Digital #3 ?

[Overland]

I've been lurking here for quite a while now, and finally decided to post. Last February around my birthday, I started looking at smokers. I've wanted one of my own for a while, but have always borrowed a friends. I'm the kind of person to research to the ends of the internet before I make a purchase. That being said, I decided the #3 was the apparatus for me. Life got busy, and I never ended up getting one. Now I'm in the market again, but I've seen a few hints about Smokin-it turning out models with digital controls. I want to wait for these to hit the store. Any idea when this may happen if at all?

Sorry for the roundabout way to ask the question.

 

[NDKoze]

We haven't heard much about these lately. The last we heard they were having some problems with their proto-type model.

If you really want digital, I would just get the #3 and an Auber. This combination will most likely be as accurate if not more accurate than the digital model that may eventually come out.

If you are very patient, you could wait I guess. But why deny yourself the satisfaction of putting out some really great Q right now?

Heck, I have had my smoker for about a year and a half and am perfectly fine without the digital. And I am an analytical/techy kind of guy who works for Microsoft normally likes to have as high of tech as I can. I just haven't found the big need for the digital yet. I'll probably eventually get an Auber, but I purchased a lot of other accessories such as extra racks, Jerky Dryer, new side rails, chips screen, etc. before the Auber. The Auber is about all I have left to get. So, I'll probably get one maybe as a Christmas gift to myself.

 

[Overland]

Good call on the Auber. I, like you, love the latest and greatest gadgets, especially when it comes to tech stuff. However, It's more of a want than need. The analog control seems to be tried and true, and I suppose leaves open the option for more personalizing/customization. I just figured I've waited almost a year now, whats a littler longer? I am getting antsy though...

 

[NDKoze]

From what I remember the digital prototype was just that, a digital vs analog controller. Whereas the Auber adds the ability to create and store multiple programs that have multiple steps within each of them for internal temp and time. So, the Auber really provides a lot more than the digital controller. They never released prices, but I would have to guess that it would have to add close to $100 to the price of the smoker which is half the cost of the Auber.

I love spending other people's money I know, but I would say pull the trigger!

 

[es1025]

I have a #3 with an auber. The smoker and auber work like a charm. I am one who likes simple things. Not too much electronics. Once you bypass the smoker, the auber does all the work. Why wait get the analog version with an auber. You will be quite satisfied.

 

[DivotMaker]

Hertz - great question.  I have the digital prototype, which didn't go well at all.  Steve is still working on a redesign, but no production dates have been set (still a ways out - he wants to get this one absolutely right before release).  So, with that said, I don't recommend waiting any longer - or you may wait another year!  If you want flexibility and total control over your smoker, get the #3 with the Auber 1500GPH.  I use the Auber with the digital proto, and love it!  Having digital control integrated will be great, but we're not there yet!

 

[Overland]

Thanks for the info guys. Too often, I end up waiting for what I believe to be the perfect product for myself, and then never actually get anything. I guess all I need to do now is wait a few more weeks for the #3 to be stocked and order up.

 

[WeekendWarrior]

I would love an waterproof auber integrated into the top of the smoker.  Make it wifi enabled and I'd love it even more!

 

[Overland]

A wifi option would be awesome. Kind of like what Green Mountain Grills has for their pellet grills now.

 

[NDKoze]

I would love an waterproof auber integrated into the top of the smoker.  Make it wifi enabled and I'd love it even more!

+1 on this.

 

[old sarge]

Going along with Tony on this. Getting 'digital' correct, and reliable, and being more than competitive by being as good as or better than the other guys  at a lower per unit cost is one tough nut to crack. Ideally, one would set a cook temperature, then either the cook time or the internal temperature, hit start and go spend time with the family, get a good nights sleep, whatever. No programming, nothing but utter reliability and waiting for the feast. Until then, it is the Auber which is having great success with the Smokin-it units and is moderately priced for all it does.

Just putting in my 2 cents.

 

[DivotMaker]

Just putting in my 2 cents.

As usual, Dave, 2¢ that's worth a quarter!