While mine is not a 'big honkin' oil burner', the smoker I use is none the less pretty big. I do about 200 lbs of chiles at a time in it. It is also used to cook many different things. With careful cleaning I have yet (nor has anyone else) to notice any 'off' flavors from not having a dedicated smoker. -Jim C Mild to Wild Open fields support- http://www.wildpepper.com/spacepodesy.html