This was a gift.  I was previously using a Weber propane grill.  I wanted to have more flavor during the smoking process, so we switched back to using charcoal.  It's a very nice unit.  One of the newer features is the propane gas charcoal lighter.  It's efficient, and the charcoals are able to burn on their own after 5 minutes of assist from the propane starter.    I like to cook my steaks at about 375 degrees.  I seem to need more charcoal than expected.  I will close the lid dampners to control the smoking affect and the air dampners below to control the cooking temperatures. I have had to make my own markings for air dampner positions to indicate slight, 1/2, and fullly closed.  I'm able to get medium rare 2" steaks but will use the higher temperatures to get a nice charcoal seared appearance.  This might be fun.. Thanks.