- May 7, 2015
- 1
- 10
Let me begin with a confession: I am not a purist. I want results rather than process.
To that end, I own a SmokinTex 1400. In the beginning, my results were not spectacular. I was using the built-in analog thermostat and the SmokinTex guesstimates of time required. It proved to have wide fluctuation of smoker temperature, as much as 40 or 50 degrees around the thermostat setting. I noted that our counter-top sous vide water cooker maintained temperatures within 2 degrees of the digital setting. I was perplexed by this difference. I assumed that the SmokinTex used a standard bi-metal analog thermostat. I did not bother to confirm that because it was not producing the consistency that I wanted. So, I set about learning why the sous vide could be so accurate. The short answer is a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller. Next step: could a PID controller be adapted to the SmokinTex? The short answer is yes. In fact, Auber Instruments makes one that is specifically compatible with the SmokinTex, Auber's model WSD-1500GPH. This controller has two probes, one for the smoker temperature, and one for the internal temperature of the meat. Here is the link http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=381. Auber says that this model will control SmokinTex, Smokin-it, and Masterbuilt. I dont see why it would not also control other electrics. At $218, it is a little pricey, but worth it to me. YMMV. Auber has other controllers for electric and charcoal smokers. My only connection with Auber is that I send them money, they send me a controller.
With this setup, very little ability, and recipes from this site, I have gotten excellent results most of the time. The few exceptions are all traceable to my not following the recipe!
To that end, I own a SmokinTex 1400. In the beginning, my results were not spectacular. I was using the built-in analog thermostat and the SmokinTex guesstimates of time required. It proved to have wide fluctuation of smoker temperature, as much as 40 or 50 degrees around the thermostat setting. I noted that our counter-top sous vide water cooker maintained temperatures within 2 degrees of the digital setting. I was perplexed by this difference. I assumed that the SmokinTex used a standard bi-metal analog thermostat. I did not bother to confirm that because it was not producing the consistency that I wanted. So, I set about learning why the sous vide could be so accurate. The short answer is a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller. Next step: could a PID controller be adapted to the SmokinTex? The short answer is yes. In fact, Auber Instruments makes one that is specifically compatible with the SmokinTex, Auber's model WSD-1500GPH. This controller has two probes, one for the smoker temperature, and one for the internal temperature of the meat. Here is the link http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=381. Auber says that this model will control SmokinTex, Smokin-it, and Masterbuilt. I dont see why it would not also control other electrics. At $218, it is a little pricey, but worth it to me. YMMV. Auber has other controllers for electric and charcoal smokers. My only connection with Auber is that I send them money, they send me a controller.
With this setup, very little ability, and recipes from this site, I have gotten excellent results most of the time. The few exceptions are all traceable to my not following the recipe!
