Little Chief II v. Smokette Original

Welcome to the forum Babyfork.

I own a restaurant and purchased a Lil Chief many years ago to smoke trout. It did a fine job smoking trout. As far as comparing it to a Smokette, there's little comparison. I purchased a Smokette for home use back in '01 and have been a steadfast Cookshack customer ever since.

The Lil Chief is constructed of thin gauge aluminum. The Smokette is constructed from steel or stainless steel (depending on which one you buy...the black steel will suffice)

Bottom line, if you plan on using a smoker once a week, spend the extra $200. It's WELL worth the difference.

The 850* Cookshack insulation makes for easier smoking in all kinds of weather. Stainless steel cleans like new--with virtually no effort.
The Cookshack Elite's 45% heavier weight indicates better construction and better materials.

MaxQue: Thanks for your input, but the Little Chief II is a different product from the cheap, aluminum Little Chief smoker. It retails for $495 as opposed to the Little Chief ($195). According to their site it is made from 20 gauge stainless steel. I just can't seem to find any reviews on it.

Pags: Yes, I wondered about the insulation on the Little Chief II. They don't mention it on the specs. Most of the time I'll be using it in the summer though, so I wonder if it is less of an issue then?

Welcome Babyfork,
When I purchased the cookshack smoker, I did it because I will most likely never have to buy another smoker again. I also did it because I have a great forum that I can gather information from. I also looked at the customer service and found it to be second to none.
Simply put, if you don't get a Cookshack, you'll alsays wish you did.

Babyfork,
Welcome to the forum no matter what you smoke with. Seems to me you are worried about it already. Comfort of mind will be worth the extra cost. My 2 cents.
Tom

Hi again Babyfork...
Thanks for the clarification. I found some reviews on the Lil Chief II HERE

You'll find a number of similar comments as per the electric heating element being under powered. It's listed as being 250 watts vs the Cookshack Smokette 500 watt element. I'd be wary.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.-Keats

To quote Amazon: "You could be the first to write a review for this product". Does that sound like you or are you a fellow who wants a proven product?

CS has excellent customer service, if you can't find the answer in the forum, that is. Usually the answer can be found here.

My advice is to buy the CS and don't worry about the extra $200. If you keep the CS for 20 years that's only an extra $10 per year, or less than a buck a month.

WOW! I just read the reviews that MaxQue found. That would be a dead issue for me. No Question.

quote:

Most of the time I'll be using it in the summer though, so I wonder if it is less of an issue then?

If you live in any kind of 'cold' climate (where it snows for example) you can use the Smokette year round. My 055 sits on a deck under an overhang (keeps the rain/snow off) and I use it in any weather, below zero or not.

Thanks everyone for the help, but again you are looking at the wrong product. If you click the link on my first post you can see the unit I'm talking about. It's a much different smoker than the one that is reviewed above. According to the specs this smoker has a 1000-watt element and a temp range from 100-300 degrees.

Here it is again:

Smokehouse Little Chief II
http://www.smokehouseproducts....ductNo=9911-000-0000

I forgot which post it was in, but I actually discovered the product on your forum. Don't get me wrong, I know I'll probably be happy if I buy the Cookshack, but I just wanted to hear from someone who had used the new Little Chief II before making a final decision. I tried to compare the specs of both products side-by-side, but I may be missing something you more experienced smokers would pick up on. Click the link above and take a look. Thanks!

Oh, and Qnorth: Nope, no snow for me. I live outside of San Francisco, CA where the temp stays pretty moderate year-round.

Dangit! I Googled the Little Chief II and linked you to reviews of another smoker. Sorry.

Well since you asked and asked, I'll tell you exactly what bothers me about the smoker.

Why the cheap oven temp gage on the front???

It seeze 50lbs of meat,REALLY....my 020 is 20" tall on the inside and I only have 2 shelves that can verily fit PBs on and this has 4 shelves that are only 10.5" wide, just can't see how they can be very tall and I know full slab ribs won't fit. You might get one LB per shelve....but tell me how your gonna get 50lbs of meat in this???...could they be stretching the truth on this AND what else???

