[keeperofsecrets]

I have only used the A1 Competition Smoker which I use for catering and home cooking. Firebox is plenty big, so dismiss the old concerns. The only thing that has gone south is the grate inside the firebox, which has begun to fall apart after 6 years. She runs between 225 and 280 with a sweet spot at around 250.

I only recently constructed a shelter for the beast, so it has been exposed to the elements for the 6 years I have had it. Still solid.

My version has a firewood storage and gas fryer. At one end is a direct fire pit, although it is the least useful thing on the unit. If I had it to do again, I would take the option to "Add Griddle with lid and fold out prep area" and in the process lose the grill on the end. That adds another $1,800 to the total, but I have found no use whatever to the grill. Maybe you will have better luck.

Capacity
I have put 24 St. Louis ribs flat at once in the cooker and 16 butts at once.