Question is, is it a Stick Burner or a Coal Burner?
It looks like a stick burner.
It is technically a stick burner......however, the thinner metal (14 ga) on the fire-box doesn't let the paint stand a chance. I re-paint my Char-Griller fire box after every cook.
I would like to note I had a 1/4" thick fire-box that I had to repaint a couple of times as well.
I am stubborn. I am going to continue to burn Live Oak sticks in this smoker. The charcoal grates are very thick rod and the stainless steel slide out ash pan makes cleaning easy.
I think LA's idea of a charcoal basket is a great idea. However, I did not have problems with the splits hitting the sides of the fire-box.......the paint that burned off was at the top where the splits were burning cleanly.
I also agree with LA (Lost Arrow)..I like to call him
LA ...is the use of canola oil instead of re-painting...I have read about off-set owners that let all their paint burn off and they just treat the exterior of the fire box like a cast iron skillet..............