Hot, but not hot enough

I set it up at 12 p.m. and measured the water temperature.



I checked the temperature at 2 p.m.



I checked the temperature at 4 p.m.

It was hot enough for a cup of tea, but not hot enough to cook food. I want to reach a temperature of 250 degrees. Minor modications will take place next week. Perhaps I'll add two side reflectors, paint the cook pot black (non toxic paint) and place a black metal plate underneath.