I dont mind cleaning the grates after each use,, lil scrubby pad cleans it up nicely, especially if I remembered to spray it with non stick first. I would love to do a low n slow cook but outside temp is now up in the low to mid 90's, I just cant seem to get any smoke from this one when I run at 170 - 190,, roughly as it is just the older thermo on the door. It seems to smoke okay at 225 though so I am guessing, its just the thermostat doesnt want to kick in enough. But I did a 7lbs pork shoulder last weekend , took 14hours,, wife was very happy with the tenderness though not enough of a smoke ring. I ran it at 185 the whole time. She went out after and got me a huge 14lbs pork butt, I will need at least a 12 pack to see that one through, probably start around midnight or 10pm even ;) She wants a better rub,, says its not the same flavor as the very first one I did,, I have no clue what reciepe I used then. I have been going with brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili pepper, black pepper, sea salt, papirika and cayenne mixture. She cant tell me what flavor she is looking for, I have no clue. All I can do is cook it well enough so when she tests with the tongs, it falls apart. The cooking part I am okay with I guess :) The flavor is up to her as a non smoker to decide. 10 hours of smoking,, n me smoking / beer . My taste buds are shot lol.