temp controllers and the newbie egger

I totally get your analogy. However, for a 16 hour burn, I would have big problems trying to keep it at a constant temp. Every time I've done an over night burn, in the morning, the fan is running much more than when I went to bed.

I know that stacking the lump properly is very important, but to tell you the truth, the Digi Q just does a wonderful job of maintaining the temp. $25 for a hunk of meat is too much to risk losing if it ran high. I suppose if the fire went out, I could eat a PB&J instead of the long anticipated brisket or pulled pork sandwich. But, I don't want that.

 
The egg without a controller works just fine and will hold the temperature without assistance. In the beginning I did buy a dual probe monitor and used it for the alarm purposes. If I use the DigiQ only, I also use the Maverick ET-732. No need to use the 732 when using the Stoker.

I have had a vertical burn and lost the meat with using the egg bare. I have also had a vertical burn and lost the meat using a DigiQ. Lighting the fire was the key to resolving the problems in both cases.

I prefer using my Stoker on longer cooks if for nothing else I can watch the different temperatures progress through the cook.

When I use my DigiQ I usually have it monitored by the Stoker for the same reason as above. I do use both when I am doing dual egg cooks.

GG

 
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your egg.

Fire going out could be to a vertical burn, that is fire out and unburnt lump all around the outside of the fire box. Light the lump bed in several places.

Or, possibly you didn't load enough lump in the egg.

Your temperature variations can be corrected by letting the egg stabilize before putting the meat on the egg.

Don't keep playing with the vents, only adjust one vent at a time and wait - you can't catch two rabbits at the same time (at first anyway).

These two links should be of help.

Visual Guide to Vent Settings

FAQ: Tips and Helpful Informaiton

GG

funny,

Once the temp is stable and the cook is going I don't check the egg until I get up the next morning.....

I think if you want one get it and use it....but I also believe folks should master the temp control first....

I'm new to the forum myself, and have only had my large egg for 1-2 wks; however, just playing with it the first time or two taught me more than anything else with regard to controlling temp, etc. Now I pretty much know how to set the vents/daisy for the desired range. Of course there will always be some tweaking, but after one or two sessions, you will likely have a reasonable idea of how yours behaves, and so forth. Good luck, and by the way, my wife has already been telling everyone how great the food is--I guess that's her way of hinting that she wants to be cooking less often! :(

I have electronic lures as well as the fantastic Stoker. How can you tell if the fan it not running? A nice loud alarm comes on and wakes yer butt up. I have the latest wireless Stoker and keep the laptop next to my bed, it will wake you up. Has it? No. do I need the stoker? No. I guess I just like technology and the confidence it gives me.

I am by no means as experienced as others but temperature control is something that si learned and the toys might help but.... I would buy the micro adjuster it makes adjusting for slo cooks much easier to remember your settings and make small adjustments. I was told when I got my egg to watch it start. When the temp gets near your desired temp start to shut the vents. I like ti keep the top vent at the same opening and just adjust the lower vent. It's my way but moving top and bottom vent you don't know which is working. Just start a fire with no food and play with temp control. It's a learning curve. Keep notes and the next cook it will be easier.