I may be a purist, but the only way to truly smoke is with wood. I know there will be plenty that say "electric, propane, pellet, etc." are easier and don't require all the tending and technique involved with wood, but for my money the work involved only adds to the appreciation with the final product. As the old adage goes, just because something is easier, doesn't make it better. BTW, I've been doing this way for 30+ years, was taught by my father and grandfather, and still learn something new with each smoke, which probably adds to the romance of tending the smokehouse. Enjoying the quiet tranquility of it all allows for memories from my youth to come rushing back and keep me connected to those who have passed on to the big smokehouse in the sky. Just one "woodies" opinion.