What is the Barbecue Guru and the Pitminder?

Steel Big Boy

Guys,[p]I guess I have been out of touch for awhile. How does the Guru and the Pitminder work?[p]Thanks

StubbyQ

Funny you should ask. [p]In both units there is a draft fan that you plug in the bottom vent, via a special door that fits the pit slide.[p]The Pit minder controls the temp in the pit and maintains an even temp. Pretty much that's all it does. Even pit temp.[p]The Guru controls the final meat temp via the pit temp working together, with the draft fan. Think of it like a computer minding your cook for you, cause that what it does. It consists of four devices really. Two thermocouples and two computer chips. All four talking to each other several times a minute. You can start at a higher temp say 275° and the pit temp is ramped down as the meat temp approches the end meat set temp you dialed into it. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I highly recommend it. Things got a whole lot easier fro me when I go mine. It's almost automatic. [p]Follow the link below for more information and ordering.
[ul][li]BBQ Guru[/ul]

Jester

Steel Big Boy,[p]Further, are they worth it????[p]Regards,
Jester

StubbyQ

Worth three times the price. I wouldn't part with mine. It's helped me to make some really great BBQ. Takes all the worry out of cooking. Now you can go to bed and not worry if your fire is going to go out.[p]It's the only thing I value as much as my Egg. If ever the wife and I get split up I'm taking the Egg and the Guru. Enough said.

Jester

StubbyQ,[p]Thanks for the input. Following the initial outlay for the egg I think I'll be hard pressed to convince the spousal unit to go for another outlay of fundage. But maybe if I get her addicted to PP and then "throw" a couple of cooks...[p]Worth a thought.
Jester

The Naked Whiz

Jester,
I bought one for Father's Day. Seemed like a good idea! The wife (the one who dropped 2 cell phones in portapotties in 8 days) didn't object too much. Specially after having had to toss a $23 brisket the weekend before because my fire went out. I convinced that over the long run it would pay for itself. I didn't even have to show her Book 7, Chapter 1 of the Tao.
TNW

StubbyQ

I fully understand explaining things like this to the wife. However, after you show her what you can do with it you'll be the big hero around your house.[p]Once you use one of these you'll understand how it can save your Butts. Pun intended. Man, I tell you what, first time you do an all night cook the concept sinks in fast. Having your fire go out in the middle of the night is a real bummer. This will prevent that.[p]All I can do is give advice. I know I love mine. Save up and get it and you won't be sorry.

Unknown

Steel Big Boy,[p]You could also build your own:
Automatic Temp Controller
Download the PDF of this article:
http://www.circuitcellar.com/library/print/0503/moyer154/2305014-Moyer.pdf

StubbyQ

Seems like a lot of work.

jwitheld

Jester,
dont throw the cook, just get her to stay up and help all night.