i think you do best going with a plastic one for a year or so. i've done that this year, mostly because i would never have forgiven myself if i had brought a proper one and then lost interest however it's had the opposite effect, i'm addicted and will defo buy one for next year. also i can vouch that the plastic ones are just as effective at starting things off. only thing i don't like about mine is it's tiny and wish i had a bigger, walk-in type.