This whole idea of trying to get the authentic taste that a stick burner offers has led me to use lump charcoal instead of briquettes in my WSM. I wanted the purest form of wood char that I could get. As stated above briquettes could be used, but I chose to go with lump for the entire smoking process.
I don't own a stick burner, but I get great bbq taste by using B&B Oak lump and adding small chunks of hickory & white oak for smoke taste during the cook on my WSM.
I moved off a wsm and to a stick burner as i preferred the cleaner light smoke. I figured its a factor of the minion burn and did consider adding lit fuel only. Lately if i want a no fuss cook its on the kettle with a snake setup and that silly wood infused charcoal. Gives that lighter flavor.