Cookshack Electric Smoker Oven Model SM066

I bought an Amerique smoker several years ago.. right at $1,700. The smoker works fine, but recently I had to replace the meat probe. I ordered one ($85.00!!!!!) From CookShack and it doesn't fit my smoker. The original probe was heavy stainless steel construction. The 'new' one they sent is flimsy plastic. The same old story... cutting corners to save a dime.Here is the instructions I got with my $80 plastic part...WARNING: Only a qualified electrician or authorized service representative should perform this work. Disconnect the oven from all electrical power before cleaning, performing maintenance or service work. Danger of electrical shock exists if this instruction is ignored. DO NOT ATTEMT TO WORK ON AN OVEN THAT IS HOT OR SERIOUS BURNS CAN RESULTTOOLS REQUIRED: Electric Drill, 5/8 drill bit, Phillips Screwdriver, 1/2 wrench.1. Remove the back cover plate if the jack is on the side of the oven.2. Remove controller from oven if the jack is mounted on the side of the control head.3. Unplug the old jack wires from the back of the control board.4. Remove the old meat probe jack by removing the nut located under the spring loaded jack cover.5. Drill the mounting hole out with a 5/8 drill bit and drill.6. Install the new meat probe jack in the drilled hole insuring the jack cover is installed.7. Plug the new jack back into the control board.8. Re mount the controller or the back cover plate.9. Do a test to insure the probe functions properly.10. Contact customer service if you have any questions or concerns (800) 423-0698.

After tripping the gfi multiple times I called customer service- they had me purchase a new heating element- not ideal. Now it doesn’t turn on. Customer service says it’s a common problem and since I altered it it’s no longer covered under warranty.Seems criminal to me and I no longer have confidence buying unfamiliar products from Amazon because of this experience.Certainly advise against any Cookshack products.

This is the MOST AMAZING smoker! It was precisely described; delivery was carefully done, so all parts were well packaged; and the first test was phenomenal, smoked ribs, brisket and hot links. We had some sticking to the chrome shelves of the meat, so maybe a spray of something like PAM or a light coating can simplify cleanup. Highly recommend the product; Cookshack did a great job on this smoker.

I really have two, the MODEL SM066 and the smaller one about have the size. I would happily have another. I like that it is so versatile, simple, easy to use and clean. You definitely need to keep an eye out on the amount of woods you use. It only needs a little bit or you can over do the smokiness. I did have to replace the controller on mine recently, it was about $580, but my unit is from the early-mid 2000s and I have smoked literally ton and tons of meat. I have never had to replace anything else, Not even the main element. I would recommend buying the cover that is made to fit like a glove if you keep it outside. The other key is to keep it clean. I simply spray oven cleaner in it and give it an hour or so to sit and spray it out with the garden hose. Not sure that Cookshack recommends that type of cleaning but it has worked for me for almost 20 years.

Smokers are insulated boxes with a heat source and a controller for the heat. Insulated box here is solid and good as they come. Heating element does the job well. The weak link is the controller. It is crap. Works correctly maybe half the time. Very wonky. At this price point it should be much more bulletproof. If it goes out you can get another for like $500!. It’s 2024 controllers like this shouldn’t cost near that much! Source it somewhere else AND get with the rest of the world and integrated WiFi or Bluetooth into it…

We have had this smoker since 2007 and at first it was fabulous. Over the years the display became cloudy looking and hard to read, to the point where it is now unreadable.I went to Cookshack's website to order a replacement controller, and much to my shock and dismay, it is not even an option! The smoker cost nearly $2000 when new, so it is not something you would toss in a landfill and buy a new one every few years. Why would a manufacturer not have replacement parts available for this expensive a product?

I've had my Amerique since 2007 and it has generally worked very well. I did have to replace the meat probe several times over the years (at about $60 each!) and recently my main control unit crapped out. The replacement part from Cookshack is ALMOST $800!!!! It's a frigging circuit board! Laptop computers cost half as much and there's a whole lot more technology inside them.

The smoker has always tripped the GFI outlets since new and has only gotten worse with time. Mine is 4-5 years old and no longer covered by warranty. Searching the internet, it seems the problem is widespread and the result of their manufacturing process. These should had been recalled, but I get the impression that they do not know how to remedy the issue. Cookshack thinks running an extension cord from the porch to a non-GFI outlet in your bedroom is a viable solution. This was an 1800.00 smoker. You'd think they could do better than that. I am embarrassed to tell my friends what I paid for this junk. Save yourself money, a headache and lots of time. Go buy something else.