The house does smell of hickory smoke for a day or two but doesn't linger as much as you would think unless you really crank it or let the water run out in the bottom. I've done rib tips, pork loin, a small butt and chicken thighs in it. Beats shoveling snow to do chicken.
Now I will shovel snow for a large amount of meats, especially multiple pork butts or a brisket.