Best temp controller?

randerson1126

considering getting a temp controller for my large BGE. Would like to be able to monitor via Wifi. What is everyone’s recommendation?

ColtsFan

I use a flameboss 300. The 400 model is out and the price is considerably cheaper. Lots of strong options 

GrillSgt

Smobot

stlcharcoal

Flameboss!!

I sell them so it can be said I'm biased, but I can sell any of them I choose......flameboss is the best, so that's what I sell.  I used to be a dealer for three other brands, all of of which I no longer carry because of all the technical and warranty issues with the manufacturer. 

lkapigian

Flameboss is my next buy @stlcharcoal hooked me up a while back but wasn’t ready ...I have a Stoker now  but not being Tech Savy I’ll never use all it’s features 

RRP

I could be wrong, but I believe "Shot Gun Fred" was the first to invent, or at least assemble the parts needed to market his product which he called the BBQ Guru. I bought my first Guru 17 years ago. By today's wifi standards it was primitive, but it WORKED! Then 14 years later it suffered a brain fart and the company said it could not be repaired. At that time I bit the bullet and after evaluating/assessing my needs I bought another current BBQ Guru model with new features but no wifi capabilities. Reason why?
A) I'm retired so I don't need to monitor the cook from work
I no longer do overnight cooks since I like turbo butt cooks
C) I do use it, such as on Thanksgiving and Christmas so my my BBQ Guru can babysit my egg while I'm doing other things such as enjoying the day and company! 

Judy Mayberry

Agree 100% with EVERYTHING @RRP said! I bought the same original Guru, finally gave it to my daughter, went through the DigiQ...and I have fallen in love with SmoBot. Watching the lever open and close the mechanism is hypnotizing, and it requires no constant checking!

Kent8621

i have the FB300 and it works great for me.  i do a lot of cooking for our office events and i can watch it from my desk and run home and take stuff off as needed.  it has always worked really well for me.

edit - i think the 500 comes out later this year and is a better version.  the 400 only has 1 meat probe so if you'll think you want more maybe hold out till the new 500 comes out or if your ok with the older version that is used i am sure people will be selling there 300's when the new one comes out, myself included. 

stlcharcoal

Kent8621 said:

i have the FB300 and it works great for me.  i do a lot of cooking for our office events and i can watch it from my desk and run home and take stuff off as needed.  it has always worked really well for me.

edit - i think the 500 comes out later this year and is a better version.  the 400 only has 1 meat probe so if you'll think you want more maybe hold out till the new 500 comes out or if your ok with the older version that is used i am sure people will be selling there 300's when the new one comes out, myself included. 

The 500 will be an upgraded version of the 300.  Bigger screen, more ports (no y adapters) , new mounting bracket, etc.  

I thought it was going to be on the 400 platform, but it's not.

bubbajack

Kent8621

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

i have the FB300 and it works great for me.  i do a lot of cooking for our office events and i can watch it from my desk and run home and take stuff off as needed.  it has always worked really well for me.

edit - i think the 500 comes out later this year and is a better version.  the 400 only has 1 meat probe so if you'll think you want more maybe hold out till the new 500 comes out or if your ok with the older version that is used i am sure people will be selling there 300's when the new one comes out, myself included. 

The 500 will be an upgraded version of the 300.  Bigger screen, more ports (no y adapters) , new mounting bracket, etc.  

I thought it was going to be on the 400 platform, but it's not.

thanks Jonathon, i appreciate it.  

510BG

Smobot looks nice. I wonder if @reinhart36 would consider a groupbuy or discount code for egghead members. 😬

GrillSgt

Smobot has many advantages. It is easy to install attested to by me getting it right on first try. Customer service is great. I have asked a question by email twice and received a phone call within minutes both times. Also you’re egg is not permanently changed. You will need another daisy wheel, smokeware top or the new BGE top. I follow Smobot on FB and the only issue I see occasionally is a faulty probe. I am considering ordering an extra set so a cook won’t get shut down for long. I’m glad I waited for the Smobot to be in full production before buying any controller. 

stlcharcoal

GrillSgt said:

Smobot has many advantages. It is easy to install attested to by me getting it right on first try. Customer service is great. I have asked a question by email twice and received a phone call within minutes both times. Also you’re egg is not permanently changed.

I don't know of any controller that permanently changes the egg.  Smobot is the only one that makes you have additional equipment though.......now that BGE's are shipping with the rEGGulator, they're going to have to have some sort of their own cap.  Not knocking it, just saying that's kind of a disadvantage that you can't just take it out of the box and use it (without having to repurpose the DMFT.)

mEGG_My_Day

The Smobot damper is easy to adjust manually.  So you really don’t have to get another top. 

tjv

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

Photo Egg

mEGG_My_Day said:

The Smobot damper is easy to adjust manually.  So you really don’t have to get another top. 

So you can adjust the Smobot to fit the new BGE top/rEGGulator that comes on the new Eggs?

fishlessman

the best temp controller was the original guru, no wires, no fan, no electricity, no wifi.  just put it on top and walk away.  must have had a patent conflict or theres more money with wires

Kent8621

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

stlcharcoal

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

mEGG_My_Day

Photo Egg said:

mEGG_My_Day said:

The Smobot damper is easy to adjust manually.  So you really don’t have to get another top. 

So you can adjust the Smobot to fit the new BGE top/rEGGulator that comes on the new Eggs?

No - What I meant is once you install the Smobot on the old daisy wheel top, you can leave it there and you don't need another top.  If you don't want to plug in and use the Smobot as a controller, you can still adjust airflow manually with the Smobot damper.

