Thats a serious rig there... I only smoke a couple of times a year so a Brinkman charcoal smoker works well for me. I get a little bonfire going and use pieces of wood form that for my main source to get it going and keep it ideal. The electric/ propane units seem ideal if you smoke alot or have difficulty getting and keeping temperature right.

JW...
I smoke a lot and do not have a ' Smoker' I like my way very good.

A. I got a cheap 100.00 gas grill..

B. I drilled a 1/2 inch hole in the hood and inserted a thermometer..very important..25.

C. I bought { But can be made} from Walmart a fire book..it's a simple metal box. 5 x 8 inches and 2 inches deep..solid metal except for thr top which has holes in it.

D. Fill fire box with wet wood chips.{ I use either fruit wood or hickory}

E. Lay fire box beside lit burner..and only light one side of the grill..

F. Put meat on the opposite side of the grill .{ Side not lit}

OPTION..you can put a small dish of water in there to add for moiture..

WORKS VERY WELL

With smoking I try to keep heat around 250..but totally up to you. I smoked salmon last night..VERY GOOD at the end I layed salmon on the fire side to brown it good.


JW..if I was to buy a smoker..it would be gas or electric..I had the coal type before..cost you an arm and a leg in coal and I had a hard time keeping it hot enough..My rig is working great...no need to change.

I have both propane & electric. For all weather smokeing I prefer my big block GOSM it's awesome. As for the electric I have the master built 40 with the window. Works well but is weather challenged. I should add the one I have is only 800 or 850 watts. Last yr they came out with the same modle with 1200 watts. Which might buc the weather better but I don't know. Gl & good eats.

I like My Treager for Smoking it is also Awesome but in the winter it is a little challenged i am wanting to buy a bigger one for doing Summer Sausage and Pepperoni.
I live in Central Oregon.

I love the Big Green Egg for smoking & slow cooking, set the temp. & 12 to 16 hours later temperture is right on the same degree you left it !