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I haven't heard of anyone being able to do it. I have a Tappecue and can monitor from anywhere. Go to the GMG section on Pelletheads and ask. I'm pretty sure I know what the answer will be, but it is worth a shot.
Do not trust your smoker thermometer in regards to internal temp. They are notorious for being off. If you could only get to 164 in 6 hours, your smoker temp wasn't running near as hot as you thought. An external multi probe thermo like a Maverick or iGrill would help you in this regard.
Hi Nick -
I know I've seen this topic on the Pelletheads forums - a forum devoted strictly to pellet grills. I know someone there can help you with your questions.
Lance
Definitely not a must. I use a tube for some of my smokes (bacon, butts), but it's the minority of my cooking. If I really want a stronger smokier flavor - I use one.
I don't think anyone mentioned it yet, but don't bother replacing the door thermometer. Not worth the effort and still won't tell you what your grate temps are with any accuracy. Just get a decent multiprobe like a Maverick, iGrill, Thermopro, etc. You can go higher end with ones from...
I suggest going to the Pelletheads forums and read up in the GMG section. You will find a lot of talk about wifi issues, firmware upgrades, etc. Seems to be a lot of problems with them lately.
First - make sure you validate your maverick probe.
If that is ok, pull the temp probe out just a hair from the edge of the grill (don't break it - just flex it - moving it 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch can make a difference).
If that doesn't work - call Rec Tec. They may be able to walk you through...
I personally wouldn't mess with the drip pan. It will mess with your temps and possibly lead to flare ups. I bought my dad a mini (I have the 680), and I think that it puts out a good amount of smoke at temps around 225. If you want more, add the tube. With the tube, you will get more smoke...
A little Googleing shows that it doesn't hold heats well and needs a good amount of modifications. Ok for an entry level smoker, but you get what you pay for.
Amazingribs doesn't recommend.
http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment_reviews_ratings/grill-smoker/char-griller-smokin-pro
SMF reviews...
I have a Rec Tec and will second all of Red's responses. Yoder was one I was looking at as well, but the extra cost of the Yoder pushed me to a Rec Tec. I have absolutely no regrets and have had no issues other than the heat rod (which all pellet grills will have). Yoders are fine grills as...
I can say that the rec tec with a fire pot in the middle has the same temp profiles left to right - hotter on the right than the left. It isn't much difference, but is noticeable. I would say it is about a 10 - 15 degree variation.