Talk me out of a Flameboss 200 Wifi

As opposed to the Flame Boss 100? Not going to happen ... I love the graph porn too much.

As opposed to no electronic control?  Not going to happen ... I love the freedom to wander off and not fret about the temps staying fixed.

In bow hunting there is a group of folks who hunt with bows they've made themselves.  There's another group who advocates the use of bare recurve bows ... no sights, stabilizers, etc..  That process goes on-and-on in increments until you end up with 80% let off carbon fiber compound bows, carbon graphite arrows, and enough other equipment hanging off the bow to confuse Rube Goldberg.  Each group swears that their approach is the one and only true method of hunting.

We have the same spectrum of folks and approaches in the egging community.  Pick a level of accessory sophistication that you're comfortable with and go for it.

Recently got one since we just had a baby I and I figured this would be my best way to continue to cook a lot.  Have liked it so far after a few years of using the egg without a controller, haven't used the other types, but happy with the flame boss.

dstearn said:

... My only concern with the Flame Boss is the build quality of the fan and adapters. It does not look as well built as the Pit Viper fan. 

I own and use both the DigiQ and the Flame Boss units.  I had the same initial concern with the blower and adapter on the Flame Boss.  After a couple of months of use, I've changed my mind.  The Flame Boss fan and adapter is more than adequately built to handle the task.  Plus, the replacement cost of the fan and adapter is much less than the Pit Viper parts.

As an aside, I asked Michael why he didn't provide a "rain shield" for the fan unit.  His response was that he didn't see a need ... he'd used his in the rain with no problems and warranty replacement for the fan was minimal.  I'll still be using my "rain shield", but I thought his response was interesting.

Tier1Terrier said:

Talk me out of a Flameboss 200 Wifi Please. 

I was unfamiliar with this unit so looked it over on Amazon; now there's one in MY cart.  Thanks a lot.  
 
(I've already bought a new iMac, Nikon camera and expensive lens this summer, need to give this a day or two.  But its in my cart)
 
EDIT: oh yeah, those of you who own the 200, does it work with Mac OS?  Thanks.

It looks like the 200 does not allow port forwarding. Pros: easier set up. Cons: You are dependent on their server.
Check to see if they have added a damper to the fan as this can affect air flow and temp control accuracy.

You really don't need one if you can build and maintain a fire. I bought a Stoker and I don't use it anymore. It's more trouble than it's worth. 

I don't even know what a flame boss looks like, but I do have a DigiQ. Think about how often you will use it before you drop that much cash. I used mine fairly often when I first got it, but I found myself doing fewer and fewer long slow cooks. Now, the controller gets used 2, maybe 3 times a year. I never use it for short cooks, meaning 5 hrs or less. Too easy to do without a crutch. 

Some folks just go turbo with the lo n slo type cooks. So they really don't need a controller. I would do that, but then I would just feel stupid for wasting all that money on the DigiQ.

Tier1Terrier said:

Anyone out there that has had BOTH the Cyber Q and the Flameboss 200 that would care to compare/contrast the two for me?  I've seen the DigiQ in person and it seems very solidly built (metal case).  What turns me off about the CyberQ & the Flameboss is the cheaper looking plastic enclosures that controllers are housed in.  Also, one of my concerns is the fan/adapter of the Flameboss which seems inferior to the Pit Viper that comes with the CyberQ.  I like the simplicity of the Flameboss and how it gives you 4 readings on one screen.  I'm really not sure, but I'm leaning toward the Flameboss.  I wish it just came with the Pit Viper.  Also, how do the probes differ from the CyberQ to the Flameboss?

Read Jeepsters post.

dstearn said:

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Tier1Terrier said:

Anyone out there that has had BOTH the Cyber Q and the Flameboss 200 that would care to compare/contrast the two for me?  I've seen the DigiQ in person and it seems very solidly built (metal case).  What turns me off about the CyberQ & the Flameboss is the cheaper looking plastic enclosures that controllers are housed in.  Also, one of my concerns is the fan/adapter of the Flameboss which seems inferior to the Pit Viper that comes with the CyberQ.  I like the simplicity of the Flameboss and how it gives you 4 readings on one screen.  I'm really not sure, but I'm leaning toward the Flameboss.  I wish it just came with the Pit Viper.  Also, how do the probes differ from the CyberQ to the Flameboss?

Read Jeepsters post.

Additionally, according to the Naked Whiz review, the Pit Viper will work with the Flameboss and they offer it without the OEM fan, so you can have both.  

caliking said:

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DoubleEgger said:

You really don't need one if you can build and maintain a fire. I bought a Stoker and I don't use it anymore. It's more trouble than it's worth. 

Not surprising that you would say that, especially if you read what a headache Stokers have been for many folks.

I thought about a controller for a couple of years, but balked at the price. Figured it was time to pull the trigger, since it would make egging easier with  caliprince being  mobile now. The Flameboss 200 is simple to use and setup, and customer service is excellent. These guys are determined to make sure you have a good experience with their product and that you have every reason to give them 5 stars. I've been a very happy customer.

Hit up @stlcharcoal if you are thinking of buying one. You'll have more $$ for meat.

I thought you'd be on the heatermeter by now

KSwoll said:

Hopefully Flameboss will add some redundancy to their infrastructure so they don't have a repeat of July 4th weekend.

Can you connect via Adhoc mode directly to the Flameboss 200? Or can you only connect via their site?

dstearn said:

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KSwoll said:

Hopefully Flameboss will add some redundancy to their infrastructure so they don't have a repeat of July 4th weekend.

Can you connect via Adhoc mode directly to the Flameboss 200? Or can you only connect via their site?

I am not sure if you can or not. I don't have a flameboss. My buddy uses the Flameboss and he was telling me about the server going down. It didn't prevent it from working, he just couldn't check it remotely through the flameboss site. I use my CyberQ wifi and have the port forwarded on my router for remote access. My buddy still likes the flameboss for it's simplicity. You can't go wrong with any of them from what I have seen. 

DaveRichardson said:

I don't think you can go Adhoc with the FB200.  Its either wifi connection to their site, or visual connection to the box. 

This is correct......for now.  I did ask the FB folks if there was a way to point it somewhere else just if (god-forbid) they shut down, sold-out, or discontinued the unit.  They said yes, it could, it's just a long process.

As far as the outage, come on guys......how often does your internet, cable, satellite TV go out?  The unit didn't shut down, it just couldn't be monitored from afar for a few hours.  The issue was fixed in good time, I really wouldn't avoid the product because of this single instance.  It should be assumed that ANYTHING going through the internet could have an outage at some point--whether it's the ISP, your equipment, their equipment, a foreign power, or Al Gore taking back the internet.  LOL

Darby_Crenshaw said:

some folks like toys, and buy them whether they need them or not.  it's something they like, and I don't begrudge them the fun. 

I won't try to talk you out of anything, except to say that the very reason I got a BGE ten-plus years ago was because it was the only charcoal-fired cooker that you could dial in to a temp and leave alone, and it would maintain that temp overnight.  no plugging in, no nuthin.

as soon as my BGE stops performing as advertised, I will buy a temp controller. so far, no need

I have to agree, I won't knock anyone who has a temp controller and I think they are very cool, but there is an extra bit of satisfaction doing it the old fashion way. And also, I just turbo cook almost everything now and it turns out exceptionally well. 

I love my FB100.  Wish I waited for the FB200, but I needed it for a big cook I really didn't want to screw up and the FB200 was a few months from release.

If mine died today I would gladly get another.  Simple, effective, wonderful customer service.