Temperature Control Devices

[beginner]

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]

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

 

[beginner]

Can you set it up and then walk away?

 

[geerock]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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