- Joined
- Jan 3, 2014
- Location
- Detroit michigan
Why not just go back to WSM? Theyare pretty much set it and forget it, too.
Because it's a problem caused by user error. Fix the error and the pit will run fine
Why not just go back to WSM? Theyare pretty much set it and forget it, too.
I havent had a bad experience with my PB, actually really good "end results" but i had to babysit the PB the entire cooks due to temp swings, and it almost going out a few times with the smoke setting and i shop vac it after every cook. It was fun, but i finally got a Treager 1300 on its way, and momma needs a grill cover so this "flakey" PB is going back. If there was a Wifi pid compatiable with the PB 820D i would have probably bought it and kept the PB, but nope.
lots of people are swapping out the stock controller for the rec tec controller. its wi fi and pid. the Savannah stoker is also popular, not wi fi but is programmable and has an auto relight.
I seen a video someone replaced a PB controller with a wifi rec tec but it was a vertical PB, and i still havent been able to find a place to buy a Wifi rec tec controller. Their website doesnt specifiy that the controller they sell is Wifi.
Also, the Rec tec Wifi controller is in the horizontal position where the PB 820D controller is vertical.
lots of videos making them work. you can leave the old controller and mount to a box, mount sideways or fab up a mounting plate. the Savannah stoker sells a mounting box, lots of work around if you really want to
edit: I googled rec tec controller and found this
https://www.rectecgrills.com/rec-tec-pid-controller/
a steal at $100
Thats the one i was talking about. No where does it say it is Wifi, and i believe the Wifi controller has probe ports so that is definitely not the Wifi version.
I was telling them to ditch the pitboss. Sounds like a p.o.s. just my opinion. Check my previous reply. I did not advise them to cook with a pitboss. I said dump the pitboss.While cooking in a light rain may be OK for a Traeger. It's not OK for the PB, they clearly state in their setup and warranty DO NOT use in the rain.
The use and warranty are not the same for the 2 brands. So stating the approved use for one brand does not mean it is the same for another brand. Clearly in this case it isn't the same.
Common sense on using anything electrical in wet conditions should be a top priority. A 10X10 Easyup used when cooking would help with many of the common problems. They are cheap when compared to replacing a pellet smoker. After all the years they say they have cooked with a pellet cooker it would seem they would have tried to protect it from the elements better. Even a cover for when the unit was not being used would help. While most smokers/grills are made to be used outdoors, a little protection/care will go a long way in making the product work better and last longer.
JMHO-YMMV
I was telling them to ditch the pitboss. Sounds like a p.o.s. just my opinion. Check my previous reply. I did not advise them to cook with a pitboss. I said dump the pitboss.
I was posting why they should dump it. I never had a problem with my Traeger. Imo its better than a pitboss for the reason of you can't use it in the rain.
Lots of good pellet grills under $1000. Green Mountain Grills (love mine), and Grilla are pretty good, and Rec Tec has several models on sale.OSD - we usually have a gazebo set up on our deck/patio but had it down for winter. We keep our smokers covered. We usually do not use them out in the direct rain but just did that day. We have done this a few other times in a light rain with no issue. BUT normally we DO have them under cover.
We may either move up a notch in pellet smokers - which I am not sure what that might be as we need to keep the budget under 1000. Or maybe go back to a WSM or maybe try a Oklahoma Joe or Old Country Offset - not sure.
My experience was good. Never skipped a beat.Traeger is trash, most have the same pause delay style controller that the pit boss uses.
I had a treager for a month and sold it. Multiple flameouts and wild temp swings.
The pit boss with an after market pid controller runs at rock solid stable temps.
My experience was good. Never skipped a beat.
Did you call customer service?
Did you adjust the P-setting? You can adjust how often the pellets get dumped into the fire pot.
I had a Traeger Junior Elite.
Some folks have upgraded the traeger controllers to other ones. Seems to be a common thing to upgrade on cheaper ones. I never bothered. The temp swings aren't a big deal to me. You can learn to cook with them. Ovens even have temp swings.
I recommend Traeger based on them being in the same price range.
You can get better for more money but I figured it best to recommend it based on price range.
I think your problem was your P setting. Did you upgrade the controller on the Traeger?
They have learning curve but not bad imo.
Main reason I recommended it is that it can cook in light rain.
........ The warranty fella I delt with at PB (whom they are replacing the barrel) said they have had this issue a few times, but didnt elaborate why. We have the PB 820D.