Best smoker under $400

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Had a couple extra hours today so I went to look at smokers. First went to Home Depot, they had a masterbuilt 2 door #20050412 for $179 but it was still in the box so I couldn't look at it. Second they had a brinkman #810-5534-s also in the box $149. Next went to Menards, they had nothing but electric. A smoke hollow $160 and bradley $259 and one for $279. Next went to Lowes, They had zero smokers in the store (???). And lastly I went to Wal-mart and they also didn't have any in the store. I have 1 more place to stop and see and that is Gander mountain.

I was really hoping to actually see some of the smokers before buying one.
 
Went to gander mountain today, they have 2 smoke hollows and I think I'm going to buy the 38" model. Said he would let me have it for $199, the sale price from Christmas.
 
Bought the smoke hollow 38" today from Gander Mountain. The only problem was the water bowl was dented and some paint missing in that area. A 30 second phone call and that was fixed, getting a new one shipped out. Here are some pictures (I hope)

how it looks out of the box


And with the door open:


As you can see, some boxes were crushed. Only 1 problem with the contents though, and that is the water pan has a dent:


And all the parts unpacked:


It was very easy to assemble. Just used 1 Phillips head screw driver, it also says a wrench but I never used it. You DO NOT get any extra nuts so don't loose any! And all finished, don't want to season it yet because its raining here (for the 2nd time this year I think)


The shelves are all adjustable, many holes along the sides.
 
Okay I gotta ask, where in Wisconsin are you, I am in in Wausau and I wish I had seen this post sooner.
 
 
I have the same Smoke Hallow rig. I think it works great. Still have some leaks around the door but no problems holding temps. Like other units you have to learn the corks but over all I love it. I had the same dent in the water pan. Works well with chips and I throw in some chunks to sustain. I am gonna order a-maz-n tube to make life easier. Enjoy
 
I will be cooking in the new smoker tomorrow. The butt and ribs are seasoned and resting in the fridge now. When I did the seasoning of the smoker there was a little smoke leaking out the door but not alot. I may look into a green egg felt strip if it (the door) leaks alot. I also bought the maverick temp probes to make sure what I'm cooking at.

A huge thank you to every one here! I looked around the site alot and read alot. So many people helped without even knowing it!
 
Cooked up some pork butt and spare ribs today. The smoker did not leak much smoke at all and it held dead solid temps. The only thing is at the very lowest setting my temp only got down to 200-205 degrees. So if you plan on cold smoke I don't think this would be a good option for you. I had a full rack of spare ribs fit onto 1 rack and I could have fit 2 shoulders on 1 rack. This could cook alot of food!
 
Cooked up some pork butt and spare ribs today. The smoker did not leak much smoke at all and it held dead solid temps. The only thing is at the very lowest setting my temp only got down to 200-205 degrees. So if you plan on cold smoke I don't think this would be a good option for you. I had a full rack of spare ribs fit onto 1 rack and I could have fit 2 shoulders on 1 rack. This could cook alot of food!
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Glad the smoke hollow is working for you, I have been happy with mine.  My biggest complaint is I am burning through propane very fast with the two burners.
 
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