Rip i found that a good way to get lots of smoke with very little wood is to soak the big pieces for about 3-4 hrs, wrap them in aluminum foil, poke a few holes in the foil and toss it on the hot coals, this way all it does is smoke and doesnt burn, and in some cased you can actually reuse it, (referring to the cheap part of the post) hehe. Ive tried them all but i still prefer the Brinkman, you can even add an elctric element if you want to control the heat better, but Greese is right, get a good thermometer. (PS make sure the holes are up when you put them on the coals)