They can be a PITA since most were meant for coal. If you only want to use wood, it will have to be smaller chunks. Does the one you're looking at have mica in the door? Easy to buy replacements pieces BTW & it would be pretty on the deck. I've never seen one used out side - how would you support enough of a stack so it would draft properly? As for cooking, the less fancy ones usually have an eye on top that might work for chili if you didn't make a roaring fire. Sue