COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black

I'm new to smoking food. I have used my Weber propane grill to smoke a little bit, but I wanted a "real" smoker. I decided to go with propane since it seemed like there would be less work to maintain the temperature and smoke. Assembly was very easy and instructions were clear and easy to follow. I did go out and buy a set of four locking casters to install on the bottom of the legs. I did have to drill holes through the bottom of the feet to attach the casters. Smoker is heavy, so having locking wheels is a must since I will store this in my shed when not in use. Before my first use, I decided I should season the smoker. I was surprised that the manufacturer did not have any mention in the manual about seasoning the smoker. I found a lot of online recommendations for doing this and figured it would be worth it, plus I could get use to the temperature adjustments without risking any food... I wiped down the interior of the smoker with a lite coat of canola oil and filled the wood tray with dry apple would chips. I started the burner (first click on the igniter!) and let the smoker go on high for about two hours. It took about 15 min for the wood chips to start smoking. I also noticed quite a bit of smoke coming out of the edges on the main door, so I ordered some grill gasket tape, which I will install next week. The next day I smoked a pork shoulder for over 12 hours and some sausage links for about two hours. Both turned out perfect. I'll never have crock-pot pulled pork again.... The temperature was easy to maintain and having the separate door to add additional wood chips definitely helped maintain the temperature. I would highly recommend this smoker to any beginner. It will be interesting to see if the door gasket will help, not completely sure it's 100% necessary, but others have recommended it so we will see. One other thing, which is no surprise, the thermometer on the door was not very accurate. I used the NutriChef (PWIRBBQ80) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076B36HF9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Bluetooth thermometer and monitored the temperature of the pork shoulder and the smoke chamber. Definitely a must have. Now I cant wait to use this more. Beef ribs are next! **Updated: Sept 24th 2020** After one full summer of smoking, I can honestly say that I love the food I have made with this smoker (and so does my neighbor). I have burned through at least a dozen propane tanks. I've smoked everything from salmon, beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, including eggplant for baba ghanoush, and even made my own chipotles and smoked cayenne peppers, which were awesome is my smoked cast-iron baked beans... My Bluetooth thermometer also held up all season. The smoker has held up well, there's a small brisket flat on there now. There is one burn spot on the outside rear of the smoker where the burner is, but has not hurt the integrity of the smoker box. I keep the smoker covered when not in use. The door gasket tape was a must and has definitely helped contain the smoke in the smoker. I used the "FireBlack Hi Temp BBQ Smoker Gasket Self Stick 15 ft High Heat 1/2 x 1/8 Black", from Amazon, which fit both doors perfectly. I think this is a pretty standard upgrade for any smoker, based on all the reviews I've read. I agree with a lot of the reviews about the poorly designed wood/water tray. I do not put water in the water/wood chip tray, I use disposable aluminum trays for the water on the bottom shelf and overload the wood chip tray with one or two larger wood chunks and a bunch of presoaked wood chips. I have not had any problems with not having enough smoke. I have not wanted for more shelves, but do think I will be upgrading to a larger smoker at some point, so I can fit full slabs of ribs and full briskets (just need the wife's permission). The shelves are a little too small for this (14 x 14 inches), so ribs have to be cut in half and it only fits smaller cuts of brisket. But as an intro to smoking, this was a huge success. I also built a cedar cabinet with a cement countertop to go with this smoker, that provides much needed counter space and storage for the propane tank, wood chips, and trays (picture attached). If you are thinking of trying out a smoker, as a beginner, I think this smoker is a good bet. It made me a smoking addict.

The perfect rack system for any smoker/BBQ. I use this in my Treager Pro 780, but I believe this would also fit the smaller units as well (check measurements to be sure). It's perfect in just about every way, adding 3 extra racks to my smoker. Perfect for Beef Jerky, Chicken Wings, Ribs, or anything else that you're planning to smoke in bulk. I did have to remove the default top rack out of my smoker for this to fit, but the trade off is still a plus with this unit. My only gripe, and the reason it gets 4/5 stars instead of 5, is simply that this thing is a royal PAIN!!! to wash... the last time I made jerky, I gave up trying to wash it, and just took it outside with the pressure washer. Made light work cleaning this (if you have a pressure washer). Otherwise, it's too big to fit in our dishwasher, too big to fit in our sink, washing it makes a mess and is very difficult. Pressure washer is the way to go. It also folds up, and I store it in the box it was shipped in which fits it perfectly. It's quite compact when folded up only being about 1.5" thick. Easy to store. Otherwise, 10:10 recommend, if you accept the challenges of having to clean this unit afterwards.

Works great! I was initially going to get the Weber Smokey Mountain but decided I would get this to try as it would make smoking easier and less time consuming. I usually smoke something every weekend and it has been great. I've done whole chickens and turkey, roasts, and drumsticks. So far everything has turned out great. My only issue is that it is hard to keep a consistent temp as it will eventually get warmer as you cook but with a bit of attention it's easy to correct. Cleanup and setup much easier than charcoal and flavor is awesome.

