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

Captain P.J. · 02-09-2011, 10:00 PM

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 · 02-09-2011, 10:06 PM

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 · 02-09-2011, 10:33 PM

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 · 02-09-2011, 10:59 PM

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

OneHump · 02-09-2011, 11:37 PM

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

jimbloomfield · 02-09-2011, 11:38 PM

Yes guru or stoker

dmprantz · 02-10-2011, 12:13 AM

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 · 02-10-2011, 12:39 AM

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 · 02-10-2011, 03:43 PM

+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 · 02-10-2011, 04:20 PM

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

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

D0ughB0y · 02-10-2011, 04:36 PM

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 · 02-10-2011, 07:32 PM

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

Captain P.J. · 02-10-2011, 07:54 PM

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 · 02-10-2011, 07:58 PM

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 · 02-10-2011, 07:59 PM

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.

02-09-2011, 10:00 PM	#1
Captain P.J. Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 06-15-10 Location: Menomonie, WI	Ordered my 22.5" WSM today. Should I get a Guru? 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! __________________ Extreme BBQ Trailer, Backwoods Competitor, 2- 22.5" WSM, 22.5" & 18.5" Weber kettles, 2 Smokey Joe's, Blue & Red Thermapens, KCBS CBJ, Captain PJ's BBQ

02-09-2011, 10:06 PM	#2
Mister Bob Babbling Farker Join Date: 06-15-09 Location: Scituate, RI	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! __________________ Mister Bob, Pitmaster - Smokestack Lightning, Bad Ass Barbecue. KCBS CBJ #31759 - IMBAS Certified MOINK Baller

02-09-2011, 10:33 PM	#3
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	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? __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle

02-10-2011, 12:13 AM	#7
dmprantz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-11-08 Location: Nashville	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 __________________

02-10-2011, 12:39 AM	#8
BBQ PD is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-17-10 Location: Livermore, CA	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. __________________ Dave CBJ, 15' custom BBQ trailer with a Backwoods Competitor, Pitts & Spitts off-set, & Santa Maria grill. Ole Hickory CTO, 1 BGE, 2 Weber kettles and 1 Smokey Joe, BWS Chubby, Sonoma gasser, and a BBQ store full of everything BBQ.

02-09-2011, 10:59 PM	#4
NorthwestBBQ somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-28-09 Location: Everett, WA	Overnight a Guru is invaluable. I have one for my WSM and it is amazing.

02-09-2011, 11:37 PM	#5
OneHump is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 08-15-10 Location: Phoenix, AZ	Get the Guru for sure! Your cooks will turn out better with a more consistent fire and you'll be able to relax.

02-09-2011, 11:38 PM	#6
jimbloomfield Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 12-04-08 Location: Saugus, CA	Yes guru or stoker

02-10-2011, 03:43 PM	#9
El Lobo is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-18-11 Location: Great White North	+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!

02-10-2011, 04:20 PM	#10
AJP Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 02-01-10 Location: Manhattan, KS	I have the iQue 110 similar to a guru just not as much money. http://store.pitmasteriq.com/iq110.html __________________ Pit Boss 820FB, Blackstone Patio Oven, 24" Discada

02-10-2011, 04:36 PM	#11
D0ughB0y Take a breath! Join Date: 12-21-09 Location: US	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. __________________ 22.5 WSM, Traeger Lil Tex, Jumbo Joe Prem 22, CB22 Rotisserie, Weber Prem Kettle

02-10-2011, 07:32 PM	#12
luke duke is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-16-10 Location: Dallas, TX	I have a Guru and a Stoker and I would recommend either of them, depending on your needs.

02-10-2011, 07:54 PM	#13
Captain P.J. Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 06-15-10 Location: Menomonie, WI	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?? __________________ Extreme BBQ Trailer, Backwoods Competitor, 2- 22.5" WSM, 22.5" & 18.5" Weber kettles, 2 Smokey Joe's, Blue & Red Thermapens, KCBS CBJ, Captain PJ's BBQ

02-10-2011, 07:58 PM	#14
El Lobo is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-18-11 Location: Great White North	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.

02-10-2011, 07:59 PM	#15
bmanMA is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 03-02-10 Location: Lunenburg, MA	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. __________________ Pork Butt and Chicken Legs (semi-retired)

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