I am a senior citizen and have been smoking meat for 20 years. I use a smokin tex smoker with a 700. Watt element. In cold wx I made an enclosure with 2 inch urethane foam that slips over smoker it has a hole. In the top for vent extension. I find the 700 watt heating element. Plenty for what I do, however I did add controller that does a good job after smoker pre heats takes worry out of the process. Enjoy reading all info on site. Thanks for letting me join