I went through the exact same thought process and it helped me justify going with the 240v system. My apprehension was doing the electrical work myself but not wanting to get electrocuted it I made a mistake.
My first smoker was built from an old refrigerator back in the 1980's when smoking anything was a major commitment of time and used to involve a lot of alcohol. But after the wife and kids came along both free time and alcohol have fallen a few rungs down the ladder of priorities. So I've been...
To me brewing is a craft. I enjoy the challenge of mastering the process as much as the pleasure of consuming and sharing my creations. Although efficency is also a goal.
I'm new to the forum but not new to brewing. Have been through the evolution of extract brewing on the kitchen stove to garage brewing with propane and now moving to an electric setup in my basement. I look forward to learning and sharing on this forum.