My name is Pete and have been smoking meat for a few years, using a propane Brinkman smoker...it finally broke down so after much researching, I bought a Masterbuilt 40". I am a retired law enforcement officer and my wife still works as a detention officer for the sheriff's office. I am looking forward to learning all I can about smoking food...currently smoking my first brisket in the new smoker as well as smoking two boston butts and a turkey for our Christmas on Wednesday. This is a great way to exchange information a recipes. I guess I'm going to be fishing a lot more next season...