Model 2 or 2D

Elliottbte

New member
I am looking to get a #2 or #2D as I give my 2 year old #1 to a family member.  I am tempted by the #2D for the obvious reasons but I'm curious as to the reliability history of the controller and associated probes.  The customer service experience with Steve has been second to none, including the replacement of the analog controller and heating element on my #1 when they malfunctioned after a year.  He sent me parts and the install was pretty easy given the directions.

I love the three year guarantee Steve backs his products with, but it's only one year for the #2D Controller.  So what happens if I have issues after year one?  How likely is this to happen?  If I bought the analog version, I know its easy to fix and not too costly even if after the warranty.  But I have no idea how repairable/replaceable the #2D Controller unit is, and at what cost.

My heart says get a #2D, but my head says the standard analog unit given the warranty is just one year.  I'd appreciate any comments on their experience with the longevity of the #2D controller.  Thanks.
 
Brad,
Your questions are certainly legit.  I'm not sure that the 2D has been out long enough for any sort of reliability "track record", but I'll let others that are more familiar with the 2D & 3D comment on that.
I have a Model 2 with the separate Auber PID controller and I absolutely love the way that it works and the flexibility it provides.  I would not have another electric smoker without the controller (but that's just me and what I have gotten used to).
If I had to buy something today, knowing what I know now, I would buy the standard Model 3 and the separate Auber PID controller.  I have found that I often need to cook more than my Model 2 will hold so I would fork out the extra $100 for the Model 3. 
I am also a firm believer in avoiding integrated equipment.  The best example that I can give is back when VHS and DVD players were integrated into TV's.  You paid more for the combined unit than if you bought them separate and when one component broke, the whole unit was broken.
If you were to buy separate smoker and controller it gives you several options.  You can buy the smoker now and then buy the controller later and be able to enjoy good smoked food in the meantime.  If you decide to buy the #2 now and the separate controller, if you decide later to upgrade to the #3 (or larger), you will already have the controller.  I'm not sure if the 2D & 3D have this option, but with the separate controller, you can set up your smoker to bypass the internal smoker controller and smoke at higher temps.
Just some things to think about.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
 
I currently have a #3 and have no desire to get a stand-alone Auber. But, if I were to get a new one I would probably get a #3D. I don't care about the temperature swings that so many people get up in arms about, but the programmability would be nice.

I haven't seen a lot of issues with the Auber's and the integrated controller is just the same Auber guts in a different box. So, I wouldn't be too worried about the reliability of the D models.

One of the big advantages of the integrated Auber is that it is waterproof, whereas the stand-alone would not be. I typically try to avoid rain if I can, but if rain does come about, I know that my controller will be fine. Otherwise, you could probably come up with some type of rainproofing for the stand alone Auber, but for me, I would rather have it integrated. For my analog #3, I just put a glass over the top of the controller and call it good. But, for the stand-alone Auber you would have to come up with something that would be rainproof yet still allow the unit to release the heat as they do generate a lot of heat, whereas the D models release their heat through a vent in the back of the unit.
 
Brad, don't hesitate to get the 2D, or even 3D (if the budget allows).  I always recommend the 3 over the 2, simply due to depth (20").  You don't always need it, but it is GREAT to put a 17+ lb packer brisket in there, uncut!

As for reliability:  I have been using Auber products for about 3 years.  I have used 3 different models of the standalone unit, and the integrated SI controllers on the 2D and 3D.  I have NEVER had any issues with any of them, except for 1 meat probe failure (old-style probe).  The guts of the D model controllers is the same as the Auber 1800GPH, so it's proven reliability.

As Gregg touched on, the advantage to the D model is not only convenience (all integrated, plug and play), but it's also weatherproof.  Having used both, quite extensively, I highly recommend the integrated model.  Not that setting up the standalone is hard, it's just that you have to hook everything up, every time.  When it's attached to the top of the smoker, you just plug in the smoker, program, plug in the meat probe, and you're off to the races!

I will also say this about the warranty:  While the writing says 1 year, you obviously know Steve.  He is an honest guy that is going to take care of a loyal customer like no one I've ever been around!  I wouldn't worry much about what happens if it doesn't work right.  If you did have to buy one, they're less than the price of a standalone Auber unit. 

