Hello I'm Jim and live in southwest Arizona. I am a true newbie as I have not purchased a smoker as of yet. I am traveling until mid Sept (still a little warm down there lol) so will purchase when I arrive home. I am still (lots of reading on this forum) undecided on electric or propane but leaning toward to Masterbuilt propane 30 with cast iron skillet mod. I am also interested in sausage making. Wish me luck