Anybody ever try this mod?

[Jessterr]

Unlike many here, the problem I have with my PBC is keeping the temperature high enough, not low enough. I shoot for the 275-310 target, but it nearly always runs low, often below 250 and falling, and takes cracking the lid and running back and forth many times due to repetitive overshoot / undershoot. Some time ago I purchased a Weber 4-hole adjuster to put on the lid but never installed it due to concerns about leakage should I get rain during a cook. Then a thought occurred, what about installing SNS "Smoke Hole" covers on some holes drilled in the sides of the barrel itself, maybe two of them, say one right in between each set of rebar holes? I’d hate to drill holes in my PBC only to find it didn’t provide enough additional air flow to achieve the temperature difference needed, though. Anybody ever try this before, or have thoughts on the subject? Thanks.

[KuKuPuffs]

I’m at sea level and no matter how I adjust the swing door at the bottom my PBC will inevitably drop below 200. Leaving one of the rods out helps as well as cracking the lid throughout the cook. I ultimately went with a fan control system to keep my temperatures more consistent and now my PBC runs like a dream.

[Jessterr]

KuKuPuffs I’m at sea level too, so maybe that’s the issue. I pretty much always need to have both rods in, so that’s not really a work around for me, but a fan control does sound interesting. I did just recently purchase a Thermoworks Signals and Billows system, although not for the PBC. Haven’t used it yet, so I think it’s first run will now be on the PBC. That would indeed provide a much better option than drilling holes in the drum. 👌

[hoovarmin]

I often have trouble keeping my PBC to temp with the lid closed as well. I order this off Etsy but haven't installed it https://www.etsy.com/listing/5740764...f=yr_purchases. It's sold out at the moment. The Weber one is made for a domed lid, so I don't think it would fit properly.

[Jerod Broussard]

I had a VENTA (higher temps)and a pipe for the Auber (maintain cookingtemps).

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/charcoal-drums-barrels-and-bullet-smokers/pit-barrel-cooker/300700-one-last-mod

[tstalafuse]

Uncle Bob Panhead John Can you imagine having to make mods to an OKJ Bronco? Sorry PBC owners, I just woke up this morning with an overwhelming desire to go poke a bear..

[Panhead John]

Jessterr All the experts say..”At the first sign of rust, throw PBC away and get a Bronco.” I wouldn’t lie to you.

[bbqLuv]

Jessterr listen to Panhead John I listen to and read his posts then got a pellet grill. Works for me and will work for you.

[Jessterr]

bbqLuv I can’t go that far, but I did pick up a 12 pack of PBR a couple weeks ago for the first time in about 40 years. 🍺

[bbqLuv]

Get a Traeger, LOL. A smoking, set it and forget it, easy bake oven. LOL
If I ever win, I just may have to get the Bronco Pro Drum cooker.

[tstalafuse]

I hear that bribes are being accepted if you know the right Panhead John ....

[MsTwiggy]

I am at sea level and had similar issues until I changed my lighting protocol. Get a No 10 can and snip the sides so you can dump your lit coals directly in the center as opposed to on top, see pic. Consider lighting Kingsford competition which burns hot. I like to use B&B in the basket but light with something that burns hot. This will also save your premium charcoal. Are you clearing your ash out every cook? There is a low volume for ash under the charcoal basket and even on a single long low and slow cook it can choke the coals from ash.
Here is how I would light it. Let your chimney ash over completely. 5 min after you light your chimney give it a shake - this hastens the process. Dump your coals and leave the lid off for 10 minutes. Put the lid on and leave the rebar out for an additional 10 min. You are now ready to cook.

[MsTwiggy]

Rollin It'a a big &$$ can that you would see coffee, tomatoes, peaches, hominy, etc. in. I think it's 96 oz.

[Alabama Smoke]

MsTwiggy, At what point do you pull the can out of the charcoal basket? As soon as the coals are poured into the can or do you leave it in the basket until you are ready to cook, or what?

[MsTwiggy]

Alabama Smoke yes as soon as I dump the coals i pull the can with my tongs

[Michael_in_TX]

This comes up from time to time. I wish we could figure this out!

I am at sea level and I can't imagine my PBC ever dropping below 250. There is a variable here we are just missing....!

Mine is a 2019 model. The lid leaks (I have a gasket I will be putting on shortly).....and I use KBB and fill the basket and remove 40 coals for the chimney.

What are we missing!?

[MsTwiggy]

Mine is 2018, i bet your runs steady because of the lid leak. That actually sounds convenient. Maybe I wouldn't try to fix that.

[Alabama Smoke]

If you clean the inside lip of the lid, where it seats on the barrel top, and I mean really mean clean........I was able to rub the surface with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and afterwards there was no black residue. Carefully pull the adhesive backing slowly off the gasket then seat the lid, and place several heavy items around the top of the lid, such as bricks to push down slightly on the lid, trying to get even pressure down of the lid top to set it. That will make a ton of difference