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Stoker ?

GlennM
GlennM Posts: 1,358
edited April 2012 in EggHead Forum
Hi
This is my first post. I have had a large BGE for a year now and really love it. I have found a lot of useful advice on this forum!
I would like to get some kind of auto temp controller and I'm looking for suggestions. I kind of like the looks of the stoker since you can use a couple of probes and monitor on your computer. I have searched here, I see there are some upgrades to the product as well. Any input or recommendations would be really appreciated!
In the bush just East of Cambridge,Ontario 

Comments

  • Village Idiot
    Village Idiot Posts: 6,959
    I love my Stoker, although I don't use it very often.  I got the original (non wi-fi) model, but created a bridge to my Mac using Airport Extreme.  With the Stokerlog program, I can, not only monitor, but control the temperature of my Egg during a cook and have a real time graph created.

    I have cooked briskets for over 21 hours, and the Stoker has kept the temperature to within 1 degree of the desired temperature.  I can't compare it to the other controllers, like the DigiQ, because I don't own them, but the Stoker completely meets my requirements.
    __________________________________________

    Dripping Springs, Texas.
    Just west of Austintatious


  • bigguy136
    bigguy136 Posts: 1,362
    I love my Stoker also. I have the wi-fi version but am using an access point. I also like I can have Excel get data and plot into a spreadsheet.

    Big Lake, Minnesota

    2X Large BGE, 1 Mini Max, Stokers, Adjustable Rig

  • xraypat23
    xraypat23 Posts: 421
    Honestly, you aren't going to use it as much as you think. I compete on 2 eggs, ones controlled with a ique-110 and the other i just run using the vents, they both hold rock steady at whatever temp I set them at.   The IQUE 110 runs about 150 shipped, works flawlessly, just doesn't have a meat probe.
  • OMG Eggs
    OMG Eggs Posts: 118

    If you're a type a person, you need this.  Even though I know the egg will hold pretty steady without it, I will constantly check, adjust (trying to make it perfect) and eff it up.  The brand really doesn't matter, they all work, just depends what you want/need.  I'd seriously consider the battery powered Digi if I was buying today... it seems like the wifi stoker got a healthy price boost.

     

    I use every time, I cook below 400, so all chicken and slow cooks.  This summer I'm planning to running power under ground out to my egg location so I can do away with an extension cord from the garage. 

  • I couldn't justify shelling out $3-400 to maintain temps in my egg,  at the same time I didn't want to worry about temps during low and slows.  Of the 30+ low and slows I did,  I had the egg go out on me twice.  I got an Auber Instruments controller for a little over $100 and love the thing.  Does just what it is supposed too, maintain temps.  It would be cool to make graphs and stuff and I guess it would be useful to change temps remotely (never really had the need personally), but I think the likes of PartyQ and Auber are sufficient. A couple 100 bucks can buy a lot of meat! :)

  • GlennM
    GlennM Posts: 1,358
    Thanks for the comments. I ordered the Auber. I'm sure it will suit my needs just fine.
    In the bush just East of Cambridge,Ontario 
  • BYS1981
    BYS1981 Posts: 2,533
    Awesome, I had no idea about the Auber or IQUE 110, and I was under the impression stokers were $300-400 also. I had not started research and this helps me a lot. I can't justify $400, but $150 isnt so bad.
  • GlennM
    GlennM Posts: 1,358
    Yup, looks like the right price range for me. In combination with a Maverick thermometer it should do what I want it to do. I like to put something on the egg, get it stabilised and then forget about it for a while. A couple of times I would leave for an hour or so and the temp would be a bit on the high side when I came back. This should take the worry out of leaving!
    In the bush just East of Cambridge,Ontario 
  • xraypat23
    xraypat23 Posts: 421
    I can't speak for the auber, but the ique has been within 10 degrees of my maverick regardless of set point.
  • GlennM
    GlennM Posts: 1,358
    You mean they are not calibrated the same?
    In the bush just East of Cambridge,Ontario