Just keep checking with Craigslist or any local pottery making places, you will be able to score one of these ( you really don't care if the elements or the electronics work), you are looking for one of a decent size where the bricks are mostly intact. A few broken places here and there are fine for a smoker.
When I get a chance I am going to try charcoal in it just to try it. But for now,the electric works great.
What I really like is the way it holds the temp and just doesn't vary due to the insulation.
Only negative I see for now, is that for long smokes (more than 3 hours), you may have to open it up, take the trays out to refill the chip pan. But because the insulated bricks hold the heat, bringing it back to proper temp is very quick.
But I wanted a smoker I could use in the winter, and this fits what I needed to a "T".
Smoke a whole chicken in it the other day, butterflied. One hour in smoke then an hour + in foil until the internal temp was 180....perfect feast. meat just falling off the bones.
