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propane smokers can be found just about anywhere..walmart, sams club, home depo, menards.....it all depends on the size and your personal preference on brand ...there will be many others to chime in on this with their opinions
i'm on the other end of the state so i know the temp changes for the good old state of NEBRASKA...i have a MES40 and i keep it stored in the garage when not in use, if i know its gonna be cold and want to use it the next day i will disconnect the main electrical control on top of the unit and...
usually there is a throw down every few months...check on the header bar Forumns->announcements->SMF Throwdowns.......or look at the recent Discussions on the lower left part of the page...when one come's up everybody starts to talk about it
wind and cold will suck the heat out of your smoker, even with the door closed, try and build a wind break around it....plus each chunk of meat has a mind of its own, some will have a major stall others will glide right thru it while smoking...be patient, it will be fine
you need proper exhaust like the others are saying...what is happening is a condition called creosote, here is a link that will hopefully help to explain your issue
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch?search=creosote
there are a few members on here that have made some killer home made electric smokers...give them a bit and someone with experience, will be able to help out better
did some for a buddy a few years back...here is the link
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/135530/wild-boar-back-straps-shoulders-and-a-roast
hope this helps