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A Masterbuilt electric is a good option but really does best if you mod it with a Mailbox. If you plan on keeping for a long time, would look for a used Cookshack, Smokin-IT or Smokin Tex. They won't require any mods for good smoke flavor.
Just note that unless they are labeled 100% of a species (i.e.- 100% applewood) the pellets will be a blend of other woods. Some even put a oils in the pellets for flavoring.
Lumberjack was a brand that use to have 100% of the labeled species, don't know if they still do.
Highly suggest you join the Smokin-It User Forum. It is very helpful and searchable. Not quite as active as Smoking Meat Forum. But it is pretty specific to Smokin-It smokers and users.
So if the outlets check out as good, then it is the smoker. There are only 2 points of failure with the analog #2.
The first is in the wiring, the second is the thermostat.
If the wiring it could be a loose connection. Diagnose that by checking the continuity of all power: both legs (pos to...
2nd the use of Duke's traps. 3 of those secured to a fence post and some .22 shorts solved my marauding Racoon problems. I then they were relocated up on the hill 2.5 feet deeper.
I give mine a rest for 1-2 hours. Then pull and usually add a mix of frozen apple juice concentrate 4/5 cup and apple cider vinegar 1/5 cup to provide some extra moisture. I stop adding at the point where the meat isn't absorbing the mix. Sometimes it takes about a cup and others take 1/4...
I have a Bamix 150 that I bought from Williams Sonoma many years ago. I is one of the few non-commercial blenders that does not have a limited run time. I have used it to blend 2 quarts of whole tomatoes into soup. They are pricey, but worth it from the use I've gotten from mine.
Look for a used MES to find out if you really like using an electric. And if you can find a used Cookshack, Smokin Tex or Smokin-It for under $200-300 (depending on model) -jump on it.
The Smokin-It smokers are more than your $250 price range, but they are also twice as nice as the MES. I...