Guru plus quick read thermometer

[Burnt to a T]

Do most of you use or need both? I was looking at the Thermapen, and Maverick pt100, but wasn't sure if I needed either of them.

I know I can use them for the kettle ect, but do you use both at the same time when using a guru with the smoker.

 

[Groundhog66]

Always nice to have the Thermapen for checking different areas of the cut, if you want to lessen your investment, get a ThermoPop.

THIS should give you a bit more insight, as to what people feel is most important.

 

[Gary Tomato]

With a three or four probe Guru you don't need a quick read thermometer, but you can confirm the temp and easily check random points on the meat for an all over guide to your internal temps, I do!

 

[IamMadMan]

It's not a matter of what others have or what others need, but more-so; what are your needs?

I have a BBQ Guru DXII Digi-Q, not for the meat temperature, but to control the pit. The meat temperature only tells me when I should start probing, that is the only way to tell when the meat is done.

I also have a Thermopen, but that is mainly used to test chicken, game birds, or other poultry when pulled from the grill for food safety.

 

[Burnt to a T]

It's not a matter of what others have or what others need, but more-so; what are your needs?

I have a BBQ Guru DXII Digi-Q, not for the meat temperature, but to control the pit. The meat temperature only tells me when I should start probing, that is the only way to tell when the meat is done.

I also have a Thermopen, but that is mainly used to test chicken, game birds, or other poultry when pulled from the grill for food safety.

So you use a Thermapen only for the grill? So if I got a CyberQ or DigiQ that is what you use for the smoker to control it, and also get temps for the meat, but you don't use it for that? So you use a Thermapen?

 

[IamMadMan]

It's not a matter of what others have or what others need, but more-so; what are your needs?

I have a BBQ Guru DXII Digi-Q, not for the meat temperature, but to control the pit. The meat temperature only tells me when I should start probing, that is the only way to tell when the meat is done.

I also have a Thermopen, but that is mainly used to test chicken, game birds, or other poultry when pulled from the grill for food safety.

So you use a Thermapen only for the grill? So if I got a CyberQ or DigiQ that is what you use for the smoker to control it, and also get temps for the meat, but you don't use it for that? So you use a Thermapen?

You'll find everyone cooks differently.... There is single cookie cutter way to smoke the meat. If there was, everyone would be using a smoker.

The main use of my Guru is to keep the pit operating at the target temperature while I sleep soundly during the night.

Sorry, I don't cook to a specific meat temperature in the smoker. I probe the brisket until "Probe Tender", and wiggle the bone in pork butt until it feels like a "loose tooth". That's how I tell when the meat is done.

I do not use the Thermapen with the smoker. Differences in the meat can cause the same cuts of meat to be done at different temperatures. Internal meat temperatures in the smoker do not tell me when it's done. So the internal temperature doesn't matter to me, I prefer optimal tenderness without under/overcooking it or drying it out. The meat probe on the Guru only tells me when I have cleared the stall and allows me to calculate when I should start probing the meat. Other than that I chose to display only the pit temperature.

For the grill, steaks are cooked by touch, burgers and sausage are just too obvious to tell when they are done. The only time I am concerned about internal meat temperatures is with wild, game, chicken, and poultry related products, all for reasons of food safety. Could I have chosen a cheaper thermometer? Yes, but when you have 2 or 3 grills full of chicken, the thermapen gives me a quick accurate reading without having to hold my hands above the coals to make them uncomfortable. It also makes quick work of testing many pieces of poultry after they are removed from the grill.

.

 

[Burnt to a T]

I see. So many people do it differently. So there is no right or wrong way just different ways to the end results.

So do you have the classic or MK4

 

[IamMadMan]

I see. So many people do it differently. So there is no right or wrong way just different ways to the end results.

So do you have the classic or MK4

YES..... You will see; some will cook hot and fast, others will cook low and slow, some will wrap with foil, some will wrap with butcher paper, and some won't wrap at all. Some smokers burn all wood, others smokers burn charcoal with wood chunks, and other smokers are propane or electric smokers. Some are horizontal, some are vertical, while some are insulated and others are not. It's really a matter of finding the smoker that fits your needs, and then finding the optimal performance that your smoker to produce perfect food.

