Just went thru the manual for the Walmart Copper Top version (which looks like the best deal) of the Pit Boss Vertical Pellet. Very standard arrangement, with hot rod below and auger tube above it and both empty directly into the fire pot. Can't tell how long the auger tube is because the manual only shows drawings, but suspect it is rather short. Something to really check out in the testing. The motor and fan are about on par with Traeger, or similar. Can't be sure about that either for now. Will try to get a look at one when they appear at the super Walmart.