Had this for about two years and still going strong! I went with this model so I could set it and forget it (for the most part). No more getting up every hour to check temperature on a 17 lb brisket! get up once in the middle of the night to add wood chips than back to bed! Also, I live in the high desert mountains with cold temps and strong winds but this smoker consistently holds the proper temperature! This unit provides Great wood smoke favor on everything I cook! I would and have recommended this smoker to friends!