Temp controller choices

[Joetee]

I have a Thermoworks Signals with Bellows.
Would there be any advantage of getting a different brand of air controller?

Also, can air controllers be used with an advantage with a offset smoker?

[bbqLuv]

interesting question for the offset. Look forward to the answers

[Mr. Bones]

So sorry to be so very seeminly vestigial, an un-versed, but I have no experience base, where yer goin...

Kinda interested in th answers, on a limited basis lol

[bep35]

If the Signals and Bellows does what you want there is no need for another controller. Be careful of "MCS Syndrome" which leads down the path of owning more cookers, thermometers, and air controllers than anyone could ever use. This site contains testimonies from hundreds of MCS addicts, myself included.

[glitchy]

Guilty here :-D If you just need to spend some money for MCS reasons buy a Grill Gun instead to light your fires.

[glitchy]

Technically I don’t know why you would have any advantage with one over another unless you are needing more or less CFM and cannot use other fans to get that. I think most of it comes down to interface preferences or brand loyalty. I like Fireboard for their app and alert features, but I would guess cook results would be the same with your signals on my WSCG.

As far as offsets, people with more experience will hopefully chime in, but from what I hear most only use when burning charcoal instead of sticks. I could see it helping if your smoker is having drafting issues. There’s a particular stick burner that has had drafting issues that people talk about running a fan into the firebox to help overcome because the firebox was mounted too high (supposedly...I’m not a fire or mechanical engineer and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night).

[Dewesq55]

I agree regarding offsets. I use my stoker when burning charcoal and chunks in order to maintain a steady temp. When burning sticks, I just open everything up wide and control temps, to the extent I can, by controlling the size of my fire (small and hot.) A stoker will choke a log fire and produce dirty smoke.

[Razor]

That combination had a rough start. There was a period where the app was total garbage. They did a good job of fixing it though. I considered getting a Fireboard it was so bad but I wouldn’t go to a different brand now since the updates.

One thing I like about the Thermoworks, you can add a second fan if one isn’t enough. My buddy has a 22.5” WSM and that has helped him keep temp during full loads in bad weather.

[Dewesq55]

The Pit Viper fan, I believe, blows 40 CFM. I can't imagine needing more than that. My FB fan blows, something like 20 or 25 CFM and that's more than enough for my COS

[Razor]

The Billows is rated at 46 CFM. The second fan made a big difference over the winter. He gets a lot of wind through his back yard.