Ray,
Entry level smokers come in all gambits of fuel sources. Read some reviews on the Masterbuilts. I think they are prone to fires but I couldn't swear to it. I've smoked for the last 15 years on a propane unit and just recently bought a high end electric. The electric is great but I still favor the propane for a lot of things and think it is more versatile. The electrics tend to have tight temperature limits like a max of 250. I like having more control of higher temps when needed with the gas. What are you thinking as a high end of your budget?
Dave