As I recall, my PBC would run at ≈315°F when it was set up per the instructions and ready to cook. I think that the PBC web site FAQs used to list 315°F as the normal operating temperature. 315°F is neither low and slow nor hot and fast. It's somewhat in between. After a time, that information was removed from their web site and they seemingly have been intentionally noncommittal about operating temperature.
As my cooks progressed, the temperature would usually drop to ≈285°F. I wanted more reliable temperature control, not because I thought that it was important to the cook quality, but because I needed to forecast the completion time so the sides would be ready to serve at the same time.
I installed a stoker that gave me ±1°F by controlling the air supply.
