yeh i use an 8" cast iron pan on mine, thats all i could find at the time. and from the picture i figured you were using pellets.. i always keep pellets on hand as well as chunks. i moved from a stick burner to propane because i live in an apartment now. and im glad i made the decision on this XL model, tons of room and soo many things can go on 1 grate let alone all of em. i pulled the water pan right outta there, all dry chamber for me. as for the boudain,well my familys from beaumont,TX..family has DEEEEEEEPPPPP cajun roots. lol. everytime i go back home theres guaranteed to be a big HUGE pot of gumbo, crawfish boilin, smokers rollin, and boudain being torn to bits...lol.