Smokette- stainless vs. black steel?

Far as I know the only difference would be the price, stainless is pretty but in no way improves the function, they both cook the same ..

You'll have surface maintenance whether powder coat or stainless. The guts are all the same.

I think if I had to do it over again I'd spring for the 009. I've had the 008 in the weather for almost two years now, and for the most part.. the finish is in great condition.. however, where the moving parts are.. the door latch and that "useless" "nightmare" loop on the the handle (I know, it's a safety device).. and the little bent sheetmetal support that the handle locks into.. have some rust on them. The parts that rub against each other when opening and closing have lost the powder coat and look ugly at their contact points.

This would not happen if it were stainless (unless the incorrect kind of stainless were used)(stainless is not stainless is not stainless). I've heard no problems with the stainless model so I guess it doesn't show signs of rust. However, if you want to keep it looking nice.. you'll have to do something to keep the surface nice and shiny. There are many stainless cleaners / protectors that work very well.. as long as you apply when the surface is cool to the touch.

I think all this is moot if you keep it covered when not in use.. even if it's a cheap blue plastic tarp.

BigDuck,I had a stainless 009,I now have a stainless 055.I got the stainless because I live near the gulf coast where salt air is,so I knew what I needed,& i'm glad I did,the only difference between the 008(painted) & the 009(stainless) is the outside shell,but I personally love the stainless,it's easy to clean too.

Richard

My black smokette sat out in a salt shower,at the beach in south fl,under a loose offset cover for six years.

Yep,I oiled the latch on it every now and then.

My kids have it up north and it is still the same.

There are sprays at boat stores that can handle the minor nicks,if you wish.

I heard that chicken and ribs taste better in the 009, but I can't be sure. (just kiddin') I have the 009. I think it looks better, and when you have people in awe once they taste the Q from it, they're all going to want to see it. Worth the price difference IMO.

I purchased the 008 for two reasons:

1. When not in use, it is stored in my garage.
2. I do not care what it looks like, as long as it produces good food. As far as I am concerned it can be pink and I wouldn't care.

Bigduck
I too live in Oregon, and bought a 008 last july. I nad never smoked, and wasn't sure I would like the cs. I do keep mine on a covered patio however. I have never cooked anything I couldn't eat, and get rave reviews for my smoked deviled eggs, never have any to take backhome.
Whichever you buy, you'll not be disapointed. I keep lookiing for a question to ask the forum, but generally find someone else has already done so and found answers here.
By the way, where in oregon are you?
Thanks Bob

Thank you all for your comments and advise. I have decided to buy the 009 becasue of its looks and non-rusting abilities. As per L.A. BBQ the ribs taste better too-- LOL!.

Can anyone suggest the best place to pucrchase my CS? I have looked at numerous web sites and found Cabellas to have the best price so far. They sell it for $479 where most other sites sell it for over $500.

Jeepster- I live up north in the Milwaukie area.

I'd recommend you buy it from Cookshack directly. I've read too many horror stories on the forums from folks who have bought them elsewhere.

I was totally pleased with Cookshack's shipping and customer service concering purchase.

You might pay a little more, but when they tell you it will ship, they mean it.

Thanks,
C'Nooga

I bought mine from cabela's a few years ago. No problems, as for horror stories, any problems with the unit would come back to the factory and not the retailer.

The horror stories relate to ordering the smoker from other online companies. Maybe there is a reason some companies are selling it cheaper.

If you can get it from a well known company, you'll be fine, because CS is still a CS.

Smokin'

Duck,

I also bought mine from Cabela's because it was close and I could pick it up and have it home right away. It doesn't affect the warranty and excellent customer service. So if there is a Cabela's nearby, go for it. But like SmokinOkie sez, got to be careful of some of the internet sites.

I got mine from Cabela's and actually paid same as the lowest price I could find on the net.

Congratulations, LS Aero!

Welcome to the forum!

BigDuck...

So what have you done? Have you received it and smoked anything yet? I'm in Oregon with a 009. Even under my covered patio I get a small rust spot around one of the top screws. I'd hate to see what it might look like if it weren't SS.. but then too I don't know the price difference. I might change my mind if there were a money issue. I think the others are right, you won't be disappointed in the cook no matter which you buy.

But update us.

Mike C