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The best BBQ temperature controllers are a great way to ensure your grilling temperatures are steady throughout the day.
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There are many reasons to love barbecuing, but achieving delicious and exceptional meats can be quite stressful. Plus, maintaining a consistent temperature (maybe with the Thermoworks Thermopop) is a long and tedious task (which a Bluetooth thermometer is meant for).
Barbecue temperature controllers are designed to solve this annoying problem that all pitmasters have to face. These automatic controllers can control the internal temperature of your grill smoker to ensure your food cooks evenly. Making a controller an essential smoker accessory.
Additionally, they can also act as an alarm system to let you know when your grill needs some attention. Hence, you’ll be able to relax without the need to worry about your meal.
And to help you relax, we have researched other topics:
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But with so many options available out there, finding the right one can be quite overwhelming. So to help you out, we did all the digging for you to narrow down your options of the best BBQ temperature controller to choose from.
- Our Pick: Flame Boss WiFi Smoker Controller
- Runner Up: PitmasterIQ IQ120 BBQ Temperature Regulator Kit
- DigiQ DX3 BBQ Temperature Controller and Digital Meat Thermometer
- CyberQ BBQ Temperature Controller & Digital Meat Thermometer
- PartyQ BBQ Temperature Controller
In a hurry? This is our winner!
Runner Up
Best BBQ Temperature Controllers – Comparison Table
Best BBQ Temperature Controllers – Reviews
Flame Boss WiFi Smoker Controller is one handsome device. It’s compact, sleek, and ergonomic yet tough and simple. Understanding the LCD values and controls of this barbecue controller is easy since they are straightforward.
The WiFi smoker controller is one of the most precise out there. Additionally, the degree at which the unit can control temps means that it assures steady and accurate temperatures. Therefore, it’s easy to use and allows you to have the freedom to be as hands-off as possible.
Another reason why this Flame Boss barbecue temperature controller highly effective is because it has a multi-speed fan. This enables its internal fans to blow at various speeds. Also, instead of tweaking the settings of your smoker grill’s air vents, these fans contribute to the air frow within your unit directly.
But one of the best features of this controller is that you’ll be able to manage the temperatures right on your gadgets. On top of that, it’s a versatile gadget that works on all ceramic and Kamado type of grills across major brands in that niche.
- DOES NOT FIT Big Green Egg, Ceramic, or Kamado style smokers, gas grills or electric ovens* Fits Many Drum, Barrel, Cabinet and Offset Style Charcoal Grills and Smokers: Weber Smokey Mountain - All sizes Char-Griller offset & barrel Char-Broil charcoal grills and smokers Most drum smokers - Ugly and otherwise.
- EASY TO USE - Simple device configuration coupled with unparalleled customer support guarantees a smooth experience.
- LATEST TECHNOLOGY - Patented software and variable speed blower produce precise temp control. Works with most voice assistants for voice command control.
- ONLINE DASHBOARD - View graphs of your cooks. Monitor pit and food temperature and change the temperature of your pit from your phone, tablet or computer. Set the meat alarm to automatically turn down the pit temperature when your desired meat temp is reached to keep food warm, even send yourself a text message when your meat hits the desired temp. Connect with any device that has a browser - no software to install.
- MEAT PROBES - Monitor up to 3 meat probes without the need for Y-cables
- Simple device configuration combined with good customer support.
- Flame Boss uses a variable-speed blower that runs at the best speed to reach and maintain the desired temperature of your smoker.
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice command control.
- You can set it to receive text alerts if the cooking temperature is too high or low, or when your meal is finished cooking.
- All device configuration, from WiFi setup to meat or pit temperature settings can be controlled completely from the Flame Boss mobile app for iOS and Android.
- It’s pricier than most barbecue controllers on the market.
- According to some users, the mobile app of Flame Boss is unreliable.
The Pitmaster IQ120 is from a brand that has been providing us with convenient barbecue tools for a stress-free grilling experience. This best BBQ temperature controller works well with Weber grills, including the Kettle and Smokey Mountain, as well as other numerous smokers.