I am guessing that Smobot is working on an adapter/damper for the new rEGGulator based on Eric's recent request for dimensions.

MattBTI

Fireboad. Great 6 channel thermo with wifi and bluetooth connectivity that's made in Kansas City. Works on it's own or paired with a phone and can add a blower for temp control. 

You can monitor temps remotely with it without using the blower components and later add the blower if you feel necessary...honestly though, I'd learn the dynamics of the egg without it first. Controllers are super handy....but not necessary for great results. Plus the blower can be used on a stick burner, if you desire, when your not egging. 

RajunCajun

I've had a guru for many years and bought a Smobot for the heck of it.  Smobot is the bomb for its simplistic approach and outstanding customer service.  I know a few ppl the FBs...most are considering doing what I did and replacing with a Bot.  Just do it and stop wasting time deliberating.

sunder1025

MattBTI said:

Fireboad. Great 6 channel thermo with wifi and bluetooth connectivity that's made in Kansas City. Works on it's own or paired with a phone and can add a blower for temp control. 

You can monitor temps remotely with it without using the blower components and later add the blower if you feel necessary...honestly though, I'd learn the dynamics of the egg without it first. Controllers are super handy....but not necessary for great results. Plus the blower can be used on a stick burner, if you desire, when your not egging. 

I have to agree, I love the my fireboard.  It's been rock solid for me so far over about 20 cooks.  I love the fact that there are so many probs, so I can monitor a couple different spots on a brisket at the same time. 

tjv

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

In a nutshell, EGG and BBQ Guru parted ways, Flame Boss stepped in and is now supplying EGG with a temp controller.  As stlcharcoal said, EGG's version provides multi meat capability with the Y adapter and extra meat probes. 

I did a facebook live show couple weeks ago on flame boss, egg genius, pitmasteriq 110 and kamado joe ikammand. it's up on our facebook page. 

you can check out site for more info and pricing on the units. 

t 

whldch

Without trying to confuse the issue, I love my Guru. The newest version works amazingly well. I have used it for 9-10 hour cooks and have kept temps within 5 degrees, easy wifi monitoring.

Kent8621

tjv said:

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

In a nutshell, EGG and BBQ Guru parted ways, Flame Boss stepped in and is now supplying EGG with a temp controller.  As stlcharcoal said, EGG's version provides multi meat capability with the Y adapter and extra meat probes. 

I did a facebook live show couple weeks ago on flame boss, egg genius, pitmasteriq 110 and kamado joe ikammand. it's up on our facebook page. 

you can check out site for more info and pricing on the units. 

t 

thanks guys, i will check it out i think my wife still has a facebook account.

StillH2OEgger

It sounds like there are plenty of good options and I won't argue against any that I have no experience with myself. I will just add that I have been pleased with the simplicity and reliability of the Smotbot.

Cornholio

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

In a nutshell, EGG and BBQ Guru parted ways, Flame Boss stepped in and is now supplying EGG with a temp controller.  As stlcharcoal said, EGG's version provides multi meat capability with the Y adapter and extra meat probes. 

I did a facebook live show couple weeks ago on flame boss, egg genius, pitmasteriq 110 and kamado joe ikammand. it's up on our facebook page. 

you can check out site for more info and pricing on the units. 

t 

thanks guys, i will check it out i think my wife still has a facebook account.

Looks like you don’t need an account to view their FB videos.  We don’t do Facebook so it really irks me when I go to a company’s link and it’s a FB page that you have to be signed in to see.  So at least CGS is viewable for all.

If I ran a business I’d post any FB video content to a YouTube channel as well for the non social media folks out there, more and more people are ditching FB these days.  Same thing has happened with photographers at mountain bike races I’ve participated in using Instagram and I couldn’t view the content.  I didn’t buy a photo from them because I couldn’t see them.  

unoriginalusername

tjv said:

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

In a nutshell, EGG and BBQ Guru parted ways, Flame Boss stepped in and is now supplying EGG with a temp controller.  As stlcharcoal said, EGG's version provides multi meat capability with the Y adapter and extra meat probes. 

I did a facebook live show couple weeks ago on flame boss, egg genius, pitmasteriq 110 and kamado joe ikammand. it's up on our facebook page. 

you can check out site for more info and pricing on the units. 

t 

Thanks just watched. Any reason for not including the smobot?  Curious between it and the egg model

mEGG_My_Day

tjv said:

stlcharcoal said:

Kent8621 said:

tjv said:

we carry four controller brands in our store and when folks ask us about controllers, we ask one simple question.....are you a computer, network guy.  if the answer is yes, then without question, a wifi controller is your game. if not, then wifi is a judgement call. 

the most basic way to control grill temps is the pitmasterIQ 110 for $140.  It's only pit control, no food probes, isn't fancy wifi but it does what most people want, control the grill's temperature.  up from the 110, the variety of methods and prices are wide. 

I would drop the extra $10 and get the egg genius over the flame boss 400.  Basic same parts and such except, the extra 10 spot gets you multi-probe capability.

t 

what is the egg genius i haven't see that before?

It's a green FB400 that you can use y-adapters to add extra probes to.  I believe it comes with one less draft door adapter as well since it only fits BGEs.

In a nutshell, EGG and BBQ Guru parted ways, Flame Boss stepped in and is now supplying EGG with a temp controller.  As stlcharcoal said, EGG's version provides multi meat capability with the Y adapter and extra meat probes. 

I did a facebook live show couple weeks ago on flame boss, egg genius, pitmasteriq 110 and kamado joe ikammand. it's up on our facebook page. 

you can check out site for more info and pricing on the units. 

t 

A little off topic - but I love the @tjv shows.  Thanks for doing them.