BarnabyHooge
Found some matches.
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2013
- Location
- Chicago, IL
Just wanted to put this out there for those researching new smokers. I've seen other posts on Abe's and I hate to pile on but people are spending hard earned money on these things.
Abe's:
I had a bunch of problems with him about a year ago. Many changed delivery dates and the first smoker was absolute garbage and had to be returned. Doors were too small, shelves were 1/2" out of level, shelves were flimsy and I had smoke coming out of the seems at the top. Despite the quality he never tried to scam me and agreed to get me a new unit. He may not know what he's doing but I did find him to be trustworthy in that he would make things right.
In the end the big things eventually got resolved with a new smoker but I still have poor sealing doors (gaskets on door and jamb), a thermo that only goes to 250, cheap door latches that require two hands to open & paint that looks to be starting to chip already. Abe's doors also don't seal flush to the very front. When you pull out the fire box during a cook, ash and bits of hot coal land on the edge and burn away the seal. You have to sweep and scrape that way in order to close the door. I went with him because at the time he was way cheaper than anyone else, closer to me for delivery purposes, and it seemed like a solid unit. Since then prices have gone up. Once you put all of those things aside I have had some successful cooks on it. If you can get one cheap without having to deal with the wait it might be worth it.
I recently helped a family member buy a Humphries as a gift for someone. After the Abe's experience I suggested that they go with Humphries.
Humphries was super professional on the phone answering any and all questions we had. My family member, who knows nothing about smokers, was really impressed when she called to order it. She got a custom color scheme and a cart. A few weeks later I got the email that it was ready to be shipped.
The unit itself is much smaller than mine but the design & fit and finish are outstanding. The door handles are super solid, paint looks fantastic, and everything is extremely sturdy. The overall design from the doors, vents & removable water pan are heads and tails above my unit.
At the end of the day I'd gladly swap my larger unit for the smaller
Humphries. In fact, there may be a used Abe's on CL soon enough...
Abe's:
I had a bunch of problems with him about a year ago. Many changed delivery dates and the first smoker was absolute garbage and had to be returned. Doors were too small, shelves were 1/2" out of level, shelves were flimsy and I had smoke coming out of the seems at the top. Despite the quality he never tried to scam me and agreed to get me a new unit. He may not know what he's doing but I did find him to be trustworthy in that he would make things right.
In the end the big things eventually got resolved with a new smoker but I still have poor sealing doors (gaskets on door and jamb), a thermo that only goes to 250, cheap door latches that require two hands to open & paint that looks to be starting to chip already. Abe's doors also don't seal flush to the very front. When you pull out the fire box during a cook, ash and bits of hot coal land on the edge and burn away the seal. You have to sweep and scrape that way in order to close the door. I went with him because at the time he was way cheaper than anyone else, closer to me for delivery purposes, and it seemed like a solid unit. Since then prices have gone up. Once you put all of those things aside I have had some successful cooks on it. If you can get one cheap without having to deal with the wait it might be worth it.
I recently helped a family member buy a Humphries as a gift for someone. After the Abe's experience I suggested that they go with Humphries.
Humphries was super professional on the phone answering any and all questions we had. My family member, who knows nothing about smokers, was really impressed when she called to order it. She got a custom color scheme and a cart. A few weeks later I got the email that it was ready to be shipped.
The unit itself is much smaller than mine but the design & fit and finish are outstanding. The door handles are super solid, paint looks fantastic, and everything is extremely sturdy. The overall design from the doors, vents & removable water pan are heads and tails above my unit.
At the end of the day I'd gladly swap my larger unit for the smaller
Humphries. In fact, there may be a used Abe's on CL soon enough...
