Amerique options

Hey Joe,
From reading your questions, I am sure that I might not be able to add anything you haven't figured out by your own research. I think that the Charcoal store has made an error in there listing of accessories. I just ordered my Amerique yesterday, and I have been asking myself the same questions. From what I am able to learn from Cookshack and the Charcoal store, the side shelves are narrower dividers for the racks, and they hang from the screws provided for the rib hooks. Therefore, more space for more thin product. The rib racks might allow for all of those racks of ribs, but how much is enough? I figure that 3 racks of ribs on each shelf, times 5 racks will provide enough ribs for a party I never intend to host. So for me, the AQ sounds perfect.

I have been smoking on a Char Broil double barrel smoker for the last 4 years. I have spent hours tending the fire, monitoring the temps and moping the product. I await a new world.

Best of luck to both of us with our new venture.

rubM

rubM,

Thanks much for the input on the side racks. Sounds like something of minimal value for briskets and ribs (probably more for fish or jerky).

I used a double barrel offset for many years but tired of the constant tending of the fire. Finally got smart several years ago and got the WSM. From that point - I only used the offset when I needed the extra capacity (and had plenty of free time to tend to it). Only real problem with the WSM is that it is tough (okay - near impossible) to keep the up the temp on windy/cold days. Based on what I've seen in this forum - the Cookshack electric looks like a good option for winter smokes (and maybe summer smokes as well). The fact that it has such a loyal user group speaks volumes about the quality of their products and the level of support provided to their customers.

I would very much appreciate if anyone could share pictures of the rib racks in use and perhaps some comments on their usefulness. From the picture on the accessory page - they don't seem deep enough for placing ribs on end (looks like they would flop over on themselves).

BTW - just a suggestion - I am actually surprised given the number of events that Cookshack seems to attend (from various forum entries) - that there are not more photos on the site showing the smokers (and accessories) in use. It would be helpful if there were more.

Thanks much.

Joe

Brisket Joe:
For 2 or 3 racks I lay them on the shelf in my AmeriQue, if I do more than that I use the rib hooks from Cookshack. I really like using the rib hooks. The side racks adjust the height for the shelf racks. You will love your AmeriQue, makes smoking a easy pleasure.

Joe,
I love all of these great options. Still, I found that if I use two or three bamboo skewers, I can place three racks of ribs on edge. That will equal three to five full racks per shelf in the Amerique. The Char Broil could do only 10 racks at a time.
I smoke all through the year up here in Vermont. The insulated smoker box with technology tending the fire will be very welcome here in the shadow of the Green Mountains.

quote:

Originally posted by Brisket Joe:
BTW - just a suggestion - I am actually surprised given the number of events that Cookshack seems to attend (from various forum entries) - that there are not more photos on the site showing the smokers (and accessories) in use. It would be helpful if there were more.

Thanks much.

Joe

Agree. But we need people to load them up. Maybe your post will spur on a few. I don't have the AQ rib racks or I'd post a photo.

Why not give CS a call (they don't monitor the forum routinely) and give them your suggestions, maybe they can add some photos.

If the racks are like my FE (which they are) it's designed to hold the racks lengthwise on edge, and yes it does 7 (mine does 10). Works well for St. Louis or BB but full spares will flop over