I'm in SE MN and I just smoked my first butt yesterday. I got the 30" MES after Christmas. It just got warm and dry enough to give it a shot. I've got an old Weber kettle and I'll be getting a Char Broil gas grill in May. The people that sold their house to my sister in-law left it there and it just needs a cleaning. I hunt and fish and can't wait to try a deer leg and maybe some trout on the smoker. I've been monitoring the extension cord post lately. I don't have electricity in my garage and as you know, the weather doesn't always cooperate. I may have to build a makeshift tent on the deck with a tarp if it rains as the garage is 40 ft away. The Food Network adn the local butcher can be blamed for my interest in smoking food. I've got to try burnt ends!