We have two Cameron's smokers...the large one and the small one. We love them both and, as for smoking up the house, we've never had any problem. We've had our smokers for about 6 years and have smoked everything from meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, cheese, etc. in them.
They are incredibly easy to use and I have been able to nearly perfectly duplicate our western Kentucky barbecued pork in my own kitchen. Hooray! Smoked salmon is awesome. I made a smoked salmon Caesar salad during the summer that was second to none.
As for the smoke part, we live in a very old house that doesn't have any kind of kitchen vent/fan, so we'd definitely notice any problems. Never have. There is only a tiny "whiff" of smoke at the beginning of the smoking process that is the signal to completely close the lid on the pan. Other than that, we've never noticed any further smoke. What smoke aroma/smell that results is only a brief part of the cooking process and doesn't permeate the house.
I say to anyone who is considering purchasing one, do it. To those afraid to use one they already have, dig it out and enjoy a delicious meal.