Which temp controller for WSM 18.5

[kevin pitzer]

Thanks all for your help

I decided to buy the DigiQ, although I have had one really good experience and one with a small amount of temperature swings.  Any ideas why?

Starting Minion Method

20-30 briskets in the middle of the ring

Wood mixed in the outer edge

When do you normally start you fan blowing?  Right away or do you wait until the smoker has a chance to reach a certain temp?

 

[kevin pitzer]

Thanks all for your help

I decided to buy the DigiQ, although I have had one really good experience and one with a small amount of temperature swings.  Any ideas why?

Starting Minion Method

20-30 briskets in the middle of the ring

Wood mixed in the outer edge

When do you normally start you fan blowing?  Right away or do you wait until the smoker has a chance to reach a certain temp?

 

[dward51]

I fire my WSM with the Guru running as soon as I dump the coals into the fire ring.  I usually do the minion method with a small section of lit charcoal on top of a full ring of unlit mixed with smoke wood chunks.  I think the lit on top gives a cleaner burn as any acrid smoke from the unlit as it catches will tend to be burned up as it passes over the fully lit coals.  Either way I let the GURU run from the start and once the pit is stable at 225 (or whatever set point is), then I think about adding meat.

Remember with a Guru, top vent is ALWAYS 100% open, and all bottom vents are closed, but the one where the Guru adapter is mounted, and the other holes in that vent are taped shut.  Only source of air to the fire should be via the Guru fan under Guru control.

 

[kevin pitzer]

Uuuhhhggg - This DigiQ is frustrating me!!!!

Again....I start with the minion method.  Load only 22 briskets and assembly the smoker.  All vents closed with top 100% open.  Let the fan work its magic.  Temp good for about 1/2 right at 250 exactly where I need it to be and then 269.  Now it is 276.....all this in 1 hr.  This is really frustrating.  I don't get it.

 

[bbqwillie]

 
Uuuhhhggg - This DigiQ is frustrating me!!!!

Again....I start with the minion method.  Load only 22 briskets and assembly the smoker.  All vents closed with top 100% open.  Let the fan work its magic.  Temp good for about 1/2 right at 250 exactly where I need it to be and then 269.  Now it is 276.....all this in 1 hr.  This is really frustrating.  I don't get it.

First check for leaks., It sounds like you're getting air from somewhere other than the fan. Second, where are you putting your temp prob for the Guru? Are you using a second prob from an independent measuring source to verify the temp you're reading? I used a 733 to compare pit temps for the first few cooks I did. When I was sure the Guru was on temp, I ditched the second prob.

 

[dward51]

Also, you most likely need to partially close the sliding shutter on the BBQ Guru fan adapter.  I totally forgot to mention that. A fair amount of air can be drawn in through that adapter by heat convection even when the fan is not blowing.  I usually end up closing mine to about 25% open at the start of a smoke.  I have choked it down to 10% before under windy conditions.   See if partially closing that sliding shutter helps.

Generally you will not need to worry about opening it back up for hours.  Once I see the LED for the fan starting to light fairly regular (but not all the time), I start sliding mine open more.

 

[remsr]

I don't have the Guru I have an IQ 130 and a 221/2" WSM but all temp controllers work about the same with more or less bells and whistles. The first thing I learned is to build a small fire and let the device bring the temp up to the set temperature. These controllers are accurate within a few degrees consistatly if we realize that they can only bring a spiked temp down by stoping the fan and only raise the temp by turning the fan on. Mine regulates it self with the exception of what dwarf51 mentioned about posable leaks and closing the fan intake to about 1/4" I use the same method of fire building as you, but I use may be a half dozen lit briquettes and let the controller bring the smoker up to temp. Once set temp is reached the controller is in charge and maintains very well.

Randy,