Recived this as a father's day gift, the set up was easy, and ready by the next weekends planned function. The 18" is definltly a perfect balance, Not so large to take up extra space, but BIG enough to get two huge picnic Hams or whole pork butts done to perfection or pork on bottom and 2 whole chickens on top, Low and slow, easy to judge and keep a steady temp with minimal feeding of coals and chunks of your favorited wood for smoking. And great results, what else could you ask for.