I started out with a pellet grill. Loved how easy it was and could start a shoulder, go to work, come home to a great meal. But then realized I didn't like the "quality" of the smoke flavor. Smoked everything from meat, fish, cheese, pizza, biscuits, pies, eggs, and anything else that sounded good smoked. Then I got a "stick burner" and have absolutely loved everything that has come off of it! Yeah it is a lot more work but I do enjoy building a fire, maintaining the air in and out, and just watching it burn. But there are times, and it is getting more frequent, that I kinda want another pellet grill just for the ease of it. But I don't think I would ever get rid of the stick burner. In my opinion, a pellet grill is a great learning tool to get you into smoking meat and other things, but a stick burner is where it isnat for quality of smoke on the food.