3D vs 3 with separate PID
- Thread starter mbartole
- Start date
Hiram
New member
I'm sort of on the fence about purchasing the 3 with Auber control, I have an Auber PID that I have used on a Bradley and now an MES 40. I've had to send in the PID 2xs in 5 yrs for repairs, nothing major less than 30.00 each time. After much research I consider the 3 with internal PID much superior to my MES but I'm from the old school (never purchase a new product untill they have all the bugs worked out).
The 3 is superior to all smokers I've researched so i dont understand why you would want another smoker EXCEPT if you want to cool smoke cheese or something else without heat. Other than that I'd go with the built in PID
The 3 is superior to all smokers I've researched so i dont understand why you would want another smoker EXCEPT if you want to cool smoke cheese or something else without heat. Other than that I'd go with the built in PID
mbartole said:
You are the only one who can determine how you will use the smoker and the Auber. The possibility of bouncing between smokers would seem to dictate a Model 3 and separate Auber. However, if that possibility is very remote, the 3D makes more sense. Only you can make that decision. Whichever way you go, you are going to have a very good set up.
Hiram said:
The testing and tweaking that SI went through with Auberins took a couple of years before everything was right and the unit ready for integration into the smokers. So it can be effectively considered tried and true. Purchase with confidence. Can something go wrong? Sure, but it is covered with SI's 3 year warranty, the best around. So I would not fret too much.
DivotMaker
New member
The main advantage, of the integrated controller, is warranty, and convenience. First, not having to hook up the separate unit every time I want to smoke something is nice. I know it's not a big thing, but it's a nice convenience. The other thing is warranty. This controller is SI OEM, so it falls under the 3 year warranty, whereas the standalone unit has a 1 year warranty.
Having used both setups, I really prefer the built-in controller.
Having used both setups, I really prefer the built-in controller.
nvw-ssv
Member
I kind of fall on the "separate" side. If the Auber breaks, I can still smoke with the analog dial. Otherwise not possible with an integrated unit. Also, if you have an integrated Auber, seems like more headache for possible repair....how to take the unit apart /how big of a piece would you have to mail back for repair vs. the separate Auber at about 6x8 inches or so and easily to ship.
That being said....IF $1000 fell out of the sky, that money would go straight to a #3D. (but I like my separate #2 and Auber 1200GPH for now)
The AUBER is so nice to program and just relax while the smoke blows. +/- 1 degree is so reliable!!!
That being said....IF $1000 fell out of the sky, that money would go straight to a #3D. (but I like my separate #2 and Auber 1200GPH for now)
The AUBER is so nice to program and just relax while the smoke blows. +/- 1 degree is so reliable!!!
It seems that the benefit of buying the 3D is not having to make any mod to the smoker if I get the PID separate. While it doesn't seem the mod is necessary,From what i've read in these forums it seems that the PID needs to be tuned, and for best results the temp probe for the smoker should be in the same place each time you smoke. Therefore, it seems that moving the PID from smoker to smoker would require tuning & re-tuning, and not be so simple as i first envisioned.
JackT
New member
Having purchased my 3-D two months ago, and now after about a dozen uses, I'm glad that I paid extra for the built-in PID. While SI is new to me, I'm no newbie to smoking and grilling meat. It's one of my favorite hobbies. The 3-D has proven to be able to keep it's heat exactly where you want it, and that is what I've enjoyed the most. Cooking to your desired internal temp is icing on the cake. If the PID should fail, I'll use my WSM and work with my lump charcoal as I have for many years. In fact, I'll continue to use my WSM, as it produces wonderful smoked meat. It's just not as easy as The 3-D and definitely no fun in freezing weather. That's what sold me on the 3-D, is ease of use. Now that I've seen it in action, I've no complaints. Brining two loins as I type, which I'll smoke this afternoon. For those still sitting on the fence, you probably can't go wrong either way, but I don't believe that you'll be reading too many regrets from those that bit the bullet and paid a little extra for the 3-D. Happy Smoking!
DivotMaker
New member
NDKoze said:
Yes I did! :-[ I knew that was up in the air, before release, but didn't realize Steve had stuck with the 1 year Auber warranty.
gregbooras
Moderator
I am about 3 weeks out on ordering the new 3D.
The question I have if the PID fails after 1 year, who do I buy the parts to repair it from?
Thanks in advance Greg
The question I have if the PID fails after 1 year, who do I buy the parts to repair it from?
Thanks in advance Greg
DivotMaker
New member
You contact Steve, Greg. He'll tell you if it happens. Auber makes the boards, but I believe he has them.
gregbooras
Moderator
DivotMaker said:
Thanks Tony!
Greg
