Another option that you might want to look into is one of the cookshack smokers. I have one and they are great units. They are one of the more spender electric units. But I use mine all year round. They are well insulated for the cold winter smokes. They are very efficent on wood. I use like no more then 8 oz of wood chips for a whole smoke. It makes great jerky and prime rib. The one I have is their smaller one but for only 2 or 3 people it is great plenty. I like it for the ease of use and the efficenty. As with any electric unit you have to watch the weather condictions. I keep mine in the garage and roll it out when smoking. I don't normally smoking in a downpour so thats not a big issue for me. When smoking I keep it under the overhang of my garage roof and I have a nice blocked off porch area that helps with the wind factor. Hope that helps you out. Lots of great smokers out there to check out.