I have been contemplating purchasing this WSM 18" for the last three years. I finally bit the bullet (pun intended) and I can't stop kicking myself for not purchasing it three years ago! I prefer charcoal smokers to electric smokers. Up until now I have been using my 22" Weber Kettle Charcoal grill with indirect cooking to smoke food. Besides the great taste, I love the "tending" to the smoker that charcoal smokers require. However, I have to say that the WSM is great at holding temp once you get to the temp you desire and then close the bottom dampers to approx. 25%. This is what I love most about this product. Plus in my experience, there is no better quality in grill products as Weber.