Thinking up another PBC mod......

[Jared Bollman]

Since the pit barrel is a 30 gallon barrel I wonder if I can purchase a regular drum lid and try this. Not sure i want to start our modding the PBC with permanent mods.

[Spinaker]

Since the pit barrel is a 30 gallon barrel I wonder if I can purchase a regular drum lid and try this. Not sure i want to start our modding the PBC with permanent mods.

IT kinda comes with the territory. When you get it right, its that much sweeter.

You can usually buy the drum but they aren't that cheap ($75) and buying just the lid will be expensive and/or hard to find.

I would Mod the PBC lid. Then IF you screw it up you can move to buy the drum lid.

[Jared Bollman]

IT kinda comes with the territory. When you get it right, its that much sweeter.

You can usually buy the drum but they aren't that cheap ($75) and buying just the lid will be expensive and/or hard to find.

I would Mod the PBC lid. Then IF you screw it up you can move to buy the drum lid.

Ahh so maybe what I should do is by a new 30 gallon drum build my own 2nd "PBC" since you know Brisket

[Jerod Broussard]

First poultry cook. 14+ pound turkey, the (+) is up to a certain % of injection plus oil & seasoning on the skin.

Using the "VENTA" she is dialed in at 331 degrees. As the turkey drips she may cool off a little and need adjusting. Been rolling steady for 14+ minutes.

[MBMorgan]

Question for you folks that have been modding your PBC's: I'm pretty sure that most of the mods out there have been done on the original powder coated "1st gen" PBCs ... but has anyone modded one of the newer porcelain enamel finished models? I'm a little concerned about shattering the finish if I start drilling and cutting it and am obviously curious about others' experiences.

[Jerod Broussard]

If I need another cooker I'll definitely get a newer enamel and test it out for you. But it will be purchased on an as-needed basis. Unlike MCS purchases.

[Nate]

My thought would be that this would be about the same as folks drilling into their Weber Kettles? They are enamel coated too. I haven't heard to many folks say they have had an issue... that I can think of at least.

[lschweig]

I just put the vent mod on my PBC and there was no issue with the porcelain finish and I used a jig saw to cut out the holes.

[Brewmaster]

I installed a VENTA on my enameled PBC and used a thin cut of wheel and flies to finish, there was a little sign of chipping but not really notifiable, the inside of my cover is so seasoned that I can't see any chipping, it works a lot better than the stacks, In am not planing on removing them instead I am looking for some little cast iron pigs I can screw on to the top with a whole in the mouth and the butt for for smoke fun, I also had a friend powder coat the vent gloss black to make it blend in. I measured from the curve of the handle to the edge and split the difference.

[AdamJG]

After doing a 20 pound turkey yesterday and having to cracked the lid every 20 minutes for 5 hours I decided to make this mod. Just ordered this vent, a bit different but I think it might be an easier install as I'll just need to drill holes instead of larger cut outs. I'll post pics and update on my results.

p.s. the turkey was still good

[Jerod Broussard]

Beautiful! I thought about the multiple holes then I figured nah I'll just cut a couple of bigger holes.

[Brewmaster]

I would start of by drilling 1 or 2 holes as I have found that it doesn't take much to vent a PBC which is why I only cut 1 slot, it is easier to cut more holes later than try to fill them back in.

[lschweig]

I finally got around to installing my vent. I used a jig saw to cut out the holes and will tidy up the cut outs with a file at a later date as well as tidy up the paint job. I decided to put the compression spring on the underside of of the lid and am hoping it will not cause stalactites or is it stalagmites? I used high temp engine paint so hoping that will last.

I looked closely and did not see any real effect on the porcelain finish as I was mildly worried about that with the vibration from the jig saw.

I do have a chicken thawing so the real test will be later on this week.

[Jerod Broussard]

Good luck. If I ever need another barrel that will be the first thing I do.

[rototiller78]

You're right...stalagmites are the ones "growing" from the floor or bottom

[lschweig]

I did my first chicken cook after installing the vent last evening and the vent worked exactly as I had hoped. Perfectly!



Came out super juicy and with a pretty crispy skin.

[Jerod Broussard]

Nice job.

[fzxdoc]

Yum, lschweig ! What was your average PBC temperature? And/Or how long did it take for that beauty of a bird to get done?

Kathryn