Hello, I hail from Richland, WA, on the Eastern (hot, sunny, dry) side. I bought my MAK after eating some Q off other's smokers and thinking it was the best I've had. I probably would have bought a Traeger, but have been on a kick of buying things made in America lately. Fortunately, the MAK doesn't have a transmission that will go out after 50K miles like my other major American purchase, ha ha. I'm excited to learn about smoking and grilling on my new toy, and am thankful for the help that the other members have given me so far.