Hi all,
Is there any difference between the stainless and black Smokettes? They look identical in the photos, one is just black...and for like $150 less. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
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My black 020, which is like the SS 025, DIDN'T come with a meat probe. The black metal is handy to stick my Taylor magnetic probe controller on.
That's the only real difference huh? Man, seems hard to justify an extra couple of hundred bucks just for stainless, as cool as stainless is of course. 
How much is a good meat probe?
How much is a good meat probe?
Bottom line: Stainless looks "prettier" but costs more vs non-stainless steel. In terms of quality or end result, there's no difference in product result.
Meat probes: Google up a Taylor 1470N You should be able to find one for under $20. Get a 2nd probe as you'll need one sooner or later. The nice thing about the Taylor is that probes are easy to replace via the internet.
Meat probes: Google up a Taylor 1470N You should be able to find one for under $20. Get a 2nd probe as you'll need one sooner or later. The nice thing about the Taylor is that probes are easy to replace via the internet.
Max,
I think you're mixing your meat probes up. The probe, if it comes with the CS, isn't a cheap taylor, but a higher end one for the unit.
I think you're mixing your meat probes up. The probe, if it comes with the CS, isn't a cheap taylor, but a higher end one for the unit.
Unless you are buying a used smoker , I think that you can only get stainless from CS.
Sooooo, it appears that a GOOD high end meat probe that will plug into your smokers controller box runs about $150 or so and comes with a good warranty.
Like I was saying, I went the cheap route and in a year have went through one Taylor controller, 2 Taylor probes. Somehow I get careless and the cheap rubber coating on the wires melt when they get against the wood box lid. I also went through one cheap Wally World probe, they just don't like water. I wouldn't recommend WW probes, but the Taylors work well if you are careful.
As JJ was saying, CS discontinued handling the black units in March, so you'll have to locate one through their dealers, if possible.
Like I was saying, I went the cheap route and in a year have went through one Taylor controller, 2 Taylor probes. Somehow I get careless and the cheap rubber coating on the wires melt when they get against the wood box lid. I also went through one cheap Wally World probe, they just don't like water. I wouldn't recommend WW probes, but the Taylors work well if you are careful.
As JJ was saying, CS discontinued handling the black units in March, so you'll have to locate one through their dealers, if possible.
They have the black one at Cabelas right now for $525 or something, but I got a good deal on the stainless one that I've been waiting on for over a month. Just wondering if it's worth the extra expense for the stainless...and the delay.
The black powdercoat had been the most popular.I kept mine by the beach in s FL under a cheap cover in the nightly salt water drenching for years and it is still fine.
Now as to probes,etc that could be a different model.I also used,and use,the Taylors for all comps,etc.
Now as to probes,etc that could be a different model.I also used,and use,the Taylors for all comps,etc.