Upgrading to Aftermarket PID

[dragonsm]

First post, why not make it a good one.

About 2 1/2 years ago, I ran across a local dealer getting out of Louisiana Grills and switching to Traeger. I was able to score a heck of a deal on a LG700 (has the G3 PID Controller). It's been the right size for my family of 4. Passed on the cold smoker at the time due to what I thought would be a lack of use.

Forward ahead to present day, About 2 weeks ago I just lost my 3rd hot rod in the grill. LG has been great in helping figure out why I continue to go through a hot rod every year or less. After testing the power source for the hot rod from when the grill was turned on (normally the controller should shut the hot rod power off at 4 1/2 minutes......the power source continued to stay on up to 10 minutes until I finally shut the grill off thus the reason behind "premature hot rod failure" (Go ahead, snicker and think in the gutter with this comment...I did LOL) .....LG is sending another hot rod and a new controller in the mail to me under warranty, however I have begun reading some of the potentials with aftermarket PID's (Savannah Stoker & Pellet Pro)

No idea when the LG PID will arrive, I'm toying with the idea of upgrading this....right now leaning towards the Savannah Stoker. I like the ability of the fan controlled (rather than on full bore all the time) and also the ability to just use the fan and a smoker tube turning the grill into a cold smoker.

Anyone have any thoughts on either of the two mentioned above or reasons I should or should not upgrade? Don't get me wrong....after I calibrated the LG controller, it did everything I needed it too, however the wants are growing and it looks that what the LG does, the aftermarkets do it better.

Thanks,

Steve Matteson

 

[sweetride95]

I have the Savannah on my Traeger Pro 22. By nature I am the type to not leave good enough alone, so my setup time took a little while. Now that I'm comfortable with my setup, the grill runs very well. Half of my issue was me just being me. The FB group is awesome for information.
The controller does not have wifi and probably not as plug and play as a Rec Tec, but once you get over the learning curve, it's very solid of controller. Seasonally you will have to adjust your minimum auger time and autotune, but most PIDs will likely need adjusting to maintain absolute control.

 

[JC in GB]

Most PID controllers work in the same way. The differences are usually in the hardware that drives your heating device and any bells and whistles you may have as your price goes up. Bluetooth, web monitoring, etc.

Get the one that has the features you want in the price range you desire and you should be satisfied with any unit you get.

JC

 

[retfr8flyr]

I have read nothing but good things about the Savannah controller. If I were in your position and was going to try another PID controller, the Savannah would be the one I would get.