To
@Harleysmoker's point, perhaps locking in temp is where I lose time.
For example, to get the timing down for my cook for Super Bowl, it would have required skipping church. Instead I got my WSM to settle at a lower temp than I usually cook at (225 v 275), put the meat on approx 90 minutes before my ideal start time and out the door we went to church.
I set my vents and let the smoker warm up before for about an hour to make sure it was stable. It ran where I wanted for about 30 min and i felt confident. Upon returning home, the smoker was at 210. Not too big of a deal, but I have no idea how long it stayed there but thankfully I had enough time left in the day to increase temp and speed things up.
At the end of the day, I find myself negotiating how time is spent (family, activities, etc) and am trying to avoid comprising my desire to BBQ and make great food.
I have in the past for overnight cooks. An ATC is good piece of mind but with practice you can get the wsm running at steady temp for hours. You need to pack the charcoal in such a way that the fuel density near the fire doesn't change drastically as it burns. Also, learn how to use a wsm without water so you don't have to worry about it drying up.
@pbe gummi bear I use a foiled terracotta base.
The only maintenance that's really required is adding fuel or water if needed. I haven't seen a robot on the market that will check and add fuel for me.
I don't have to refuel on most cooks, but when I do it is often from an overnight cook and i reload in the morning. Not sure how true this is, but I think I've read in some reviews about ATCs that fuel usage is maximized and makes me think that possibly there is a small savings per cook on charcoal.
TTT and a 732. You're set for a lot less money.
@TheDude after reading reviews on that gizmo it makes me think that perhaps I need to use my top vent to dial in temps...I always left my top vents open on all charcoal cookers.