The 26 can do everything you need it to, including smoking a 15 lb brisket low and slow. Im betting the kettle lasts longer than else you can buy at this price, but ther is one improvement i wish it had; a better front leg. The stability is ok/ could be better, but the thing is heavy, you continually fight lifting it too shallow and having the leg catch, or lifting too mich where you feel like the kid will fall backward. A front leg wheel would be best fir this size, ir even better the wheel assembly you get on the summit charcoal grill.