i have both a gosm big block, have had for over 5 years... and have also an MES SS 40, i have used the MES only on a couple occaisions. i bought it for when i want a virtually hands free smoke. only thing it requires is every so often go and add a chunk of wood, i generally use quarter sized pieces and find they burn well, chips just seem to disappear way to fast compare to using just a couple small chunks at a time. as far as temp it is all electronicly controlled so set it and wait for thermo to tell you its time to foil or you have reached pull temp.
i dont know why but as easy as the MES makes it, i use my GOSM 99 percent of the time. not sure what it is, maybe because i have the temp control in it down pat, maybe because i like the visual appearance of the food better than from the electric... no smoke ring with an electric, i know some have played around and have had varying results in attaining smoke ring in an electric but i think its pretty much a given they tough to get. so that said i guess i need to get a stick burner if i really want a smoker... well working on that too. but thats another story.
but back to the GOSM, great smoker, dont need electricity so it makes it mobile for trips to the lake, gathings, etc... need the propane though. as far as baby setting tanks, thats where the ET73 comes in, monitors smoker box temp. drops below a certain point alarm goes off and go change tank. i find it very useful in using up all the propane tanks i have with a few pounds left in them, not enough for another day ice fishing but ya buddy will run that smoker for a while... many people have modded the GOSM chip box, and installed a regulator to bring temps down... i personally have done no mods, still use cast chip box and have no problem maintaining 225-250 degree box temps. if i want to do any cold smoking i simply wait until winter months. the GOSM is also a little more "built tough" than the MES, is made of heavier materials, the only plastic is the igniter and temp knobs.
all in all they are great smokers and you cant go wrong either way. its simply a preference which an individual has to decide for themselves what they are looking for. i would have to go with the GOSM for durability, there really is nothing to go wrong except maybe clean air intake to burner and change tanks. the MES has been prone to some electrical problems. mine has given me none. but anything electrical is more likley to break down. but the electrical gives you the set it forget it feature which the other does not. do some research, read what others have to say in this thread, and get what will work for you the best. who knows maybe you end up with both too.
