Time for a new smoker, what to buy?

[GRC911]

As the subject says it is time for a new smoker. After 4 years of being together, my MES 30 met an untimely death due to non-owner negligence! For Father's day my wife tried to order a MES 20075315 40" from Amazon, but they shipped a completely different 40" smoker. Try as I might, I can't find that version online so I have been looking around for an electric smoker in the $400-600 range. I have been eyeing up the Louisiana Smoker available from Costco for $599, but I would love to hear what some of you guys would do in my situation.

This is a great forum and I've enjoyed lurking and learning different smoking techniques and recipes. Thanks for the help! Smokeless in Maryland :(

EDIT- I should have added, I used my smoker frequently and while it's not always the case, I found that the 30" was a little tight for the amount of food I prepare. I would like to stick with a vertical smoker.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

What did amazon ship you? I assume its garbage or you wouldn't be on here asking for advice on other smokers haha.

Don't know much about the Louisiana from Costco but I believe it is a vertical pellet smoker. If you go the pellet route I have seen guys pull some great food off of the Pit Boss brand and I think they run in that price range.

I have a Cabela's sportsman edition 40" MES and love it. Since you are familiar with the MES30 I would for sure get the 40" if you go back the MES route. Its well worth the extra money. Lots of people say they love the "smokin it" smokers but don't know a ton about them.

 

[JC in GB]

I don't know much about electric smokers. I love my Stump's Baby. If you can save the $$ it is well worth it IMHO.....

 

[Norwester55]

Smokin-It has a 10% off sale on the #2. $467 with the discount but I'd recommend getting the Jerky Drier ($100) or building one for about 1/4 of the price. These things are very well insulated and you'll need it for jerky or sausage.
https://www.smokin-it.com/Smoker-p/smkmdl2-gen3.htm

 

[pounce]

As the subject says it is time for a new smoker.

It might be helpful if you describe your needs and desires in the new smoker. If you cook for your family or for parties etc might help with sizing. Maybe you can describe what you like about electric vs some other options line pellet. A product can be a personal choice, but if you have specific needs it can help narrow down the options faster.

 

[sandyut]

have you looked at the Rec Tec options?

 

[HHYak]

I am very green when it comes to smoking. My 4th round, 3 rainbows and a Koke, are cooking now :) I have to say that the Pit Boss came highly recommended, and she hasn't let me down. She seems to be getting better with each session when it comes to temperature control.

I have tried Al's famous ribs twice, both amazing, and some salmon that my picky eating kid asked to have every day. Its been great. At this point I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[tomd8]

I second a Smokin It smoker. After using one for nearly a year and it's "set it and forget it"...no adjustment nonsense as you smoke. Beats my Masterbuilt hands down. I upped the size a bit to a #3 but you could go with a #2 which is approx size of an MB. You use very little wood...one filling only, 100% stainless steel, heavy duty removable racks and hangers, sloped bottom to collect grease, very well insulated, great interior design for easy foil cover and cleanup to name a few features. Electronic temp controller models are available but I opted for the old reliable analog control.