Ordered the Auber with the permanent sensor, but am wondering if there is any real difference in accuracy compared to using the drop in sensor. I like the internal temp probe but am wondering if the permanent sensor is the "illusion of precision"
Let me set your mind at ease, Walt - it's no illusion. I used the drop in probe extensively, as well as the wall-mount probe. There is no comparison, both in accuracy and ease of use.
With the drop-in probe, placement can definitely introduce error in the readings. When you autotune the PID to your box, it will set itself based on the readings from the drop-in probe, in the
exact location it's in. Next time you use the smoker, after autotuning, you will get different readings if you don't have the probe in exactly the same place. They are small differences, based on the heat zones in the smoker, but rest assured, they will be different. Plus, the drop in is just one more probe to clean, and is a failure point, due to the possibility of getting water inside the probe.
The wall-mount probe completely eliminates all of that. First, the autotune settings remain exact, because it reads the temps in precisely the same location, every time. Next, the back of the probe (where the wire goes in) is behind the back wall of the smoker, so it will never be subject to moisture.
With the drop-in, I had temp swings as much as 2-3°. I know that's very minor, but I get .5-1° swings with the permanent probe. Most of the time, it's dead-on where it's set.
Convenience, reliability, and accuracy = permanent probe!
