Seasoning the little guy

[SuperDave]

Are wood chip ashes getting to the heating element a problem? I have chip screen but I didn't know of a concern for keeping ashes away from element?

No, it is not a problem.  I've added wood under my box in the middle of the smoke and had the chunk touching the underside of the element. 

If you have ever seen these charcoal starters, think smoker element buried in hot coals.

 

[swthorpe]

The SI site under accessories indicates:  "Run out of wood chunks, and all you have is wood chips? With the chip insert, you can place smaller pieces of wood in your wood box without them falling down onto the heating element."  This seems to be the purpose of the chip screen, along with keeping the ashes in the box where they belong.

 

[Limey]

In my experience the chip screen also helps to cut down, or totally prevent, the dreaded belch.