yep, the hold is just as important as the cook. 3 hours minimum for me at 170 only because my oven doesn't go to 150. This first Brisket was to make sure I understood how the new grill cooked so I moved the brisket to every section of the grill and watched for hot spots but it did great. I have 5 briskets and a pork shoulder to cook for thanksgiving this year and I could fit 5 on this grill. On my old grill, I would have had to cook one a day for a week, because only 1 brisket or pork shoulder would fit without burning something. This Grill is a major upgrade