Welcome from GA. I use the MES 40" for years and have been very happy with it, especially since doing some mods. When I first started smoking meats, I looked at barrel smokers, green eggs, etc. Found the MES was gonna be my best bet. Set and forget. I have tried a pellet smoker for 1 year in between, didn't work out too well. The best thing about the MES is they are very well insulated, and once you get it dialed in and figure out any quirks regarding temp swings, etc., it's easy to use. Good luck, and let us know which way you decide to go.
