Ok, I'm not a technical guru, not even close..lol. I have a gmg DB with wifi. Yes when hooked through your home router, your phone will not be able to go online, or send, receive emails. You can text or call normally. As far as range, I can get 75' or so from my grill before it looses the signal.
You do not have to use the wifi feature to use your grill. There is a way to run it remotely, and theres info on another forum. PM me for that info. I have heard GMG is working on a program so you can monitor your grill while away from your grill. There will be restrictions. I guess you will not be able to raise the temp while using this program.
I've smoked everything from ABT's to brisket in mine. Absolutely love this smoker.
I will say one negative thing, and I have heard this complaint from many ownwer of pellet grills of many different makes. Including myself.
If you are used to a stick burner/ traditional type smoker, you MAY be disappointed with the lack of smoke flavor a pellet grill puts out. I use a ampts in mine every time. I use it to impart more smok flavor. Without it, I taste zero smoke flavor, and never had a smoke ring. For me, the
amnts is a must.
I've been accessed (on other forums) that I was accustomed to over smoked, poorly cooked bbq because I expressed my disappointment. Yes pellet smokers are winning many competition's. And they put out great food. Not saying they don't.
I set mine and I can go do something else for a couple hours without any worries. Don't know where your located, but if it gets cold where you are, get the thermal blanket. Well worth the money, and will pay for itself in pellet savings.