Temperature control on a stick burner?

[The Pig's Blanket]

Anybody ever use any of those Guru or similar for helping control the temperature on a stick burner? Just wondering? If yes how does it work? Brand and pics if possible.... if no thanks

[El Ropo]

Many of the experienced stick burner people control temps by the size of the fire. They will even leave the firebox door cracked open for extra oxygen flow. Franklin BBQ is a great example, when he's working that large pit, the firebox door is never closed and temp is controlled by the frequency of splits added. In his videos, you can see the door is always left open a few inches.

[Bludawg]

They don't. Next question....

[Bbq Bubba]

Temp controllers don't work on stick burners.

[RX2006JE]

I use a stoker on my offset stick burner(custom made) and yes they do work, took reserve grand last year using offset stick burner with stoker and multiple places in the 2 contests that i cooked. I often cook at 350 and use the stoker to maintain that temp. That being said you still have to have good fire management and building (small clean burning fire). I have my air piped in the fire box as to keep the fan away from the hot outside of the firebox. here are some pics of how i have mine piped in on my old firebox.


just got a new firebox put on that is double insulated, custom work done by TuscaloosaQ or TQ that has the same pipe put into the firebox you can see where the outlet to hook up the fan is coming out by the back of the firebox.


is it necessary probably not, but will it keep temps where i want it and be more fuel efficient, i think so and i have drastically cut my fuel consumption since i started using the stoker in 2010.

[BBQ Bandit]

Originally Posted by Bludawg

They don't. Next question....

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

Temp controllers don't work on stick burners.

Regardless if there is a controller or not... you'll still be feeding sticks the same rate if not faster (due to a stoked fire).

"Its like putting an elevator in an outhouse... just don't belong" - Roadhouse mod

[RX2006JE]

I personally went from adding a split every 30 to 45 min to maintain heat to adding a split every hour to hour 15. i start with a bed of charcoal and that gets to the temp and then add splits for the smoke. also went from using about 20 to 25 splits for a cook to 13 splits the last several times that i have cooked. I cook hot and fast so the wood amount would be different for low and slow

[Smokin' D]

We were in a back yard comp and a guy was using his Lang 60 Deluxe. 6500 watt generator to power just the draft control! Thought he was a bit daft.

Tasted some of his offerings after turn-in and was not at all surprised by the product. DRY, over-smoked jerky. He actually thought it was pretty good.

That is my only, admittedly limited, experience with a draft control and a stick burner. I have a Lang 48 and can control temps on it quite easily by adjusting the vents, typically once up to temps I never touch them, and adding a stick every 45 minutes or so. Pretty easy.

Stick burners need a lot of air to function properly, small live flames, and IMHO a draft control will stifle the flow resulting in a smokier and smoldering fire.

[RX2006JE]

I don't compete much 2 to 3 contest a year but in the last 4 contest i have had 9 top 10 calls in different meat categories. I have not had an issue with over smoked or dry meat, it really comes down to what you are comfortable with and if you know how to run your cooker with or without draft control. As I said before do I need the Stoker(draft control) most likely not but i feel like that in comps it gives me a little extra time to focus on other things besides what temp my fire is running at and do i need to add wood, ect.

[Bludawg]

I am the temp/draft control you can rent me but I don't come cheap

[luke duke]

Originally Posted by Bludawg

They don't. Next question....

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

Temp controllers don't work on stick burners.

False. Have either of you even tried to use one?

[82's BBQ]

I saw no noticeable change when I used one (CyberQ II on a Bubba Grill 250 RF). I ended up selling mine off after it was recommended that I purchase more fans.

[Smoke Dawg]

I enjoy being the controller. vents, fuel choice, dry, soaked, amount, Etc.

It really is more of a challange and fun than the Ronco set it and forget it!

[RX2006JE]

there was a stoker system used on a hybrid lang last night on bbq pitmasters

[TuscaloosaQ]

Originally Posted by RX2006JE

there was a stoker system used on a hybrid lang last night on bbq pitmasters

Johnny if it works for you keep on doing it!!! After the above statement I am sure people will say it works. One thing for sure no one and I mean no one has all the answers. Sounds like to me it is working for you keep on doing it!!!!!!