The latest new development in patio or outdoor cooking is the Smoke 'N Pit charcoal water smoker. It uses moisture, charcoal heat and smoke from aromatic hardwoods to cook meats and other foods "to a degree of tenderness and delicious flavor not possible with conventional cooking grills," says the manufacturer.

Cooking times range from one to several hours, depending on type and weight of food, outside temperatures and personal taste.

Key to the Smoke 'N Pit's "no work" cooking is its self-basting action in which moisture, heat and smoke combine to continually baste the meat in its own natural juices, with no tending, turning or other attention. In addition to smoking, the cooker roasts, steams and barbeques foods. It can be converted instantly into a charcoal grill.