I used to have a copy of those. Part of the challenge would be those are old smokers.
We try not to trash other smokers, even ST as we have more than a few of those owners here. Everyone has a right to spend their money where they want. So we'll play nice.
Just do some research, on whatever you want. Are the owners loyal here? Sure they are. They are in any owners forum.
Just ask any specific questions you need help with and we'll help where we can.
Thanks SmokinOkie. I am researching and found desirable traits in both companies products. And my emails and phone conversations to both have been answered fully. My decision right now comes down to the higher temperature capability of the SM066 or the larger shelves of the ST1500. I personally don't give a hoot about the difference over digital or an analog control. As you say, it is a personal choice. I have been reassured by a couple of dealers that at the end of a 10 or 12 hour smoke, I would not be able to tell which smoker produced what. And I did assume that if a manufacturer did receive a critical evaluation, any noted or perceived problems would have been corrected. Thanks for addressing this.
TN Q and Qnorth,
I just finished reading the articles. Pretty much what I expected and had been told earlier and they are sort of old. Of particular note on the welds, one is by hand and the other appears tack welded, which is durable and is used in the automotive industry. Not being subject to vibration and bouncing around, I would expect it to hold up very well. The final cooked product, both samples, looked equally good. And thank you for the link. I did appreciate it. As I said to SmokinOkie, I am down to the higher temp of one and the larger racks of the other. Not quite related but that is what I am down to as far as a decision is to be made. Many thanks.
I just finished reading the articles. Pretty much what I expected and had been told earlier and they are sort of old. Of particular note on the welds, one is by hand and the other appears tack welded, which is durable and is used in the automotive industry. Not being subject to vibration and bouncing around, I would expect it to hold up very well. The final cooked product, both samples, looked equally good. And thank you for the link. I did appreciate it. As I said to SmokinOkie, I am down to the higher temp of one and the larger racks of the other. Not quite related but that is what I am down to as far as a decision is to be made. Many thanks.
You'll want to go higher than 250* when you do chicken and turkey. The Elite grates hold 3 racks of full baby backs each. You'll buy an Elite when the Smokin Tex breaks down. Might as well go there first. The Elite will outlast you.
Hi Pags, Not being an owner yet, I don't have the same passion as the owners of CS and ST have, but I do have a passion for smoking and grilling. I agree with the need for a higher temp on some occasions, and being used to a wood and charcoal fired smoker, I tended to smoke in the 275 to 300 degree range and always enjoyed the results (the dog would get occasional failure). I am weighing the pros and cons of each because I intend to buy once and once only. I have noticed both here and on the other forum that many users/owners often regret buying what they thought they needed only to upgrade to a larger model later on. I want to avoid that. I believe that either smoker will serve my needs but do tend to favor the ability to use a higher temp on those occasions when it is desired. Many thanks for your encouragement.
For anyone interested, I have changed from oldgeezer to Davegeezer, Dave being my actual name. I was feeling foolish with the other. Thanks. Dave