Hi All, I've been lurking here for a day or two and was looking to buy another charcoal smoker. I have a Chargriller with the side fire box already. Then I came across a poster's comments on another forum mentioning an electrical smoker named the Cookshack Smokette. I had never given the electric smokers a thought because it is not true 'smokin'. But the more I've read here, the more intrigued I've become about the CS products. So will one of the CS products satisfy my smokin' meat flavored needs? Possibly. Will the easy "set it and forget it" satisfy my charcoal BBQ'ing tampering requirements? Again... possibly. My criteria is a smoker not that will not hurt my wallet and still provide me great tasting que. From all the comments here, great tasting BBQ is all that folks here rave about. Well everything except the smoke ring which I suppose cannot be created on an electric smoker. So what size should I get? Again, my wallet dictates that I get the Smokette. But I love ribs, and it seems to me that the cooking rack size of the Smokette, will not allow me to place a whole rack of ribs on a cooking rack. It seems that I will have to cut up the rib rack so that they can fit correctly on the cooking rack. The manual says to not have any foods touch the sides or back of the Smokette. Well cutting the rib rack will allow juices to drip out of the cut portion of the meat. Does this create a problem in taste? I also see folks sometimes hang their ribs on hooks. Is this a requirement so that ribs will not have to be cut to fit on the cooking rack of the Smokette or other CS smokers?
So folks, convince me to take the plunge and buy the Smokette... guaranteeing that I will not have buyer's remorse.

I was in the same boat as you a number of months ago. I was tossed between a charcoal smoker such as a green egg or an electic style smoker. I ended up with the Amerique ... no regrets. I almost did the smokette but I really wanted the extra capacity in the 055 or Amerique.

You will really save money on charcoal and wood with any of the cookshack units. That savings over time really adds up (figure that cost into your purchase price and you may be able to upgrade to a bigger unit).

The only downside to the cookshack is once you bring some of your "goodies" into work, everyone wants you to smoke for them.

You may want to call cookshack up and see if they have any specials out there.

quote:

Originally posted by rw0870:
I almost did the smokette but I really wanted the extra capacity in the 055 or Amerique.

rw0870, thanks for your input. I guess you feel that the extra space in the long run is better to have just in case I need it.
The question that I have is this, if I don't have an almost full load of meat to cook in the 055, will it take a lot longer for the 055 to reach temp? D

Howdy Jazzspot,

You can't go wrong, unless you're dead set on tampering. If not, a CS no matter which you get will satisfy your taste buds and that's the bottom line, right?

Size and pocketbook are the only questions. I started with a 50 and went to the AmeriQue: both produce great food. I just wanted the set and forget aspects of the AmeriQue and the larger shelf size.

Either way, CS gives you 30 days to try out your unit. If you don't like it, they'll take it back. Also, there's always a good market for used smokers if you decide to move up or down in size. My only advice would be to buy as big as you can afford. Friends and appetites seem to expand to fill the space availible.
You wont regret it.

LOL

Hook

PS. In so far as temps are concerned; the more meat you have, the longer the smoker will take to reach your desired temp because the larger volume of meat will take more time to give up its "coldness" to the interior. And of course, the bigger the smoker, the longer it will take to come up to temp simply because there is more space to heat.

But, who cares? At that point you'll be sitting back with a brew watching the magic happen. Or perhaps, getting a good night's sleep while the CS takes care of the rest.

One more question. What is the difference in the 50 and 55 models? They both have 5 cooking racks. Is there a difference that I'm skipping over in looking at the specs of each model?

random thoughts for jazzspot-
I have tried 'em all...cheap-o electrics, offsets, charcoal "bullets", you name it. The cookshack is indeed "real Q". It's as real as it gets. I recently smoked brisket and pulled pork for 20-some folks at my parents house and they were all impressed.

If you're planning on smoking ribs on a regular basis, I would go for a larger unit like the 050, 055 or Amerique. Don't get me wrong, the 008/9 will turn out the same, great product. Yes, you will have to cut them to size. No, it will not reduce the quality of the Q. I just prefer to use the rib racks in my 055 to hang full racks. It reduces the # of charred ends and adds to presentation when you serve up whole racks.

