It is a smoker not a BBQ and they state that, cant sear a steak but thats not what its for. My issue is consumer affairs reviews 3/5 stars. Many stating warranty issues and mechanical/ electrical problems, operating problems and consistency. I know two people who have had them and in less than two years had to replace them completely. For a smoker that costs over a grand some closer to 2 even 3 thousand dollars I expected more, A LOT more. Saying that I have had good food off of one, but much better off of wood charcoal smokers and grills.