PBC temps

[Mark V]

My PBC has never maintained temps between 275 and 325 like it is said to. I know I have the lower vent set pretty close, about a fourth open. After 2.5 to 3 hours, the temp would drop. I wondered about airflow, ash falling down, not much room below the charcoal basket, I don't have the ash pan. So I boosted the charcoal basket up a few inches as a test, and then I got what I expected. Temps still fluctuated, but I never had to crack the lid like I had before when it fell low enough I wondered if it would stay lit.

[jfmorris]

What charcoal are you using? Does sound like ash build up was choking out the fire.

[Mark V]

Using Kingsford Original briquettes, as recommended by PBC.

[fzxdoc]

My PBC is happiest when it gets a good initial light to the coals--that is, that the fire is well-lit before I add the meat.

What is your lighting procedure, Mark V ? When you say the temp would drop after 2.5-3 hours, what was the temp at the beginning and after the drop? It's always fun to try to figure out what's going on.

In the meanwhile, enjoy cooking on your PBC; it sounds as though you've found a fix for the problem.

Kathryn

[JeffJ]

Mark V On the PBC channel there is a sticky thread about lighting times, and other PBC essentials. If you haven't already done so, I strongly encourage you to check it out. Kathryn developed her own lighting technique and I've committed it to memory. It works like a charm, every time.

fzxdoc

[New2Cue]

Markv14 I've had the exact same issue for the last few years. Deciding whether to add a fan unit or valve to the cover, or just sell it and move to something like the Gateway or Hunsaker.