I've got two of the exact Masterbuilt propane smokers on my back porch that are in constant use at least once a week without any problems with the functionality of the smoker. The ease of use is great. Keeps temperature perfectly. I would highly recommend constructing some kind of a critter guard on the bottom of the unit to keep the local wildlife from following the great residual smells coming from the smoker when not in use, and getting under it and destroying the connections going to thermocouple, ignitor and temperature sensor. The damage hungry raccoons can do the underside of one of these smokers would amaze you. Fixing to replace the control panel for the second time because of the critters. Gonna enclose the bottom with a heavier guage wire this time. Chicken wire is not even close to being strong enough. They chew right thru it.