Testing New Products Redux

So officially this Auber Temperature Controller For Charcoal Smoker with 10 CFM fan is the AWESOME (at least on its real maiden smoke).I have yet to see it deviate more than 3* =+/- set temperature, save for the times I opened the lid for various reasons. I set my Maverick to +/- 5* and never got an alarm.

I put it through the paces thoroughly having it hold various temps and opening the lid rather often. Not all of this was done for testing purposes but part of my method, since I spritz once or twice on the ribs, wrap them for 30 then unwrap for around an hour, basting, putting on the chicken......you get the picture. 

I quickly remembered what others have said, that for temp recovery sake, just unplugging the controller (achieved by slightly pulling out the power supply insert from the controller) is advantageous. Not mandatory, but advantageous, because when the lid is opened for any appreciable amount of time, heat leaves the chamber, the probe temps drops and the fan kicks on. No biggie. But when you close the lid, excess O2 added will flare the coals and raise the temp within a minute. However, the temp will increase at a faster rate that what the probe can detect, so in essence you have a fan blowing for 30 seconds to a minute before the probe gets acclimated to the chamber temp. So, a brief unplug until the probe gets to the chamber temp, maybe 90 seconds or so and all is fine. IF you are in a hurry to get the temps back down quickly, closing the lid vents will help. I didn't as I am not concerned with temporary temp spikes. I realize this is old knowledge for many, but for anyone interested in a controller that hasn't used one, it may be of help. 

2nd "new" product tested: Royal Oak Lump Charcoal. I have been using KB and mostly Stubbs of late. Works great with no issues. But I wanted to try lump. Glad I did. I think the flavor was excellent. Thanks to one of Al's recent posts I also added more wood. I hit the smokiness I was looking for. Again, the briquettes worked great, but these ribs and chicken really rocked. I will likely use lump for smoking and use briquettes for grilling. 

Here are some pics of the finished Q:

Just before a quick wrap:



Post baste and all done. Gonna sit for a few. 


Thighs done:





Got some bite through on the skin. Bingo.