Digital controllers

[erik6bd]

Do you use a digital controller on your KK? Do you feel you need to use one?

[Pequod]

7 hours ago, erik6bd said:

Do you use a digital controller on your KK? Do you feel you need to use one?

Need to use one? No, not at all. I think I did once because I have one and wanted to see if it still works. It does.

You'll get other opinions, though. I think Rob - @5698k - uses his quite a bit. 

[Tucker]

I use a DigiQ when I do a shoulder.

all other cooks, including hot-n-fast brisket it is not needed.

 

[erik6bd]

2 hours ago, Tucker said:

I use a DigiQ when i do a shoulder.

all other cooks, including hot-n-fat brisket it is not needed.

 

What's a hot n fat brisket??

[obanker]

What's a hot n fat brisket??

I use a Stoker from Rock's barbecue. I like it a lot and the remote control is GREAT!

Obanker

[DennisLinkletter]

I use a cyberQ as a thermometer.. 
Love to monitor my cooks from my iPhone but don't use the fan.
The probes are commercial/industrial quality and last.. the mavericks and simular $40-$60 units have little weenie armored cables that just don't last if you cook all the time.

[5698k]

No, they're not necessary at all. That said, I love mine. The extra control and monitoring capability appeals to both my anal and tech sides of my personality.


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[erik6bd]

52 minutes ago, DennisLinkletter said:

I use a cyberQ as a thermometer.. 
Love to monitor my cooks from my iPhone but don't use the fan.
The probes are commercial/industrial quality and last.. the mavericks and simular $40-$60 units have little weenie armored cables that just don't last if you cook all the time.

No little weenie's for me... I want the BIG kielbasa... something that will last awhile. Lol I too would like to use it for temps as I am home pretty much 24/7 so no need for wifi really so I'm thinking the DigiQ would do the trick for what I'm needing.

 

Edited May 4, 2017 by erik6bd

[tony b]

I have a DigiQ-II. I only use it on low & slow cooks that are over several hours long - mainly briskets and pork butts/shoulders. I just like the "security blanket" aspect of it, especially if you want to do an overnight cook - you'll get more sleep not worrying about it. Needed? Nope! I owned the Guru prior to buying the KK; otherwise, I probably wouldn't have bought it. 

To your other question about "hot & fast briskets" - everything is the same, except you cook them at 325F - 350F degrees. Shortens the cooking time a lot, since you can power through the stall better at these higher temps. I've done both techniques and there isn't a ton of difference in the results. I get more variability based upon the quality of meat that I'm smoking than the temperature that I cook it at. 

[FotonDrv]

For me part of using a BBQ is the meditation of kicking back and tending a fire.  I use a Thermopen for checking the temps of the products in the cooker, and a timer to keep track of cooking times through the various phases of the cook.

BTW, interesting stats on the results of the Poll.  One cancels the other!

 

Edited May 5, 2017 by FotonDrv
Poll results.

[cschaaf]

I don't do a lot of low and slow cooks. When I do one, I use my Heater Meter occasionally. I don't NEED it, but it's fun to use. I didn't need it on my KJ, either.

If I were doing an overnight cook, I'd use it for the peace of mind.

[Winston]

I use the Flame boss wifi with the guru fan as the KK is designed for the guru fan only. It’s also fun to sheare cooks like the one below.
https://myflameboss.com/cooks/81577

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[Steve M]

They are great for keeping the temp right on the money. Also great for bringing up to temp quick and managing all those times when temps tend to dip like putting food on.

Anything short or high temp though and I go without.

[CeramicChef]

I've got  digital controller.  Biggest waste of money I've run into with a KK.  The KK is so rock steady with its vent system that a digital controller isn't needed.  I personally wouldn't buy one (again).