Temperature Control Devices

beginner

Newbie

Original poster

Jul 4, 2014

7

10

• Jul 4, 2014

• #1

As a beginning smoker I love the end result but was a bit surprised that I had to sit next to the smoker for 6 - 10 hours monitoring the temperature.

Do the temperature Control deivces, like the Pitmaster IQ120 really work or are they junk?

 

geerock

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 25, 2010

1,367

77

central ct

• Jul 4, 2014

• #2

I have had the 110 model for a few years now and it works great in my homemade smokehouse.

 

beginner

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jul 4, 2014

7

10

• Jul 4, 2014

• #3

Can you set it up and then walk away?

 

geerock

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 25, 2010

1,367

77

central ct

• Jul 4, 2014

• #4

Depending on your smoker. If you have leaks all over the place or its light gauge and un-insulated then it may need some tending to. Sometimes just good mods to an existing smoker goes a long way. But most all backyard charcoal / wood smokers need some tending to. If you want set and forget then a pellet eater or an electric are what you need. I built my smokehouse knowing I was going to use the pitmaster so its very air tight. The air in is really only thru the pitmaster tube so I keep very constant temp for a long time but with long smokes you still have to re-fuel sometimes.

 

beginner

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jul 4, 2014

7

10

• Jul 4, 2014

• #5

I use the big weber smokey mountain smoker. Built like a tank except the door on the side. They couldn't have made it out of cheaper aluminum. Don't know why. they could have easier provided a sturdy door. But, I put fire resistant tape all around the edges. It's pretty air tight, but not perfect.

 

geerock

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 25, 2010

1,367

77

central ct

• Jul 4, 2014

• #6

Theres a guy I know who does competitions and he has 2 WSM's along with a couple Stumps gravity feed cookers. He mated up the Webers to the newer Pitmaster 120's. Swears by them. Those things hold temps for a good long time.

 

beginner

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jul 4, 2014

7

10

• Jul 4, 2014

• #7

One bag of lump charcoal will last me 10-12 hours using the Minion method. It's a great smoker, just a cheap door.

Unattended the temp will range between 200 - 300 but not higher. I want to hold it at 225 degrees for those ten hours so I can do other things.

I'm glad to hear that the IQ 100 - 120 will work with it.

 

beginner

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jul 4, 2014

7

10

• Jul 4, 2014

• #8

Do you know of anyone who has made an aftermarket replacement door for the WSM?

Or do you know of a method of securing that damn door?

 

geerock

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 25, 2010

1,367

77

central ct

• Jul 5, 2014

• #9

Cajun Bandit makes some parts for WSM. But use the search function on this forum to check for door fix or mods.