I had a charcoal smoker that looked like this one but was a pain to constantly watch and keep stoked. I replaced it with this as I couldn't devote my day to babysitting a smoker.This one is so easy to use, well insulated, constant temp. and allows wood chips to be inserted without opening the door. I have made a small turkey, pork roast and other meats in this smoker and even my fussy wife was blown away with the amazing flavour and texture that this smoker produced.