Hi, My name is Allen and I have been smoking meat off and on for 8 years. I have been to 2 BBQ cook-offs in Mo. last year with some friends, and this year was at the K.C. BBQ Soc. Cook Off in Mo. and will be partcipating in the American Royal Oct 4-7, 2007 with the same people as last year. I consider myself a beginner cause there is soo much to learn and perfect. I have 2 smokers #1 is a Brinkmann Gourmet Smoker and #2 is Pitmaster. I live in Iowa so we get all kinds of weather.