I am considering purchasing a smokette or a masterbuilt. The smokette seems to be very well built, but I have some concerns about cook times. I have read about smoking boston butts for up to 17 hrs. My father has a masterbuilt and he is able to smoke a butt in approx 9 hrs.

The masterbuilt will reach temperatures of 275 vs 250 for the smokette.

If I get the smokette will I just have to plan on the longer cook times?

You probably will need to plan for that, depending on where you live though you probably need to do that for the Masterbuilt. With the CS you can cook pretty much the same amount of time even in 10 degree weather.

Faster is not better. I know nothing about a Masterbuilt. The CookShack smokers are insulated to 1000*F, so it matters not how cold the weather is outside or how hard the wind is blowing, it cooks the pretty much the same. The CookShack smokers are built like a tank.

Low and slow is the way to cook a pork butt. 275* would be too hot for a butt or brisket, in my opinion, but good for poultry and leaner cuts of meat.

Cookshack is the way to go - and I own a ST

As implied above, can the Masterbuilt cook in sub-zero weather and not skip a beat? CS can!

Then considerer this forum. IMO it's second to none!

I would really consider the specifics of the smoker, not a set temp for cooking at as your guide. Look at the features, etc and compare. It's very normal to adjust temps when you change smokers, as each one cooks slightly different.

Good luck, hope we helped.

my butts always take 14 hours but I cook then on 225. It can go to 250, but I have always cooked at 225. Remember, good things take time.

I'd make sure you see a CS in person, and a MB. After that, you'll buy a CS. There's no comparison in construction....your CS will last a lifetime, that other one....hmmm....a couple years at most.

Smoking times on a cooker mean nothing....on my Stumps it'll take just as long as my CS if I want it to....it's all technique and process.

My .02

C'Nooga