Let's Talk BBQ

FORUM SPONSORS => Pit Barrel Cooker Co. => Topic started by: SteelerFanInTexas on January 02, 2018, 11:04:20 PM

Title: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: SteelerFanInTexas on January 02, 2018, 11:04:20 PM
I've had my PBC for a few months now and LOVE it.  Life changing  ;D

For Christmas, I got a dual probe/temperature guage and so finally, for the first time, was able to measure the PBC temp.  I was surprised that it got as high as it did - it made it up to, and mostly stayed around, 330-335 degrees.  I have no complaints; the food is amazing.  But I'm wondering what temps others' PBC's run at, whether this 330-ish is ideal (I think I expect something more in the 275-300 range) and whether it's possible or desirable to try to lower the temps.

Thoughts, oh helpful pitmasters? 
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: teesquare on January 02, 2018, 11:17:35 PM
My PBC temps run about the same as yours. unless.... ;) I monkey with the pit to raise or lower the temps. :D

Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: Kona on January 03, 2018, 07:28:32 AM
I've never checked my temps
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: tomcrete1 on January 03, 2018, 08:20:23 AM
I believe that is pretty common that's why ribs can be done in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: smokeasaurus on January 03, 2018, 09:29:41 AM
The PBC was designed to be set it and forget it. No tweaking or managing the fire. Nothing wrong with knowing what the temps are but I have using a PBC for darn near 7 years now and I couldn't begin to tell you what my temps are. Everything comes out just the way they should..................
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: sparky on January 03, 2018, 09:48:35 AM
Mine runs  between 275-325.  The bottom vent is your friend.
Title: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: psousa781 on January 03, 2018, 02:15:29 PM
Mine runs cooler than most from what I’ve seen.  It’ll get as low as the 220s during a cook and usually top out in the 270s unless I intervene to spike the temp.


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Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: ClimberDave on January 03, 2018, 05:11:06 PM
Never  used to check my temps, then I got a Smoke and started checking.

Mine usually  will get up to the 300 mark  for a while and then come down and hover lower,  something like 250 and 275. 

Depends on how long I take before waiting to put the meat in, seems if I wait longer after dumping the coals in it can start running hotter right away.

Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: 70monte on January 07, 2018, 12:44:07 PM
I have never monitored temps in my PBC.  I run it like Noah intended it to run. 
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: kennjen on January 15, 2018, 09:16:25 PM
Mine runs cooler than most from what I’ve seen.  It’ll get as low as the 220s during a cook and usually top out in the 270s unless I intervene to spike the temp.

This is about consistent with what I see. It'll go to about 300's right after the initial light-up.  Go back to about 270 after 45min.   It'll hold at about 270 for next hour and then slowly creep down to about 220s after 3~3.5 hours.

It's pretty frustrating to see mid 200's just as I'm hitting the stall.  I always end up with coals that is NOT burnt, especially away from the bottom vent.

I've been experimenting with few things including:
-Turning the charcoal holder 180 degrees about 2 hours in.   (I got a temp spike from 220 to 300 when I did this last time. )
-lighting only 2/3 rd of the charcoal away from the vent with my lighter fluid .
-Using a lightin chimney and putting lit coals away from the vent.

I can't seem to get consistent results.   Interestead to know if anyone else has a reliable routine.
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: viscera912 on January 16, 2018, 04:54:39 PM
i tinker with rebar holes and bottom vent if i want a lower temp

ive run 400's for some cooks of chicken and results are good. 

bottom line if you are getting good results, life is all good!
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: richf918 on January 16, 2018, 06:26:07 PM
I've never monitored my PBC temps, I pull 40 briquettes off and light with the chimney. Doing so I have gone 7 hours no problem
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: Pit Barrel Cooker Co. on February 07, 2018, 03:13:02 PM
The average temperature of the Pit Barrel Cooker, when properly lit according to elevation, is between 275 and 310. You are not too far off from the norm but your charcoal may be burning a tad too long during the lighting process. Here is a link to Lighting Your PBC: https://www.pitbarrelcooker.com/resources/lighting-your-pbc/. Never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: Pileofwood on April 10, 2018, 06:30:29 PM
300-350 depending if I use lump or not. I have had some issues keeping ribs moist, however I have NEVER had a chicken and I have NEVER had a better Prime Rib! Thank you PBC!
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: Kona on April 10, 2018, 09:24:41 PM
300-350 depending if I use lump or not. I have had some issues keeping ribs moist, however I have NEVER had a chicken and I have NEVER had a better Prime Rib! Thank you PBC!

I have great luck keeping ribs moist with a dry brine
Title: Re: What temp does your PBC run at?
Post by: Pileofwood on April 11, 2018, 06:12:09 PM
300-350 depending if I use lump or not. I have had some issues keeping ribs moist, however I have NEVER had a chicken and I have NEVER had a better Prime Rib! Thank you PBC!

I have great luck keeping ribs moist with a dry brine

I have tried, I just wrap them now. It really isn't a big deal. They are tasty but yeah, I like them with just a little give. When I make them on the PBC they tend to be more tough. Anyway, I did not want to hijack the thread, Just Love the PBC.