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Temperature Controllers in Cold Weather
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nathanenderle
Posts: 43
Has anyone used a temperature controller in freezing temperatures (0-20 degrees Fahrenheit)? Are the units capable of being outside for 12+ hours during a long cook?
I live in North Dakota and have done a few cooks on my egg in these temps but I'm looking at getting a temp controller (Stoker, Flameboss 200, or CyberQ) but for 1/4 to 1/3 of the year the temps are cold around here. Has anyone that deals with these temps used one of these controllers successfully for awhile without problems? Thanks!
I live in North Dakota and have done a few cooks on my egg in these temps but I'm looking at getting a temp controller (Stoker, Flameboss 200, or CyberQ) but for 1/4 to 1/3 of the year the temps are cold around here. Has anyone that deals with these temps used one of these controllers successfully for awhile without problems? Thanks!
Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
Comments
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I have used my original Flame Boss in Iowa Winter temps and it worked fine. There was a bit of moisture in the fan housing but it did not hinder operation during the cook as that version of controller never shuts the fan off completely. It ramps up and down in speed to maintain the cook temp. I believe the moisture build up is due to the high internal humidity of the Egg when cooking but am not sure about that. A controller that turns the fan off/on might be a different beast however as the fan might freeze while in the off mode. Hopefully someone with the Guru or other cycling type controller can give more info.A poor widows son.
See der Rabbits, Iowa -
I've had the CyberQ for a couple of years. Used it on both a Weber kettle and XL Egg in cold temperatures in NJ. Controller works fine. As bettysnephew posted, moisture does gather in the fan housing when used with the Egg due to the Egg's moist cooking environment. Just install the fan on its side (up and down) so moisture doesn't freeze in the fan. I highly endorse the CyberQ for winter cooks. It's nice to be inside (overnight) or out and about while checking and controlling temps.South Jersey / XL Egg
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Used a Babba Guru all last winter with temps below 20 degrees ... no problems ... well, except for the moisture dripping on the concrete off the egg door. Turn the fan, as has already been mentioned, on it's side so that any condensation will run out.
This winter I'm using a FB200. The temps last night only sank to 24 degrees, but again, no problems with the Flameboss either.
Washington, IL > Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max
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Jeepster47 said:Used a Babba Guru all last winter with temps below 20 degrees ... no problems ... well, except for the moisture dripping on the concrete off the egg door. Turn the fan, as has already been mentioned, on it's side so that any condensation will run out.
This winter I'm using a FB200. The temps last night only sank to 24 degrees, but again, no problems with the Flameboss either. -
Thanks everyone for the comments! Now the tough part...decide between the Flame Boss 200, the CyberQ or the Wifi Stoker...decisions, decisions...Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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Before you decide, drop a line to @stlcharcoal, get his phone number, and talk with him. You won't regret it.
Washington, IL > Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max
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The only issues I've ever had in extreme temps are the screens. In the cold, the screens washout and are slow to update/change. It the extreme heat, they're can be all black and hard to read. The good news is that you can read everything from your computer, so who needs the screen *if* does get a little "wonky." I haven't used my FB200 in the cold. Did fine all summer in the heat though. I've used my IQ110 & IQ120 in the extreme temps--no issues. Do give me a call though, will give you the rundown on all three. Will PM the digits.
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I've used a digiQ overnight in temps upwards of -20°. No problems whatsoever. I would recommend covering the digital portion of the unit. I used a gallon sized ziplock so that I could see the screen. Fastened with rubber bands at the base.XLBGE- Napa, CA by way of ATX
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DigiQ, so far zero issues. Haven't experienced moisture buildup, but I have the fan positioned with the cable end down.
Use a Ziplok plastic container with a hole cut in the side to run the cables through.BrandonQuad Cities
"If yer gonna denigrate, familiarity with the subject is helpful." -
Used the Stoker in the upper 20s with no issue.Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/ and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
What am I drinking now? Woodford....neat -
I use this crazy thing called the daisy wheel. Hasn't frozen up yet[social media disclaimer: irony and sarcasm may be used in some or all of user's posts; emoticon usage is intended to indicate moderately jocular social interaction; the comments toward users, their usernames, and the real people (living or dead) that they refer to are not intended to be adversarial in nature; those replying to this user are entering into a tacit agreement that they are real-life or social-media acquaintances and/or have agreed to or tacitly agreed to perpetrate occasional good-natured ribbing between and among themselves and others]
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I use a cyber q with a pit viper. My fan froze up once because of condensation. Keep the fan perpendicular to the ground keeping the fan higher than the output, that keeps the liquid from building up, and put a small cardboard box around it for overnights, It's own heat keeps it from freezing.
