Best smoker for a cheaper budget?

And l paid about $60.00 for a new one in the largest size at Academy. I primarily smoke and slow cook with it. Mods were an extra plate above the coal plate, using the minion method. It has turned out great ribs, butt, brisket, and grilled dogs and burgers. However, it is limited to coking for about 30-40 people. It also makes great ABT's whatever you dream up.

Here is my plus 1 for the akorn.  I will smoke a butt all day and night on one load of lump or you can turn up the heat and sear a great steak.  Its right in your price range at Lowes.  There are a lot of mods out there but I don't have any on my unit and it works well.  You do need a good meat thermometer.  I recommend the Maverick 732 or the Igrill2.  I have both and both work well.  The range on the Igrill2 is not as good as the Maverick but the graphing program and software package make up for the range.  Good luck.