Although the IQ120 does not have as many features as other controllers, it offers outstanding control over temperature. What’s more, it comes at an affordable price tag. This means that the device can manage temps in just one-degree variation for accurate control.
This unit is also fully programmable. It can automatically change the temperature of your smoker grill depending on the set temperature. Additionally, it even lets you set alarms to notify you regarding the status of your meats.
But it doesn’t stop there since you also get 12 parameters you can set using a cheat sheet. Even more, the temp controller has a digital display to show you the temperature of your foods clearly. And instead of a keypad, it features a rotating knob for programming and parameter-setting the food you’re cooking to your preference.
- The IQ120 pit controller precisely regulates the cooking temperature inside a charcoal pit for precision smoking! Based on the IQ110's proven control technology, but with so many cool bells and whistles! As seen on Good Eats "Right on Que". Alton Brown said: "It's so cool !!"
- Digital display indicates actual cooking temperature and food temperature too! Knob is actually a digital encoder - rotate to select parameters or change values from user friendly interface, click to select. So much easier than a keypad!
- Programmable - automatically change cooking temp based on food temp, or based on a time delay! Set alarms to indicate food is done cooking or cooking temperature is out of range. 12 settable parameters in all! A large bi-color "cheat sheet" on the back lists all parameters and provides a short reminder of what it does. So easy yet so powerful!
- Leftmost display digit is a "virtual blower", rotating when the blower is rotating, providing feedback on how hard the unit is working. Indicates when the fuel is running low! Optional lid-off detection algorithm prevents unit from feeding the fire even more after a lid-off event!
- Fits Weber Kettles and Smokey Mountains, Char-Broil Horizontals and Offsets, Brinkman Vertical, Vikings, or any cooker with a flat or spherical surface with a fire vent damper less than 5" in diameter. Everything included in kit for operation from AC power; operates from 12VDC cigarette lighter socket using optional adapter available separately.
- The digital display indicates actual both the cooking and food temperatures.
- You can set alarms to indicate food is done cooking or the cooking temperature is out of range.
- You set the cooking temperature on the dial and it then regulates the cooking temperature just like a kitchen oven does.
- You can install it on most cookers without the need for any tools.
- It comes with a large bi-color “cheat sheet” on the back that lists all parameters, as well as provides a short reminder of what it does.
- It has no WiFi compatibility.
- Only supports a couple of probes.
The DigiQ DX3 BBQ is another excellent, budget-friendly device. This best barbecue temperature controller can track the temperature of your smoker grill while allowing you to control it just like an oven.
When you adjust the airflow of the burning coals, the DigiQ DX3 helps regulate temperature and minimize fluctuations. On top of this, it’s pretty easy to install and operate. The unit even comes with a LED display and a set of physical buttons.
Furthermore, it works perfectly on the majority of smokers, including brands like Weber, Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg, Ceramic, and DragonFire. Also, it has sturdy platinum probes for measuring internal temperatures quickly and accurately.
This DigiQ controller is also equipped with an innovative fan that regulates the heat, offering you an ideal environment for low and slow cooking. Meanwhile, its 10 CFM fan can adjust heat and airflow so that you can achieve juicy and tender meats all the time.
And when your meal is ready, it’ll beep and send your device a notification instantly.
- Solve the problem of unstable temperature swings resulting in tough, dried meat with this BBQ Temperature Controller
- This easy to set up, easy to use BBQ Temperature Controller will automatically track the internal temperatures of your cooker with oven-like precision
- You can multitask while you cook - this BBQ Temperature Controller will sound alarms when your food has reached the perfect temperature
- Accurately measure your food and pit temperature with our high precision temperature probes – 1 6ft food probe and 1 6ft pit probe included
- Create your perfect BBQ temperature and maximize fuel efficiency with the Pit Viper Fan/Blower – 100-240 V AC Power
- The high-tech digital temperature control device automatically tracks the internal temperature of your food and controls your grill’s temperature like an oven.
- It constantly measures the internal temperature of food, resulting in a juicy and tender barbecue every time.
- Fits all grills and smokers.
- With minimal effort, temperature fluctuations are reduced and accurate temperature control is achieved.
