What influence did the Smokin-It forum have in your buying decision?

[DivotMaker]

The Smokin-It forum is fast becoming one of the best "manufacturer" forums on the web.  We're curious how it affected your decision to buy from Smokin-It, if any.  Thanks for taking the poll!

Edit:  I am not an employee of Smokin-It.  I'm just a raving owner, who happens to be the moderator on the forum.  This is for me.  I have a pretty strong background in sales and marketing (not my current career), and I like to analyze things like this.  Hopefully, this will help the company in the long run.  I just wanted to see if our great group of members is actually influencing folks in the market for a smoker - I know it did me!

Thanks again! 

 

[old sarge]

At the time I made a purchase (SI3), there was no forum.  There were a few testimonials on the site, and the FAQs.  There were other bbq/smoking sites with forums, but little to nothing on the Smokin-it units. I joined all the forums I found (and I am banned for life on one of them), and realized early on that no matter the manufacturer or cost, these were good units with very few problems. Emails to Steve were answered promptly, and he even took the time to return a couple of phone calls, as did another well known site.

It came down to comparing size, features, warranty and price.  And in the end, the Smokin-it came out on top, in all categories. A real no-brainer.

And now there is the forum, and an entire cadre of enthusiastic users, spreading the word and sharing the experience.

To Steve and Rebecca, Ben and Tony, as well as every one else, Happy New Year.

Dave

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the history, Dave!  You're right; we're pretty new, compared to some others, but sure seem to be growing fast!  I was thinking about this last night, and thought I'd take a poll!  I seem to be seeing more intros from folks that say they watched us for awhile, and finally got one.

Here's to a great 2014!

Tony

 

[sts3d]

Even though I saw the SI at an outdoor show last March I found this forum when I was ready to buy. I lurked here a few times then pulled the trigger so to speak.

 

[swthorpe]

Like Dave,  the forum had not been created when I purchased the #2.    I pulled the trigger based on feedback that I saw from other sites.  I think the forum came around about a month after my purchase and has been a real help to me in finding new recipes and different ways to smoke meat.    The forum is clearly a great source of information.    Today, the forum is clearly a great resource for people that want to research the SI smokers and learn about the smokers from folks in the field that are using them successfully week after week!

Cheers

 

[rickne]

Tony, correct me if I'm wrong but this forum has really seen the momentum shift in the last 3-4 months, has it not?

I remember visiting the forum before I purchased in October.  But it didn't seem that active and honestly, it didn't sway my decision too much.  The couple of posts on the other bbq forums that praised the SI units had a much bigger impact on my decision.

 

[DivotMaker]

You're correct, Rick.  There's been a lot of growth, both in members and number of posts, since Sep/Oct.  That's why I'm asking the question.  Just curious, I guess, but it seems like more people are visiting before buying.

 

[BIG BOB]

the forum was HUGE in my decision to buy my #2. When you can converse with someone who has the same exact product, it simply brings the best out of us newbies. I really want to thank all who have helped me in previous cooks and I am sure I will be able to help others down the line. I got the #2 rib rack for Christmas and am looking forward to trying it out. i am banking on your guys advice to not foil ribs...LOL.

 

[DivotMaker]

That's great input, Bob - thanks!  Definitely let us know how the rib rack works out, and yes, stay away from the foil! ;D

 

[jamiedolan]

I first saw the Smokin-It listed on Amazon with very good reviews and then found the main site and this forum.  I saw how pleased everyone was with the unit and that helped a lot with the decision. 

The forum had a lot of posts that included pictures so you knew they were credible reviews from actual users of the product.

I decided on this product pretty quickly for how expensive it was, just a day or two after I found it.  It is actually pretty rare for me to purchase an appliance type of product (#3 smoker) without researching more in depth, but I was impressed with what I saw and the quick responses I got.

Jamie

 

[swthorpe]

I think you  made the right call Jamie!    I too relied on the amazon site and practically 100% positive reviews as I recall, which was not something that I had seen for other electric smokers.    The forum did not exist when I purchased my #2, so I am glad to know that it was helpful for you (and others) to see real life results!  Cheers

 

[cjr71244]

I picked it via amazon ratings! glad I did been happy with my results so far.

 

[Randy]

Ive had my # 3 for about 4 months. Love will be glad to get pid in it, dont think im getting the temps im setting it at. But any way yes I was on the forum a lot. And there was a lot of other forums that were talking about the smokin it brand smokers. Dont take me long to look at a horse shoe. My buddy in Hamilton Mt is  ordering the smokin# 2.

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the comments, Randy!  Hope to see you around often!

 

[es1025]

I started looking at this forum on last Super Bowl Sunday.  I was an avid fan of BBQ pitmasters and I thought I wanted to try my hand at smoking meats.  I read a lot about Bradley, Cookshack, etc and I just did not like the pucks with the Bradley and the cost of the cookshack.

I came across SI, I reviewed the web site and Steve was running a special.  I was not ready to pull the trigger but Steve said he would have some specials around Mother's day.  I joined the forum in April and started reading about which smoker I should get.  With the help of Joe and Sarge I was guided to get the SI#3.  I purchased in May (the specials was a cover, cord hook, and rib hooks).  I have not looked back since, and yes I would buy the #3 again in a heart beat. 

The forum is an excellent resource and I have made many friends even though we have never met. 

I really enjoy reading the posts and trying my best to perfect a recipe.

I recommend this forum to all smokers not just SI based upon the detailed procedures and awesome recipes. 

What has really impressed me is that Steve answers email within hours not days.  Thats Customer service.

 

[coachs34]

Being new, and converting from the lump charcoal method I needed the help from this site and the valuable comments from all the users.  Thank you to all who helped me select my smoker.

 

[DivotMaker]

Good to hear we were able to help you, Coach!  Welcome aboard!

 

[Chipper]

Originally I was pretty hot to buy either an MES or a Bradley and read their forums to try to get a feel for how their customers liked their products.  I found out, from people complaining on their post,  the MES has electrical issues, you can't change out the element easily, and it can't burn wood if set too low.  I start Salmon at 100 degrees so that was  a deal breaker.  The Bradley sounded pretty good except for users complaining about the smoker or the conveyor belt breaking.  What impressed everyone on their site was Bradley's customer service, they ship you a brand new smoker unit!  That wasn't a great testimonial about  their smoker's workmanship.  It was on one of these sites that I heard the names, Smokeshack, Smokin Tex and Smokin-it.  Wow, I suddenly had more choices.  When I first saw the Smokin-It #1 I knew right away I found what I was looking for.  I went straight to your forum and found a bunch of happy smokers who freindly and helpfull.    How many company's can you call and speak directly to the boss.  I rate Smokin-It and your forum Five stars.  Well done. 

 

[DivotMaker]

Thank you very much, Chipper!  We're glad you found us!! ;D

 

[DHurd]

I read every post in the Mod 3 forum and a bunch of the others before I ordered.