what to buy

If you really do your homework, the Bradley would be eliminated as an option. I'm like you, a backyard enthusiast. The Cookshack is better built and cost a lot less to use (check out the cost and usage of the Bradley briquettes or whatever they're called). The Cookshack costs more upfront, but after a few years, if that, the Bradley will cost you more. Besides you'll buy several Bradley's before or if you could wear out the Cookshack. The Cookshack is a no brainer for results and ease of use. Scrap the Bradley. Get the Cookshack and enjoy this forum.

You can't imagine how great it is to prepare your food in advance, throw it in the Cookshack, ignore the cooking, then pull your smoked creations just in time to serve dinner. No tending to the smoker. No hovering over the barbecue. Entertain your guests while Cookshack does the work. Just serve and listen to all the compliments. How cool it that?

You'll probably get a biased opinion here, as I'm sure you will in the Bradley forum. Just do some research, look at the plus/minus of each.

I've really tried over the years to keep the posts here from being negative, since that just gives us a certain perception (over the years other forums have not been as nice to CS, but that's another story). I don't get paid by CS, so I don't want my views being perceived as a shill for them.

Look at workmanship, customer service, support (forums and direct with the company). In the end, you'll have this forum telling you buy here and over there, they'll tell you buy that.

That's wrong, key is to focus on what you want to do and try to understand the capabilities of the smoker. Ask an owner, of course they'll tell you buy what they have.

So it's tough.

If you read enough of my posts, I try to understand the needs and help you find the right fit.

The bradley does a decent job on cold smoke as does the CS. You just have to adapt to those smokers. If all you're wanting to do is cold smoke, you can make any smoker do that, just get a hot plate and some sawdust. In the CS, you can use Sawdust or pellets.

The CS is insulated with 800 degree insulation.

That being said, I do try to point to relative articles when I know of them.

Here's an article by the owner of the Charcoal Store:

Charcoal Store -- Bradley Review

Pags is right on! There really is no comparison as Cookshack is far. If you could find them side by side in retail you would immediately understand. There is an online line review of the two that looks at a Bradley and a Cookshack, as well as other smokers. This review is pretty revealing.

DB

I had narrowed it down to the Cookshack or the Bradley, then read the above article and other reviews. Quite evident--Cookshack.

smokin'fool,

I was in the same boat as you. It took me 6 months to decide. I wasn't as lucky as you are and found this forum to help with my judgement. I decided on the smokette 020. When I was at cabellas I told the salesman that the Smokette was what I wanted and was told that the store uses one when they do their smoking. Wish I had decided 6 months ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ...lectric_smokers.html

Thanks for the suggestion