I read a few of the reviews stating that the grill wouldn't keep hot and Charlie's that up to either inexperienced users or quality of charcoal etc.. Boy was I disappointed to find out they were totally right. Two-zone cooking can only hold stable (ish) if the exhaust vent is positioned directly over your coal bed and all vents are open wide. This leads to the issue of putting just enough charcoal in as required to reach your target temp which is impossible most of the time. But even then, the grill just doesn't get proper airflow as it isn't directly contacting the coal bed, it's flowing over the top of it. If you're doing direct grilling, even with a full chimney of coal the temps just seem to drop steadily after an initial spike. Odd stuff for sure. Its simply a ... MoreI read a few of the reviews stating that the grill wouldn't keep hot and Charlie's that up to either inexperienced users or quality of charcoal etc.. Boy was I disappointed to find out they were totally right. Two-zone cooking can only hold stable (ish) if the exhaust vent is positioned directly over your coal bed and all vents are open wide. This leads to the issue of putting just enough charcoal in as required to reach your target temp which is impossible most of the time. But even then, the grill just doesn't get proper airflow as it isn't directly contacting the coal bed, it's flowing over the top of it. If you're doing direct grilling, even with a full chimney of coal the temps just seem to drop steadily after an initial spike. Odd stuff for sure. Its simply a super poor design having the intakes on the sides now that I think about it, but I really did want the color and the easy carry option that the premium comes with. I should have just gotten myself a Jumbo Joe, which I think I'll do soon. Luckily my Go Anywhere is here to stay and never lets me down.. This one is just going to look pretty in the garage or maybe go to my folks' place to use when I'm there, but I doubt the frustration I've had with it this far will make me want to break it out over there either. This has to be one of the only Weber products I've been disappointed with.

My version has the round four hole vents on the bottom and top. Not on the side for the higher priced model with carry handle. I added a thermometer to mine.This little grill is the best. Quick and easy. Maintains about 300 degrees for indirect cooking. Over the top of the coals you can sear or char to you hearts content. Put your coal pile along the edge 2 on bottom three or four on top. Then light about 5 along the bottom. The pile will gradually ignite the additional coals providing as much cooking time as needed. Add some hickory on top once the fire is lit and smoke is added. I cannot believe I did not buy one of these before. Close the vents and the fire is off. I have some tongs to tap the bottom tray to remove ash then lift the bottom grate. Dump the ash. ... MoreMy version has the round four hole vents on the bottom and top. Not on the side for the higher priced model with carry handle. I added a thermometer to mine.This little grill is the best. Quick and easy. Maintains about 300 degrees for indirect cooking. Over the top of the coals you can sear or char to you hearts content. Put your coal pile along the edge 2 on bottom three or four on top. Then light about 5 along the bottom. The pile will gradually ignite the additional coals providing as much cooking time as needed. Add some hickory on top once the fire is lit and smoke is added. I cannot believe I did not buy one of these before. Close the vents and the fire is off. I have some tongs to tap the bottom tray to remove ash then lift the bottom grate. Dump the ash. Reuse the unburnt coals. Efficient big grill flavor.

I bought a Smokey Joe to go with my Performer charcoal and Genesis gas grills. Love Webers, really don't consider other brands. I often use the Smokey Joe when I just have a couple burgers of chicken breasts, rather than fire up the larger grills. It works beautifully!I use the Performer a great deal, and when I close the damper, there is a cover to prevent burns. There is no such cover on the Smokey Joe; I was ready to shut it down after grilling, and grabbed the damper with my thumb and forefinger. Yes, my stupidity, but I attribute it a bit to always having one on my Performer. Second degree burns on both digits.I called Weber customer Support and explained that it is unconscionable to omit this from the Smokey Joes, considering it is included in full-size ... MoreI bought a Smokey Joe to go with my Performer charcoal and Genesis gas grills. Love Webers, really don't consider other brands. I often use the Smokey Joe when I just have a couple burgers of chicken breasts, rather than fire up the larger grills. It works beautifully!I use the Performer a great deal, and when I close the damper, there is a cover to prevent burns. There is no such cover on the Smokey Joe; I was ready to shut it down after grilling, and grabbed the damper with my thumb and forefinger. Yes, my stupidity, but I attribute it a bit to always having one on my Performer. Second degree burns on both digits.I called Weber customer Support and explained that it is unconscionable to omit this from the Smokey Joes, considering it is included in full-size grills. I am not litigious, but someone else might find cause to file for it. CS said there was no such cover, but would mail out a full-size. Fine, I figured I could fit it somehow to the Joe. After a month's delay, I today received in the mail a damper cover that fits perfectly! Not sure if they engineered one in the meantime, but now the risk of burns has been eliminated.I urge all who own a Smokey Joe to request Item 63048. Weber should add these to every new grill going out of the factory.