I'd been away from charcoal for about 20 years and this is my first time back.  A buddy had this grill and we had burgers at his place.  He raved about the grill, and the burgers were out of this world!  It's got about all the comforts you could ask for in a grill.  The flip up grill top has been very nice for a few of the long smokes I've done.  Yes, it makes a great smoker too.  I've cooked on it about 4 times now, and the ash pan is a long ways from full, so haven't used that yet.