Which Smoker Model

[dmorris142]

I am trying to decide which smoker to purchase. My needs are mostly for homemade sausage 50lbs or more a few times a month. Also pork shoulders, hams, ribs, briskets, chickens, all the usual stuff.

I have a small operation, and I process all the pork, so I don't need any more extra work or 2 or 3 loads to do the sausage.  I smoke at 140 to 160 on the sausage, so I do need it to smoke at low temp.

So back to the question of which unit?

Thanks

 

[swthorpe]

Hmmm..50lbs at one time?  The FAQ for the smokers suggests a 35# load for the model 2 and up to a 45# load for a model 3.  Sounds like you would want at least the model 3, and perhaps even a model 4.

http://www.smokin-it.com/Articles.asp?ID=247

 

[Walt]

I agree with Steve.  My mindset is if your not sure go with the biggest one you can afford.  However, for what your saying, I definitely would not get anything smaller than the 3.

 

[NDKoze]

For sausage to hang well and have enough room between each ring, and since you appear to be doing this semi-commercially, I would think the #4 would be the best bet for you.

In order to hang 50 lbs of sausage, I am guessing you are going to have to do a minimum of two racks. Without swapping racks, I think even the #3 may be too small.

Since you are going to be doing this quantity multiple times per month, I wouldn't even think of anything less than the Big Daddy (#4).

I am fairly new to this site and to Smokin-It. But my family and I have smoked ring sausage and summer sausage for years. We typically run 50-150 (sometimes 200) lbs. at a time (once a year for venison processing) and have it smoked in a larger outhouse sized smoker.

This is just one guy's opinion. But IMO if you can afford the Big Daddy, that would be what I would be getting.

Good luck and report back with what you end up with and results of your first smokes!

 

[dmorris142]

Thanks guys, I really think the model 4 sounds it would be the unit. I just wanted to hear from some of you. Thanks again

I will post back soon.

 

[DivotMaker]

I agree!  The Model 4 is for you.  Great deal, right now, with an Auber PID included in the price!

 

[Paul Case Luca]

I recommend the number 4.

I only need the #3 - will never come close to fully utilizing all of it - and now I'm wondering why if I had to do it again if I just wouldn't get the #4.

Reason being, I purchased the #3, stand, auber for just shy of $1000 and I picked it up so avoided shipping and handling.

The deal on the #4 right now with the auber "free" and not needing to buy a stand... I mean I know its a few hundred dollars more but its a once in a lifetime purchase.

I guess for you, where you're at, I agree you NEED the #4. Me myself, I would personally get the #4 if I were to do it over. BUT, that said, I have zero regrets with my #3 ( heck I never use more than 2 shelves thus far!!!

In the summer (or early spring) I'm sure I'll wind up a few good sized smokes for Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc.

 

[DivotMaker]

One more thought, D - What you'll find with these smokers, over "traditional" smokers, is ease of use.  In an operation like yours, that will probably lend itself to more frequency of use!  I used to only smoke meat on occasion, due to the hassle of preparing the fire, constantly tending to it during cooks, and what to do with the waste material after.  Too much work for too little reward, at least for me.  Some folks really like all that, and more power to them!  ...I don't have time for it!

With a model 4, you can focus on your meat preparation, and let the smoker do its job when it's time.  Pretty much a "set and forget" operation, and cleanup is easy. 

 

[dmorris142]

I have tried the Hero Route, where I would fire up my Klose Ultimate with upright for the Church and stay up all night cooking 600lbs of meat. Then with help serve the next day, then clean up with (no help). Everybody loved the BBQ, but I was exhausted.

Got rid of the trailer pit a couple of yrs ago, just now wanting to consider smoking again.

Set it and forget it sounds pretty good.

Thanks for all the comments

 

[DivotMaker]

Wow, that IS hardcore BBQ!  Those are awesome smokers, but lots of work (good to know your background)!  Lots of "traditionalists" put down the electrics out of ignorance of the subject.  They just don't know how good the end results are!  That's probably why you can't use them in a competition; they're an unfair advantage!  I'll put my SI "Lazy Q" up against anyone, any day! ;D