I'm kind of blown away by what these things are supposed to do. I know I'd be doing a lot more overnight cooks if they were effective. This is a very simple/naive question, but... do these controllers work well? I'm not wondering about different brands or models at this point (although I'll take all recommendations), but I'm just asking if they are a worthwhile investment. I have a WSM 18.5. Do I pretty much set up my fire, reach my ideal temp, turn the thing on, and go to sleep? Or is there a learning curve to making them work effectively?
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They do work and many, including competitive teams, use them religiously. On one hand, your WSM is known to do a good job as is, on the other hand, you actually can go to sleep and let them do the babysitting all night long. There is a small learning curve, Check out our reviews on some popular models. http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment...sort_order=ASC -
Smoking77, I have Used a www.TheBBQGURU DigiQ DX-2 with a Viper Fan (10 Cf/m) on My 22 1/2" Weber Kettle with a S 'n S and Drip & Griddle! I truly like this Controller for Monitoring Long Cooks! I also have a 2nd Pit Bull Fan (20 Cf/m) that I use on My Oklahoma Joe Higlander Offsett Stick Burner! I just Move the Control From One Smoker to the Other I like it Very Much. The People @ TheBBQGuru.com are Very Competent and Helpful! My DigiQ DX-2 just Came Back from Warminster PA Yesterday! It Needed Minor Repairs (Glass Came Loose), 1 Week Turn Arround and They Replaced the Circuit Board because they Suspected Moisture Damage very Resonable Cost IMHOP! If you want anymore info Just Ask, Also there are Several Other Temp Control Systems! Check Out the Equip (Accessory) Reviews on the www.AmazingRibs.Com HomePage! The Last Row of Pics are of FireBoard 6 Probe Temp Readings of the Temp Stability Cooking TG'g Turkey!
Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan
Attached FilesLast edited by Danjohnston949; April 18, 2017, 12:17 PM.Comment
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Thanks for all the info Danjohnston949 ! Really great setup you got there. -
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Smoking77 I have a BBQGURU Party-Q on my 22.5" with SnS/DnG, and it feels like cheating a bit when I use it. Light charcoal, set Party-Q, put meat on, sleep well. I think the Weber/Party-Q/SnS/DnG is the ultimate do it all backyard setup; the only drawback is size, maybe the 26" would be the ultimate.Comment
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If I had a pellet grill I wouldn't need this set-up, but I like it. -
Gooner-que , Yeah, when I started my research, it felt a little like cheating. But then I quickly realized that if it'll help me make better BBQ more often, then I don't mind being called a cheater.
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I have the Auber. Worst user interface ever, but IT WORKS SO WELL!!Comment
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I have a PartyQ with an adapter for my BGE and adapters installed on my 22" and 26" kettles and it works great. There are times I need a second unit when I have 2 long cooks going on. When the Fireboard gets a fan that may be the route I go.Comment
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I have a Flameboss 200 and it works grrreat. Can't claim it works better or worse than others, but just on the topic of controllers in general? You don't need to wait for your nightcap(s). Pull the trigger now, it may ship today instead of tomorrow that way
Yes,. overnights are great. And all day. And a combo of day and night, where you have freedom to do what you want and have confidence the temp is held where you want it, for as long as your fuel solution lasts.Comment
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Are there any issues with getting good smoke? I only ask because when I first started cooking a few months ago on my WSM, I was starting with way too much fuel, so to keep it at 250 degrees, I would have to basically close all the vents, which made for very dirty smoke. It says that with the temp controllers, you close two of the vents completely and put the fan in the 3rd. With two of the vents closed off, does this make it more difficult to get good smoke?Comment
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Thank you all for the help. Okay, I'm gonna do a little more research, and then pull the trigger. I'm interested in wifi connectivity to monitor my cook, so I'm thinking the CyberQ or the Auber. Not so happy that the Auber only has one food probe, but I have an iGrill 2, so if it's a better gadget than the CyberQ, I can make it work. Thoughts on the two? Or is there another one that's better? Or, in the end, are they all pretty solid? Much thanks.
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Auber doesn't even have a food probe. I just has the ambient temp which controls the fan. If you have an iGrill 2, it shouldn't matter to you anyway. I have a ThermaQ, so I just measure food temp that way. Auber still works great. Terrible user interface though. -
Ha. I know the feeling. I'm happy with my Stoker, but full disclosure... it can get expensive depending on how many probes and fans you have. The good news is you can spread that cost out and expand as time and $ allow.
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I use a a Party-q on my Weber 18.5 - I put new batteries in it every time I use it and have never had a problem. In fact, it is amazing! I did a ton of research and am glad I purchased this one as it was relatively inexpensive, and when used in conjunction with my wireless thermometers, i didn't really need a fancier model. It is super simple to use and highly recommend.Comment
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Again, the Auber works! But look at their user guide! Can any regular person understand this??
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It's easier to not use it than to figure out those instructions! -
I had a program that I had to rewrite (many years ago) that was written by a guy from China (good guy but). Mainframe tape conversion program. If parameters mismatched the message was displayed "wrong input tape not mounted" . We went nuts trying to figure out exactly what that meant.
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Flame Boss 200 does have wifi, only one meat probe. I have had very reliable performance from the FB, and use the wifi ALL the time. Setup etc. was fairly simple, no batteries. I'm less concerned that you get a FB or any other brand, but DO get a controller and it seems like you are willing to spring for the wifi option so great move there. Ability to view and alter your cook temp remotely is huge. raining or snowing or cold or windy? You don't care, you don't have to go out and check anything at your cooker to know whats going on w pit or meat temp. And not just from your couch, I cook while I'm at work, 35 mins from home and keep a better eye on things remotely (not tempted to lift the dome and pick) than if I were home. freedom and flexibility. you'll love it.
Incidentally, on the topic of smoke, this is the size chunk I use in my bge. I usually put one of these on after the lump gets going and before I put meat on. Let it go for 10-15 mins and then its good to go. Often that chunk has smoldered down to a piece of charcoal itself, but I do get plenty from this (apple) size chunk.
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Thanks for all the advice and knowledge, everyone! I pulled the trigger on the CyberQ. Really, really excited to try the thing out. Will cook ribs during the daytime for its maiden voyage, and then do an overnight brisket and pork butt after that. Thanks again!Comment
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Do you all have an additional thermometer (like a thermapen) to double check temp when the meat is done, or are is the CyberQ all I need?Comment
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Make sure you get the MK4 version of the Thermapen rather than the Classic. You'll regret not having the backlight the first time you're cooking after dark. Otherwise you will end up with both ( an error made by many members.including me). Gave it to my wife as a present for the kitchen.
Best regards,
JimComment
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