So far so great. No lighting, no gas, no charcoal. Turn the knob to the temperature and flip the switch and it heats up. So far I've smoked a 9# brisket, grilled steaks, and burgers. I love it!! My plan is to kill a wild hog and smoke it. We guide alligator, teal and doves in Texas and on the property are hogs and I want to smoke one for my clients. I've had the grill for about 2 weeks.