I cook a lot both indoors and out. I especailly like slow smoking wiht indirect heat. I only use Hickory.
I agree normally you never open the lid .. you just let it smoke.
Yesterday --I violated the rules .. I keep lifting the lid andrearranging the meat because I had too much on the grill.
I was cooking a Christmas gift for neighbors -- 14 of them to be exact.
My cooker will comfortably hold 6 whole chickens, but I put them close together and staked 14 of them. Not all of the outer skin was exposed to the smoke all of the time -- so I had to rotate ( soort sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do). After 7 hours of slow cooking they were all done to perfection. I now have 14 very happy neighbors
Peace and Good Sound to All.,
Forest Man