Anything pellet, while absolutely convenient, IMO and experience don’t impart as strong a smoke flavor as a charcoal smoker or stick burner… and in fact, they’re lacking in flavor in general when compared to stick burners. There’s something about the convection and all wood fire of a stick burner. You’re gonna get far better bark off a stick burner. Some of the best barbecue I’ve ever made has come off my stick burner.
With all that said, stick burners require you to be present in some form as you have to keep the fire going. With the cheaper ones it’s not as bad as some make it out to be(you can go up to 45 mins/1 hour before needing to add a split) but it’s still something to keep in mind. There’s also a learning curve as well.
If you go this route, I wouldn’t buy anything cheaper than an OK Joe. I wanted something nicer, but living where I live it wasn’t in the budget as the “nicer” smokers with shipping factored in all came to over 2k to get it to me. If you live in the Midwest or east coast you shouldn’t have an issue finding a nice one for far less.
I enjoy smoking meat, so I don’t mind needing to tend the fire and whatnot… especially when I taste what comes off it. If you want to show your buddy what “real smoke flavor” tastes like, get a stick burner.