Fireboard 2 plus pit viper or fireboard fan question, with weber 22 premium kettle

[Primo]

All, I have both a weber kettle and fireboard 2 drive arriving soon, as well as a slow and sear. I may get a fan, either the pit viper or the fireboard, after i play around with what i have for a while first. So two questions: is there a preference for one of these fans over the other? and, as it look like i'd need to drill a hole in the kettle (gulp), does a 1 inch hole work for both of these fans?
Thanks!

[Troutman]

I can only speak to the Pit Viper and how well it works. I understand the Fireboard fan works just as well. 1" hole is all you need for the PV, again not sure but I think the FB fan requires the same.

[Primo]

Thank you, that's very helpful! I see there are two Pit vipers, one with stainless exterior, I guess a more powerful fan? Do you have a view as to which of these is best for the kettle?

[Troutman]

Their smallest all black bodied fan works just fine. I use it in a 22" and 26" kettle as well as in my WSMs.

[Troutman]

Also when drilling your hole, be sure to invest in one of these step drill bits. They cost like $10 on Amazon but well worth it, zips right through your Weber side wall.

[bbqLuv]

Stop and think, people really don't want a drill bit, they want the hole.
I have never seen any holes for sale, except donut holes. Go Figure.
This may be boring, so I will keep on stepping.

[Troutman]

bbqLuv Dude you been hitting the PBR again? You need to lay off the sauce

[Rod]

I too can only speak to the Pit Viper fans. I have one for each of my two kettles. They've permanently lived on the kettles for the past 3-4 years with zero issues. I'm sure the FB fan is top notch like their other products. Can't speak to what size hole is needed, but I'm sure they will tell you with a simple email.

[Henrik]

What Troutman said. I use FB + Pit Viper, and am very happy with the combo. Can't say anything about the FB fan, as I haven't tried it. I'm sure it works just fine. And yes, use that step drill, real easy.

[Rod]

Don't know if you saw this sticky.

[Primo]

I did not! very helpful, thank you!

[Troutman]

Ahh yes the Rod-ster How To post. That is a good one, very comprehensive.

[pknj]

I have the WSCG and I found the FB fan wasn't strong enough to keep temps up consistently. I got a pit viper and it is all good now. It could have been user error because it is me, but I don't think so. I also used an old party guru for a while until my kid thought it was cool how it made bubbles in the tub....

[Dewesq55]

I have a first generation FireBoard fan and it works fine. It's perfect enough to reach and maintain temps on my VOS for the most part. If I wanted to get to and keep it much above 300°F it might struggle, but I really, if ever, want to do that. The second gen looks like it's a bit easier to use as far as the attachment method is concerned, but that's just based on photos. I bought the new kettle adapter port to use it on my Weber Smokey Joe/Mini-WSM and I really like it.

[Dewesq55]

Correction: It's called the Nozzle Adapter. A 1" hole is sufficient for this adapter. Due to the way it installs, I believe there is some leeway as to the size of the hole.