This was a gift to me on my birthday. I had always wanted one but couldn't really justify the expense when i already have a typical silver smoker, a 4-burner potable grill/griddle, a custom made small grill and a pellet grill.... all of what i use monthly. Well that changed once i cooked on the Big Joe! Wholly Molly, what a taste. Now i have bought a blower, temp gauge package and I use my Joe nearly every week. The meats cook evenly, smoke is intense and I love the set it and leave it abilities similar to my pellet pit.