Hi Dennis, welcome to the Forums! You will love the Mini, they're great little Smokers. I have built four of them now over the last 2-3 years, 2 SJS one of which is mine, & 2 SJG. I use an expanded metal basket in mine and like it. From what I've observed with the SJG they seem to run at lower temps with the air entering from the side and circulating more over the top of the coals, and the coals/ash can build up against the vents. I think the gold could benefit from one because a basket creates a gap between the side of the SJ and the basket/coals allowing air to come in and move all the way around the diameter of the basket. I'm no expert at all, just my 2cent thought. Good luck and post lots of pictures of your build!