I pretty much agree with the others above. In making your decision, you need to consider other factors in addition to the flavor advantage of a WSM, that are unique to your situation. Time, is an issue with me, so most of the time I can't tend to a wood/charcoal smoker, unfortunately. So the set it and forget it advantage of my MES works well. No, the quality is probably not as good a WSM, all things being equal. But if your preparation methods and techniques are good, then your end product will be good with a MES, bottom line.