Considering the AmeriQue for family get togethers and parties.

The easy answer is yes,all of the above.

Most will suggest you start out reading the different forums,Smokin' Okie's 101 s,and the guide for new users.

You'll find more approaches,techniques,and information than you can use by the end of the year.

I received my Amerique this past Tuesday. I am writing this on Friday and the smoker has hardly been shutdown since I got it. I have 9 racks of ribs in it at this very moment. Just a couple of thoughts for you.
1. The Amerique is awesome. Great quality and easy to use.
2. Read the forum as it is full of tips and ideas.
3. Don't let the forum mislead you. Reading the forum you can get the impression that smoking the meat properly is difficult when it is not. Many of the posts in the forum are people trying to improve and perfect their skill. It doesn't mean they ruined thier meat, it just wasn't exactly what they are shooting for. Other posts are from people who have never smoked meat and are coming from their grilling perspective. The point is you will like just about anyting you cook. Everything I have cooked has been awesome (butts, chickens, sausage and ribs).
4. Believe the forum as it relates to wood. It is a little hard to believe that 2 small chunks can provide that much smoke but they do. I have yet to cook anything with over 2 small chunks and everything has been perfect except chickens which were a little too smoke flavored.

Good luck, and hurry up and order. You are missing out on good cooking.

Thanks for the responses Tom and ThePreacher, I will continue to read the forums and keep looking for ideas. I have been pondering a quality smoker for about a year now, I can not wait to enjoy the first haul

Bored: Go for the AmeriQue. I have had mine 1-1/2 years and have loved it. You will never make a better purchase!

I was one of the first to buy the Amerique. I agree with tigerfan.

I cooked 4 whole "Smart" chickens for Thanksgiving and they came out tender, moist, and tasty with one small piece of wood.

Ribs, Brisket, Pork all turn out great with very little effort on my part. I just load it, drink beverages, and let the probe take the meats to completion. It does not get any better than that.