Temp probe (generic K type) is located on top diametrically opposed to outflow. That way, presumably, it is measuring ambient as opposed to flue gas temp. Regardless, when it hits 100c or better than the max achievable ambient temp without combustion, something is on fire. I’m pretty sure once I optimize the burn time vs off time to continue to produce excellent smoke, I can substantially reduce the amount of time with “complete” combustion, but keep the temps high enough that NOX etc production remains very high.
My phone died yesterday afternoon and I was unable to take food porn pix, but I had about a 3/4” medium pink ring on all three butts, and the total wood input was probably 2 pounds of chunks. Bark was really tasty, but it was actually thick enough that I will consider turning off the top element for the latter portion of the smoke in the future.