If your most recent smoker was a drum smoker, then you would be pretty happy with the ease and quality of the SI. It's the smoker we all end up with once we've tried others, and the appeal over fussing, tending, spritzing and mopping has worn off. And the quality of the food is top-notch. Simple to use does not mean mediocre food. Do you have any experience with electric smokers? The SI is the best quality, at a great price, especially if you compare it to similar electric smokers which are up to twice the price, and lower quality.