I'm looking at both an electric smoker (MES 440 OR MES 140) and a pellet smoker (Traeger 575 Pro).
I love to cook and to BBQ but am new to smoking. The appeal of electric to me was that it seemed very easy to control heat and to use (I intended to use the A-maze-n smoker tube). My concern about it of course is how well they work and how long they last. The Traeger, from my research seems to be pretty easy to operate as well, but imparts a bit more smokey flavor. I believe it will be more expensive to buy and pellets would run me more than woodchips.
I initially thought I would be happy with my purchase if I bought the cheaper electric smoker. However, I'd rather something that lasts me for a bit more money, and something that I won't be upset with the final product. I know a proper wood/coal smoker may be better for overall flavor and smoke rings, but I'm trying to make smoking a bit simpler for myself.
I like in an area that has snow at least 6-7 months of the year, and probably averages -4 F in that time, and though I probably would not go outside to smoke things at that temperature I would like to be able to when it's 5 F TO 15 F. Though our summers are warm. I would like to smoke things like brisket (eventually), ribs, wings, and probably cold smoke salmon and cheeses.
I love to cook and to BBQ but am new to smoking. The appeal of electric to me was that it seemed very easy to control heat and to use (I intended to use the A-maze-n smoker tube). My concern about it of course is how well they work and how long they last. The Traeger, from my research seems to be pretty easy to operate as well, but imparts a bit more smokey flavor. I believe it will be more expensive to buy and pellets would run me more than woodchips.
I initially thought I would be happy with my purchase if I bought the cheaper electric smoker. However, I'd rather something that lasts me for a bit more money, and something that I won't be upset with the final product. I know a proper wood/coal smoker may be better for overall flavor and smoke rings, but I'm trying to make smoking a bit simpler for myself.
I like in an area that has snow at least 6-7 months of the year, and probably averages -4 F in that time, and though I probably would not go outside to smoke things at that temperature I would like to be able to when it's 5 F TO 15 F. Though our summers are warm. I would like to smoke things like brisket (eventually), ribs, wings, and probably cold smoke salmon and cheeses.