AQ / FEC 100

Check out the "which smoker" forum.

here's a thread to get you started and it has a couple of links also.

http://forum.cookshack.com/eve...01035064/m/614102954

My first question to you would be:
Do you need the extra 50+ lbs capacity?

Next consideration, as you pointed out, is the extra $2K

If you're smoking large amounts on a regular basis you should consider the FEC.

I've cooked (commercially) on both the FEC100 and a CS 150. If it came down to one primary reason of preference, I like the fact that the FEC comes up to temp in minutes and recovers very quickly when the door's opened. I also find pellets a lot easier to deal with.

Probably a minor aside but if you ever get the bug to enter a competition, the FEC is a sanctioned smoker; electric smokers are verboten

do not need the extra capacity, do not need to compete, just sort of liked the idea of burning wood, and thought maybe I would like it even more.

Get the FEC 100! If I had a buyer for my Amerique I would buy one tomorrow!

I compete when I can get the time off, but I'll never regret getting the FE100. In fact I got two. Tore up my retirement account for a while, but not nearly as much as the gov's spending has done.

Get it; you'll love it.

Here's my basic thought.

Two different cookers, two different methods.

Both smokers. The AQ is more moist, less wood. The FE is 100% wood, larger capacity. The food is more likie an offset than an AQ. But... you can do better in an AQ if you open the door and crisp up the outside of the food a little.

the Humid environments of the CS line is on purpose, it helps a lot of people turn out a better product. For me, I've had many of them and I love them, I just like a little more bark on my Q so I dump some humidity.

I agree Smokin', a person has to learn his pit before he can be a Pit Master!