I got one awhile back but haven't fired it up yet. I'll try and answer some of your questions. 1. I have the 28 qt model with spigot (22 qt does not have one). The lowest setting is 150 degrees with 25 degree increments up to a max of 400 degrees. It also has a 60 minute timer. The controls on mine are manual but they do make one that is digital. 2. Yes, the coils are exposed. The coils are attached to the control assembly and it sits on the side of the unit. 4. Masterbuilt seems to be the most popular,I have also seen one by Charmglow. The turkey fryers seem to be a seasonal item. I got mine on Ebay from a liquidation store. It had never been used,was just missing the breakaway power cord. I called Masterbuilt and got another one.