I have the Amerique, purchased April 2012 as a scratch and dent from Cookshack, saved a bundle. So far I have had no problems and the controller keeps the unit chugging along within a degree or so of what is set. I really enjoy this over the old barrel smoker I used to use (still have it). So far I am only doing ribs and butts and they have been superb. I use a simple rub of garlic powder, coarse salt, pepper and dark brown sugar. I cannot offer any first hand comments on the Smokin Tex line. But you should be able to join both Smokin Tex and Cookshack forums and get a lot of user comments. My next smoker will be a Smokin-it model 3. Comparing capacity to cost I consider it a good value, i.e. the Smokin Tex 1400 versus the Model 3. One thing going for the Smokin Tex is a dedicated forum. No searching the web for advice; same for Cookshack. That in and of itself is something to consider. But this site is chock full of advice, tips, encouragement and the like so that a brand dedicated forum may be secondary.
