Definitely agree with you about the quality of finish with the Dadant. I sent mine back, even the small pipe that funnels the air into the bottom of the firebox was poorly made and the metal trim around the bellows was sharp and cut my hands. I asked Thornes if this was a one off and they replied: "The simple answer is that they are all like that. The other issue that we don’t think is very good is the hole at the front of the conical top just near the hinge. Last year, someone pointed this out to us (we hadn’t noticed ourselves) so I got in touch with Dadant. The response was from Gabe Dadant; I think he’s the seventh or eighth generation, so I did get to the top of the company. I was astounded; the basic answer was tough, they’d been making smokers for decades and they knew what they were doing." So I exchanged it for a British made Thornes Large Empire smoker which has been great. I think it's worth noting that Americans often try really hard to buy American products. It would be great to encourage people here to buy British where there is a choice. Thanks for the reviews and knowledge sharing, you’ve created a great channel.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Monster Bee. Cheers for that feedback. I wasnt even aware that Thornes made a good quality UK made smoker. Ill definitely get that on the list to review! :)

@petejesper

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackMountainHoney I think this is the smoker referred to, I have an early smaller version of it which is still going strong 40 years on but am interested in the larger model, possibly the copper one which looks great. www.thorne.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Smoker&product_id=1771

@monsterbee

3 жыл бұрын

@@petejesper Yes this is the one I bought with the optional guard www.thorne.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Empire%20smoker&product_id=1774 I liked the look of the copper but after a couple of uses it looses the nice colour and requires work to get it back. So I'd recomend the stainless steel version. The optional guard is ok but does not go under the smoker so no resting it on any poly 😋

@petejesper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks @@monsterbee, it’s the smaller stainless (without guard) I currently have, I was thinking of the larger copper one but will give careful consideration in light of your comments. Pete

Thanks for the review.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Rodney

I've ordered 2 DALEKS! Thanks Lawrence. In fairness, repairing a broken DALEK hinge, isn't rocket science! I just like the look of the DALEK.Best. Stuart

@TheStuartYork

3 жыл бұрын

(I've a sonic bee keepers screw driver!!).

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Ive come to like the rauchboy more and more over the past couple of weeks of testing. It just feels so nice in the hand and the bellow action is far superior

where did you buy the smokers from and what was the price?

I have a half dozen Dadant smokers. The oldest one is 14 years old and has been run over by my Jeep and it is still smoking along. The new ones are built a tad lighter

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

They really are very different in comparison arent they? My latest dadant was as flat as a pancake after I ran over it. I wish they made a mega size Rauchboy as the dadant just goes on and on!

Thanks for this. As a poly hive owner I think the Rauchboy clinches it for me.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

You certainly wont be disappointed.

@triggsterable

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackMountainHoney I will be if someone doesn't get stock soon.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

@@triggsterable Yeah. Been out of stock for a while noe. Probably sitting in a container at Calais

Hi, thank you for the comparison review, I think the Dadant still wins out for me based on this, however, I cannot locate your Dadant Smoker Review. When did you release the video? Please can you share the URL?

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Dont think I actually released it yet! Whoops. Early next week. Its not actually a review but a comparison against some of its cheaper copies on the market

@petejesper

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackMountainHoney Thank you, I thought it odd, I normally watch all your videos as they are released and couldn’t remember it and couldn’t locate it! I look forwards to it next week. 👍

Hi Lawrence, you said you've done a review of the Dadant vs cheaper Dadant lookalikes? I can't find it so can you give me the link please? Thanks so much.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Maria. I took this video down so its not on the channel anymore. Overview is the Dadant is better for long term use. Cheap copies are fine but wont last as long. Either way, Rauchboy is my fave :D

Putting a pro bellow from mann lake on the dadant is nice.

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Ooh I am going to try and see if I can get one in the UK :)

Rauchboy is the best. I love it ❤

Lawrence, Where can we get the Rauchboy from in the UK??....OOS At Beckys

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Beckyz Bees was the only place in the UK that sells the large version. Im sure it will be back in stock soon!

interestingly I ordered one yesterday, direct from Rauchboy - just got an email saying because of Brexit and Customs regulations they cannot export to the UK anymore - I'm hoping this is a misunderstanding of the rules, but Brexit is having unforeseen effects - (suspect it too much hassle to send to a non EU address ) will see if I can get it sent elsewhere now

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

Oh no! Thats rubbish! Do I have the last Rauchboy smoker in the UK??

@mruppity64

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackMountainHoney so I emailed them back, and they say that once they can figure out sending them to the UK, they'll be available via BBO, but I don't think they'll be available anytime soon, plus the prices is only going to go 1 way, and its not down ;(

@BlackMountainHoney

3 жыл бұрын

@@mruppity64 Ah at leasy they will become available again. Fingers crossed its not too long of a wait!