I got the chip insert, have never used it and I don't think I ever will, I have used a lot of very small chunks and some pieces most would consider chips in the wood box and have never had a problem,there are so many large flat spots on the bottom of the wood box to lay very small pieces of wood it has never been an issue, I have noticed wen I'm done smoking and the unit has cooled down I gently remove the wood box & the ash & unused wood is exactly where I placed them, I got the five pound bag of hickory also, probably would not do that again ether I have smoked several times and still have some of the sample hickory he sent left, I mostly prefer some of the mesquite & pecan chips I have laying around that I picked up at walmart a few years ago for next to nothing, The cord hanger & cover were a great choice, Great company to do business with, Great smoker and I know hope will enjoy yours as much as we have ours, Oh yea It' built like a TANK. crvtt hope this helps.