1000 watt element in that small a smoker, I bet there will be some direct heat on the bottom shelf.

That cheap oven temp gage still bothers me...WHY???

NO reviews from anyone and NO 30 day unconditionally money back guarantee.

Let us know how it works out for you!

Babyfork - You say the Little Chief ll is around $200 more than the Smokette you're considering, but you don't specify the model, which confuses me. The Smokette 009 is $625 (+ $130), and the Elite is $786 (+ $271). Please clarify.

Like others, I didn't find any reviews about the unit, pro or con. That indicates the me that it's a recently introduced unit that has had very little time in the marketplace. Call and ask when it was released. Also ask if there's a retailer in your area where you can see one in person.

All in all, the specs look pretty decent. All stainless and a 1000 watt element, which is greater than both Smokettes. No mention of insulation, but you can call about that also.

Personally, I'm happy with my Smokettes (2) that have been faithful for 8+ years. There used frequently all year long in a climate with temps ranging from sub-zero to 100F +. During that time, I have never had a problem, even a minor one. I have recommended Cookshack smokers to others, and know of at least 10 purchases that I'm responsible for. None of these folks have ever had a problem either.

That said,if you're final decision is to go with the Little Chief ll, you may want to check here where you can lower your price by $95.

quote:

Originally posted by cal:
You might get one LB per shelve....but tell me how your gonna get 50lbs of meat in this???...could they be stretching the truth on this AND what else???

I was thinking the same thing, and figured you could probably do it if you were smoking only stacked hot dogs, or some other type of small sausage.

Could be like choosing a mate. Just because they are cute dosen't mean they can cook.

Are the shelves on this half shelves? Looking at the link that dls posted.... Outside dimensions: 31” H x 21” W x 22” D 4 Quality Plated Grills 10.31” x 16.56”

10.31" deep shelves? Yet the unit is 22" deep?

Rivets holding it together vs welds. No electronics, no wheels, no stainless throughout, no insulation (otherwise I figure they mention it). Lighter weight than the Cookshack (accounting for no double wall construction and insulation?). Larger element may be needed without any insulation. Need the Elite's inside demention to fit full slabs of ribs.

Whether it's the right Little Chef or not, you won't find Cookshack putting out a product like the one reviewed. Comes down to quality vs price point. Ask yourself if you're willing to part with the extra $200. No comparison between product IMHO. And that's fine. People driving a Chevy vs a Lexus.

If you buy the Cookshack in 5 years, you would save money by buying it now (one purchase vs two purchases). Besides, when you buy the Cookshack, you automatically become a member of the club.

I looked into these as well. Here are the main reasons why I don't like it:

-- Carton Size : 31" H x 21" W x 22" D.
-- Outside dimension: 26-3/4" H x 18" W x 15" D
-- Inside dimension: 20-1/2" H x 17" W x 12" D
-- Weight: 64 pounds including packaging

It's smaller than the Smokette Elite by 5" H x 2.5" W x 4.5" D, yet it somehow holds more meat.

The difference between the outside and inside dimension is only 1" on the width. That leaves 1/2" at most insulation (if there even is any).

64 pounds vs 93 pounds for the smokette.

I don't have a Cookshack (yet) but am getting there.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.T:
Could be like choosing a mate. Just because they are cute dosen't mean they can cook.

Like

quote:

Originally posted by Babyfork:
Pags: Yes, I wondered about the insulation on the Little Chief II. They don't mention it on the specs. Most of the time I'll be using it in the summer though, so I wonder if it is less of an issue then?

I guarantee, they have little to no insulation. That 800 degree stuff is costly enough, I'm pretty sure they won't just put it in, otherwise they'd mention it.

It may look cute, but do you want cute for fully functional?

