Electrics cetainly are as close to set it and forget it as you can get.
The MES 130B is a good starting point but it is known to have control panel issues.
Also, it is a small unit. You will be limited for space in that you won't be fitting a whole packer brisket or full slabs of ribs in it. So keep that in mind.
Also, you will want an A-MAZE-N pellet tray for better smoke production and longer smokes since these MES units will burn through woodchips every 45 minutes or so.
You will also need a separate thermometer set up for monitoring actual chamber temperatures and the internal temperature of the meat.
DO NOT GO BY THE BUILT IN MEAT PROBE OR CONTROL PANEL TEMP.
If you don't me asking, what is your budget? That will be the determining factor.
There are better smokers like Smokin-It, Smokin Tex but those come with a price.
I would recommend my Smoke Hollow Smoke-Tronix but the line was discountinued a couple of years ago when
Masterbuilt bought out Smoke Hollow so there is no longer any support.
There are a few units out there in the price range of $300 to $600.
These are most likely NOS or refurbished units.
I've included a link to Bearcarver's MES guide. He is the resident MES expert here.
Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear’s Thoughts & Findings) Before I start, I want to say the following are my findings & my opinions. Not all Smokers are alike, and not all people look at things the same way. Some may have success where I haven’t & some may have had problems where I haven’t. However...
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