Would you do it differently now?

Shad;

I liked the convenience of the timer on the Q, but I also like the fact that I can do two briskets and a couple of butts, no problem. Most smokes are under 20lbs and the Q can do appx 50 lb, which I've only maxed once in the last 6 months. If you have the budget, I'd always go for the slightly bigger unit. You can always freeze extra meat and for bigger events, it's real nice. BTW, your circle of friends will increase once you start smoking meat, plus, when you have the chance, you'll be bringing some smoked meats to parties, gatherings, what ever. My standard line(and friends now expect it) is "I'll bring some Brisket, or Pulled Pork".
Just my two cents.

Been around cookers for a bunch of years.

The general feeling is,figure what you need and buy one size larger.

Of course,money is also a determinant.

I started with a 008 about 4 1/2 years ago and was happy for about 3 years, cooking for primarily my self and my wife.

It always seemed large enough, but there were times I wished I could spread things out a bit, sausages, jerky and full racks of ribs for example.

Recently I replaced it with a much larger unit.

Eight months into my Amerique and now I want an FEC 100!

Shad,
I've had my 055 for about three years. In general, I've been quite happy with the unit. The unit is perfect in height. I love hanging full pork rib racks and there's just enough room if I place the hanger a few ribs from the end. When I start, the ribs are just above (or touching slightly) the wood box. By the time I finish, they've shrunk several inches. Of course, this would be irrelevant if you were to place them in a stand, although you probably couldn't do full racks with some models.
I wouldn't call it a gripe, as I rarely do more than a single PB or brisket, but I wouldn't mind if the unit were a bit wider. I can manage a large full brisket by folding it over. The Sam's PB's I've done have just barely fit when two were placed on a rack. I'll admit they're large thought, probably weighing in at 11-13 pounds apiece.
I can't say I'm disappointed with my purchase. For the price, the size was the best fit for me. If, at the time I made my purchase, I had the current models available as well, I might have chosen differently. As I'm not that familiar with them I can't say.

So, if money is not that important, I'd shoot for something that will handle anything you might throw at it in all dimensions. If you entertain, think big.
-Grub

It seems that everyone has the same general feelings!! I have the AmeriQue and love it. It will handle full slabs of ribs, large full packers etc. My next purchase just might be a 160 to give me more room for parties etc!! You will e happy with whatever your budget allows you to purchase.

I use to TRY and smoke with the Webber kettle grill. I made three attempts. The food tasted very good but a lot of work. Checking the temp, adding briquettes, adding wood chips etc. I got a Smokette SM009 (Sept 2008) from my wife and a bunch of friends chipped in $ also. I waited till after the winter to try it out which was stupid on my part.

I love the Smokette SM009. The convenience is unbelievable. I have used it about 15 times now. However, it is to small for my situation. I can not get a full slab of ribs on one tray. Plus my wife does not do red meat and pork. So anytime I put meat in the CS I also have to do chicken or fish at the same time. Last weekend I had friends over and I could not fit 8# brisket, 2 slabs ribs, 2 5# goat shoulders and 12 ABTs. This would be the most I would ever want to do.

If you have extra money I would say buy the larger model. If you don’t have the money I would say don’t buy anything. Save up your money for a few more months and then buy the bigger model.

I try to put a few $ aside each month so next year I can get a bigger one.

Got my 009 as a birthday present a couple of years ago and love it dearly. So much in fact that I bargained for an AmeriQue for my birthday this year. (And I mostly just cook for our family of 3). Don't tell my wife, but I catch myself lurking in the FEC forum when I have no right to. Who knows where I will be in a couple more years...

If you buy a Cookshack and you like it a lot (you will) and you use it a lot (you will) you are gonna want to upgrade sooner or later. Better to bite the bullet early. This is a solid machine that will not wear out or become outdated. The cooking performance will only get better as you get to know it.

The AQ is fantastic!
If I cook for the family it is small enough that it doesn't feel like overrkill. Or, if I'm catering I can smoke an entire case of babybacks w/ rib racks in 2 loads with room for a 12# brisket in each load.

Thanks for your comments. I ordered the AQ, for all the reasons you guys provided, which make perfect sense. I am looking forward to the learning part the most at the moment, in a couple of hours it'll be the eatin part.

Congratulations on your wise purchase but just keep in mind the byword around here: KISMIF. Keep It Simple Make It Fun! Don't try and out think your smoker. It'll do the thinkin' for you. Season the meat, throw it in, set the temp and let 'er rip. Oh, and don't forget to drink lots of beer or bourbon or gin or scotch or whatever float's yer boat. But most of all, have fun.

i bought an 020 and it was not right for me. Rather than send it back, i sold it on the internet for a small loss. i had to throw in the stand at no charge but it would have cost me money to ship it back and this was much easier. i am too darn old to lug that thing all around. i was not without a smoker for too long. i found a used 150 down in colorado springs. it needed a little tlc but it now runs like a champ. i am completely happy with it. as far as the differences, i dont think the cook and hold feature is such a big deal to me. i just couldnt get by with only two shelves. also, the much written about element/wood box issues just bugged the heck out of me even though the consensus seems to be that any problems are imaginary. i lost my imagination when my new new smoker left and my new used smoker showed up. both cook great food if you leave them alone and let them do their thing.