Of course price is an issue, as with anything. I was trying to decide between the Smokette Original Model SM009-2 Electric Smoker or the Smokette Elite Model SM025 Electric Smoker. The 14 X 14 size on the original would be a problem. because I cook a lot of ribs and don't like to cut the rack. Any tips about buying one of these would be welcome. Any incite would be great.
Thanks
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OK, here's my $.02. Buy the biggest, best smoker you can afford. Think about Buyer's Remorse as an effect. Given the long lifetime of a Cookshack smoker, are you more likely to regret spending a little more money than you wanted to, or regret having a little less smoker than you wanted?
Definitely get the largest you can afford. You can always cook less in a large smoker but cannot cook more in a small smoker.
I can’t wrap my mind around the dimensions. Which one has a rack big enough for a couple of racks of ribs?
I have the 08 (same as 09) and a full rack of ribs won't quite fit.
The 25, 45, and 066 all have the same size racks - 14" deep, 18" wide. Ribs go in sideways. You may have to angle them just a tad. But without cutting you can not place them lengthwise front to rear. When I was shopping for a smoker years ago, I took a small tape measure to the store; looked foolish. But that is what I did. Bought the 66 for the extra shelf capacity.
I agree with oldsarge - the 18 in. rack in my AQ (SM066) is a convenience well worth the money (to me, you may decide differently). I'm not sure how many cooking racks the SM-025 you are considering has, but I easily get 2 large meaty racks of loin backs on each rack, and no need to cut or even rotate them (although I do flip them halfway through - just my choice).
Don't wait too long or you will miss out on free shipping.
Again “Get the Big one” doesn’t help me. I need to try to find a dealer and look at them. Are the racks in all of them big enough to put a whole rack of baby backs in without cutting them? Which one is that size?
The #25 will work for you. Racks are 18 inches long. You won't have to cut the rib racks in half.
Unlikely you'll find a dealer with CS units on the floor to look at. You could examine CS's web pages which have detailed specification for each unit they sell.
Maybe this will help. Don't know why the CS website doesn't prominently list this. Keep in mind that woodboxes and elements have evolved over the years. This video is a comparison:
You have almost answered your question w/o the need for our excellent help. If it is between the Orig and the 025, get the 025!
It completely depends upon ones need. Yes, definitely a price is matter, I think purchasing smoker is a one-time investment.
