Bummed... Just returned 1st smoker...

[buckeyebrown]

Bought a Cookshack knock off (Smokin-It #3).  Temp control went crazy from 2nd smoke on. Owner offered a full refund and I took it.  Now I'm leery of another knock-off such as Smoking Tex and the only Cookshack in my price range is about half the size of the knock-off I start with.

This was my first and I went for it for ease of use and good grub.  The low cost to operate was very good too.  Now I'm back to square 1.  

Gas - Reviews always involve people modding them???  Leakage.  Tanks to fill.  Compared to Smokin-it stainless... they seem flimsy (maybe unfair).  I know they can produce good Q - my brother-in-law has one.

Pellet - Traeger Lil Tex/Elite probably in price range.  Interested.  Subtle smoke flavor comments common though???  Moving parts concern on longevity if need to store outdoors.  Still a maybe?

Big Green Egg (or the like) - Very interesting.  Seems easy/fexible/good q but a bit pricey.  A possibility.

Weber Smokey Mountain - Any negatives???  Minion method = nearly set and forget for several hours.  Low cost.  Some clean up/coals - no biggie right?  

Anything else to factor in?  Any thoughts?

 

[daveomak]

BB, evening....   Well, for ease of use and a fair amount of reliability and a fair price, the MES 40 is a good choice..... Couple that with an Amazing Pellet Smoke Generator, (AMNPS from Todd) and you have a great reliable combination of temp control and smoke control that, I think, can't be beat by any production smoker in the price range.....   I am biased of course..... Dave

 

[bama bbq]

I am partial to the WSM.  This AM I reaffirmed that feeling.  I put a butt on last light, set the mav, went to bed after temps stabilized and slept like a baby.  I woke up this AM to a beautifully cooked butt, with fantastic bark, that I held via cambro, for family pulled pork sandwiches.  ...and if the power goes out it's not a factor, all I need is charcoal, a lighter, and a starter cube and I am cooking for the long haul.

I love it so much I made a mini-WSM from my Smokey Joe to put in the RV to go "camping" with me.

If there is a drawback, it is the ashes to deal with, and water pan foil clean up.  I don't mind either task and both are quickly dealt with.

 

[buckeyebrown]

BB, evening....   Well, for ease of use and a fair amount of reliability and a fair price, the MES 40 is a good choice..... Couple that with an Amazing Pellet Smoke Generator, (AMNPS from Todd) and you have a great reliable combination of temp control and smoke control that, I think, can't be beat by any production smoker in the price range.....   I am biased of course..... Dave

Dave, I had the MES in might sights when I first started looking for a smoker but after seeing reviews on Amazon I think I'm going to pass.  I know there are a ton of people that love them/make great Q but there are a considerable number of people who loved theirs until they stopped running too.

I believe I'm going to go with the Smokey Mountain.  Seems like a simple and efficient design.  I could probably modify to add an additional shelf for when I want more space.  Ash cleanup isn't a plus but I'm pretty sure I can deal with that too.  Bama - thanks for the extra push!

Looking forward to jumping back on the horse after a shaky start.