Actually, I use briquettes almost exclusively. With their uniform size and shape, I can load more into the chute giving me a longer cook time without reloading. The briquettes that are left will be snuffed out when I close the "shutter" and the fan door.
I'm sure it doesn't retain heat as well as a kamado (I just sold mine to buy this grill)...I just know it works great makes me seem like a better cook. AND it has the capacity to hold at least 6 racks of ribs on the main grates (probably more if I use the top rack,too).
Here's a video I did this morning: