I started with upright barrel charcoal which I paid about 60 or 70 bucks for. But it didn't last long. Maybe two years before it started falling apart. I have a propane Cabinet smoker that has lasted a while even though I have replaced the burner a couple of times. Those run around $150 to 200.
I recommend the Traeger Pro 22. It's smaller and doesn't have all the whizzBang whizzy gizzets some of the really expensive ones have. But at the price point, it's hard to beat. On sale, they run about $450 and outright $500 bucks.
For reference. I used my upright barrel and Cabinet smoker 3 maybe 4 times year. I got my Traeger in May and have probably used it 30 to 35 times already this year. Upfront is pricey but you can use it as a grill, smoker, and even an oven. It holds temperature well. If you have a remote meat thermometer you never have to open the smoker until the meat has had the temp you want. It truly is set it and forget it. I put in pellets set the temp put the meat on. Put a temp probe in it and I don't have to look at it until it hits temperature or the time I wanted to cook it is up. I'm doing a 6 hour cook today. I opened it up to put the meat on. at 3 hours I wrapped it in foil and after a few more hours I will take it out to rest for an hour before we pull it. Most of the time I just open it up once to put the meat in and another to take it off. Thats it. I get credit for an extravagant meal and in reality, it's easier than frying eggs most of the time.
