250$ budget for Christmas, which noobie elect smoker?

[slickcav]

250$ budget on an electric smoker.  Work long shifts so dont have time to check every 1-2 hours chips etc. 

Reviews and "top 10's" are all over the map. Would love to smoke game, venison/goose/duck/ribs/chicken anything really.

 

[fpmich]

I don't think any home type smoker will allow you to not ever check on chips, pellets, wood, charcoal or what have you, along with temp control and smoke control.

What you want is someone to do your smoking for you.  LOL  Just teasing a bit.

 

[cmayna]

Agree.  No matter how hands off I try to make my smoking sessions, I still need to be there.  It's getting to be a mental thing but that's fine with me.  Also not sure if most electric smokers will handle high temp meats such as poultry, etc.  Hopefully others will chime in with their words of wisdom.

 

[dingo007]

It's a little over $250...but the MES30 has been working great for me....Temp range of 100-275F...for less attentive smoking you'll need to get an Amazen Smoke generator....I'm using the 12" tube in my MES and get around 6hrs of smoke....Depending in what you get a MES30 and an AMNTS will run you around $300.

 

[rgautheir20420]

Combine this item:


and this item:


and you've got a set it and forget it electric smoker that'll give you 6+ hours of consistent smoke for $236 and free shipping. Merry Christmas