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Controllers
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55Kevy
Posts: 235
I read with interest the recent 'Best Controller' thread. I have a more general question: if one typically cooks at 350 and up, is a controller a value-add item? I read that @Mickey doesn't even use the DMFT, relying totally on the bottom vent; if I were to do that my bottom vent would barely be open.
One of the reasons I ask is that I have ruined a couple of cooks when the temp crept up to 400 without me realizing it soon enough. I have a Smoke (which replaced a Maverick that died) but the egg is far enough away that the remote loses connection with the base, so I have to go out to check. And I didn't. A controller would address this issue.
If I were to buy a controller I'd probably go with a Smobot. My wifi does not extend out to the patio: is the mySMOBOT feature an essential one?
One of the reasons I ask is that I have ruined a couple of cooks when the temp crept up to 400 without me realizing it soon enough. I have a Smoke (which replaced a Maverick that died) but the egg is far enough away that the remote loses connection with the base, so I have to go out to check. And I didn't. A controller would address this issue.
If I were to buy a controller I'd probably go with a Smobot. My wifi does not extend out to the patio: is the mySMOBOT feature an essential one?
Kevin
Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, CAXL BGE, Woo2, AR
Comments
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I never use mine above 300 or so and only on indirect cooksMemphis, TN
LBGE, 2 SBGE, Hasty-Bake Gourmet -
BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.
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smittydog27 said:BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.Tampa Bay, Florida
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I say skip the controller if cooking at 350+ most of the time.
They are more useful for long low n slow cooks. Playing around with temp control for a 6 pack or more will help figure it out.#1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February 2013 • #3 Mini May 2013A happy BGE family in Houston, TX. -
EggbertGreenII said:smittydog27 said:BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.
Just because it works for you does not mean it’s rifgt for all.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
I'm not sure of your situation but look into a wifi repeater, they are cheap and will extend the distance for reception.
In the last 6 months I have done more and more baking/roasting of dishes that typically would be cooked in an oven. I use my smobot because it's foolproof. I don't have to feel tethered to the egg even if it's just a 45 minute cook. -
I use my Flameboss 300 on turbo butts, running 350 for up to 8 hours with no problems. I think the issue is the probe cables don't like >400 degrees.
You don't need to set a Flameboss up for WiFi if you don't want to, as the controller can communicate directly to your phone (if you are cooking at the lake or park). It just won't store the history on the cloud, which is no big deal.
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Photo Egg said:EggbertGreenII said:smittydog27 said:BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.
Just because it works for you does not mean it’s rifgt for all.Jacksonville FL -
Dobie said:Photo Egg said:EggbertGreenII said:smittydog27 said:BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.
Just because it works for you does not mean it’s rifgt for all.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
Photo Egg said:Dobie said:Photo Egg said:EggbertGreenII said:smittydog27 said:BBQ Guru CyberQ Cloud....easy peasy.
Just because it works for you does not mean it’s rifgt for all.Jacksonville FL -
55Kevy said:I read with interest the recent 'Best Controller' thread. I have a more general question: if one typically cooks at 350 and up, is a controller a value-add item? I read that @Mickey doesn't even use the DMFT, relying totally on the bottom vent; if I were to do that my bottom vent would barely be open.
One of the reasons I ask is that I have ruined a couple of cooks when the temp crept up to 400 without me realizing it soon enough. I have a Smoke (which replaced a Maverick that died) but the egg is far enough away that the remote loses connection with the base, so I have to go out to check. And I didn't. A controller would address this issue.
If I were to buy a controller I'd probably go with a Smobot. My wifi does not extend out to the patio: is the mySMOBOT feature an essential one?
If your WIFI does not extend out to the patio it could be the location of the router, the strength of the signal especially if it is an older router.
You could look into a mesh network to help boost the the wifi signal.
Another option is to just set the temp manually on the control device but you will not be able to check remotely. -
caliking said:I say skip the controller if cooking at 350+ most of the time.
They are more useful for long low n slow cooks. Playing around with temp control for a 6 pack or more will help figure it out. -
I think it would help some, but it wouldn't be a sure fire cure. The most important factor IMO is monitoring the internal temperature of the food. For example, even if the temp is holding steady at 350 sometimes things just cook way faster than we anticipate. You could go out to check your turkey and have 180 degree breast meat (ruined!).
Since you already have the smoke- perhaps consider the Wifi bridge for the smoke:
https://www.thermoworks.com/Smoke-Gateway
This just enables wifi connectivity to the smoke, so you still have the problem of getting Wifi coverage to the smoke gateway. According to the specs the gateway can be within 300 ft (line of site) to the smoke base, so theoretically it could serve to extend the range. Basically if your wifi coverage gets you within 300 ft of the smoke base then it should work.
