It's normal to get some smoke from the top. You will notice some from where it plugs into side of smoker too,mainly when you open smoker door .No big deal .Still beats loading the chip tray every 30 minutes and you can use a variety of smoking material,split chunks,pellets,chips,and broken up lump charcoal . It is a must have for the MES. Oh yeah ,you don't have to mess with that hook to attach it .Just push it snug up against the side of the smoker and you are good. You can mess with the adjustable legs a little to get it to lean in a bit,keeps it snug.