I am in North Central Iowa...I use foil for sure...I don't clean or degrease, just vacuum occasionally and scrape grate. Was using a Char Griller (Lowe's cheap version of Traeger) for 4 years...I know, ghetto, but it did ALOT of brisket, ribs, you name it. I upgraded to Traeger...not what I wanted exactly, but it puts out alot more smoke than my old one. My favorite thing to smoke is reverse seared Ribeye...smoke to 120 ish, remove for 10 min, then into cast iron skillet with some butter and garlic. I have to have the crispy ness on the steak so I RARELY do steak on smoker. I will do a spatchcocked turkey again this year. I have smoked turkeys the last 5 years, but I really really love spatchcocking them...quick even cook...