possible new owner

How many folks you planning on cooking for?
One point about going w/the bigger one is you don't have to fill it up. But it is kind of hard to do two or three batches in a small one. I have an AQ. I have cooked with it loaded to the max and I have also done just a couple of pork chops for me and the boss. You will enjoy which ever one you get.

Fishslayer

quote:

Originally posted by Fishslayer:
How many folks you planning on cooking for?
One point about going w/the bigger one is you don't have to fill it up. But it is kind of hard to do two or three batches in a small one. I have an AQ. I have cooked with it loaded to the max and I have also done just a couple of pork chops for me and the boss. You will enjoy which ever one you get.

Fishslayer

We are a family of 5. I know I want a CS just want to get the right size. Hate to have one too big/small. I just cant imagine cooking 50 lbs of food. Thanks for your advice!

I have a 055, but would recommend the 008/9 for anyone. It may seem very small when you first see one in person...BUT it will easily cook two 7.5 lb butts or enough ribs for the family. I have yet to pack my 055 to full capacity. Go with a 008 or 009. If you wanted to upgrade in the future, you could sell it and go for the Amerique.

I agree with JustADude

You can easily cook for a family of five in the Smokette. If you entertain much you may want to consider the 50/55. My general rule is to go with what you can comfortably afford. If it's a Cookshack you'll not be disappointed!

Good luck on your purchase!

quote:

Originally posted by lovetocook:
I have been searching for a good smoker. I am considering the CS 08 or the CS 50. I think it would be better if I wanted more space it would be a better deal to start with 08 and I want/need more room it would be more practical to buy an additional 09. Am I way off base here? would it be better to buy the 50 just in case????? HELP!!! ANY advise is appreciated!!!

I DID IT!! I just placed my order for the smokette smoker. It is due to arrive by May 15!!!! I can hardly wait! NOW, I need to start reading to see how to use this smoker! I have read about seasoning it which is not making a lot of sense to me just yet so any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated! I have already bought pork butts and brisket in preperation of my cookshack purchase! I have not bought any wood yet since all Cabelas had was pellets and I was not sure about using them. I am soo excited I can hardly contain myself!

WTG LtC! You'll love your Smokette!

You will receive enough wood with your smokette to do your first few smokes. You can pick up more at Walmart or online.

The seasoning process: Simply put 4-6 oz of wood in the firebox, chrank it up to 225˚ and let it run 4-6 hrs.

Most recommend a butt for te first smoke. The fat helps set the seasoning. Don't be concerned with any smoke leakage as this is normal and will eventually cease.

I highly recommend reading all of the Lessons for new users! See what others have experienced and learn from their shortcomings and mistakes.

Toss the cookbook that comes with the Smokette as the times are off. Come to the forum for better info.

Buy yourself a digital therm and cook by internal temp, not by time. Take a look at Maverick & Taaylor therms.

Read, read, & read some more.

Good luck & have fun!

I'm always wondering...why always a butt for the first smoke ? because of it's longer cooking time ?

Mine will probably get home tomorow or Tuesday!!

Because of the pork fat. Pork fat seasons metal cookware.

and... A butt is very forgiving. Really hard to mess up a butt unless, of course, it's undercooked.

As GLH said, the fat content helps season the metal. The fattier the better. A full packer brisket would be ood too but brisket is a tricky smoke for the newbie.