I've used a char-grill with side box, a brinkman and currently a weber smokey mountain. The Weber is a much higher quality product. Thicker gauge steel, nice thermometer, great adjustability, large side access door....My brinkman was great but it was flimsy and didn't have nearly as many features as the Webber. I still have the Char-gill but I only use it for grilling.
Couple of my favorite recipes besides brisket and pork shoulder are my variation on a "drunken sailors" recipe. Oysters on the half shell, sprinkled with salt and garlic, fill the shell with tequila and lime, smoke for 2-4 hours. And smoked mac n' cheese. Look up a good baked mac and cheese recipe and use a foil pan. Throw on the smoker and cook it till it's done. Amazing stuff.
Couple of my favorite recipes besides brisket and pork shoulder are my variation on a "drunken sailors" recipe. Oysters on the half shell, sprinkled with salt and garlic, fill the shell with tequila and lime, smoke for 2-4 hours. And smoked mac n' cheese. Look up a good baked mac and cheese recipe and use a foil pan. Throw on the smoker and cook it till it's done. Amazing stuff.