I can now do long cooks without having to go out every hour to add wood. This product is the best of both worlds , it can go for long low and slow smokes ( up to 12 hrs so far and probably had another 4-5 hrs of fuel left ) using actual wood and charcoal not processed pellets for true bbq smoke flavor BUT can also sear steaks etc at super hot temps . I would definately reccomend and the price point is exceptional considering one unit can do it all