I have a lower serial numbered MAK 2 Star. Love it! Built like a tank. Will be around for a long time. If I were to do it all over again, I would get the 1 Star, which was not available when I bought mine. I have used the smoker on my 2 Star, but have since gone in a different direction for pure smoking based my needs. I have a Red Box Smoker that I intend to use with the A-Maze-N maze smoker using one of the multitudes of different flavored pellets, particularly with cheese and some fish.
If you have some specific questions about using the MAK, PM me. BTW, their support when required (as in not very often) is superb.
Art