Without any reviews, I'd hesitate buying one until there are reviews. While it might have a 1000 watt heating element, doesn't mean it's a good one.

Also, where is it made?

Stainless, which grade did they use?

Lots of questions, not enough answer

quote:

Stainless, which grade did they use?

Says "heavy food grade stainless". Doesn't mention thickness.

I'm wondering what holds the door closed. No latch.

Okay, so I'm going to buy the Smokette Elite. I read someplace else in the forum that you can upgrade to stainless steel grills, so I think I'll add those on as well. Thanks for all the input!

Wise choice! You'll get many years of use and great Que from your purchase. Welcome to the club.

You will sleep better. Way to go.

Great choice Babyfork

I did not buy a little chief, but I have gone through enough “cheaper” smokers to pay for 3 or 4 Smokettes before I finally bought a Smokette.

I bought my Smokette in 01. I stepped up to an AmeriQue a little over a year ago. Right after Thanksgiving I sold my Smokette for what I paid for it in 01, and I did not really want to sell it. I would be willing to bet no one has done that with a chief of any size.

Easy to, easy to clean up, built to last, great customer service, and hold their value. What more could you ask for?

IMHO I believe even in the summer the insulation will make a difference, particularly if you find yourself smoking on a damp rainy day. The chief most likely don’t mention the insulation because there isn’t any. Going with the Smokette, I think you’ll find yourself using it throughout the year because it is so easy to use

Buy a Cookshack! Buy the best and cry once!!

If you want cute in a cooker, you may not be interested in smoking much meat.

PS. Let's all of us advocate for this great small company that has consistently given us some of the best food we have eaten.

quote:

Originally posted by Terry Sandlin:
Buy a Cookshack! Buy the best and cry once!!

If you want cute in a cooker, you may not be interested in smoking much meat.

PS. Let's all of us advocate for this great small company that has consistently given us some of the best food we have eaten.

I use my SM025 a couple times a week on average. Friday night was ribs at my daughter's request for her birthday meal (best ever, but I say that every time)...yesterday was pastrami (OMG, was that good!)...this weekend it'll be a turkey...PB is in my future and I will attempt six racks of baby backs (on a rib rack) at once around Memorial Day weekend.

I found out about CS by reading Bradley smoker reviews on Amazon. A negative Bradley review said "buy the Bradley several times or buy a Cookshack once". I was all set to hit the buy button on the bradley. I looked at the CS website, read some of the forum as a lurker, then ordered the SM025. I'm glad I chose the CS.

Quality costs, but it is always worth it in the long run.

Okay, so I said the heck with it, and ordered the SM025 Smokette Elite with cover, jerky rods, flavor infusion reservoir, cold smoke baffle, and wood sample kit. It's my Mother's Day present to myself, I guess.

It shipped out today, ground. Any idea when I can expect it to arrive? I'm just outside of San Francisco, CA.

Way to go!!! You certainly did it up right. The cold smoke baffle is great for smoking cheese.

Did you upgrade to the stainless racks? When I first got a smokette, I was pretty anal about getting the racks clean, and the scrubbing took some of the plating off the racks. Have since learned on my 055 to just put the racks in the dishwasher and give them a very light rub when they come out. I also ordered the stainless racks but I haven't used them yet.

The more I work with the CS smoker the simpler I am trying to keep the process.

congrats on the CS purchase. I'm sure you will love it. CS should give you a shipping tracking number so you can track online and have an idea of where your baby is and when it will arrive.

Thanks! I can't wait for it to show up! I grilled some steaks the other night and I was really wishing I could smoke something instead.

Qnorth: I was going to order the stainless racks, but then decided to see how I liked the ones it comes with. Figure I can always upgrade in the future. Thanks for the cleaning tip!

Congratulations on your purchase.
You’ll be glad you took the plunge.
I haven’t purchased the flavor infusion reservior, let us know what you think about it

Will do! It was kind of an impulse buy...I figured I'd throw it in with all the rest.