Buying Guides
BBQ temp controllers are designed to do a very specific thing, so looking for a good one involves much more than simply checking the online ratings.
There are a few elements you need to focus on before purchasing a BBQ temperature controller for you.
Compatibility :
This is the most important thing to check. It doesn’t matter if you find the best BBQ temp controller and purchase it only to discover, it’s not compatible with your charcoal grill. Oh the agony!
Some adapters are very versatile and come with universal compatibility. We like DigiQ DX3 BBQ Temperature Controller for this reason.
There are a few brands who have fewer compatibility choices but are made to be the perfect fit for specific grills or smokers. For example, CyberQ BBQ Temperature Controller is great for smokers and Big Green Eggs
Number of Probes:
Even though a single probe is enough to cook for your family, having a few extra can be really beneficial if you are throwing a party in your backyard.
Many controllers now come with at least 2/3 probes. This means you can monitor more than one piece of meat on the same grill. TempMaster Portable Automatic BBQ Temperature Controller is one of those.
There are two different types of probes: meat probe and pit probe. The pit probe measures the internal temp of the grill while. You insert the meat probe into the meat and the probe tells you how high the temp is inside the meat.
Reading Accuracy:
It is important to find something that always reads the accurate temperature and does not fluctuate. If the thermometer gives you false readings, you will never be able to grill your meat precisely. It will always become overcooked and dry.
A reliable choice is, Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller
Temperature Control:
You want a temp controller that gives you a lot of freedom to manage your charcoal pit however you want. This includes easy to use knobs, in-app-monitoring or website graphs.
Remote access gives you the ability to maintain a steady temperature without having to be physically close to the grill. This all results in a seamless grilling experience.
A good option with all these feature is, CyberQ BBQ Temperature Controller & Digital Meat Thermometer
Durability:
Let’s be honest, BBQ controllers are not cheap. They require a good amount of money and you want to get your money’s worth. So look for options with durable materials and warranty.
Look for solid construction that doesn’t feel flimsy on your hand. Plastic controllers are okay as long as they are built to be heat resistant. Otherwise it would just melt.
Check the probes and fan to make sure they have a solid steel or aluminum construction. This ensures longevity.
LavaLockⓇ Automatic BBQ Controller uses high-quality materials to make it extra durable.
Extra Features :
There are a few extra features that are not mandatory to have but surely makes grilling much easier. These features are designed to help you work efficiently.
Having an open lid detection algorithm can add great ease to your work as it reduces the temperature by itself. DynaQ BBQ Temperature Control is famous for this.
It is always nice to have wi-fi compatibility as bluetooth does not have a good range. With a wi-fi controlled unit, you can monitor and maintain the grill temperature from any parts of the house.
Check out Flame Boss 400-WiFi Smoker Controller for something like this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01. Do I need a BBQ temperature controller?
If you struggle with maintaining proper temperature in your charcoal grills or smoker, having a set of temp controller can be really handy. They basically turn a highly complex grill into a conventional oven.
All you have to do is set the temperature and forget about it. You will get an arm or notification when the food is ready to serve. With BBQ controllers, anyone can master the art of grilling.
02. Can I use BBQ controllers in any season?
Normally, people tend to not use grills and smokers during winter or rainy season. This is because controlling the air gets really tough when the weather is unstable.
With a BBQ controller, you can automatically adjust the temp, set timers, and even get detailed graphs on your food. So whether it is humid, cold or rainy, grilling becomes an all-year-round activity.
03. Do gas grills need temperature controllers?
No, gas grills do not need temperature controllers because gas grills use a steady fuel source. Charcoal grills and smokers on the other hand, use air as a way to increase or decrease the temperature and fire.
As it is a more organic and natural way of cooking, air flow can be inconsistent and unsteady. This is why you need a temperature controller to regulate and maintain heat.
04. How do I install my temperature controller?
Installing your BBQ controller is actually really easy to do. You need to first connect the adapter to one of the vent smokers.
First you need to close the bottom vents and mount the adapter to one of those vents.
To mount your adapter, you need to follow the instructions that come with the kit. Usually, different controllers have different mounting styles. Some use a thumb bolt to secure it in place. Others use magnets and even mounting brackets. It all depends on the type of smokers you are using.
05. What can I cook with a temp controller?
Temperature controllers are really helpful if you are cooking something on low temperature. So anything you want to smoke or bake can benefit with a controller. Controllers provide a steady and consistent temperature and air flow which results in event cooked and juicy meat.
With a good temperature controller, you can easily make large briskets without having to constantly monitor your grill.
The Verdict
So you can see how beneficial it can be to have a BBQ temperature controller for your favourite charcoal pit or drum smoker.
If you use grills quite regularly, owning one of these can transform the whole process. You get more free time and less hassle.
We have provided everything you need to know to buy the best temperature controller for you. Look for options with maximum features and easy configuration to have an effortless cooking adventure.
Looking for wireless options? Check out our list for best wireless meat thermometers here.
Have further questions?
Comment down below! We are always there to help!