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Darby_Crenshaw said:I use this crazy thing called the daisy wheel. Hasn't frozen up yet
Washington, IL > Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max
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Darby_Crenshaw said:I use this crazy thing called the daisy wheel. Hasn't frozen up yet
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Auber Instruments controller starts to go crazy in the low teens. I wrap the pid inside a towel and chugs along just fine when wrapped"The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan
Minnesota -
pgprescott said:Darby_Crenshaw said:I use this crazy thing called the daisy wheel. Hasn't frozen up yet
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Thanks to everyone for the comments. A FlameBoss 200 is on it's way! Get prepared for mouth-watering pictures...Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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I used the BBQ GURU II, over the weekend for low and slow. Ambient Temps were sub 30's F. Performed like a champ. Pit kept at 225F dome at 250F. No deviation once dialed in."Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber
XL and MM
Louisville, Kentucky -
I have a solution to all of these problems... Move to south Florida ... But then move back for summer.... Some call it snow bird... I call it pure genius
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slovelad said:I have a solution to all of these problems... Move to south Florida ... But then move back for summer.... Some call it snow bird... I call it pure geniusNewbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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Is the FB200 capable of 450 degrees? Is that the limit? Was thinking of doing pizza at 425 and just really want to use it Although I might be able to put it off and be patient for a future cook.Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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nathanenderle said:Is the FB200 capable of 450 degrees? Is that the limit? Was thinking of doing pizza at 425 and just really want to use it Although I might be able to put it off and be patient for a future cook.
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@nathanenderle don't break the new toy!Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
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Ipgprescott said:nathanenderle said:Is the FB200 capable of 450 degrees? Is that the limit? Was thinking of doing pizza at 425 and just really want to use it Although I might be able to put it off and be patient for a future cook.Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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Nathan, the whole point of one of these things is to hold a low and slow cook temp for a long period of time, i.e. overnight. They are not intended, or NEEDED, to maintain a high temp for a short duration cook.
This is one of the reasons many recommend learning to control temps manually before considering such a crutch. If you bought a controller to reach and hold high temps for short periods, you might want to see if you can return it for a refund. It is simply not needed.I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!
MichaelCentral Connecticut -
I fully plan to use it for low and slow cooks with the peace of mind of knowing where it's at while I'm at work or sleeping. When researching the different controllers I noticed that some temp controllers mentioned high temp probes and such. This was merely a question of whether it could be used for something like this or not, (I'm in ND so standing outside with a beer watching the thing heat up, isn't going to happen very often for 6 months of the year due to winter).Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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Jeepster47 said:Used a Babba Guru all last winter with temps below 20 degrees ... no problems ... well, except for the moisture dripping on the concrete off the egg door. Turn the fan, as has already been mentioned, on it's side so that any condensation will run out.
This winter I'm using a FB200. The temps last night only sank to 24 degrees, but again, no problems with the Flameboss either.Re-gasketing America one yard at a time. -
nathanenderle said:Is the FB200 capable of 450 degrees? Is that the limit? Was thinking of doing pizza at 425 and just really want to use it Although I might be able to put it off and be patient for a future cook.
Washington, IL > Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max
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RRP said:yo, Tom...didn't you grab the wrong photo link? That looks like you were frying an egg on the concrete instead of cooking in -20 cold.
Which brings me to a question. Has anyone drilled a small drain hole in the bottom grove of the stainless steel door guide? On low-n-slows the bottom grove fills with moisture and runs over like my picture shows. If you forget to soak up the moisture in the bottom groove, when shutting the egg down, it has a tendency of freezing the door and screen closed.
Washington, IL > Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max
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Jeepster47 said:nathanenderle said:Is the FB200 capable of 450 degrees? Is that the limit? Was thinking of doing pizza at 425 and just really want to use it Although I might be able to put it off and be patient for a future cook.Newbie with LG BGE, learning one slow cook at a time!
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