Adding Temp Gauge to PBC

[racertrader]

Has anyone added a permanent temp gauge to their PBC? I currently use an air temp probe through the rebar holes but wonder if mounting a big temp gauge through the lid (or on the side about 6 inches down from the top) might a mod to consider. thx

[MsTwiggy]

I usually hang a probe about 12" down from a dedicated hook centered in one of the rebar. It's far from perfect but it seems to work ok. I only have one air temp type probe. It would be interesting to see the difference in temps vertically during a cook.

[WI Bubba]

The problem with mounting a dial gauge is finding one that is accurate. Personally, I think you're better off with a reliable digital.

Here are Meatheads thoughts on the subject.

https://amazingribs.com/ratings-reviews/best-thermometers/how-thermometers-work/

[jfmorris]

Some of the analog dial thermometers such as Tel-Tru are pretty accurate. I have those type of 3" dial thermometers on my brewing equipment, and they track right with my digital. Of course, I am only looking at a range of about 60 degrees to 212 degrees with those. My old smoker has a Rochester 3" dial that is also very accurate. Expect to pay $40 to $50 for an accurate analog thermometer that can be calibrated if needed.

The question is whether it is worth it on the PBC. If you put it on the removable lid, you are measuring temp at the very top, or 2 to 4 inches down, depending on the length of the stem on the thermometer. If you put it on the side of the barrel, you are measuring it only at the height and spot where the stem protrudes - and most will be 2 to 4 inches long. And will that interfere with hanging ribs and such in a cooker that is already (in my opinion) constrained due to the 18" diameter?

Also, it may require a larger hole than you think - like a 7/8 diameter hole. You have to fit the threaded portion through the hole - not just the little stem of the probe. On my brew kettles, they thread into a welded 1/2" NPT fitting.

This one, made for PK, is probably the one I've seen with the smallest hole requirement (1/4"), but it also has a horrible scale without many markings:

https://www.amazon.com/PK-Grills-PK9...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I like this one better, but it needs a 7/8" hole:

https://www.amazon.com/Tel-Tru-BQ300-Barbecue-Thermometer-degrees/dp/B001L4IIS0/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Tel-Tru&qid=1653572357&sr=8-2

I would just keep doing what you are doing, and let the PBC do its thing.

[Spinaker]

I installed one on my PBC and i love having it. it gives you a pretty good indication as to how it is running. I got a glow in the dark one that is sweet. I put mine in on the lid of my PBC. It is nice to have it there because you are installing it on a flat surface, not a round one like the side of the barrel.

I would say that it is worth it for sure. The air with in the PBC is moving a lot, so the temps at the lid are fairly accurate. (I tested this with my FireBoard probes) The one I have is a very easy install. Get a step bit from the hardware store, if you dont have one. Then drill the hole, put in the thermo and screw the lock nut on the back, done. It really does not interfere with meat at all, so I would not worry about that. The stem to short so there is really no issue.

Here is the one I installed. It is a little bit cheaper than the Tel-Tru and it works great.

[Skip]

I agree Spinaker. When I had a PBC I used the Tel Tru Gauge from my BGE in the PBC lid. I liked having an idea what the temp was. I also put a vent from a Weber Kettle in the lid so I never had to crack the lid.

[MsTwiggy]

Skip I like that idea!! Sounds like you don't' have it any more to show us pics. Did you cut 4 holes in the lid like the weber set up?

[Skip]

Yes, @Ms Twiggy I ordered a Weber Vent and then cut the 4 holes with a die grinder. I liked it if I wanted to raise the temp for something w/o cracking the lid. Liked the cooker a lot, just needed to make some room for my LSG Adjustable Grill/Smoker.

[jfmorris]

I do have to say this. What the free side of Amazing Ribs says regarding dome thermometers is right in as much as the crappy bimetal thermometers that come on Weber and just about every other brand of grill in the big box stores. Those thermometers are probably costing the grill manufacturer a couple of bucks.

However, there ARE accurate analog thermometers, and the Midwest Hearth one that Spinaker posted above, as well as the Tel-Tru and other brands like the Rochester on my old smoker are good examples of an accurate analog thermometer. Plus they typically have a calibration set screw on the back, and you can always stick it in a pot of boiling water and adjust the screw to calibrate it. I've never needed to. I can vouch that the 3" Rochester dial thermometer on my old 1984 smoker is spot on with my Thermoworks Smoke air probe. The 3" dials on my brew pots (a Tel Tru and a Blichmann) also are always accurate when compared to my Thermapen. We just don't see these on most grills, as most folks would not want the $50 bump in grill price to have an accurate thermometer. And most folks don't know or care about grill temp for that matter - not like those of us here in the Pit.

[racertrader]

Thanks everyone...I like the idea of adding an external gauge. My digital probe is good (I hang it from the rebar), but it does get in the way sometimes. Thanks again

[Spinaker]

Yep, I hated messing with the wires all the time.