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Automated Grill Blower/Temp Controller, Thoughts on Various Brands

Posted on 10/22/20 at 11:47 am
Posted by NYCAuburn
TD Platinum Membership/SECr Sheriff
Member since Feb 2011
57002 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 11:47 am
Looking to get an Thermometer/Blower controller combo for BGE and my drum smoker. There are few brands out there. BBQ Guru, Flameboss, etc...

Does anyone have any experience they would like to share?

Guru page
Flameboss
pitmaster
Fireboard
Posted by jmon
Mandeville, LA
Member since Oct 2010
8406 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 12:05 pm to
Have had two BBQ Guru, one being the original wifi version, and both have performed flawlessly for many years. I have run them on a WSM, an OK JOE Offset and an XL Primo 400. Works as advertised.

Both have audible alerts, temp and ramp setting ranges, and are very versatile as long as you have the correct adapter and sized blower for your BBQ pit.
Posted by The Nino
Member since Jan 2010
21520 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 12:25 pm to
Thermoworks had a 20% off sitewide sale a few weeks ago, and whoever runs their shopping cart messed up. Their system allowed me to purchase gift cards at 20% off, then use those gift cards on to buy from their site using the same 20% off promotion

Anyway, I picked up their Signals and Billows set. I've only used it once, but it worked better than I expected. I have a large BGE
Posted by Lambdatiger1989
NOLA
Member since Jan 2012
2288 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 12:37 pm to
I have the WiFi BBQ Guru. Love it. Like the other poster said works flawlessly. I use it on a classic KJ
Posted by SmokedBrisket2018
Member since Jun 2018
1516 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 12:57 pm to
I have the original Pitmaster iq110 from when they first came out. I have had it for at least 6 years. Works very well. It's an analog dial and you have to control it yourself so it's very basic. Holds the temp very well.
I use it on a WSM.

I use Thermoworks thermometers to monitor smoker and protein.

Posted by Trout Bandit
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Dec 2012
13209 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 12:59 pm to
I've had a BBQ Guru for 5+ years and it works great.
Posted by Whatafrekinchessiebr
somewhere down river
Member since Nov 2013
1579 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 1:38 pm to
quote:

Signals and Billows set.


This is what I use, the standard App is ok but I use the beta app and it has better functionality.
Posted by Jax-Tiger
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Member since Jan 2005
24734 posts
Posted on 10/22/20 at 5:22 pm to
I have a BBQ Guru DigiQ. I've had it for about a year, and it works great with my Weber Kettle. The DigiQ does not have wifi or bluetooth functionality, and if I ever replace it, I will get the wifi unit (called UltraQ). At the time I bought it, I was not sure it would work as advertised, and went with what I thought was the best value.

The DigiQ has probes for both food temp and pit temp. It holds out temp steady as a rock.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 10/23/20 at 8:20 am to
I have a flameboss and it has been perfect.
I've done a couple 24-36 hour cooks with only checking to spray.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16537 posts
Posted on 10/23/20 at 10:37 am to
quote:

drum smoker


I have a OKJ Bronco and there is a guy making temp controllers that fit the top of intake tube. I think they might be 3D printed plastic fitting with wiring/circuit board from a DIY kit.

You can find him on the Oklahoma Joe Bronco FB group page. His name is Mario Leal.

You wouldn't be able to use it on both cookers but if you want something specifically for the drum it would be a good option.
Posted by Jax-Tiger
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Member since Jan 2005
24734 posts
Posted on 10/23/20 at 12:23 pm to
quote:

You wouldn't be able to use it on both cookers but if you want something specifically for the drum it would be a good option.


I would just get an adapter for both cookers and just screw the fan onto whichever one I happen to be using at the time. If you plan on using both cookers at the same time, you'll need two controllers.
This post was edited on 10/23/20 at 12:51 pm
Posted by NYCAuburn
TD Platinum Membership/SECr Sheriff
Member since Feb 2011
57002 posts
Posted on 10/23/20 at 12:25 pm to
quote:

I would just get an adapter for both cookers and just screw the fan onto whichever one I happen to be using at the time.


Thats the plan.

Thanks guys. Seems like most work perfect for everyone. Going down the specialty forum wormhole or general google searches doesnt give must valid feedback...

Posted by unclejhim
Folsom, La.
Member since Nov 2011
3703 posts
Posted on 2/3/21 at 10:22 am to
I'm reviving this thread to see it anyone has used the Inkbird controller. I have the Inkbird instant read thermometer and it works great.
Posted by hophead
Member since Nov 2007
1969 posts
Posted on 2/3/21 at 10:55 am to
I had the Party Q and used it on my Akorn Chargriller. It did well. I have purchased an attachment to use it on my Vision kamado but have not installed it yet. Good product though
Posted by CarRamrod
Spurbury, VT
Member since Dec 2006
57426 posts
Posted on 2/3/21 at 11:21 am to
if you are DIY look at Heatermeter. It has been around for years and was a way better options when these controllers were in the $500 range. you can get a kit with blower for 97 but you also need a RPi, 3d printed case and other odds and ends. which isnt appeasing as the price of these full units are getting cheaper.

if you are looking at this i will print cases for people for cost and shipping.

I might build another soon my has gone through hell and back and is starting to corrode. It has been left in the rain multiple times over the past 5-7 years, but is still kicking with some wiggling of the parts.
This post was edited on 2/3/21 at 11:23 am
Posted by mikie421
continental shelf
Member since Nov 2008
687 posts
Posted on 2/4/21 at 7:06 am to
I have the flame boss and it works great except one issue. The meat temp probe connection is bad and I have to move it around very carefully to get it to work.
Posted by Jax-Tiger
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Member since Jan 2005
24734 posts
Posted on 2/4/21 at 9:45 am to
I have been abusing the hell out of my DigiQ, and it still works like a champ. I'm kinda hoping it goes bad so I'll have an excuse to get the wifi version. I left it out over night in the snow last week. Sumbitch won't die...

Those controllers are not as reliable as an autofed pellet grill, but they are pretty good.

I have no experience with the Inkbird, but I'm not sure of the differences between these brands.

BTW - I just saw a review that basically claims the Flame Boss is $100 cheaper than the DigiQ, which is false. It then provided a link to a used DigiQ that someone is selling for $450 and doesn't even include a fan. You can get a brand new DigiQ from the BBQ Guru side for $220 that includes a fan and everything else you need. That is actually $130 cheaper than the Flame Boss.

The real comparison is between the UltraQ and the Flame Boss, which are both in the $350 range, and both have wifi capabilities.
This post was edited on 2/4/21 at 10:30 am
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