My brother has gotten the competition BBQ bug and is looking to add some ATC to his WSM fleet (18" and 22"). He's looking at the stoker primarily due to its ability to control multiple pits. Of course , I'm trying to steer him to the HM build because I'm biased. Looking at the latest from the HM Store a 4.2 kit with blower is $95 from the HM store (ordering from individual vendors would be about $$87 so I'm calling this a wash). Add $30 for pit/food probes, $30 for a case, and $45 for a Pi with WiFi dongle, for a Stoker "comparable" total of $200 (standalone $155). Times two; one for each WSM for $400 ($310). $600 ($465) for three just to have a comp for the max the Stoker could handle.
A Stoker with a 5 cfm blower is $309 shipped (backordered). Add a 10 cfm blower and pit/food probes for the 22" and the Stoker total comes to $538 for a unit that would control two smokers. $637 for everything to have three pit going.
I'm assuming 1) my back of the envelope math is close enough (a leap of faith) and 2) that I fabricate blower mounts for the smokers.
I have two v4.1.4 boards I could use and save ~30 if I wanted (assuming 4.1 components are priced similarly).
So, any thoughts? Other pros/cons? Did I miss something on the pricing?
I built my HM because I like to get my hands dirty (and fingertips burned) and like the idea of a community approach to ATC development as well as other endeavors. If I got him to go the HM route I wonder if anyone had any thoughts about herding multiple HMs into a single case.
EDIT - Don't know yet about putting a damper in the loop.
Todd
A Stoker with a 5 cfm blower is $309 shipped (backordered). Add a 10 cfm blower and pit/food probes for the 22" and the Stoker total comes to $538 for a unit that would control two smokers. $637 for everything to have three pit going.
I'm assuming 1) my back of the envelope math is close enough (a leap of faith) and 2) that I fabricate blower mounts for the smokers.
I have two v4.1.4 boards I could use and save ~30 if I wanted (assuming 4.1 components are priced similarly).
So, any thoughts? Other pros/cons? Did I miss something on the pricing?
I built my HM because I like to get my hands dirty (and fingertips burned) and like the idea of a community approach to ATC development as well as other endeavors. If I got him to go the HM route I wonder if anyone had any thoughts about herding multiple HMs into a single case.
EDIT - Don't know yet about putting a damper in the loop.
Todd
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