Product review: Auber Temp controller For WSM

A few weeks ago, I took a plunge to get the Auber temp controller for 2 of my WSMs. Here are my thoughts, trials and triumps.

On July 3rd, I attempted to do a high heat cook with my two new units I purchased. I got up at 7am to get the brisky and butts on.

Problems:
1. I noticed the blowers were blowing continuously as I tried to get the cookers up to 350*.

2. One of the units showed a negative reading.

3. Farking alarm kept going off.

Solutions:

1. I called Auber and learned for high heat cooks, I needed to upgrade to a 10 cfm blower versus the provided 6 cfm blower. (User Error)

2. Alligator clip (used to regulate cooker temps) internal wires were reversed thus causing the negative reading. I simply opened and reversed the wires. (Company issue not user error)

3. GF set alarm to 900*, as this is a function, I do not need, if the unit/s work as they are supposed to (User does not want to fark with this option).

So, after some problems and a learning curve, I am now having errorless cooks. For example: Last night, I put on a couple of small butts trying out a pork injection for next weekends comp. I had great sleep and woke up to the cooker at 271*. Only one degree higher than my set target temp of 270* (later on when I checked it was exactly at 270*) :thumb:

My conclusion: this is a good unit for the money and does exactly what I need now. I am quite happy to know, that I will be getting a good night sleep at comps moving forward.

Additionally, you need to be careful with the controller box due to it being plastic. I recommend they get longer alligator clip wires to keep it from falling.

Ooops: http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14_27

No pics, there are some however on their provided website. :mod::becky:

WHat options... IQue,110, Guru, Stoker? Answer: Cheaper:thumb:

---k--- said:

Thanks for the review. I've only seen like one or two post mentioning these in the last year. It looks like another inexpensive, straight forward temp controller. I like that it actually has a digital readout of the temps. If I hadn't bought an IQue recently, I might of considered one of these.

Click to expand...

Yes, I have both the IQue and the Auber. What sets them apart is indeed the digital readout.

Welp, the Ique is supposed to have a 15cfm fan, so it should be stronger. However, for bullet type cookers the 10cfm is more than plenty.

True about it being less bulkier, I use a tupperware storage box to both house while in use and not in use. Additionally, I too, like the idea of having seperate parts.

---k--- said:

Can the Auber be waterproofed as easily as the iQue?

Click to expand...

I purchased a couple of 9" tupperware/storage boxes. I then punched a hole in each that would allow the wires and alligator clips to fit through the hole. I stole the idea from someone on here, who had two aubers running through a bigger box. I went with the single smaller box for smaller cooks and organization. They are packed in the rig, otherwise I would provide pics. If I get to it tonight or find the other thread I pilfered the idea from, I will post. :thumb:

Ok, here is the thread I pilfered the idea from. However my fan is exposed to the elements. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109410&highlight=auber&page=2

Post #22

Brad,

I do not have the fan on the Auber in the box; just the controller. I stated earlier, I wanted a barrier for it beyond the plastic case the controller comes in. This is necessary for someone who accidentally drops chit.:becky: