- Jun 23, 2014
- 28
- 10
Hi all,
I've started looking at different options for my first smoker, and and it seems everything I look at has pros and cons, so it's kind of confusing.
I've been looking at the Masterbuilt Electric ones and the propane/dual ones.
Here are some of my observations based or my reading of the various reviews....
- The propane has the ability to reach higher temps if needed. This could be useful in colder weather, and for example if you want to finish chicken hotter to try to crisp the skin. However, some people seem to complain that it's difficult to maintain the lower temps. Is 225 a problem generally?
- A common complaint for the electric ones seems to be an underpowered heating element, so it's not possible to get the higher temps, like to crisp chicken skin.
- I've read that Masterbuilt doesn't recommend using an extension cord with the smokers. If this is correct, this would be a pain to keep it close to the outdoor plug.
- Most of the elecric ones I'me seeing seem to be the 2nd generation ones. I've read that there are quite a few complains with the controllers for these systems. WIth these MES smokers being so expensive, and Masterbuilt only offering 90day warranty, this is a concern. I'm thinking that the propane ones may be less likely to break down.
- With the electric ones, you're expected to be able to basically set the temperature and not worry about it (even though there will be fluctuations as it cycles on and off). How stable are the propane ones once you get them to the desired temp? The box doesn't seem as well insulated.
- With the electric ones, I'm kind of concerned about the extension cords if you were smoking in the snow or rain.....any comments on this?
- How do they hold up to the winters if left outside?
Thanks!
Daniel
I've started looking at different options for my first smoker, and and it seems everything I look at has pros and cons, so it's kind of confusing.
I've been looking at the Masterbuilt Electric ones and the propane/dual ones.
Here are some of my observations based or my reading of the various reviews....
- The propane has the ability to reach higher temps if needed. This could be useful in colder weather, and for example if you want to finish chicken hotter to try to crisp the skin. However, some people seem to complain that it's difficult to maintain the lower temps. Is 225 a problem generally?
- A common complaint for the electric ones seems to be an underpowered heating element, so it's not possible to get the higher temps, like to crisp chicken skin.
- I've read that Masterbuilt doesn't recommend using an extension cord with the smokers. If this is correct, this would be a pain to keep it close to the outdoor plug.
- Most of the elecric ones I'me seeing seem to be the 2nd generation ones. I've read that there are quite a few complains with the controllers for these systems. WIth these MES smokers being so expensive, and Masterbuilt only offering 90day warranty, this is a concern. I'm thinking that the propane ones may be less likely to break down.
- With the electric ones, you're expected to be able to basically set the temperature and not worry about it (even though there will be fluctuations as it cycles on and off). How stable are the propane ones once you get them to the desired temp? The box doesn't seem as well insulated.
- With the electric ones, I'm kind of concerned about the extension cords if you were smoking in the snow or rain.....any comments on this?
- How do they hold up to the winters if left outside?
Thanks!
Daniel