After extensive use (months) of a pit boss 1100 from lowes, I have to give it the thumbs up. With a water pan I have no issues maintaining temps of 160 +/- 10 all day. It is a little hotter over the searing section but there are moda to change that, and it has helped me more than it hurts, as I do mixed smokes every time (ribs, burgers, corn all at once, etc.)