Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker

I have had the 30 version for about 2 years. I'm guessing it will be identical, other than wider shelves.

It's pretty great, overall. If your friend was going to cook in the backyard for groups, it'll make life extremely easy.

Temp fluctuation is nearly nonexistent.
Smoke control is separate from heat, so you can really dial your taste in once you get the hang of it.
Recovers easily without overshooting when opened, and insulation keeps heat in well.

Cons:
Taste is great, but not as good as charcoal and/or wood. I give it a 8/10 there. If he doesn't BBQ yet, he won't care. If he does, he may notice.
Little to no smoke ring.
Illegal in competition.

These cons may not be an issue for the right person. If not, he will be SUPER happy. I still use mine all the time, even with the drawbacks.

As far as capacity, he won't be feeding ribs to 20 people, but my 30 can handle 2-4 butts (2 10lb ers or 4 6lb ers) with NO trouble.

I cook for 20 a couple times a year with very little issue - I usually do 2 big pork butts overnight at 230, and when it's done I remove and rest for a couple hours while I crank it to 275 to do 30-40 chicken thighs. It's a feast for at least 30 with no problems.

I have the MES 40, the newer version with the 1200 watt element, like the one MB is selling now. The smoker works very well. I don't smoke meat on it any more since I own an Assassin GF, but I do routinely use it to make bacon wrapped japs. In the past, I've smoked lots of excellent Q on it - chicken, turkey, pork butts, pork loins, etc. It does really well overnight, doesn't have to be "tended". I do feed it wood chips the first few hours of a meat smoke, when it is most important to have smoke present, but usually went to sleep and let 'er go.

Your friend will be able to do outstanding Q on the MES 40, no worries. As an aside, can't ever do comp's on it, comp's don't allow electric - FYI.

Good luck.