I have convinced 2 friends (and counting) to purchase a 008 and they are both very happy with their purchases.

I saw where you mentioned that you liked tampering with your Q. I WAS in the same boat...until I enjoyed a full-nights rest with my first pork butt in the 055. Now I laugh at the thought of mopping.

As to you question about the mass in the smoker vs. cook time: I haven't documented the time it takes to smoke a single cut vs. multiple cuts. As Hook mentioned, the more mass in the smoker the longer the smoke. I would also argue that my larger smokes turned out better results.

Get a Cookshack. You'll be glad you did.

quote:

Originally posted by jazzspot:
One more question. What is the difference in the 50 and 55 models? They both have 5 cooking racks. Is there a difference that I'm skipping over in looking at the specs of each model?

ALL units have a stainless steel interior. The 008 and 050 have a black, steel exterior. The 009 and 055 have a stainless exterior.

quote:

Originally posted by JustADude:

quote:

Originally posted by jazzspot:
One more question. What is the difference in the 50 and 55 models? They both have 5 cooking racks. Is there a difference that I'm skipping over in looking at the specs of each model?

ALL units have a stainless steel interior. The 008 and 050 have a black, steel exterior. The 009 and 055 have a stainless exterior.

Many thanks to everyone!!! JustaDude, thanks for pointing out the difference between the 050 and 055. I feel like a dolt.
Anyhoo, I think I'll be placing my order today for a Smokette. If I'll need a larger size, I'll buy one later.
Also, I saw some ribracks on the Cookshack website. The items are the "RibRack, Series 100/300" and the "RibRack, Series 200". Does anyone know if these will fit in the Smokette? No size dimensions are provided.
Again, my thanks to everyone. I believe (hope) I'll be another satisfied Cookshack owner!!

Hey Jazzspot you cant go wrong with a smokette oo9. I bought mine last year and gave my offset away.Never looked back.As for ribs you can get any rib rack and put a ton of ribs in it you just have to cut them in half but thats ok with me they still come out awesome.Pork butt comes out perfect and you can get a good night of sleep without worry.

quote:

Originally posted by rmd1969:
Hey Jazzspot you cant go wrong with a smokette oo9. I bought mine last year and gave my offset away.Never looked back.As for ribs you can get any rib rack and put a ton of ribs in it you just have to cut them in half but thats ok with me they still come out awesome.Pork butt comes out perfect and you can get a good night of sleep without worry.

rmd1969, thanks and good to hear your praises as well for the Smokette. I was about to pull the trigger on the 50 or 55 model. But twice the price for a little more room, seems to be asking too much. So how many racks of babyback ribs or spare ribs can be cooked at one time in the Smokette model? On my Chargriller I usually cook a minimum of 4 racks of ribs at one time. Can I do the same on a Smokette?
And where have most people purchased their Cookshack cookers at the best possible price and least amount of hassles due to damaged goods upon delivery?

I have some old weber rib racks similar to THIS. Mine have 6 slots in them. This would allow for 3 full racks per shelf. Although, I don't know if you'd have the clearance for this contraption on your top shelf...I rarely use my top shelf.

Here are some good stores that carry CS products
WEST COAST
CABELAS

quote:

Originally posted by JustADude:
I have some old weber rib racks similar to THIS. Mine have 6 slots in them. This would allow for 3 full racks per shelf. Although, I don't know if you'd have the clearance for this contraption on your top shelf...I rarely use my top shelf.

Thanks much for the info!!!

jazzspot,

Go for the 050 !! I too started with the 08 went to the 050 and NOW am the proud owner of the AmeriQue. You'll beable to HANG your ribs with plenty of room. If nothing else you will have the room when you need it . Just my .02

Mark

I too would go with the 050/055 as Mark suggested. I have both the AQ and a 055 and for a first one I would go with the 050/055 series...you will not regret it. More racks, can hang full slabs, just the best all-round one can go with at a good price.
Rob

Cabelas sometimes has the 008/009 in their returns area for a really good price. Also call CS up directly as they may have a returned/refurb or dented unit which they can give you a really good price on.