UPDATED Review: In this review, I will describe the smoker per se but first, since I had an issue (now resolved) I will simply describe my experience in attending to the problem. I received this smoker earlier this week from Amazon of course and was anticipating immediate use. The box was not damaged nor the smoker's exterior. However there was a workman's mistake that likely just slipped through Cuisinart's grill/smoker manufacturer. I did want a replacement part and contacted Amazon within 24 hours of delivery for their help. It may be helpful to know that Cuisinart does not have any single point of contact as you or I would expect. Instead, I learned that contacting Cuisinart via the number of record with Amazon's help line is just a starting point. Be prepared NOT to just send an email and expect resolution. For example, the first call and email was answered the following day but saying, "We are Customer Service for INDOOR products. -- so, contact our grill/smoker manufacturer at the following (contact info). Okay #1. It turned out to be an answering machine stating that replacement parts claims are only handled by email. Okaay #2. I forwarded the email thread to them. A day later I received a response, "We do manufacturer grills and smokers BUT NOT THAT ONE. Contact this manufacturer (contact info). Okaaay #3. I emailed AND called that manufacturer and the phone message said they were busy and to email them. So, I did. Their response was to call during normal operating hours (which I had done when leaving my original message.) I received no callback as requested. So, you see what I mean? I know Cuisinart is a huge, multifaceted corporation but if I were running the place and had provided Amazon with my main/first contact number for my customers to contact us, I would make darn sure that that Customer Service Rep be familiar with (or at least have a "calling tree" that matched the callers Cuisinart product model number so that the customer would at least be directed correctly through the gauntlet. Even better, I would have my reps at least pass the customer's callback info to the correct manufacturer and then require that manufacturer keep Cuisinart informed. YES, we helped the customer or NO we didn't. The best advice I have, since I'm not running Cuisinart Customer Service, is to seriously insist that the rep in that first call confirm that he/she is giving you the exact manufacture contact info for YOUR model number/product. And if more people will take the time to review their experience, things will get better and EVERYONE wins. So, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that manufacturing errors/defects do happen. I suggest not to waste time expecting that you will be called back or get an email response from seller's manufacturers when it comes to getting parts. Some folks just return the item to Amazon (within the guidelines, of course) but in other cases it can be very, very impractical to do this, e.g. larger, bulky, heavier items. Perhaps in those cases, a simple replacement part will be all one may need. By waiting for an extended time for callbacks and emails from sellers, buyers may exceed Amazon's return window and now your stuck in the queue at the mercy of who knows who. So, what was the outcome in my case and the reason I am writing such a detailed review for a relatively inexpensive item? The outcome is this: It was Amazon to the rescue. Also, I can certainly endorse the quality of the Cuisinart Electric Smoker COS-330. Barring rare defects as with my order, this electric smoker will not disappoint. I really love the elevated legs and overall construction. Assembly, you'll find is a snap. Judging from the look and feel of it, proper care will ensure many years of trouble-free operation. I am definitely a fan of digital electronics controllers which are designed well. In the case of smokers, I could not find a single one that had an acceptable failure rate for my tastes. Simple, proven analog temp controllers are, as in this case, detachable and kept inside. When it's time to smoke something special and all the overnight marinating and prep has been done, NOT having the smoker come on (as has been reported) would likely be painful or perhaps leave a scar. (TIC). Bottom line, the Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker is a great choice. Finally, I said "Amazon to the rescue". Yes, as I emphasized, my particular issue with the smoker is likely a rare occurrence. That was little comfort as I spent hours online tracking down and never quite finding a responsive customer service. Weary, I reached out to Amazon in Seattle with an email and got a callback from Ms. Rasmet - the nicest and most professional Amazon Customer Service Rep one could hope for. I must say that out of the many years that I have done business with Amazon, they very, very seldom disappoint me. But, today, Ms. Rasmet earned my highest respect for what all professional customer service representatives: Transparency and sincerity. She provided a resolution, followed up and confirmed her actions in an email, and there is no doubt in my mind that I can just move forward and enjoy this new product. THANK YOU AMAZON !! And, I hope this review is of some use for someone looking to buy a new Smoker. It really is a quality product and exactly what I was hoping for. Sincerely, Bill Jupiter, FL Note: I have removed my initial problem statement/review. Above, I explained why in my updated review above. However, I will leave the photos attached for a clear reference. Please remember that this is not intended to imply that such defects are common. They are not. I get that. I was more distraught by the maze of phone calls and emails necessary to reach someone familiar with my model number. Again, Amazon to the rescue. They really came through and helped me get this done. Cuisinart Electric Smokers, specifically Model COS-330, are a great choice based on what I'm seeing on my patio.

easy assembly and works so well