Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The only reason this smoker gets 4 stars is because of the reviews and would get 5 stars without the extra work... I was in the market for a smoker and wanted an upgrade from my can-style smoker to an offset style. I was planning on spending $500 to get a "good" one, but changed my mind after reading reviews of many 5 star rated smokers. Many had intricate and electrical parts that, if failed, would require an impossible return process of breaking down a used smoker and shipping it back. This one is $150, and if you follow the other reviews to modify it properly, will work like a champ. After receiving the smoker the first step was assembly, which may require a soft mallet and a board to hammer it back to straight edges. What I would say is a necessary part of the assembly is using high heat silicone to seal up all the grooves, the thermometer, chimney and the handle of the smoker door on the outside of the smoker. Also, using a rockwool type gasket to line the doors of the smoker and charcoal box so they have a tighter seal is vitally important. Just order them with the smoker, trust me. I also lined the inside with heavy duty foil which helps (the metal is made in China and very thin). I HIGHLY recommend the review posted by V. Trice and his YouTube video... this was super helpful. As far as the end product my 1st run of ribs was as good as I've ever cooked. 2 racks of baby backs took 5 hours total time. One comment I did not see in any review was that a large amount of charcoal/wood is needed. Filling the charcoal basket to full or even overflowing is necessary. It may use a bit more coal than normal but charcoal is cheap compared to great bbq. THANKS VINCENT!