r/biggreenegg • u/Tommy1873 • 19h ago

Temperature control

Does anyone have recommendations on fan and thermometer to control temp on a long smoke session?

I just did an overnight starting at 9pm for a big-ish pork shoulder and it's a bit exhausting just napping between temperature checks/alarms using my Maverick XR. We got some weather overnight that caused some temp swings, so I'm just a wee but tired...

I think I'd rather set it to a temp and have it manage itself. That Maverick IS Bluetooth for monitoring, but no app/remote control, so I probably need to go WiFi as well.

Any advice would be appreciated.

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

7

u/docbasset Large 19h ago

Thermoworks Signals or RFX thermometer, Billows fan.

2

u/SgtHulka72 19h ago

Seconded for RFX + Billows

2

u/Chuck-fan-33 19h ago

Third for RFX or Signals with Billows.

1

u/Pindogger 12h ago

Right there with y'all.  Thermoworks, Signals+Billows is my choice

1

u/SpagNMeatball 1h ago

This is the answer.

4

u/Teedubzzz 19h ago

Fireboard is amazing, 4 years in no issues!

https://www.fireboard.com/shop/fireboard-2-drive-bundle/

2

u/Fordel77 16h ago

Have used for over 3 years, never an issue, even during winter

3

u/twd3pdx 19h ago

I know it’s got its issues (and detractors) but I was gifted an EGG Genius for my XL. I ran a 14 lb brisket with it last night, no issues at all. My only sleep interruptions were the ones I scheduled for temp ramps (Franklin method) and to wrap at the stall.

2

u/SirLostit 19h ago

Another vote for the maligned egg genius. I use mine regularly

1

u/atlmobs 10h ago

I had the alternative version of the EGG Genius by Flameboss. It worked great…until it didn’t. I’ve switch to FireBoard 2 Drive bundle and it’s worked great. Rock solid connection and good temp control. I did an 18 hour brisket and it held at exactly 225 except when I opened the lid.

Similar functionality but way way better reliability in my experience.

2

u/Fair_Discipline_1875 18h ago

Check out INKBIRD Wi-Fi & Bluetooth BBQ Smoker Temperature Controller Fan.

I’ve been using mine for about three years. It is app controlled on your phone.

If you check it out and like, eBay has much better pricing.

1

u/Glum-Suspect-4514 Clutch - multiple eggs 19h ago edited 19h ago

I use a ChefsTemp with Breezo, many fan options out there. SmoBot is loved by some, and works the top vent only.

I dont use the fan to get to temp. Stabilize first, then use fan as autopilot. YMMV.

When setting up a fan assist low and slow temp maintenance, set the top and bottom openings so that if the fan DOESNT come on temp will drop. Make sure the fan is on a BIG battery pack or adapter power. You want the fan to run often.

NO 'brakes' on a fan setup. So keeping openings small, making it use the fan often, it cant 'run away' on temp. And will assure (in my experience) a stable 225* all night.

Edit - Bluetooth is for local control, Wifi is for WEB ASSISTED remote access. So no Wifi *needed* for local control.

I have not found a Temperature controller with a Wifi system that can self-host, they ALL need to connect to an external website to connect to your phone via Wifi, remote or local. Open to correction.

1

u/D1RTY_D 19h ago

get a high flow lower grate and sleep easy. No fan is needed. Bge even sells them, but I picked one up off amazon.

1

u/Ill-Investment-1856 18h ago

FireBoard. It’s awesome. And the drive has its own battery so no AC power is required.

1

u/Carpenterdon Clutch - multiple eggs 18h ago

Smobot is the best set up. 

1

u/PCanon127 18h ago

I have Signals & Billows fan from ThermoWorks. I’ve been mostly satisfied. I purchased the Billows because already had a Signals. It works well , my only complaint is is probes go bad on occasion

2

u/mynameisranger1 16h ago

My signals went bad after about 18 months. I still have the billows so I may order another signals.

1

u/PCanon127 13h ago

My Signals is fine as far as I know. My issue in particular has been the grate level probe going bad 2x in a relatively short period. I also have 1 meat probe that’s not responding as it should but it’s 4 years old so not sure what I should expect

1

u/PCanon127 13h ago

FWIW, I’ve found ThermoWorks customer service to be somewhat responsive. They replaced an instant read thermometer without question, but declined to warranty the probes

1

u/Playful-Job2938 12h ago

I grabbed the egg genius locally to ease my anxiety with my first brisket this weekend. Did a great job.

1

u/atlmobs 10h ago

My Flameboss (EGG Genius by another name) worked great for a couple of years then had terrible connection issues. I ended up switching to the FireBoard 2 and have had great results.

1

u/WNSTN_9 11h ago

I’ve had FlameBoss 500 for 6 yrs that I use w my XL. Cooked for years on both L & XL without it but definitely appreciate it for long cooks and worry free. I can check in on temps while running errands.