Over a period of 40 years, this is my third Weber Kettle. I use it with charcoal (not with briquettes) and the heat is easy to control thanks to the vent in the cover and the one under the charcoal. No more fires (from grease falling on the hot coals) in the kettle: close the cover and vents and you get beautiful smoke to give more taste to your food. Also, with its ash collector, there is little risk of burning my wood patio. I highly recommend!