Loved the way the assassin performed, but it ate through charcoal. And the lack of grease drain REALLY sucks. Makes it so hard to clean
I purchased this guy about a year ago. I have not spent the cook time on it that I have hoped to, maybe four or five cooks. I bought it for a smoker more than a grill and have only used it for smoking; V-Pan and a snake charcoal, have not used the water pan.
Grease management is a nightmare, Exxon Valdez under the ash pan. That is a drag but I still like it, gives up a good product dinner wise. Charcoal usage, I put a row of red bricks up the middle of the fire pan, coals snaked on both sides and get a good time of fire from 18 pounds of brickets + wood chunks, holds an even 250 degree for 12 hours, I love that.
Never used it as a grill or with water pan. My take is it will be a great gill should I go that way. The water pan, it weighs about 20 pounds empty, good luck with dealing with that when dumping with another some pounds of water and grease; wear slickers.
That all sounds negative, it is, but it is a very good smoker, large capacity, dials in temperature easily and stays there, yields a great smoke taste. I have not used it as a grill, I bet it is great in that usage.
I do not regret the purchase, would buy it again, good capacity and fuel usage, good smoke taste. Also good price point and great people to interact with. If you want a Unicorn, well, bite me.