I do recommend tapping it on your palm or a hard surface ...
There a lot of reviews for this product so I will keep this short. I have used the same device quite frequently for just under two years, and I still have not felt the need to replace it. I do add a dryer sheet to the intake to help with moisture; though, I will be trying cotton balls based on another review. As others have suggested, I do recommend tapping it on your palm or a hard surface to shake up the charcoal. I personally threw away the caps as I used my Smoke Buddy often enough that it was an annoyance to have to cap/uncap it.
Rating: 5 stars