Save yourself a lot of frustration and get a 18.5"
WSM (
Weber Smokey Mountain) - the set-it-and-forget-it of charcoal smoakers. The
WSM's are considered the best commercial charcoal smoker you can buy for under $500. There is a 18.5" and 22.5" version - both are very easy to set up and use and produce outstanding BBQ.
I messed around with a horizontal smoker to start with, spent $200 and a lot of time modifing it to end up with OK'ish results. A co-worker introduced me to the
WSM and I have never looked back.
The 18.5" WSM is $299 and the 22.5" is $399, they don't need any mods to work well and due to the porcelin coating never rust out or anything.