You say you dont want to buy a charcoal smoker. Well the charcoal smokers arent limited to just charcoal. You can buy hickory chunks and mesquite chunks and use them in the so called charcoal smokers. You can buy the chunks of wood at wal mart pretty cheap and just use them. Charcoal doesnt have to be used. I love cooking with my smoker with just the wood chunks. I love the mesquite the best. Great flavor... Your decision though...