So I want one. I have an extra $100 in amazon gift cards waiting to be used and I've wanted to get a smoker for a while.
I've heard mixed reviews on electric smokers. Mainly what I hear is that it's difficult to get smoke from them and a lack of the smoke ring effect. Propane seems to make the most sense, as I already have a propane grill and it will be nice to have something to use if the power goes out. Propane is also relatively easy to maintain heat with as well.
But the thing I've found in online reviews of propane smokers is that they are difficult to get to a lower temperature (sub 225 degrees). While a lot of stuff can be done in the 225-260 range, I would like to have the ability to go lower than that for smoking vegetables and sausages. Usually in the 175-195 range.
I see the Camp Chef Smoke Vault get good reviews, but I've also seen some reports online that they have trouble keeping it under 250 (or even 300!!) degrees. Any other suggestions I should research?
I've also run across this article:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/needle-valves-for-gassers Claims that one way to fix the high temperature issue is to install a needle valve. Anyone tried this?