I bought my Thermapen long before they made the MK4, so I have the classic. I thought about upgrading, but realistically the classic will work fine for me until the day I die.

Think of your tools as any craftsman would have tools. Take pride in them and care for them because they are essential to your end result.

And in the end, it still all boils down to your individual need; what do you need and what will you actually use.

.

 

[Burnt to a T]

YES..... You will see; some will cook hot and fast, others will cook low and slow, some will wrap with foil, some will wrap with butcher paper, and some won't wrap at all. Some smokers burn all wood, others smokers burn charcoal with wood chunks, and other smokers are propane or electric smokers. Some are horizontal, some are vertical, while some are insulated and others are not. It's really a matter of finding the smoker that fits your needs, and then finding the optimal performance that your smoker to produce perfect food.

I bought my Thermapen long before they made the MK4, so I have the classic. I thought about upgrading, but realistically the classic will work fine for me until the day I die.

Think of your tools as any craftsman would have tools. Take pride in them and care for them because they are essential to your end result.

And in the end, it still all boils down to your individual need; what do you need and what will you actually use.

.

Well I'm going with a Humphrey's. I have three options going right now.

I'm waiting on Chad to come back with some answers, but he will be gone until the 12th of July so I'm in a holding pattern there.

I also have an option to get a new used Humphrey's, but I'm waiting for a quote with shipping, and final price, and I'm in a holding pattern there as well.

Then I have a cookie cutter option at ST Louis BBQ if nothing else works out.

I want to get a smoker that will be there forever if need be. I doubt I ever get more than one so I need to make it count. I will spend money, but I over analysis everything. I wish I could just pull the trigger like many others, but I can't. I drives my wife crazy. Getting just this one smoker has been a battle to get it approved.

 

[hachi-roku_fan]

Just ordered a Thermopop, and am looking at a Cyber Q in the near future. I'm looking at Cyber Q to control temps while I may not be at home.

Thermopop looks like a good inexpensive alternative to the Thermapen if you don't care about waiting 4-5 seconds more for the temp reading.

I do my cooking very similar to IAmMadMan. Check the pieces for food safety, but look for the tale tell signs that the food is ready.

 

[Burnt to a T]

So is the Digi Q with 1 meat probe all you need why opt for the Cyber Q with the 3 meat probes? Just for wifi? Let us know how you like the Thermapop. There are a few reasons I like the bigger version Thermapen. I hate the smell of burnt knuckle hair!!!

 

[IamMadMan]

Well I'm going with a Humphrey's. I have three options going right now.

I'm waiting on Chad to come back with some answers, but he will be gone until the 12th of July so I'm in a holding pattern there.

I also have an option to get a new used Humphrey's, but I'm waiting for a quote with shipping, and final price, and I'm in a holding pattern there as well.

Then I have a cookie cutter option at ST Louis BBQ if nothing else works out.

I want to get a smoker that will be there forever if need be. I doubt I ever get more than one so I need to make it count. I will spend money, but I over analysis everything. I wish I could just pull the trigger like many others, but I can't. I drives my wife crazy. Getting just this one smoker has been a battle to get it approved.

I have a Humphrey's Down East Beast, best smoker I have ever used. But I would never recommend it just because I like it. It all boils down to the fact that everybody has different needs in a cooker, and what works for one, may not work for another.

 

[Burnt to a T]

I have 3 options in mind a new Battle Box a new Pint or a new used Qube'd Box. The price depends on which one I get.

All three will work for me. I'm a back yard hack I just want a solid smoker out the gate (not buy junk until I'm happy). This is a huge purchase for me so I'm taking it slow. The BB will be fine, but I could go bigger, and not look back, but all depends on what I can get with each model. A few hundred bucks won't stop me from getting a one time purchase.

 

[hachi-roku_fan]

So is the Digi Q with 1 meat probe all you need why opt for the Cyber Q with the 3 meat probes? Just for wifi? Let us know how you like the Thermapop. There are a few reasons I like the bigger version Thermapen. I hate the smell of burnt knuckle hair!!!

A Digi Q would work I guess since I'm usually outdoors when I'm grilling or smoking anyways. I'm still debating to be honest, but it's only a 100 dollar difference between the two.