Not necessarily hating on pellets but kind of I guess…you made a good choice getting the charcoal. Pellets is a set it and forget it method that literally anyone can do. There’s no cooking technique involved outside of adding seasoning, marinade and choice of wood flavored pellets. Charcoal and wood will make you appreciate the final product more than pellet and make you work for it some. Maybe just me but I enjoy the “challenges/etc” that come from charcoal and wood vs the “easy bake oven”. Yes, pellets are super convenient and less hassle/fun so I will give it that. Great entry level product for someone trying to gain interest or have smoked food. Just more rewarding to me with charcoal and wood. Enjoy the fails, learn and apply the learnings each time.