Hi Blue one,
We've had one for years, probably 15 and don't go anywhere without it, have even taken it on a plane when we hired a camper in central Oz. Storage wise a bag of heat beads fits right inside so it very compact in that regard. cooking wise we've had no problem with the beads going out, you do need to have them white hot before you start cooking and if the food to be cooked is large you need to have enough beads in there to complete the cooking process, it's difficult to add extra half way through. We use the self lighting beads much quicker and easier to light. When you finish cooking you can add more beads or timber and use it as a open fire, we have done this on many many occasions and using it this way you don't even leave your mark on the ground either.
We love ours and have used it so much that we have had to replace to bottom grill (supporting the coals) 3 times and the upper meat grill twice, both have worn out generally due to heat and rust but a call to Webber and you get your new one in about 2 days delivered to your door.
I'd go for it, the newer ones with the plastic handles are not as good as the older timber handled ones the plastic doesn't seem to last, but just remember if you go for one it's all about the beads and getting the right number to start with and having them white hot before you start cooking.
All the best.
randan.
