Probe/fan holes on the PK300?

[Henrik]

Hi guys and gals,

I’ve been ogling the PK300. Thinking of selling my PK TX and replacing it with the new PK300.

I’ve seen some photos of it online, as well as a few vids. But I’m trying to figure out which ports it has from the factory for probes and fans.

This is what I have noted so far:

- on the "back" of the lid there’s a port for mounting an optional Tel Tru thermometer. Sold by PK if I want one. I guess this can be used for a probe instead.

- on one side (on the bottom half), there’s a hole for putting your temp probe.

My questions are:
1. What size (hole dia) is the probe port on the bottom half?

2. is there anywhere a fan can be mounted for automating the cook, or does that require me drilling a hole for it first?

Thanks in advance!

[jfmorris]

Henrik this guy on Youtube uses the probe port for his fan, with a diverter to send the air down, and then just runs his temp probes through a vent, in order to avoid drilling additional holes:

https://youtu.be/GPmRvDAS7bY

The probe port appears to have at least 2 holes, not super big, but probably enough for air for low and slow.

[Henrik]

Thanks Jim! Spot on! I don’t mind drilling, if that’s needed, but good to know what my options are. My existing PK TX is very steady in holding temps, but always nice with a fan.

[Jessterr]

Henrik There are two port holes, each measuring 0.9 - 1.0 cm in diameter. For reference, I use Thermoworks probes and two of them will not fit through the same hole, the space taken up by the first probe wire is enough to prevent feeding another one through.

[Henrik]

Thanks, good to know! I’ll see if I can’t plan a small trip to a bbq store soon and see it IRL for myself, should clear out any questions.

[Henrik]

Well, I just sold my PK TX to a friend, so I guess there's now room for a PK300 in my "stable" :-)

[ILMsmoke]

I'm curious how often you cook on the PK? Seeing everything you build its interesting that you and builders like Aaron Franklin seem to gravitate to the PK for home use. BTW, I'm recovering from my surgery and will be back building my off-set soon! Think I've got about 10-12hrs of work left on it!

[Henrik]

ILMsmoke - relatively often I would say. It's just me and my wife (no kids), so it's very convenient for a quick Friday evening cook. I do mostly low 'n slow on it, or just sear a flank steak.
Looking forward to seeing you complete your offset build!!