better results with my tube smoker verses my A-MAZE-N AMNPS tray smoker.
DivotMaker
New member
Gunman, welcome! Let me just say that anyone with "gunman" in their handle is certainly welcome here! 
Let me clarify that the 3D is actually rated to 375, not 300. So, if you really want to roast something, you're OK! I, too, find smoking everything at 275 a little different, but to each his own!
Here's the bottom line - you will not find the depth of the 3/3D anywhere. 20" of depth is not to be underestimated! Find the biggest packer briskie you can, and it'll fit! If you use all 5 shelves, you can easily do 10 racks of ribs (2 per shelf). The 3 will easily handle 4 butts at a time, and could probably do 6, depending on the size. Needless to say, a LOT of meat, depending on the size of the meat (volume, not weight).
You won't be disappointed in a 3D. I love mine, and just can't believe anyone could find a better value for the most "Q estate" you can buy!
Let me clarify that the 3D is actually rated to 375, not 300. So, if you really want to roast something, you're OK! I, too, find smoking everything at 275 a little different, but to each his own!
Here's the bottom line - you will not find the depth of the 3/3D anywhere. 20" of depth is not to be underestimated! Find the biggest packer briskie you can, and it'll fit! If you use all 5 shelves, you can easily do 10 racks of ribs (2 per shelf). The 3 will easily handle 4 butts at a time, and could probably do 6, depending on the size. Needless to say, a LOT of meat, depending on the size of the meat (volume, not weight).
You won't be disappointed in a 3D. I love mine, and just can't believe anyone could find a better value for the most "Q estate" you can buy!
Well boys just ordered my 3D! going to use it this coming weekend the 7th for my brothers graduation from college. We have a local authentic old school butcher shop so i got a prime brisket, st. Louis ribs, and link sausage. All will be ready and fresh of the cow on the 6th. Don't get no better than that! No to plan out building a stand for this puppy! anyone have stand pictures they built and measurements?
Pork Belly
Moderator
A couple of important points in your comments. The #3 is a great smoker at a great price, you cant go wrong with it.
As for smoking everything at 275, I understand you do but should you? I believe you will get better results at lower temps. I have a #3 and love it, no issues and never wanting for additional heat.
DivotMaker
New member
gunman9 said:
It's fine for the 3, but not the 3D...too tall! Unless you're about 7' tall, you won't be able to read the display!
