Two Smokettes vs one Amerique?

You can never go wrong with a Cookshack. My thoughts would be buy what your wallet can afford. Here is a comparison chart.

Thanks for the reply Cal. Our kids are grown and out of the house, so mostof the time I would be cooking for the two of us. Looking at your bio, I'm guessing you're in the same situation. Money aside, do you ever wish you had purchased the Amerique? I'm guessing if you did you probably would have purchased another 020 somewhere along the line? Thanks for your input.

I'm, also, smoking for two unless the kids are over which is quite often. Never had a problem yet. However, when I'm having a rib party, I wish I had something larger than the Elite where I'm limited to 6 slabs of baby backs.

I suppose I could hold 6 slabs for 4+ hrs while a second 6 slabs are smoking, but I haven't tried that--yet.

Pags, thanks for the input. I'm assuming you are laying those slabs down flat, three to each grate as opposed to using a rib rack? I've been told that you should be able to get 8 half slabs per grate using the Cookshack rib rack. Any experience with that?

quote:

Originally posted by Pitminder:
Forgetting for sake of discussion the probe and hold differences, are there any thoughts out there regarding advantages/disadvantages with either choice? As you all know, we are getting down to crunch time for price changes and any input would be much appreciated. Thanks

I found myself in the same predicament sort of . . My concern was cooking brisket or pork buts and having Ribs come out about the same time. So I bought a second smoker with saloon doors . . ie one opens to the left, the other opens to the right. Hope this helps you out.

Thanks,

William

Thanks William. I think that is the way I'm leaning. Did you buy the 020 or the 025?

I've used rib racks, but I like the ribs better when they're placed on a rack. Also, easier to get to if you want to spritz with apple juice.

I like William's solution.

Thanks Pags. I'm looking forward to getting finished with this selection process and on to cooking and posting experiences and recipes.

Pitminder,

No on my amerQ puchase, maybe FEC100, but thats a different story. Do a little more reading and remember CS has 30 day unconditional money backguarantee. Can't go wrong with a cookshack!

Oh did we say BEST customer service of ANY company?

Many folks look at the cost,compared to a small charcoal grill,or even a gasser.[where fuel is expensive]

Many look at the the cost of two CS vs. utility of being able to cook two different products,at different times/temps.There are logical antecdotes for the multiples.[We're not talking about working cooks that know their specific needs]

The decision often does not move towards the double units.The ability of placing more slabs,on larger racks seems to win out.Ribs are the decider,since I can cook thirty lbs of pork, if forced to in the smokette.

Seems like all will comment,after the several years of cooking,that the cost per day[because it is so easy to use]rather than the cost per week,makes it negligible.

The grills ,after a very few years are usually at the dump and the CS is good as new.

A bunch of the folks here, were here to help start the forum,years ago,and seem to concur.

The fuel costs on a grill,and almost all other smokers, would be far higher than the cost of the cookers.

The CS,no fuel,repairs,parts,etc,except the initial purchase.

Asking all the owners,that had these same thoughts, that if you picked an initial price of $1,000,and only used it for 5 years that is $4/yr.

You can't buy the fuel for anything else for that.

This isn't a sales pitch to folks that have already decided to buy something Cookshack,but an old adage about what size and the incremental increase in purchase price.

Ask almost anyone around the cooking business and they will say"do all your calculating about what you need,and buy the next larger size".You will never regret it,as the years pass.

I used to hear that from cooks decades ago,and I hear it from experienced cooks today.

Just a couple things to ponder.

Tom, thanks for your input. If I'm usually cooking for just the two of us, wouldn't I essentially be buying the "next larger size" if I buy two Smokettes? Thanks

I guess, but that depends on if your hanging 3lb chubs of Salami. That still might be hard in two smokettes.

I'd say look at how much room you have and how many times you smoke different meat that require different cooking times. If the answers are plenty on both then I'd head for two smokettes.

But, if not I'd go with the AQ. Room for more than ya'll can eat and in one unit. Moving and cleaning two smokettes is quite a bit more work compared to one AQ IMO. For some reason(I'm not small) the larger cookers are easier to clean for me.

You can't go wrong. Honestly

I have had a Smokette for roughly 6 years. My only problem with it was when we had a wing-ding. I would have to load it 3 time to smoke all them wings (a heaping roaster ful). About a month ago I bought an Amerique with the intention of selling my Smokette. After using them both I don't think I could part with either one. My only regret is not buying the Amerique earlier.