I think it depends on what's going to be the most convenient heat source for you. I bought the MES 30 1st Gen 20070910 which is an 800 watt model. I've used it about four times (it rains a lot in WA state) and I love it. I plug it into a power outlet on the side of my house in the backyard; no need to worry about replenishing a jug of liquid propane. I also use a therm independent of the built-in one that comes with the MES. People here complain about the accuracy of the MES therms but mine consistently comes fairly close to the Taylor that I use. I'm getting the new Maverick ET-733 from Todd Johnson, owner of A-MAZE-N Products, and I'll be reporting on how that works for me in a few days.