I have now smoked a 20 pound turkey, pork chops, and I am into my second load of Jerky.  This thing rocks, it has two burners and multiple vents it is designed to be very adjustable based on outside conditions to get the desired temps, if you got it too hot you didnt set up vents right, I have had no issue getting whatever temp I want either run one burner on low if you want 150-175 or adjust as necessary....my 14 year old put it together without help...top vent wide sides closed both burners on low gets me about 225-250 depending on wood burning....best smoker ive owned and ive had three