CS Smokette

Ken,

Valid questions. You're a smart man for doing your homework, and I hope someone can specifically add their "testimonial" to give you more information.

First, remember that I'm not paid by CS, so I'm not coloring my response just to keep them happy. I do this because I love people have a source to ask.

If you go to the main page, go to the "owners archive" in there you will see posts from people. I think you'll see a number of posts that say "...wished I'd done this sooner, well worth the money, etc."

As you're reading posts and especially those with "compliments" you can see the date the member has joined the forum (you for example joined in Aug 2002).

You will also see that CS stands behind it's products and that their customer service has been complimented very, very frequently.

I've had a Smokette for 4 years and haven't replaced an element once. Yes you can change out the items yourself, when and if you need to and you get replacement parts straight from CS.

I've seen very few issues with the thermostats, if at all, but CS stands behind it and I have seen Stuart send out new parts, even after the warranty period has expired because the believe in happy customers.

You have a 30 day guarantee, you have a forum and I'm sure you'll have a few testimonials come up soon. There isn't another smoker out there with this kind of guarantee or support. And you can drop just as much if not more, on an offset, and not be happy.

You won't find a lot of "negative" comments. There's a reason. Just because someone has a problem with a CS, doesn't mean I delete the post. I've left the very few that have ever come up in there, so if you see a lot of positive comments, maybe that's because overwhelmingly everyone is very satisfied.

Sorry for the "smokin'" length post.

Hope you get what you want for info. If I can answer anything specific, please let me know.

SmokinOkie

I agree, even $400 is a lot to spend on a smoker - can't even begin to fathom how some can afford larger models for home use. That said, my Smokette is well worth the money for results, quality, and ease of use.

Anyhow, like a few others, I had a thermostat where "Off" didn't turn the element off completely after a few months of use. The customer service folks sent out a replacement without any hassles. Took about 1/2 hour to install, working slowly. Has worked great since. If you do need to take the thing apart, wear rubber coated gloves as the coarse fiberglass insulation mats cause lots of itching.

My first CS unit was a 105,purchased in 1992.Replaced one wire that somehow broke in all those years.Unit produced thousands of pounds of product over the years in a BBQ shop.Well worth the $$$$ and hassle free.Problem with it dial 1-800 423-0698 ask for customer service,and they will cure your problem then and there.
Just upgraded the 105 to a 150,kind of sad to see the old workhorse retire.
JUST DO IT ,YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Papa Shaka

I've had my smokette for about a year and a half and have had no trouble with it at all. It is pricey for a smoker but once you have it I doubt you will regret it. Its the gift that keeps on giving all year round (at least here in sunny Vegas ). Just listen to the regulars on this board and you will be set.

I have had a smokette for about three years and after a post on the forum I discovered that I had a thermostat that did not shut off all the way. I called cookshack and they sent a replacement, no questions,no charge. My smoker was out of warrenty by over six months. I now own a smokette and a model 50. The customer service, quality and support is second to none. Buy the smokette you won't be sorry.

I have a smokette for over a year and a 55 I have a warm place in my heart for the smokette it travels well and It does as good and some times better job than my model 55. It stays out side on my deck and I live right on saltwater marsh the same air that my Brinkman couldn't handle it just rusted. I haven't had any problem with the smokette.
It might be expensive at the start but it will pay for it self with peace of mind not worring about the temp. and fire etc.with good results.

I have only had mine for a few months, if i would have known how much better than my old Brinkman they were I would have bought one years ago. I got great results with my Brinkman but now I can get the same great results with out the hassle of the charcoal and the outside temp and wind creating problems for me.

I got mine fron Cabelas $380.00 plus $13.00 s&h. for the painted exterior.
I think you will be pleased when it arrives.

Dave

Iv'e had a smokette for about a year with no problems and great Q. If you plan on doing more than for just yourself or two I'd go with a larger model for a little more $. Once I started letting others eat my Q the smokette just isn't big enough anymore!

Okay, let's look at this, what ARE the options?

Think also about the total cost. If you don't buy the CS, you will have to buy lump charcoal or wood to fire up your smoker. Depending on how much, that can be pretty expensive, especially for an offset.

1. You can buy a small smoker, say a Brinkman or Weber for $50 to $150.

2. You can buy a cheap offset for $250 to $600 and MUCH more

3. You can buy a CS for $425 (includes shipping).

Each of those units will produce different results. And most of the success will still come back to the cook, not the cooker.

I think the main differences is the Learning curve. The toughest things on the first two above is learning temperature control. Once you can master that, you can pretty much do anything in them. But you have to monitor them. The CS you don't have to monitor it closely, one you learn to trust it.

You also won't spend a fortune on wood/charcoal like you would for an offset.

Now all of that points to CS.

But the CS is NOT the answer for everyone for every thing that they're going to smoke. There are plenty of people who will never tell the difference in a blind taste test. There are others who just don't like the concept. I've learned my limitations about my smokers and I know how and what to do. The good thing is that where this forum helps you. Everyone is "mostly" using the same smokers so you get great support.

I can remember, one individual, about 2 years ago that spent the first month cooking everything and then complaining about each and every thing and not liking it. Hey, guess what? He got a refund. CS stands behind their product and if you don't like it, you can get a refund.

Try to get a refund on an offset or weber or brinkman after you use it.

It's like everything. Look at the pluses and minuses and make your decision.