Which temp controller for WSM 18.5

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kevin pitzer

Fire Starter
Original poster
Dec 3, 2015
70
12
Michigan
Hello All,

I am looking to purchase an auto temp controller for my 18.5 WSM, however I am a bit torn between a few.  I recently got for Christmas a Maverick 733, although I would like to add a BBQ Guru DX2 or a Auber Instruments SYL-1615SYS-W.  I must say it is hard to find those that have or reviews of the Auber.  It appears that the DX2 is a bit easier to set up, but the Auber looks to be better made and has a multi-speed fan which is great.  I also like the the buttons on the Auber better as it seems to be easier to clear without the chance of getting debris inside.

I would also like to see what others have here and how well they like there specific device.  Please let me know what you like and dislike or if you would choose a different product.

Thanks for all of you great help,
 
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I will give a big thumbs up for the Guru. 

I've been running a Digi-Q2 on my 18.5" WSM for around 10 years now.  Original temp probes and original 10cfm pit viper fan. My Guru is solid and built like a tank. Not one problem.  I don't know if there is a more reliable and repeatable smoking pit than a WSM with a Guru.  I have probably done 100's of butts over the years, and it only took me one or two smokes of 4 large butts to be convinced the Guru is reliable and the smoke will be same every time.  About the only variation came from the stall and that is on the meat, not the pit.

I have not used the Auber fan controller, but I do own one of their PID in a box "turn key" units that I used with my e-WSM mod when smoking sausage and snack sticks at lower temps. It is well made and uses quality components. 

I have not tried to use the Guru on a smaller fire for lower temps, but I have read it can be done.  I just like the ease of electric for some tasks (the e-WSM mod is a heating element mounted to an extra WSM body door.  I swap out the door and can go electric or regular charcoal any time I want).

All that being said, if my Guru died tomorrow, I would immediately order a new one without a second though.  Smoking in a WSM with a Guru is truly "set and forget" temp control as long as their is fuel to burn.
 
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I have that Auber for my UDS. It does not have a multi-speed fan, which would be unnecessary. It is a no frills controller but is dead nuts perfect. Holds a temp perfectly. Rarely have I ever caught it more than 2* off set temp. Usually when I check it, which is rare unless wrapping meat or adding some more meat, it is at set temp or 1* + or - and on its way to set temp.

I cant speak to the Guru but I am sure they're popular for a reason.

If you want hands off, smoke while you get a goods night test, get either one. You will be fine either.
 
I've had a Guru for several years on my WSM, and recently have been using it on my offset.

Works flawlessly every time!

Al
 
Thank you all for the great feedback.  I was hoping that by posting here I would be able to decide easier, although with great reviews of both, it made it harder.  I am sure that is a good thing, as I believe I would get a good product from either choice.
 
I have the little PartyQ by Guru for use on my mini. I live in an apartment so do all my smoking elsewhere, park, beach etc.. so not needing an AC plug was paramount for me. I will say it's been a trooper. Well made and locks on temperature quickly and flawlessly. Haven't had occasion to rate their customer service, as i've never had an issue, but my experience with the product has been 100% 4 stars A+ all the way.
 
Another vote for the Guru. I run the Digi Q DX2 in my gravity fed cabinet smoker, and just like the others have said, it works flawlessly every time. It gets my cooker up to temp quickly, then will maintain rock steady temps for as long as I want it to.

Red
 
I usually put my pit temp probe on the top grate of the WSM a little in from the edge, usually just inside one of the two grate handles.  The design of the WSM make a sheet of hotter air flow up around the inside edges of the main body, that's why I want it a little inside that to get a more accurate reading of what the temp around the food is.  It depends on what food and how much of it I have on the grate though.   I have just let it hang down inside the top of the WSM via one of the top vent holes (top vent is always 100% open).
 
Hi!
I went with the IQ 130 from Pitmasters for my WSM 221/2" it's simple to operate it holds tep within a few degrees it has wifi with a reasonable range and comes complet with the adapter for your smoker at one price $267 oh! It also has two meat probs and a pit prob and a bunch of other features.

Randy,
 
Thank you all for you help and feedback.

I have decided to get the DigiQ DX2 and will be trying it this weekend.  I do see the BBQ Guru website shows to place the alligator clip on the food probe.  Has anyone tried this method and how did it work?
 
The alligator clip is for the pit probe.  It fits over the end of the smaller pit probe and lets you clip it to the grate (the back of the alligator clip is round).  I've not seen a food probe that needed a clip.  The pit temp probe is much shorter than the food probe and the food probe has a bend in the back end of it.

Pit probe with alligator clip attached (from Guru site)


Food Probe with bend in back section (no clip)

 
I would like to thank everyone here for their help.  I used my new DigiQ last night and it worked well.  I did see some fluctuation (5-6 degrees) and am thinking it might be because of the weather.  I live in Michigan and it was around 29 degrees with a light wind.  I also think it might be due to me messing with the top vent.  Does anyone have suggestions how to set the top vent on a WSM 18.5" when using the Guru? 
 
Top vent is ALWAYS 100% open in a WSM, even without a Guru. 

Especially with the GURU, as you want the GURU to be running the show. If you are fiddling with the top vent or any of the other lower vents, you are fighting against the computer and making the Guru work hard to correct your errors.  Also the other bottom vents are 100% closed and all but one vent opening where the Guru adapter is mounted should be taped off with the foil tape that came in the kit.  The only air coming in should be from the fan through the Guru adapter, and the only air going out should be via the top vent which remains 100% open.  Let the computer in the Guru do it's job.  If you find the pit is running over temp, you cut back the air inlet by moving the sliding damper on the Guru adapter, not fiddiling with vents.

Got it?

The only time I ever touch my top vent is if I want to totally choke out the fire and save the charcoal (which is very very rare for me).
 
Nothing crude about that at all. It is functional and actually the first of this type of stand I've seen. Depending on if your smoking area is covered or not, about the only suggestion I would have is to seal it with either exterior paint or a marine poly to protect the wood from dew or rain in long smokes (especially the OSB as OSB does not like water and will swell).
 
100% open all the time with the bottom closed acccept for the one your controller is blowing air into.
I mounted my IQ 130 controller on a stand with a compartment in back for probs and adapter.
Front shot:
Back shot:
Closed back shot;
I do like the stand idea...I bought the magnet arm for the Guru but don't quite like it all that well.
 
The IQ 130 has a rope that was intended to hang on the handle of the lid I didn't like that idea prriod. So that the controller don't move around It is secured to the stand with velcro.

Randy,
 
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