I have really enjoyed learning to use the Cuisinart smoker. As a novice, I found the unit extremely easy to setup and get started. I found the units size to be perfect for my small back porch. It fits nicely in one corner and the height doesn't require me to constantly bend over when using. 

Within the first week, I smoked two briskets and an amazing rack of pork ribs. I highly recommend starting small with a chicken or ribs - a brisket takes a long time and can be tricky until you get the hang of it.

The only issues I had include:
1) one of the clips that secures the bottom of the unit did not line up and therefore could not be latched
2) the lid of the smoker is often difficult to secure once the unit heats up
3) the built-in thermometer doesn't seem very accurate and it's hard to gauge the temperature on the lower rack.