Digital controller for Kamado Big Joe recommendations

[ClimberDave]

Im looking for recommendations for  a digital controller for my  Big Joe.

I was considering the controller put out by Kamado Joe  but figured I would possibly  use with my Weber Kettle as well at some point so want something that can adapt to multiple cookers.

Any recommendations, of what to get or what to stay away from?

Thanks!!

[pmillen]

I originally used a Rock's Stoker and it worked extremely well and made excellent graphs.  Rock's went out of business so I switched to the FireBoard and blower.  It isn't as intuitive as I'd like and it's easier to use from my iPhone or iPad as opposed to my Apple computers.

FireBoard packages a very large blower (20 CFM, I think) with their unit.  I just bought a 10 CFM fan from Auber Controls and it's adequate for my Big Joe.

[Big Dawg]

I've used the BBQ Guru CyberQ on my Webers with great result.  They don't make one called the CyberQ anymore but they do have three models, with differing levels of remote technology, running from $220-$360.  With the addition of one part, the part where the fan connects, you could swap it onto your Weber.





BD

[sparky]

Iq 120 works well.

[ClimberDave]

Thanks

I was considering the Fireboard and BBQ Guru models along with  one from Thermoworks.


Decisions...

[pmillen]

Before I bought the FireBoard I didn't have the opportunity to make a graph, add comments to it, start a new session, re-label the graph lines and adjust the Y axis to display a certain temperature zone.  I think a test drive would have been valuable and would have probably convinced me to not buy it.


This graph would show more detail and, ultimately be more usable, if the Y axis were just 300-400°.


This chart with a 200° Y axis provides the detail I prefer.

However, I still use the FireBoard.

[ClimberDave]

Before I bought the FireBoard I didn't have the opportunity to make a graph, add comments to it, start a new session, re-label the graph lines and adjust the Y axis to display a certain temperature zone.  I think a test drive would have been valuable and would have probably convinced me to not buy it.


This graph would show more detail and, ultimately be more usable, if the Y axis were just 300-400°.


This chart with a 200° Y axis provides the detail I prefer.

However, I still use the FireBoard.

Hmmm interesting. 

So a recommendation besides Fireboard?

[pmillen]

So a recommendation besides Fireboard?

Not from me.  The FireBoard is the only model in production that I've used.

I'd like to test another if I could get a 30-day return window.  I couldn't really evaluate it until I used it a few times.

My FireBoard dislikes—lack of both customization and intuitiveness (it seems as though the ways to make simple changes, like the "Open Lid Pause Duration," are difficult to find).  And it's made to be operated from the Apple iOS and not the MacOS.

That's my 2-cents.  Other people seem to love it.

[ClimberDave]

So a recommendation besides Fireboard?

Not from me.  The FireBoard is the only model in production that I've used.

I'd like to test another if I could get a 30-day return window.  I couldn't really evaluate it until I used it a few times.

My FireBoard dislikes—lack of both customization and intuitiveness (it seems as though the ways to make simple changes, like the "Open Lid Pause Duration," are difficult to find).  And it's made to be operated from the Apple iOS and not the MacOS.

That's my 2-cents.  Other people seem to love it.

Thanks!!   

[thedietz]

If you like to tinker...and know what a raspberry pi is...then there is a project called a heatermeter.  I built one.  Requires some soldering and IT knowledge.  But I ended up with about $170 invested and i have a Digital Controller that has 3 meat probes, one pit probe and wifi.  Check this link out for some pictures.  Has a really nice web interface as well for charting and what not.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/heatermeter-open-source-barbecue-controller/

Also pretty sure you can buy them prebuilt at this point as well

the store for the parts is here

https://store.heatermeter.com/

[pmillen]

ClimberDave, there's a comprehensive FireBoard review under Gear Reviews at the Smoked BBQ Source web site.

[ClimberDave]

ClimberDave, there's a comprehensive FireBoard review under Gear Reviews at the Smoked BBQ Source web site.

I am  leaning towards the Fireboard now,  havent gotten around to  placing the order.

Will check out that review however

Thanks!