(Router)----wifi----->(Smoke Gateway)---rf--->(Smoke base)
If the Wifi won't reach the Smoke gateway then as others mentioned you could add a WiFi extender/repeater.
Which came first the chicken or the egg? I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg. -
SmokeyPitt said:I think it would help some, but it wouldn't be a sure fire cure. The most important factor IMO is monitoring the internal temperature of the food. For example, even if the temp is holding steady at 350 sometimes things just cook way faster than we anticipate. You could go out to check your turkey and have 180 degree breast meat (ruined!).
Since you already have the smoke- perhaps consider the Wifi bridge for the smoke:
https://www.thermoworks.com/Smoke-Gateway
This just enables wifi connectivity to the smoke, so you still have the problem of getting Wifi coverage to the smoke gateway. According to the specs the gateway can be within 300 ft (line of site) to the smoke base, so theoretically it could serve to extend the range. Basically if your wifi coverage gets you within 300 ft of the smoke base then it should work.
(Router)----wifi----->(Smoke Gateway)---rf--->(Smoke base)
If the Wifi won't reach the Smoke gateway then as others mentioned you could add a WiFi extender/repeater.Jacksonville FL -
SmokeyPitt said:I think it would help some, but it wouldn't be a sure fire cure. The most important factor IMO is monitoring the internal temperature of the food. For example, even if the temp is holding steady at 350 sometimes things just cook way faster than we anticipate. You could go out to check your turkey and have 180 degree breast meat (ruined!).
Since you already have the smoke- perhaps consider the Wifi bridge for the smoke:
https://www.thermoworks.com/Smoke-Gateway
This just enables wifi connectivity to the smoke, so you still have the problem of getting Wifi coverage to the smoke gateway. According to the specs the gateway can be within 300 ft (line of site) to the smoke base, so theoretically it could serve to extend the range. Basically if your wifi coverage gets you within 300 ft of the smoke base then it should work.
(Router)----wifi----->(Smoke Gateway)---rf--->(Smoke base)
If the Wifi won't reach the Smoke gateway then as others mentioned you could add a WiFi extender/repeater.
And thank-you all for your feedback! This is a great forum.Kevin
Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, CA
XL BGE, Woo2, AR -
IMO, a controller is not a "value-add" item with the cooks you describe. I'm with @Mickey (turbo everything, no controller, no DFMT). I turbo cook "lo n slo" things at about 320° and short duration cooks at maybe 350-500°. It's a fairly simple matter to reliably maintain these temps on an egg.
I have a DigiQ2 controller and never use it. I used to, until I started turbo cooking. I also have a Maverick, but the only time I use it is for a reverse seared steak. And sometimes, not even then. I just walk outside when I think things need checking.
I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!
MichaelCentral Connecticut -
Carolina Q said:IMO, a controller is not a "value-add" item with the cooks you describe. I'm with @Mickey (turbo everything, no controller, no DFMT). I turbo cook "lo n slo" things at about 320° and short duration cooks at maybe 350-500°. It's a fairly simple matter to reliably maintain these temps on an egg.
I have a DigiQ2 controller and never use it. I used to, until I started turbo cooking. I also have a Maverick, but the only time I use it is for a reverse seared steak. And sometimes, not even then. I just walk outside when I think things need checking. -
When I had DSL my WiFi signal was too weak to reach the back yard, so I bought a cheap extender that just plugged in to an outlet. Went I went to cable the signal is much stronger (and faster!) and doesn't need the extender.
I learned how to control temps manually on my XL and twelve hour cooks were very stable. I didn't trust an over-nighter though. So I bought a Flame Boss 300 and use it all the time. I know some people think it unnecessary, and I could live without it, but I live without a lot of things that some people here seem to think are indispensable. And I LIKE cooking at 225*. Different strokes for different folks. I also like to go online and see a history of past cooks. This way I don't have to take notes, which is good, since my memory gets shorter as the years pass by...XL BGE in San Jose, CA. Also a Pit Barrel Cooker, a Cal Flame P4 gasser, and lots of toys including the first ever Flame Boss 300 in the wild. And a new Flame Boss 500. -
@55Kevy - Thanks for your questions.
No sir, connectivity to mySMOBOT isn't needed for proper controller operation - Just for remote monitoring, data logging, alarms, etc.
There are apps available in Beta now, incidentally.. They're very nice.
The WiFi doesn't really add much cost to the controller, so I wouldn't regard it as a wasted component of cost, incidentally.
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