New controller for Kettles?

[RonB]

I just saw this on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8oGWs3TKZ8

[CaptainMike]

Looks like it will fit the WSCG.

[DJSpinkyLoc]

I'd rather stick with the Fireboard Drive and a 12v fan just for the versatility.

[CaptainMike]

I have that setup for the WSCG, but that kettle runs true by itself so I rarely use it.

[Attjack]

Looks great. Maybe one day when I rebuild my Performer once I burn out the original bowl I'll get one for that rig.

[kjbarth]

Interesting.

[Joey877]

Installation with no drilling, plus it costs less than the Pit Viper + Fireboard 2. Not as versatile, but if you only need it for the kettle, it's not bad.

[glitchy]

I've seen this posted other places. While it comes in less than other options, what happens when MCS kicks in and you get another cooker? I'll stick to my Fireboard and will continue to recommend not buying a ATC setup tied to a specific grill.

[Attjack]

I can't see ever not having a kettle.

[glitchy]

Attjack Can you see only ever having a kettle again though?

[Rod]

That fan sounds pretty loud and where it blows out looks like it's in the ash bucket. Seems like it would blow ashes everywhere. I too will stick with my FB.

[Attjack]

I figure you empty the ash bucket and let her rip. When the cook is done use the sweeper. Repeat.

[Rod]

Yeah, but on that one the ash sweep is supposed to be fully open. So ash will definitely want to drop through to the ash bucket as coals get completely exhausted. Especially on a long cook. I wouldn't be too concerned if that fan didn't sound so loud. Maybe the video doesn't truly represent the volume of air (from the sound of it) accurately.

[Joey877]

I've seen this posted other places. While it comes in less than other options, what happens when MCS kicks in and you get another cooker? I'll stick to my Fireboard and will continue to recommend not buying a ATC setup tied to a specific grill.

I have a fair number of cookers but nothing where I would want a fan except for the kettle. And like Attjack I will always have a kettle. I can and will continue to upgrade, but I don't see myself needing this type of setup for anything outside of a kettle.

[glitchy]

You wouldn’t like to track the temps of the foods you’re cooking on the other grills? Most of the other solutions are wireless thermometers in addition to temp controllers. My Fireboard is my cooking logbook and sees more use on my MAK than it does playing ATC for my WSCG. I’ll likely use it heavily with the KBQ as well if good weather ever aligns when I have time to tend it.

[Joey877]

glitchy - fair point, but I guess it's all what you're used to. I have the Smoke and Gateway and have come to rely on that for food temps. If I purchase a fan I'll need to also buy a controller, when I don't need any more thermometers. So an all in one approach like this works for me.

[glitchy]

Yeah in that case, makes more sense since you already have a wireless thermometer. If you didn’t already and add then buy venom and later also a smoke and gateway up you’re getting about the same as a FB+Fan or Signals+Billows.

[Polarbear777]

Nice idea but I want the fan well above where ash collects. Drilling a 1” hole isn’t that tough.

That said it’s not a bad idea, given many other fan systems also use the ash vents.

[Attjack]

I disagree with this logic. The ash collects in the kettle and then is swept into the removable bin manually after the cook. My Pit Viper fan blows directly into the kettle where the ash is actively collecting. I'm guessing as far as ash is concerned, this design is no worse and quite possibly better.

[Polarbear777]

Either way the fan could blow some ash. However when running for 12+ hours enough ash could collect and block the fan since the holes are at the bottom.
With a fan blowing in just under the charcoal grate the ash can fill the entire bottom before it gets in the way.

[Troutman]

Kettleman Trout gives that a thumbs up. Not bad for $200 bucks. I am curious as to the ash collection too, as well as how well the thing is built and holds up. I'll never get rid of my Fireboard/Pit Viper setup but this is a good alternative for someone just starting out,