Let me start out by saying read read read the book. If you don’t have patience you will get frustrated.  It takes time to regulate the heat after firing. I’ve seen reviews saying it doesn’t hold temp, that is where patience comes in.  I would say it takes a good 30 mins to get it to temp and hold.  I start at the smoke setting. Then what for the fire to start.  When the smoke disappears close the lid and what for it to reach 275- 300.  Then set desired temp for your cook and wait.  It will regulate the temp on its own.  I hope this helps.