Hankdad1
is one Smokin' Farker
Wondering if this would be a good upgrade from my CharGriller Smoking Pro?
Would like something to use during the winter months.
IMHO yes.
I bought mine over a year ago and haven't touched my WSM or Weber kettles since. The Akorn is very efficient and nearly weather and wind proof. I've grilled and smoked year round with great results. The only unknown is longevity, again I've had mine 1 1/2 years with no problems.
The only mods I have made on mine are buying a Weber grill grate and 16" pizza pan as a diffuser.
Read through this thread, Search "jmseltzer" on the search bar at the bottom of this page, and look at the posts and videos on his forum http://www.kamadoguru.com/