for years i used a charcoal smoker, and was tired of the rusting out issue, was going to buy a gas and a friend recomended the electric, money well spent, i am happier with the electric than i ever was the charcoal smoker, mine is a brinkman.

Here check this one out it's a fine hassle free smoker. They are pricey but you can get a good deal on Ebay. www.bradleysmoker.com/home.htm

I'm new to smoker's, but found a great deal at Gander Mountain in Novi Michigan yesterday (wed 12/15). I believe there sale last through the weekend and is marked at being available only at Novi, but I'm sure other stores may have something similar going on.

I picked up a Stailness Steel Smokin Tex electric smoker (model 1400), which was marked clearence price at $299, then they had another 25% off sale. So I picked up a smoker easily valued over $450 for $225.

They also had accessories clearence priced also for the Smokin Tex. The cover goes for $39.95 and I picked that up for $7.

I hope it works well, I have to wait til after Christmas to try it as it's a gift to the wife and I from Santa.

Neither. The gas ones have burners that rust and stay clogged up. The electric ones have a heating element that burns out pretty quickly. Charcoal tastes better and lasts longer. Have been smoking meat for 25+ years.