Electric Smoker for Hubs

[Tess]

My husband wants an electric smoker, but I don't know what to get. We have a simple charcoal one, which is fun to use, but I can see the usefulness of having an electric. I have been trying to pay attention to which ones he likes, but it's all so much info. Looking for one that can also do cold smoking and up to $300 (CAD). We live in a big city, so I have access to all of the big box stores and probably some smaller mom & pop shops. What are some dependable units that I can search for? If this helps, temps get pretty cold here in the winter and winters are long. Not looking for all of the bells and whistles, but I do know that addons are a thing, so something that we can build on would probably be a benefit. Looking to get this for his upcoming birthday, so if anyone knows of any canadian sales to help me out, I would be forever grateful (as I discouraged him from getting any because I wanted to get one for him as a gift, so my guilt level is pretty high if I don't find one for him). I have just over a week, so buying online is an option as well.

 

[jcam222]

I’d say you are looking for a deal in a Masterbuilt MES40. Others will be above to advise on best models. Bearcarver is a wealth of knowledge on them.

 

[old sarge]

Besides Masterbuilt you might want to look at Smokin-it, SmokinTex, and Cookshack. These smokers are all stainless steel. But pricey.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Yep. I agree with the Masterbuilt. Either the 30 or 40 inch--just depends on how much you want to smoke at one time.
For just Miss Linda and me, the MES 30 works just fime.
Gary

 

[Tess]

I think if the stainless steel option is preferable, then I could get the Little Chief or Big Chief in my price range. Going through some other comments here, either of those would be a good choice?

 

[Lonzinomaker]

MES is in your price range (at least in states). But I agree with Old Sarge and suggest you look at Smokin-It. They have fiberglass insulation and MES is foam based. I think my Smokin-It does better in the real cold weather than my MES used to.

 

[Tess]

The cheapest Smokin-It is $350 + $150 shipping to Canada, so I'll pass on that unfortunately. I looked at how to recognize the MES models, but I wonder if the canadian version is different as that does happen. I think this is a 30 model, but I don't know This is the one that I see in my budget:

Amazon Masterbuilt

 

[chopsaw]

Tess , how ya doin ? The one in your link is a 30 . I use a 30 ,,, and I like it .
Maybe take him to dinner for his birthday , and tell him you want to get him a smoker . Go look or research together . Even if you have to wait a bit and save some money to upgrade . Your interest will be a gift in its self . Let us know what you do .

 

[Tess]

I did a little snooping into what he had his eye on and he said a Masterbuilt MES 35|B is a good one in our price range. I am smoking a cross rib pot roast boneless on our little Weber charcoal grill right now, so hopefully he won't catch on to what I'm planning for his birthday.

He also was looking at the Cuisinart COS-330, which looks exactly the same. Also, I didn't realize at the time that I previously posted, but the Masterbuilt on Amazon would have been out of my price range for the shipping charges. I feel pretty good to head out to Cabela's for the MES 35|B though. Solid brand and the price is right. Hope I can get one by next week though.

 

[Winterrider]

Tess, if at all possible you should also look into a digital thermometer also if don't have yet. The ones on the smokers are very rarely correct. Good luck, and Happy B-Day to the Hub !