Hello everyone! As you can see I am new to site, and new to smoking. I'd say my smoking IQ is right around zero, but I look forward to learning from any advice I can get on here. My desire to start making my own sausages has led me to smoking (and cheesemaking-but I am going to leave that alone until I start getting the hang of this). I do not yet have a smoker, but I am currently in the market for one. I was hoping to get some insight on what type youe guys would recommend for a beginner, is it better to have a simpler, new-fangled electric type that takes biscuits and does not need to be constantly tended, or should I learn the ropes with a wood or charcoal or even a LP model??? What did you guys start with? Anyway my name is Tommy, and I am 33 years old and live in NJ by the Jersey shore (and I'm nothing like the people on the stupid show), I work construction and I enjow the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and cooking and eating! Looking forward to learning much from all of you journeyman (and women). Thank you!