I'm Gil D. from the Houston area. I'm a long time wood smoker guy; have owned Lifetyme and Tejas smokers (still have my Tejas), and I've made some pretty good BBQ in the past, but always frustrated, not only by how hard it is to maintain temp, but by having to tend the woodbox so often. So I decided to do a bunch of research on electric smokers and everything I could find led me to Cookshack. So I took the plunge and ordered an SM045 which should get here next week (May 24th), just in time for Memorial day Weekend. Already, I have all kinds of orders from my relatives for all kinds of BBQ that weekend. Can't wait to get started. I've already spent a good amount of time reading the cookshack forums and realize that there's a world of difference in the techniques I'll need to learn. Hope you veterans are patient, as I'm sure I'll ask lots of questions. Look forward to good cooking in the future and hope to make some good on line "smoker" friends. Talk soon.