To add on...
Basting was common place in traditional Texas steer cooks over open coals...L.B.J. style.
Prior to the modernization of stick-burners and converted oil drum smokers, they were drafty, requiring frequent basting.
Given the airtight construction of Cookshack elecric smokers, basting is strictly optional. The only downside, as Vicki points out, is the additional time needed due to heat loss when the door is opened.
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