I’ve decided on the Fireboard 2 Drive. Which Probes should I be getting?

[Nicolaus]

I’ve tried in vain to research this topic, not only here, but also on other web sites. I’m probably not searching properly, and I hope to be able to use the site more efficiently as time goes on.

However, I’m very eager to place my order with Fireboard.

As of now, I intend to attempt the following on my Big Joe III:

St. Louis Ribs
Marinated Leg of Lamb
Brisket
Pork Butt
Prime Rib
Ribeye Steaks

Which probes (3” Competition Probe or 5” Food Probe) would be best for each of these cuts? I have absolutely no idea how to insert probes into meat (into which side, at which angle, etc.), hence my needing to ask!

I’m wondering also about the temperature ranges for the Fireboard probes. Are those meant to refer to the internal temperature of the meat into which they go? Or are they meant to refer to the ambient temperature inside the grill?

Any and all advice will be most appreciated!

[Spinaker]

I would get the 5" probes if you have to choose one type. It makes it nice when you are cooking large cuts, like brisket and pork butts.

FireBoard probes are accurate. So any you choose will work fine. I have both and use both. The 3" in is nice for small cuts, while the larger probes are better for large cuts like brisket and butts.

Temature ranges mostly refer to cooker temp. We say 225 F. But what we really mean is that this is a target. Actually, I cook everything eat 275. If I am over that a little bit, that is fine. If I am below that I am fine too. Do not go nuts trying to nail a pit temp EXACTLY.

Internal temps are meant to be more precise. For instance, you want to take a medium rare steak off the pit at about 130 F. If you wait till 150 F, it will be medium, and not what you are looking for.

[GolfGeezer]

On the temp ranges, I would add to the above that the probes meant to go into meat/food to measure the Internal Temp are typically from 0* to 220* - there are no foods that I am aware of that require an Internal Temp above that. Ambient probes, or external temp probes can range quite high - not sure what FB's ambient probes are rated to.

[Steve B]

I have both. The standard food probes, long and short. And the competition, also long and short. Since getting the competition set I pretty much never use the standard ones.
Get the competition pack that has both. It’s $89 on their site.
Don’t know why but the pics aren’t showing up on my end. 🤷🏼
I use the probes for both the food and the ambient temp of whichever cooker I’m using.

https://www.fireboard.com/shop/competition-series-probe-pack/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1rSsBhDHARIsANB4EJb-h-jNvdPu3gAuT0gsxt_XIDUkgeWANw4beYQz_wI1gJ6IV1qOsiMa AlDEEALw_wcB

[Nicolaus]

I would get the 5" probes if you have to choose one type. It makes it nice when you are cooking large cuts, like brisket and pork butts.

FireBoard probes are accurate. So any you choose will work fine. I have both and use both. The 3" in is nice for small cuts, while the larger probes are better for large cuts like brisket and butts.

Temature ranges mostly refer to cooker temp. We say 225 F. But what we really mean is that this is a target. Actually, I cook everything eat 275. If I am over that a little bit, that is fine. If I am below that I am fine too. Do not go nuts trying to nail a pit temp EXACTLY.

Internal temps are meant to be more precise. For instance, you want to take a medium rare steak off the pit at about 130 F. If you wait till 150 F, it will be medium, and not what you are looking for.

I’m open to getting multiple kinds of probes.

What would you use the 3 inch Competition Probes for?

What would you use the 1 inch Competition probes for?

[Spinaker]

I would use those 3" for thick cuts, like the Roasts, brisket and butts.

The 1 inch probes can be used for steaks and stuff like that.

[Nicolaus]

I have both. The standard food probes, long and short. And the competition, also long and short. Since getting the competition set I pretty much never use the standard ones.
Get the competition pack that has both. It’s $89 on their site.
Don’t know why but the pics aren’t showing up on my end. 🤷🏼
I use the probes for both the food and the ambient temp of whichever cooker I’m using.

https://www.fireboard.com/shop/competition-series-probe-pack/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1rSsBhDHARIsANB4EJb-h-jNvdPu3gAuT0gsxt_XIDUkgeWANw4beYQz_wI1gJ6IV1qOsiMa AlDEEALw_wcB

What would you use the 3 inch Competition Probes for?

What would you use the 1 inch Competition probes for?

[Steve B]

The 1” I use for ambient temps in the cooker and the 3” for most meats. The best only time I use the standard longer, 5” probes are for big hunks of meat like pork butts and chuck roasts.

[RichardK]

I do not have an opinion but the Competition Series Probes do not have an Ambient Probe. The Extreme Probe does have the ambient and the grill clip. The Ambient Probe pack has 5 inch probes. Sometimes I stick most of my 6 inch probe into the roast so that the tip is in the middle, a three inch on a large roast will not reach the middle.

[Alan Brice]

The smallest guys are good for ribs. Stay away from bones. Bones give an improper read.

[Nicolaus]

The smallest guys are good for ribs. Stay away from bones. Bones give an improper read.

Thank you! This is exactly the type of information I’m after!

Where exactly in a rack of ribs would you position the probe? Would you do a separate probe for each rack of ribs?

[Alan Brice]

No, one would get you in the ball park. you are going to have to throw caution to the wind til you get some finished product. Stop fretting and just doit. The cook eats all mistakes. ;-) Log your cooks, temp, time, rub, weather, type of charcoal. Familiarity breeds confidence.

[DaveD]

I would absolutely get a range of sizes. Just don't bother with the Type K premium options, there's no way a home BBQer needs that kind of precision. Have fun! More data are ALWAYS needed

[Nicolaus]

I would absolutely get a range of sizes. Just don't bother with the Type K premium options, there's no way a home BBQer needs that kind of precision. Have fun! More data are ALWAYS needed

Thank you! I’m doing just that.