- It’s easy to set up and use.
- It comes with fewer features than the others on this list.
- Does not have wireless control.
The CyberQ BBQ Temperature Controller can help you control the heat inside of your smoker consistently.
This unit is armed with CyberQ Cloud. The smart innovation can connect your grill to your smartphone through WiFi. Therefore, you don’t have to babysit your grill and keep a watchful eye on your meal the entire day.
Since this best BBQ temperature controller provides you with real-time updates, you’ll be able to lower or increase the temps easily. Additionally, the CyberQ Cloud is great for low and slow cooking, allowing you to achieve perfectly juicy meats.
Moreover, the CyberQ BBQ digital meat thermometer is compatible with a wide array of smokers. These include Weber Smokey Mountain, Big Green Egg, and a lot of ceramic charcoal grills.
It also has an excellent fan system sitting over the air vents. This can help regulate the temps by feeding charcoal with oxygen. As a result, it adjusts the oscillation, giving you accurate temperature control. You can even use the controller to simultaneously monitor three temperatures seamlessly.
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, enabling you to use your voice for hands-free control.
- It’s an affordable barbecue temp controller that comes in a compact and sturdy construction.
- You can maintain low and even temperatures for hours on end with the help of CyberQ Cloud.
- Track and manage your grill’s temperature from anywhere, anytime.
- Consistently create delicious food by capturing and analyzing your cook data.
- It requires an adapter.
- Not compatible with a lot of grills.
In comparison to most devices, the PartyQ BBQ Temperature Controller is very interesting. The portable and versatile controller is battery-powered, which makes it a good companion when you’re traveling.
You can take this best barbecue temperature controller on your camping trips along with your smoker or grill. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to bring anywhere, on top of being compatible with numerous grills.
But what makes this PartyQ grilling accessory is that at its price point, it is abundant with features. Moreover, the reliable temp controller can fit almost all ceramic cooker and even the Big Green Egg without the need for your to mount it.
This model also features a simple display alongside two buttons. While a couple of AA batteries can power it up throughout the day, you won’t have any problems with brief shutdowns since it will restore your previous settings.
Although the PartyQ BBQ Temperature Controller does not come with all the bells and whistles, it offers steady temp controls. Hence, it keeps things as simple as possible.
- Equipped with a sturdy high precision temperature probe that you can place on your grill’s grate.
- The large 3 digit display enables you to easily read the temperature even during the day.
- Since the fan is placed over your smoker’s air vents, you no longer have to fiddle with them to achieve the ideal amount of airflow.
- It has an internal memory that will store the previous settings you use.
- Since it’s battery-operated, this best BBQ temperature controller is very portable and handy.
- Its simple interface only has options for setting the temperature for your grill.
- There are no presets or separate control options.
Best BBQ Temperature Controllers – Buyers Guide
What To Consider When Looking For The Best BBQ Temperature Controller
Fan
This is the heart and soul of your barbecue temp controller. Thereby, it’s crucial that the fan is made of high-quality material. Some people think that fans that rotate at variable speeds are a significant feature.
However, a fan with a simple on and off can take care of the job pretty well. Of course, a variable speed fan can do a little more in terms of reliable and consistent temperature control.
Materials
Keep in mind that your barbecue temperature controller is going to stand next to your smoker grill. Therefore, it’s vital to opt for a high-quality device made with durable materials.
Also, it will get dirty, so it should be grease-proof as well. Most available models come encased in a heavy plastic casing. Getting a model that’s easy to maintain and clean can help save you plenty of time and effort.
Temperature Probes
Generally, you want a model with food and pit probes. The pit probe is for measuring the surface where your meats are being cooked. On the other hand, a food probe is what you insert in your food to track its temperature.
Cheaper barbecue controllers usually only have pit probes. Nevertheless, some may have plugs where you can add food probes, which you may need to purchase separately.
Conclusion
The best BBQ temperature controllers can make a massive difference in your grilling experience. Even pitmasters stress over the management of temperature in their smokers. So arming yourself with one in this list can help you achieve tender juicy meats by eliminating all the guesswork and taking care of the tedious task.
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