I think there are many "better values" than ANY of the "cheap" electric box smokers.
But - value means - just like the common recommendation here, and on every other forum I know of - buy a Weber if you want a durable gas grill....
In this case - buy a Smokin' Tex, or a Smokin' It, or a CookShack - if you want a dependable, real stainless steel, commercial insulation filled box smoker. And - one that will last for as long as you will.
Yeah - they cost more.....
And, a Weber costs a lot more than a Char-Broil, or any of the other well known - but considerably cheaper brands. But - they last.....and the work....
My point is that, an electric box style smoker can be a good tool in your arsenal. But, like every other tool, if it is not a quality built one....it will let you down. Spend enough to be happy. Sometimes the worst deal - is the cheap one....
.
Disclosure: I have owned Masterbuilt, Cajun, and Bradley. They all failed me. Always when I needed them to work, and had a lot of folks counting on me for dinner. I have owned - and still own - a Smokin' Tex 1405 for several years...never fails to work.
So - don't give up on the type of cooker. Just think about getting one that is simple, and well built. Smokin' Tex, or a Smokin' It, or a CookShack will all last, and last, and last....The box they are shipped in weighs more than the Masterbuilt and those class of cookers
. They only have a dial on them for temp. control. No fancy parts to fail.