Best Beginner Electric Smoker-Thinking between different brands

[jaybird1103]

I was thinking about smoking meats as a hobby and I wanted to know which would be the best electric smoker for a beginner. I'm looking within the $50-$200 price range.

I am thinking of the following electric smokers:

1. Brinkmann Electric Gourmet Smoker

2. Brinkmann Smoke 'N Grill with Electric Smokeshop Converter

3. Char-Broil Big Easy 2-in-1 Electric Smoker

4. Char-Broil 30" Vertical Electric Smoker

5. Landmann Smoky Mountain Smoker

6. Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker

7. Meco Charcoal/Electric Smoker

8. Master Forge 27.9-in 1500-Watt Matte Black Electric Vertical Smoker

9. Big Chief Electric Smoker

10. Old Smokey Electric Smoker

11. Other (Please specify)

I think all but the first two and the Big Chief have temperature controls.  

Another idea is to get a Backyard Traditions Smoker sold by Fred's Dollar Store and add a Brinkmann or Meco electric converter kit.. It combines the structure of the Brinkmann Gourmet Smoker with the smoking vents of the Weber Smokey Mountain Grill/Smoker (chimney vent with adjusting dial on top of lid and three vents on the bottom). It also has a detailed temperature dial and sausage/meat hooks on it. I am also considering the Big Chief electric smoker and the Old Smokey Electric Smoker.

I like the Big Easy but some have criticized it for its small size.

Any comments, suggestions, or ideas are welcome.

 

[ibbones]

Good morning Jaybird.

  I voted other because I have a different one.  I have had a Brinkman Electric Smoker for a while and didn't really do a whole lot other than chicken and a few other things.  Anyway, my element went out so I researched electric smokers for a few weeks and it came down to make my choice.  I ended up with a Masterbuilt 30" digital smoker from the Big Hunting/Fishing?camping store.  Why did I pick that one?  It's all about the price.  If after a few years I am still excited about still smoking meats, I will replace it with something else.  That is after it stops working.  I still grill foods and cook in the kitchen but we are really enjoying the smoking process.