I looked at a series 50 CS smoker today. I have been using a WSM. I would like some opinions on this unit. I do a lot of ribs, brisket, port butt & yard bird.

AF1, I cant give you specifics on the 50 series. However, I have an 09 that is the best smoker ever. I would love to have a 50.
I can also tell you that CS as a company is more than the best. If you ever have a problem or question, they will take very good care of you. I would not hesitate one minute about the decision. I expect others will give you similar information.
Good Luck

Which CS probably depends upon how big your family is and how much you want to smoke at a time. I have the 08 and most of the time it is just me and the wife but occassionaly I will do extra for a neighborhood potluck or when the kids & grandkids come to visit. I love my 08. It is so nice to be able to put something in to cook and go to bed and not have to get up to tend the fire. Or throw something in before going to work and have dinner ready when you come home at night. Whatever CS you decide on you won't be disappointed!

That's why we created this new forum, for that exact question so you'll get some detailed responses.

Also, have a read through here as there's a lot of great posts from owners.

I had an 008 for two years before moving up to an 055. No particular reason... just decided that the 055 would most likely be the last smoker I would ever buy. Had been using an 'Old Smokey' electric smoker but just for turkeys since it wasn't easy to control it. Used a bullet smoker before that but hated the charcoal mess.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of the CS smokers. Buy the biggest one your budget will allow, tempered by how you expect to use it. However, you will use it a LOT more than you would expect. Everything comes out delicious, even the mistakes.

Things I have smoked

uncooked bacon - cold smoked to add flavor
hams - cheap and easy
jerky
cheese - all kinds
salmon
whitefish
swordfish
ribs
pork butt
beef brisket
roasts - prime rib, sirloin tip, bottom round
almonds - like the expensive Diamond brand
turkeys
baked beans

The WSM is a good smoker, but I bet you haven't used it much this winter. After all, I wouldn't want to have to get up at 3am to go add more charcoal and water when it's 10 degrees outside.

Save your WSM for fair weather cooks, and get a Cookshack to use when you want great Q but don't have the time to fuss with tending a smoker. I do most of my cooking while working a full day and sleeping all night.

And the only consumable in the Cookshack is a little wood and foil, for which the cost is minimal. It's much cheaper than using a bag of charcoal for cold- or inclement-weather cooks in the WSM.

I went to the factory to look at the different CS that was available after doing some discussion with my banker (my Dad) we decided the SM055 would be the one to buy. I wanted to be able to do several beer can chickens at one time. If you have the opportunity to look at them up close it may help you to decide.

I haven’t regretted for a minute buying the SM005, but an Amerique would be nice.

AF1, I used to use a Webber but I took the plunge 9 months ago! AFTER much research and lots of advice from this site, I purchased the 09. I PERSONALLY have been the only one to use it ( mostly because I DON'T want my husband to know how easy it is!!!! hehehehehehhe). I have smoked more pork butts, beef briskets, turkeys, ribs and even prime rib! I have TRULY found my calling! hehehehe
My only advice... if you think you might want to smoke a lot... buy the 055. I LOVE my 09 BUT knowing what I know NOW... I wish I had bought a larger one! I smoke everytime I have the oppotunity!!! I know you will LOVE whichever smoker you decided.

AF...I didn't know how big or small the CS units were either. So, I bought bigger..the SMO55. I think I probably 'could' get by with an 008 or 009 as I seldom fill the 55, but I like having the room if and when I need it.

The real point is that you should buy what you can afford, and you'll never regret a single nickel of what you spend no matter which unit you get.

It is such a delight to use a CS, for me, than any of my other smokers I've had that the money I begrudge having spent is on those 'other' smokers...never the Cookshack.

Yeah, sure...the billows of smoke from half a cord of red oak, personally stinking of smoke for a week, up all night playing with vents and drafts, checking temperatures, moving the meat around, eyes swollen and tearing...all great fun...but the simplicity of turning out terrific...not just good...barbecue with the set and forget it mentality is truly exciting.

I do sleep with a remote thermometer on my bedside table, just in case something goes goofy in an overnight smoke, but unless that thing goes off, I'm sleeping sound...and smelling like a human being.

Good luck in your decision and let us know how much you love whichever unit you get.

I purchased the Model 050 yesterday, took it home fired it up & the temp went to 270 degrees. Attempted to turn temp down to no avail. Fired it up again this morning and put temp on 100 & again it went to 270 on its own. I had two probes in the unit, one a Digiq & the other a Polder. Anyone got any ideas on what is going on?

How long did you let it run and how long did it stay at 270? I know when I fire up my 55 it always seems to run up that high and then settles back down after some time. I would suggest firing it back up and record the temp every 15 minutes for a few hours and see what the average is. These units will fluctuate quite a bit but usually will average real close to your therm setting. Going up to 270 when you set it at 100 does seem a bit unusual though.
Don

AF if the 050 doesn't settle in you might want to call Cookshack..no matter where you bought it...and they may be able to walk you through a couple things to check. Maybe the thermo is goofy, or not plugged in right or sumpin'

Just as a reminder of the obvious, the heat coil goes on 'full blast' and then the temp control turns it off entirely in attempt to maintain temps...like your home furnace... the coil does not get 'degrees of hot' to maintain a certain temp. (Also why sometimes you see smoke, sometimes you don't..it smokes when the coil is heating, and smoke diminishes when it's not)

IF we need to troubleshoot something:

1) Call CS first
2) Start a new thread