It took some time to get the smoker, but DDR stayed in touch with me letting me know the status. Received last week, fired it up over the weekend smoked some pork butts and ribs. With the bbq guru this thing did not fluctuate at all held steady all day long. The outside of the smoker was cool to the touch except around the charcoal chamber, but that still would not hurt you if you touched it. Great if you are worried about kids being around it. Love it so far.