Ordered my 22.5" WSM today. Should I get a Guru?

[Captain P.J.]

I ordered my 22.5" WSM today and I am wondering if I should I get a DigiQ DX? I plan to do my butts and briskets in it for comps and any catering gigs. I know that the wsm's are pretty solid but with the cold temps of WI winters and "hot/humid" summers I wouldn't mind a little help with controlling temps.
Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Mister Bob]

I'm a Guru fan. With a WSM, it may not be necessary, but it definitely will make your job easier and give you peace of mind that your temps will stay consistent, especially for competitions!

 

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Once you use it a few times and get it all sealed in, I find that the WSM is very good with temperature management - to the point of being boring. The main issue of a long cook is running low or even running out of charcoal in colder weather.

Why not try it out for a while before you pull the trigger on a temp controller?

 

[NorthwestBBQ]

Overnight a Guru is invaluable. I have one for my WSM and it is amazing.

 

[OneHump]

Get the Guru for sure! Your cooks will turn out better with a more consistent fire and you'll be able to relax.

 

[jimbloomfield]

Yes guru or stoker

 

[dmprantz]

I have both a Large BGE and a Cajun Bandit. Both of those can be dialed in and run without any draft control. I still use my Stoker with both of them, because it's like a security policy. I just don't have to worry (as much) about errors, because they just work.

When I cook at a comp, I use my Stoker with my big pit and find the abillity to maintain constant temp and sleep very helpful. I would recommend one or the other. You didn't ask, but as for which, I think it depends on your needs. The guys at DigiQ are great people who put out a solid product. Deserved or not, they seem to have a more loyal following. The folks at Rock's BBQ also do alright by me. I prefer their product because of the addressable probes and blowers, and the network interface. I have personally never had an issue with their support.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I use the 5cfm blower for my CB, and it works fine. That being said, I would recommend the 10CFM blower if you can afford it.

dmp

 

[BBQ PD]

I have two Guru's. I only bought the second one for a backup since I use them for both comp and catering, but I really like the newer DigiQ DX; love that LED readout. I know Stoker makes a great product, but I love my Guru's, and I would say you will not be sorry for buying one. Both Stoker and Guru make great draft control systems, so you can't go wrong with either one. I have the 10CFM blowers on both , which I highly recommend.

 

[El Lobo]

+10 on the Guru's. DigiQ DX2 on mine and works like a champ. Never mind overnight cooking, it's great in cold weather cooking, when its -10 during the day!

 

[AJP]

I have the iQue 110 similar to a guru just not as much money.

http://store.pitmasteriq.com/iq110.html

 

[D0ughB0y]

I haven't used the GURU or smoker, but with my 22.5 WSM I've never felt the need to have one.

Overnight cooks? No problem. Like someone said above, it is almost boring once you dial it in.

 

[luke duke]

I have a Guru and a Stoker and I would recommend either of them, depending on your needs.

 

[Captain P.J.]

Thanks for all you help! I will be getting one within the month! Do any of you guys with the guru or stoker use a wireless probe (Maverick ET-732) as well? Just for the convienience of not having to go physically go look at the guru/stoker... would this be a lazy mod??

 

[El Lobo]

Stoker you don't need it as you can remotely monitor, DigiQ you would need it if you want to monitor the temp. Or you can go all out and get a CyberQ which can be setup to monitor/control remotely albeit you need a wireless USB adapter.

 

[bmanMA]

not needed in my experience. fuel burning out or wind will get you.
you can work around the wind in many ways. you cannot work around running out of fuel, assuming you have chosen a solid fuel; for example I can get an easy 10 out of a well packed ring of wicked good weekend warrior on my 18" WSM. never had a need, and i do compete with my WSM. I am getting a BWS extended party soon, and will likely re-evaluate for that smoker. but not needed for the wsm. that thing locks and cocks.

 

[btcg]

not needed in my experience. fuel burning out or wind will get you.
you can work around the wind in many ways. you cannot work around running out of fuel, assuming you have chosen a solid fuel; for example I can get an easy 10 out of a well packed ring of wicked good weekend warrior on my 18" WSM. never had a need, and i do compete with my WSM. I am getting a BWS extended party soon, and will likely re-evaluate for that smoker. but not needed for the wsm. that thing locks and cocks.

Bro,

I've cooked in heavy winds several times since getting my NanoQ, and it wasn't an issue. Search my threads, to see.

I had a quality temp gauge, both on the lid of my Weber 22.5 (I installed it) and on my BWS Chubby, so I decided that a digital display (meaning the CyberQ) was redundant: I know where I've set the NanoQ, and my temp gauge verifies it.

If you have a good temp gauge/therm, you can save 60-70 dollars by just ordering the NanoQ.

 

[CharcoalCowboy]

I have a 22" which I use with a DigiQ2 and it is fantastic. We use it in comps as well as in the backyard. It is extremely helpful in long, cold weather cooks and when it is really loaded with meat. As so many have said it is not a need to have but is most definately a nice to have. It took me a few times of trial and error to figure out why I was getting temp spikes using the guru and what I learned was it was the air leaks around the base, the door and the lid. I applied some BGE felt gasket around the door and the inside of the lid and use some folded foil around the base to give it a nice seal and it has been tight as a drum eversince.
I will tell you I also have an 18" that I do not use the guru on for when I want to cook without it.
I would strongly recommend it as an addition at some point down the road. I also have the 10 CFM fan and it is a champ.

 

[burnt end jayhawk]

For overnight cooking and getting a little sleep at comps this is great. Just make sure that the two other lower vents are closed (I ran into a problem at a comp with temps not knowing that a vent was open). Well worth the money.