Go with the 3D, and never look back!
 
I would also recommend taking a good look at the 3 or 3D.  I love my #3.  I have never come close to testing its capacity but I know the capacity is there if I ever need it.  I also like keeping racks of ribs and whole packer briskets intact.  That was my main reason for going with the model 3.
 
+1 on Travis's comments. If a 3D is not in the budget right now consider getting an SI3, which I believe is less expensive than a 2D, and maybe adding an Auber later if you really feel the need. I have two SI3s, both with Aubers(the Ds were not yet out) and whilst I like the control of the Aubers I frequently smoke without using them. The Q is identical to my taste. If you read all of the posts on this forum they are littered with people who buy a smaller unit and later regret it. Buy an SI3 or a 3D if you can swing it.
 
Thanks for all the input.  I'm hearing the call to get the #3 regardless of controller type.  I've got a #1 now and manage to feed up to 15 people with pulled pork or brisket. I imagine a #2 would feed 20 easily. The #3 would probably feed the Russian army.  The #1 has served me well as I'm a once a month smoker for family/guest meals, and I wouldn't even be thinking about a bigger size if it weren't my plan to give my #1 away.  So I'll probably go with #2D based on positive comments on Aubers in general and Steve's customer service in particular. 

Are the Auber probes waterproof?  I've had issues with some of the Maverick probes until I ordered their specific waterproof ones as opposed to the ones that came with my unit.  Nothing is more frustrating than the probes shorting during a smoke.  And the cost of the probes can add up so I don't like them being "disposable".
 
Brad - I have been using my 3D since February of this year without any problems. Always a successful smoke.  The added depth is a real bonus.  Truly.  Hearing the call to get the 3?  Not a bad call.  But whatever upgraded model you go with, you are assured of top notch quality and first class service.
 
Brad, NO probe is completely "waterproof."  But, the new probes (for the GPH-series Aubers and the D-model controllers) are much more than the old style.  These probes have the wires covered in a thermoplastic coating, which fits much tighter into the probe.  Still not a good idea to submerse them in water, when cleaning.  Just rinse/scrub the end under hot running water, and they'll be fine.
 
Brad,
As is usually the case on this forum, you have a lot of good, but varied advice from some very experienced "smokers".  That is one reason I love bringing questions to these guys & gals.
The one question I have for you is related to the temperature probes.  I had a Maverick probe get "flakey" on me during a recent smoke, so I ordered a replacement from Amazon (about $12).  When it arrived, I needed to determine which of the 2 original ones was bad, so I decided to test them in boiling and ice cold water.  They both performed the same and had accurate readings.  I suspect now that I must have gotten some water in one of them and caused it to act strange.  You mentioned something about waterproof probes in your post.  Could you tell me where you were able to order those?  I think that I will replace mine, or at least have spares on hand for when the probe starts acting strange again.
 
CUTiger80 said:
You mentioned something about waterproof probes in your post.  Could you tell me where you were able to order those?  I think that I will replace mine, or at least have spares on hand for when the probe starts acting strange again.
Tiger, I have a maverick 733 that I bought through Steve when I got the #1.  I had issues with the probes that came with the unit. I just think the moisture in the SI is just more than they could take. I tried sealing the area where the cable and probe meet with silicone after I read on one of the forum topics that it would help. They still went bad and I was careful in washing them. I broke down and went to the maverick website and got these:
http://www.maverickhousewares.com/parts/pr-022-br-waterproof-hybrid-probe-6ft-br-fits-et-732733735
That are a bit pricey but overall had zero issues with probes for a year now. I'd buy them again.

Hope this helps.
 
I will always vote for the standard unit with the Auber controllers added as a second form of control.  I love my Auber when it works and not so much when it doesn't.  Having options is a great thing when a big meal function weighs in the balance.
 
I replaced my defective probes with these and have been very happy with them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2GRXSFH4CWZTC&coliid=I7FQNXT43QWJC

It says its for the 735, but I confirmed with Maverick that they will work with the 733/732 as well.
 
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