considering performance/capacity/reliability to the price, which model do you recommend? (I mean the models not used for commercial purpose)
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First question to ask yourself, what's your budget limit?
Next, what's the maximum capacity you require?
If you're happy with a 20 - 25 lb capacity I'd suggest the 025. It handles 14"x18" racks which are essential for full slabs of ribs, and whole packer briskets. It also has a 300 o high heat limit. The 009 has 14" x 14" racks and a heat limit of 250. The different in cost ($161) is well worth the difference in my opinion.
The 045 will give you 10 lbs additional capacity + a temp probe to monitor meat temps. You can easily use a Polder digital thermometer to replace the CS probe so it really boils down to difference in capacity. The difference in price vs the 025 is $500. Does the extra capacity warrant the cost? That's something you need to determine.
The Amerique 066 provides 50 lbs of capacity. The control board provides the hold feature. You're also paying almost $1,000 more vs the 025 for the hold option + the extra 25 lb capacity.
If you're looking for a well built, basic smoker I'd go with the 025. As mentioned, additional features/capacity vs budget limit is something you need to decide for yourself. Performance and reliability are a given no matter which smoker you decide upon.
Next, what's the maximum capacity you require?
If you're happy with a 20 - 25 lb capacity I'd suggest the 025. It handles 14"x18" racks which are essential for full slabs of ribs, and whole packer briskets. It also has a 300 o high heat limit. The 009 has 14" x 14" racks and a heat limit of 250. The different in cost ($161) is well worth the difference in my opinion.
The 045 will give you 10 lbs additional capacity + a temp probe to monitor meat temps. You can easily use a Polder digital thermometer to replace the CS probe so it really boils down to difference in capacity. The difference in price vs the 025 is $500. Does the extra capacity warrant the cost? That's something you need to determine.
The Amerique 066 provides 50 lbs of capacity. The control board provides the hold feature. You're also paying almost $1,000 more vs the 025 for the hold option + the extra 25 lb capacity.
If you're looking for a well built, basic smoker I'd go with the 025. As mentioned, additional features/capacity vs budget limit is something you need to decide for yourself. Performance and reliability are a given no matter which smoker you decide upon.
Exactly what are you trying to do, and how many people will you be cooking for.
Do you want electric or pellet?
After 35-40 years of smoking on just about every kind of stick burner and charcoal smokers I decided on the Cookshack AmeriQue. Have had it for 4-1/2 years and love it. Really like all the features and how easy it is to use. Electric or pellet, you won't go wrong with Cookshack.
Do you want electric or pellet?
After 35-40 years of smoking on just about every kind of stick burner and charcoal smokers I decided on the Cookshack AmeriQue. Have had it for 4-1/2 years and love it. Really like all the features and how easy it is to use. Electric or pellet, you won't go wrong with Cookshack.
I am very happy with my Amerique. When I first got it I thought it was to big for me but that is definitely not the case now. As friends and family members tasted the food I was producing they wanted more and I soon became the guy that was asked to cook for thier functions as well.
I was recently asked to cook for my daughters Sports Medicine Team before our big Homecoming game. I managed to pull it off and cook for 45 people. I started off buying this unit to cook for my imediate family. My advice would be to buy as big as you can afford.
I was recently asked to cook for my daughters Sports Medicine Team before our big Homecoming game. I managed to pull it off and cook for 45 people. I started off buying this unit to cook for my imediate family. My advice would be to buy as big as you can afford.