I use the shop vac with drywall filter, this is how I'd clean ash regardless of location. I've had no issues at all, additionally, it rolls rather easily, but the only reason I did roll it out once was to adjust the spring. Cleaning the exterior is not an issue either, as there's room for that in its space, but again, it rolls rather easily. As far as cooking on it in general, I find that there's plenty of room to to anything you want/need, there's plenty of room for everything. I would not consider a total enclosure though, there are reasons to have the front exposed.
Rob