Agree with the posts re: Big Green Egg... I love its versatility. Holds low temps for hours (my record is just shy of 50 hours without changing charcoal) or else gets fierce hot for searing.
Sady, I managed to break my BGE and we can't get them here in Australia anymore. I picked up a Kamado Joe (XL) and to be honest I think the quality is better than the egg. It's a really solid unit. Highly recommended!
Ray: I too blamed moistness, impatience, shipping conditions, Neptune transiting Venus etc. for the terrible experience I had with the first one... but only Ramon Allones are responsible for sticks 2-5.
I've only smoked five out of the box since I bought these RA Extras and they have all been godawful... bitter, acrid urgh. If only they were forgettable too.
But this sixth one today is a revelation. Rich chocolatey stewed fruit... I don't want it to end.
Having slagged these things off for four years I just thought I should put that out there