Last year, my wife and I visited some relatives. They treated us to a Rib Fest with smoked baby back and country style. WOW, I was hooked. Purchased my first smoker (being a little cautious) from Lowes. It's a Electric MasterForge $70 worth. I want to know a couple of things before I get started. I saw another member ask about his Brinkman, which is similar to the MasterForge and was instructed on some modifications. Does the MasterForge require these modifications? Second, the heating element has some small lava rocks to spread under it. . . are these sufficient? Finally, in using wood chips - are they put right on top of the heating element? O did one mod already by installing a upgraded digital thermometer.