IMHO,
Get the MES Sam's Club 40" version!
Yes Cookshack makes a heavy duty excellent product that is now wide enough to handle ribs (Most likely changed due to MES 40" taking all the business). Yes has good digital controller and if you buy the elite it has a meat probe to cycle off the cooker when the set temp is reached. But the dang thing is over $1200 plus freight.
Here is the premise I used when purchasing the MES 40".
• Large capacity for home use.
• Stainless Steel
• Low entry cost for what you are getting.
• Lots of user support here at SMF and another smoking forum.
Ok, you now own the MES 40" and it fails, either elements, wiring, or controller die, and it is out of warranty. SMF members have posted their fixes for these problems. Repair is a little bit of work, but nothing real difficult.
Now take it one step further, Upgrade the heating element to a two stage so instead of one element at 750 watts you have two (750w + 250 or 300w). Replace MES controller with new PID either Single or Two stage controller for precise control. If two stage controller is too much then simply use a timer for 2nd stage control.
The MES cabinet is not as heavy as the cookshack, but it is insulated and sturdy enough for years of service if properly cared for.
Thus the $270 price + replacement of components and upgrade will get you in the $400-500 range, but you still saved over $700. That is a lot of meat, and beer.