"Brian D." > wrote in message
newsauJd.12724$HT6.2895@trnddc04...
> wrote:
> > I'm considering the Cookshack model SM 009. At around $500 it's kinda
> > pricey but it looks to be well made.
> > Any comments?
>
> I bought my SM 008/009 from Cabela's in August '04 and am very
pleased
> with it. It's well built and heavily insulated- weather isn't a factor
for
> me when Q'ing no matter the temp/wind chill (I'm located up in the Pacific
> NW). It turns out a nice product for the most part, but with a max temp of
> 250* you won't get a crispy skin on your poultry (or a hard bark on your
> meat). I like the idea of putting a couple of butts in at 6PM and getting
a
> full night's sleep. Customer support is very responsive and their web site
> forum: http://forum.cookshackamerica.com/ answers a lot of questions as
> well. Disclaimer: I don't work for Cookshack, butt do like their smoker,
> YMMV. Brian
>
>

I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and was undecided until I checked
out the SmokinTex. It's almost identical to Cookshack only a little larger
and I believe it has 700 or 800 watts. I bought one on Ebay for $276 plus
shipping of around $65.00.( I just looked and he's still selling a few there
but the price is a little higher.)

First time out it handled below zero temperature real well and so far both
chicken and ribs turned out great! I've got a prime rib that may end up in
there next!