Put your wood chips on the inside, against the outside shell. The radiant heat from the coals against the outside shell causes the chips to smolder. Much the same principal as the wood chip tray in the MES.I bought one about a year ago for $150. It uses up a whole bag of charcole and does cook the bird, etc.. The issue for me is that it does not add any smoke flavor, but roasts. All of the coals are on the outside, so nothing of the smoke gets to whatever you are cooking. My wife said it tasted funny and didn't like it a bit. It is now being used as a flower pot. It is not for me. I hope this helps, Gary