Thermometer question

lafromla1

Should have my LBGE delivered on Friday and was thinking about getting a digital thermometer for some low-slow cooks.  I am graduating from a life-long, and well established propane grilling life to the world of BBQ'ing.  For those of you that have one, I was considering either the Thermoworks Smoke (and Gateway) or the Signals.  I like the idea of having Wi-Fi should I want to run out for a short bit, but still have the ability to see what is going on.    The Thermopro Tp27 while it doesnt have WiFi, does have a nicer price point that the others and would be just about the same as the Smoke (without the Gateway).  Thoughts?

WeberWho

My suggestion would be to get an instant read thermometer first. Javelin Pro Duo or the Thermapen are the most popular here on the forum. 

WeberWho

I forgot to mention, welcome!!!

Here is a recent thread on controllers:

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1228584/best-temperature-control-unit#latest

I'd personally hold off from purchasing a controller right away. Play around with the BGE and learn how to control the vent settings for temperatures and try a couple over night cooks with out any controllers. That way you will know how to operate the BGE if the controller doesn't work for a cook or if the power goes out. I like controllers as much as the next person but it's good to know how to run the BGE by itself. 

Ask away with any other questions. Always someone here to help out. 

lousubcap

I agree with @WeberWho regarding the value of the instant read, especially on a hot and fast cook.  The wide latitude afforded by a low and slow cook in terms of cooking temp range and finish times aka feel (related to finish temp-which is not the driver) allows for flexibility.
With a hot and fast cook, the change in finish temp by 5*F changes the texture of the meat by noticeable parameters. 
These days I prefer the Javelin but I have and still use a Thermapen as when I got it,  it was the only instant read on the market.
BTW- Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.
Be warned, this place can suck all your discretionary $$ in short order.
There are several threads that talk about what to initially buy when jumping into BGE cooking.  Give the search function a look.  Any questions or concerns post here.  You will get quality feed-back.  

fishlessman

a temp stabilized egg holds temp for along time, i have no problems leaving 8 or more hours unattended

lafromla1

Thank you for the welcome and the advice. I plan on doing some traditional grilling first (i.e. burgers and ribeyes) so as to get used to the whole system before diving right in to a nice piece of meat.  Wife makes a wicked prime rib and brisket in the oven, but trying to move the cooking outside for a variety of reasons.  She is just as excited about using the BGE as I am.  My son has a Traeger which we are not thoroughly impressed with, so we will definitely have a cook-off once I get used to the BGE.  

We have seen some great recipes in the forum that we can't wait to try.

StillH2OEgger

You will definitely want a quick-read thermometer. I would hold off on a remote thermometer if you think there is any chance you might eventually want a controller, which will also have a remote thermometer built in.

I have a remote thermo, but the only time it gets used is if I'm not using my smobot controller, which is almost never.

Also, congrats on the BGE and welcome aboard!

OhioEgger

Agree that my Thermapen is one of the most used and appreciated tools in my arsenal.

Side note: FWIW I don't recommend the Smoke Gateway --  I've had nothing but trouble with it. The Smoke itself is fine, but the Gateway is not a good product IMHO.

abpgwolf

I agree that a instant read digital thermometer should be your first priority (I love my Thermapen). I use my leave in thermometer for about 20 to 25% of my cooks (I use a ThermaQ). I don't hesitate to leave for an hour or so during a cook, confident in the fact that my egg temp won't fluctuate much in that hour.

Have Fun!

wps456

Welcome as well. I'm definitely not an expert on here but I'll give my input. I don't know the brand of the thermometer but it's a somewhat instant that I can leave in the meat while it's cooking. For burgers and steaks, when they are getting close to done I'll put it in the 1 that's closest to finishing, close the lid, watch the temp then pull when done then move probe to the next 1. I try to open the lid as little as possible due to possibility of flare-ups with hotter cooks. With low and slow, I use a flameboss 500 and love it. Like others said, learn to use it first and don't forget to clean out the base from time to time as the holes get clogged it'll effect the airflow making it harder to get higher temps and then when you do clean it out, on the next cook, the temp will be sky high...ask me how I know this, ha! All the best!

lafromla1

Thanks everyone.  I went ahead and ordered a  Javelin Pro Duo.  Just have to learn to be patient and not want to open the lid every 30 seconds and check the temps.

RRog17

lafromla1 said:

Thanks everyone.  I went ahead and ordered a  Javelin Pro Duo.  Just have to learn to be patient and not want to open the lid every 30 seconds and check the temps.

That’s a great instant read. Here’s a good one to leave during a low and slow. Pretty basic and inexpensive. Gets the job done. 

https://www.thermoworks.com/DOT

lafromla1

lousubcap said:

Be warned, this place can suck all your discretionary $$ in short order.
There are several threads that talk about what to initially buy when jumping into BGE cooking.  Give the search function a look.  Any questions or concerns post here.  You will get quality feed-back.  

Went through a bunch of threads and was able to get a bundle package plus 5% off other accessories, so the wife started going through the website and picked out all her favorite ones, lol.  Needless to say, I think i am covered for everything except a pizza, which she also makes her own dough and cooks them in the oven.  Will probably get a stone in short order.  I do have to say that the accessories are reasonably priced compared to what I was initially expecting them to be.