stoker or bbq guru?

 
I ended first buying the DigiQII (q2) but still wanted the computer hook up ability and remote access. So I got the Stoker too.

Both great units. So it's up to you, less geeky q2 more geeky Stoker. Sometimes I like to monitor multiple meats on one egg so I use the Stoker.

When using the q2 my eggs are far enough away from me that I also use the Maverick ET-73 for remote monitoring and alarms. The stoker connects to the notebook or any other portable wifi device.

GG

I like the Stoker that I have. I connect to my PC via a wireless network. I also at times set it up so I can monitor/change temp of a cook from my mobile phone. Another benefit I see with the Stoker is the ability to control multiple BGEs. I have two Lg BGEs and can control them both with 1 stoker (just buy two fans).

I really have no experience with the Guru. You might want to check The Naked Whiz site and there is an in depth comparison.

The guru folks have a new product out now that can run 2 pits simultaneously from your computer. Give them a call, great customer service.

 
Vertical burns do happen. I had one with the DigiQII. I now am more careful how I light the lump no matter if I am using the Stoker or q2 or letting the egg control the temperatures.

GG

You should learn to control and stabilize the egg on your own before getting a draft controller. The Egg itself is so much more stable than most conventional smokers.
You dont have a hair on your Stones if you can't cook bbq without a draft controller.
Maybe a handle change is in order. "Stoneless", "Sans Stones", etc.

 
"If you plan to use it by reading it and controlling it directly from the unit (at the Egg) then the Guru is probably a better choice. "

That and if you only plan on one fan and one meat probe the q2 'feels' easier to use. However, both are very simple. After having both for a while now the Stoker only has a bigger 'footprint'. I do like the damper feature on the blower.

Both are great units.

GG

GoonSlapper wrote:

Rather than start a new thread, I was wondering how long it took to receive your Stoker?

After 2 weeks, I called Rocks Barbque. John told me that my unit was being shipped that day (I received it 4 days later). I can't hurt to call.

Mark

Carolina Q wrote:

I must be missing something here. I thought that the egg was designed to maintain whatever temp you stabilized it at. I know mine does anyway. I have yet to do a low 'n slow overnight, but when I do them during the day, I stabilize at 250 and it just sits there - at 250 - all day long. Just sayin'......

There's a lot more to it than just stability. But while we're on stability, it takes a while to get the Egg there. After establishing the fire, you have to wait for all the ceramic (platesetter included) to get to temp. Then get your meat in, and if it's a full setup, then wait while that stabilizes to find out if an adjustment is necessary. That can take an hour to 2 hours. With a draft controller, that time is significantly reduced. Once the fire is established, you can throw your stuff in the Egg and let the controller sort out the fine tuning.

Every time you open the Egg, the temp spikes, and the fire can change, thus requiring an adjustment. A draft controller takes care of those adjustments.

There's also the issues of monitoring and control. With a remote-capable controller, you can change your cook temp, or simply monitor where things are from anywhere (not just within the distance of a remote thermo unit). That alone is a reason for some to get a draft controller.

Then there's the peace-of-mind on an overnighter. Even the most eggsperienced are not immune to temperature fluctuations during an overnighter.

All these things suggest that people who like to cook and sleep at the same time, or do a bunch of stuff while cooking could have use for a draft controller.

Mark

Why would you open the egg during a butt cook?

A draft controller is useful for lots more than just cooking butts/briskets.

Mark

Yikes, even with the DigiQ? I'll have to keep an eye on that baby after all.

 
I'm a Windows guy and Mac is a different world for me.

{edit} I just read SkySaw's post above. That is probably a lot more clear than what I have stated below.{end edit}

My side.... I have set up a network in my home consisting of cable modem (provided by comcast) then I used Wireless router (I am using a Linksys), the wireless router connects to a switch via CAT6 cable. Then the switch connects to the 5 computers via CAT6 cabling. 2 notebooks are connected via wireless.

That is it for the networking side of all this.

I connect a cat5 or cat6 (internet cable) to the stoker. The stoker then is assigned a IP address from the wireless router. xxxx.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx I remember that number or write it down. Go in to any of my computers and type that IP address into a browser and the Stoker shows up in the Browser screen.

All works well to this point.

Here is where I am having problems. I want to use a second Linksys located at the egg and connected to the Stoker. As I understand things this is an access point. Then both Linksys boxes will connect wireless. Thus eliminating having to run a CAT6 cable from the Stoker in through a window, across a room and into the switch or directly into the router.

Back to you.

If you have your Mac hooked to a router then you could do the same steps as I do at the present time.

As I understand things on the Mac side. You have available an "Air Port" (I am guessing it is a type of router). The Air Port/AirPort connects to the Stoker and you are up ang going.

Back to my side. If I want to control the stoker via a phone or other wireless device away from my in house network, I would open my network or the stoker to the web. I have to give permission for this to happen. At that point anyone in the world who knows the IP address can access and control my cook.

Several members have opened up their stokers so we on the forum could watch the progress of their cook. It works very well.

If you call Rock at Stoker he will also set up a Stoker so you can watch a Stoker working.

If you want further details I would suggest you make a now post asking for help with a Mac and the Stoker.

GG