So, decided to really give it a test today.
Started at 5 a.m. with a snake in my new 26 inch Kettle. My snake is made up of 4 briquettes in each link of the snake. 2 flat, one on top, and the 4th on top leaning against the side of the kettle. Followed this pattern 3/4s around the kettle.
A.M. temps at 5 a.m. were cool, but the kettle was in the sun and as the day progressed the temp on the patio was low to mid 80s... The kettle maintained an almost perfect 250 unless I opened the lid.
Did a 10 pound pork butt, wrapped it at 160 and took it off the grill at 190 to let it rest.
As of 4 p.m., one hour shy of 12 hours, there is still probably 2 hours of coals left and I opened all the vents wide open just to see how long she goes. Right now she's holding at 300 in the shade. I'm thinking I'll get 13 hours...
I think I'll like this thing.