Ok here goes, been somking for awhile using an off set WSM and Green Egg. I am getting lazy in my old age so I started looking at elect smokers and came across this site. I have done a google surch and have seen different prices on the different models with free shipping. I am looking at the 008 and the 50 so who does have the best price? I have never seen a CS up close so I was wondering how does the door latch? Is it ajustable? One more thing the shelves seem small at 14X14 I tend to get some prety good size brisket packers 10lb or better around here so are the shelves adequate for this? Does anyone that has a 50 or 55 whish they had gotten the Amerique or anyone that has a 50 or 55 feel now that they could have gotten by with the 008? A lot of questions I know but inquiring minds need to know before I pull the plug so to speek. Thanks

The only model I have ever used is the 009, same as 008 except stainless. My wife and kids bought it for fathers day for me. When I first got it I thought there was no way that it would ever be big enough. I have since done about 20 smokes in it and have since decided it has plenty of room for my needs. And I have done a brisket that was almost 11lbs. Just put it in at an angle, folded one end under a little. With the shrinkage during cooking it will be laying flat in no time.

As far as the door latch, the 009 doesn't have adjustments. Either it is closed and latched or its not. I dont know about the other models

Shoundog welcome to the forum. No matter what CS you get you will be happy. There is no need for an adjustable latch on theses boxes. They will keep the door close. The boxes are built like tanks. I went from a cheap offset and was concerned about the size. I ended up with the 55 and have no regrets. I have smoked 12 plus lb. packers without a problem. Once I smoked four 9~10 packers. There are a lot of members on the forum who love their 008/009's and feel they have plenty of room. Good luck on whichever model you choose.

What these guys said. And if you are looking for a deal, call Cookshack and ask if they have any refurbished units available. They take units from people who upgrade and then they refurbish the trade-in. And when they sell it, it comes along with a warranty also. Check it out.

Best prices I found are at Cabelas. I bought mine there a few months back. The 008 weighs about 90 pounds and is what I have. I did a big brisket and just folded the small end under. Also you can get about 4-5 racks of ribs in it if you cut them in half and use rib hooks. Like mentioned earlier, these are built like tanks and should last about forever.

I got the 009. I can cook 2 15# packers in it by rolling up the edges. It shrinks as it cooks.

I have a WSM, gas grill, offset & charcoal grill. I use the Cookshack most often, just becuase its easier.

Keep them comming you got me leaning to the 008 009 right now. There is no Cabelas in the area and I looked on line at there price and with shipping I can get it cheaper elsewhere. Thanks anyhow.

I don't know how prices compare but you might want to check the Charcoal Store. The price looks good and includes free shipping.. Others on the forum have used them and have written good things.

First, WELCOME!! You're making the right choice. Second, buy the biggest you can afford, or want to afford.

If you buy an 08/09 you'll make it work for most all your needs...bigger parties you'll do a coupla smokes and reheat...or find yourself serving multiple meat dishes some of which you won't smoke.

If you buy a 50/55 you'll happily find enough capacity for those bigger get togethers, as well as start smoking extra and saving half to two-thirds of your output, because it makes more sense than getting your smoker cleaned up and going again.

If you choose the Amerique you'll be singing the praises of the 'hold' feature, because it seems that never is your cook done exactly when you plan on it being.

You will not be disappointed no matter which you get. You 'might' wish you'd gotten bigger is all. And you have to determine how much the hold feature might be worth to you. Any of the CS smokers represent a fair amount of dough. Me personally, I went for a 55 as I couldn't justify the cost of the Amerique at the time. What I didn't know is how much I'd be using my new smoker and enjoying the heck out of it!!

Shoundog,
Are you anywhere near the following dealer?
SQS Spas
2191 Hwy 105
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-8827


If/when you see the 008/009 in person, you will think it's too small. NOT THE CASE. 2 of my friends have the 008s and they are capable of cooking brisket or pulled pork for 30 folks at once. They can easily accommodate 6 racks of ribs.

I have the 055. I have never wished that I had bought the Amerique. Yes, I would be just as happy with the 008. I do like the fact that I can hang full slabs of spares in my 055, though.

Yea Dude not to far. I ride my MC up in that area all the time. I'll check them out, thanks. Thousand Oakie now you done it I am sitting on the fence again. Oh well maybe I should buy them all. Think Cookshack would give me a special deal. Ha

I have been reading posts for a few weeks now and just wanted to say Hi. When I decided to purchase a new smoker I did alot of research and found there was only a few that foot the bill. This forum and an add from the Charcoal Store helped me make up my mind. When I did decide to purchase a Cookshack I had the same questions, wondering if an 009 would be large enough, could I justify spending the extra money on the 055. I just wanted a new fish smoker. Thursday I ordered a 009, it was back ordered but, would be shipped on Monday. Thursday night and Friday morning I had buyers remorse, wondering if I ordered the right one. That was all I could think about. Friday at noon I called Dave at the Charcoal Store and changed my order to the 055. Dave is extremly helpful and anwsered all my questions. When I hung up the phone, I then knew, I had made the right decision. It is the perfect size for a deck or patio and needs no stand. It's also small enough to take in the cabin to smoke fish, pork, beef, or anything I want. I just wish I would have bought one years ago. I could have spent more time fishing instead of babysitting a charcoal or wood smoker. I have had my new 055 for 2 weeks now and have smoked turkey, chicken and beef ribs. My family and friends think everythig I have smoked is great. Next week I will smoke some salmon. I will try to remember to take a couple photos to show. I will never regret the decision that I made. There is plenty of room in the 055 to meet all my needs. Stan

Howdy KC7ZTT.. welcome to the frey. I'm sure you will not only love the smoker.. but the group here that can be VERY helpful.

I'm making an assumption that you are a pork.. er HAM.. me too.. N6GHG ..._._ 73

Yes, we are ham operators. Nice to meet you. I have just been reading the forum and learning. There is so much information here. I smoked 3 racks of beef ribs Monday. Just typed in beef ribs used the temps and aproximate times and we got ribs for dinner. It's Great, thanks to all. Stan

I went for the AmeriQue and love it. It is a pleasure to use. You will not go wrong with any model. I like thr hold feature and the larger racks on the AmeriQue. Bought from The Charcoal Store and was well pleased. CookShack is fantastic for any problems or questions! Good luck to ya~!!!