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ATC Suggestions for 18.5" WSM


 
M

Michael Gelinas

TVWBB Fan
Hi all,

I have been looking for something fairly simple that will let me do overnight cooks without having to go out to check on the cooker.

I already have a Maverick 732, so I don't need a food probe. I'm looking for a fairly basic but reliable system.

Presently, I'm considering the Party Q from BBQ guru and the Auber.

Here are some thoughts I have about the units:

Party Q:
• Battery operated could simplify things for me, and I already have quality rechargeable AA’s
• The WSM adapted looks to have an air deflector that goes inside the WSM which I perceive to be an advantage.
• Seems more robust in build quality
• Slightly more expensive than Auber

Auber
• Not battery operated so no worries about power running out, but running an extension cord adds hassle
• No air deflector inside wsm, could this blow ash?

All in all, I think both units are decent options and I would love to hear people’s personal opinions/experiences with either one or suggestions on alternate options.

Thanks!
 
I got the BBQ Guru DX2 for my 22.5, and with the Maverick 732, this is a great combo. I just use the DX2 to control the pit temp, and I use both the pit and food temp on the Maverick to monitor. I set the high and low pit temp on the Maverick +/- 10 degrees, and the food temp -10 degrees, so it'll warn me while sleeping.

Just did 2 butts that I started at 11:00PM Sunday night, hit the sack at midnight, and was up at 7:00AM and all was well. It continued to hold rock steady at 225 degrees until 4:00PM yesterday, I pulled and wrapped for 45 minutes, and then we ate at 5:00PM. Came out perfect.

I will say that I have only used 120v so far, but I did get the battery kit, and will use that with 2 6v lantern batteries when we campout.

I really like the DX2!!!
 
Though I don't have one (I don't think an ATC is required with a WSM), I recommend the Cyber Q wifi. The internet interface allows you to operate your ATC on any device over the internet. How cool is that!

...or make your own LinkMeter v2 Homebrew BBQ Controller
 
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The Wifi models sound great on paper until the connection is lost, or you run into connectivity and network set up issues, or other gremlins. Just read the posts from folks complaining about this kind of stuff. I went back and forth between getting the DX2 or the Cyber Q Wifi, and reading the posts made me wonder if the headaches were worth the added feature AND cost.

I'm a techno geek from way back, and love fancy gadgets, but when you think about it, the Maverick remote is 100% reliable, and all you really need is a warning if the temps start to deviate, or you are nearing the finish cook temp. The 22.5 can hold enough fuel to easily run 14 to 16 hours unattended so what more do you need?
 
Scott C. said:
The Wifi models sound great on paper until the connection is lost, or you run into connectivity and network set up issues, or other gremlins. Just read the posts from folks complaining about this kind of stuff. I went back and forth between getting the DX2 or the Cyber Q Wifi, and reading the posts made me wonder if the headaches were worth the added feature AND cost.

I'm a techno geek from way back, and love fancy gadgets, but when you think about it, the Maverick remote is 100% reliable, and all you really need is a warning if the temps start to deviate, or you are nearing the finish cook temp. The 22.5 can hold enough fuel to easily run 14 to 16 hours unattended so what more do you need?
Click to expand...


Yea,

I like gadgets as much as the next guy, but i'm really just looking for a reliable device that can maintain a set temp without my attending the cooker all night.
 
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