Owned my weber 26" for 1 year. It was the 1st charcoal cooker ive ever used and owned.  Cooking is a lot of work and i find myself using more and more wood with the charcoal.  I have wasted steaks and other meats but have found myself addicted to the kettle cooker. I keep trying to get better and better. I really enjoy the process.  It is deffinately not as quick and as simple as propane.  I use propane in winter and charcoal in summer. 2 separate bbqs.  I love the weber kettle.  The taste of the food is excellent and the durability is good as well. The weber will definitely last much longer than your typical $400 propane bbq.