For my first question... Im looking to get into smoking cheaply and like the look of these 2 smokers. The seemingly popular MES is on sale at Cabelas for $130 and this Brinkman http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brinkmann-Vertical-Electric-Smoker/15118570 is about the same cost. Opinions on which way to go? It seems there are a ton of people with the MES on the forums and the insulated walls seem like they would be a big help. But I also read a few posts saying it cant go hotter than 250? Or is that an older model, because the cabelas add says 100-400F. On the other hand the double doors on the brinkman seem nicer since it would prevent heat and smoke loss when refilling chips, but I've read more bad reviews than good on it saying the door seals badly and the thermometer is junk. So it seems I may be leaning toward the MES unless you guys can point out something Ive missed or can suggest better in the same price range. Thanks for any input.