Best electric smoker under $300?

[CS1983]

Anyone have any good luck with more of a budget smoker?

Was looking at the Masterbuilt 40" available at Sam's club for 279 after rebate. Consistent reviews indicate heating element has two problems: 1) doesn't get hot enough to finish with crispy skin on chicken 2) tends to go out after ~2 years.

Not looking to do non-electric. Want a more set and forget experience.

Willing to bump budget IF consistent reviews indicate resilient design.

[SouthPaw]

I have been toying around with this as well so I would be curious to see what people use in this price range.

EDIT:

Not sure if this is the one you are referring to at Sam's but it has great reviews and is $202 on Amazon Prime:

https://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-2...eywords=smoker

[Gunner]

I have a Cabelas branded Masterbuilt. Its been great for me. Easy to use etc, only thing is it doesn't hold a lot of wood.

[buffalobo]

Set and forget is often dependant upon weather conditions.

If you're unarmed you are a victim

[StagLefty]

I know it's not electric but I've been super happy with this and if you follow the directions it's almost a light and forget it.https://www.pitbarrelcooker.com/?gcl...hoC7Y0QAvD_BwE

[CS1983]

Set and forget is often dependant upon weather conditions.

If you're unarmed you are a victim

Is using in garage bad, since it would cut out the weather issue?

[buffalobo]

I have used mine in my shop several times when the wind was blowing 30mph+. No issues and shop smells good for months.

Using in garage is dependant on your risk tolerance(low IMO) and wether you mimd garage and house smelling like smoked food for a while.

I have also used the turkey frier just inside the overhead door of the garage. With appropriate fire extinguishers on hand just in case.

If you're unarmed you are a victim

[ferrum]

Agreed on both accounts for the masternuilt. Mine only goes to 275 degrees and the skin is not crispy , but i dont eat the skin. The connectors on the heating element went out at the 2 year mark, but it is an easy fix. Takes about 20 minutes.

[CS1983]

Agreed on both accounts for the masternuilt. Mine only goes to 275 degrees and the skin is not crispy , but i dont eat the skin. The connectors on the heating element went out at the 2 year mark, but it is an easy fix. Takes about 20 minutes.

How often did you use it prior to it going out?

[ferrum]

I use it 2-3 times a month in the summer and fall. Not much in the spring or winter. So figure 30 times , at most, before the connectors failed. Fixed it 2 years ago with heavy duty connectors and has worked fine since then