My name is Chris and I am from Long Island, NY. Been cooking and grilling for about 12 years and I can honestly say that food is a hobby for me. My smoking has been limited to using my weber (gas) and some homemade foil smoking packets with mixed results. I was finally ready to take the plunge when my dad was hounding me about what I wanted for my birthday. After reading some helpful reviews and ideas on simple mods I decided on the Masterbuilt Dual Fuel Pro. Got up early yesterday and seasoned it as per the directions and later that night smoked some chicken thighs (dying to use it so I wanted to do something that would be quick). Put some pre sliced beef back ribs in this morning and a 5 lbs pork shoulder with some apple wood. Ribs were done in time for lunch and really had a great smoke flavor... Can't wait for dinner! We'll I am looking forward to sharing my trials and tribulations as a novice smoker and thank you all for your helpful posts that have gotten me started and will continue to guide me.