Model 3D - First Test Run - 2 Boston Butts!

[DivotMaker]

I got my hands on a Model 3D on Friday.  Yesterday, I seasoned it.  At 2 a.m. this morning, I thought I'd give it a good long test with 2 nine lb Boston butts!  Brined, as usual, with Famous Dave's Rib Rub.  They went in the smoker under the P1 program (235 until internal temp of 195).  Smooth sailing, 10.5 hours in.  The temperature of smoker has not varied one degree off of the set point!  Every time I've checked it, it has been dead-on. 

I'll post more pics, and details, soon.

First impression?  I am VERY impressed with the operation of the 3D!  It's been a 2 year process, but I think we did it!

 

[gregbooras]

Tony,

Does the new unit have one or two meat probes?

Thanks Greg

 

[DivotMaker]

It has one, Greg, just like the Auber stand alone units.  It's the new GPH-style probe.

 

[jcboxlot]

Convert us simpletons that turn a knob and let it rip.  Temp swings are 15 to 20 give or take anyway.

I’ll be honest, while I read/check the forum regularly, I skip over the Auger, PID, and other ABC in code not word posts.

Do I not see a knob? In place of / or conjunction with the electronic unit?  In case one goes bad is there a backup to let it cook per the old days.

I guess when its set and working all is fine, but not "true" lazy Q style 

 

[DivotMaker]

It's a Ford & Chevy question, John.  There are those that want to drive a standard transmission car, with yanks and cranks, because "all that electronic stuff breaks."  Then, there are those of us who want automatics with power everything, knowing that technology has improved immensely, and so has reliability! 

The original models will still be offered, for folks like you, and that's great!  But, now we BBQ geeks have another option without having to hook it up separate!

I would disagree, also, with "not 'true' Lazy Q style."  I have used a PID controller for almost 2 years, and it's very simple to operate.  It is actually more in line with the lazy Q philosophy because I don't have to watch a clock and change temps, if I have a multiple-temp smoke going on.  Set the steps, and walk away...bingo!

There will always be naysayers to any new technology, and that's OK.  There are a lot of buyers that look at digital accuracy and convenience, and SI is just trying to be out front on it.  Cookshack is digital, but the controller unit is no more accurate than your knob (15-20 degree swings), and costs a great deal more.  Many of the "big box" smokers are also digital (Bradley, MES), so it's a feature many look for.  The difference, here, is the board is designed by Auber Instruments, which has more than proven themselves with quality and reliability in the temperature control field.  This is proven technology, and offers a degree of accuracy that no one else does.

 

[gregbooras]

Tony,

Correct me if I am wrong here, but one of the features of the PID is that once the meat reaches temp, you can lower the smokers temp to hold the meat?

Thanks Greg

 

[DivotMaker]

Greg, that's right.  There are 6 programmable "steps," and one can be used for a hold.  Say you want to go 30 minutes, at 145, then 235 until your meat hits 190, then reduce temp to 140 to "hold" it....easily done!  Simple to program, and more flexible than a lone dial.

 

[smokeasaurus]

This new version should propel Smoking It (if not already there) to the head of the electric smoker pack  8) 8)

For me, I am just cool turning a knob and walking away.......we all win, no matter what controller we have........

 

[DivotMaker]

This new version should propel Smoking It (if not already there) to the head of the electric smoker pack  8) 8)

For me, I am just cool turning a knob and walking away.......we all win, no matter what controller we have........

Absolutely!  No "wrong answers" in BBQ!  Knobs or buttons....it's ALL good! 8)

 

[Aspenextreme]

Is the built in controller water proof?  I am assuming so but wanted to ask. I have a #2 which i love and had it over a year now

 

[NDKoze]

Hi Aspen,

I asked the same thing in the following thread and Tony responded that it IS weatherproof. You can see in the pictures that there is a gasket and the on/off button is weatherproof too.

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=4319.0

 

[BedouinBob]

Man Tony, I am going to end up with smoker envy.

 

[DivotMaker]

Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday...sick as a dog!  Much better today, so here's the finished pics!  The 2 butts held temps exactly the same (which was weird).  I had the SI controller probe in one, and my Maverick in the other.  I pulled them to wrap at 188, and they were fantastic!  I've been playing with final temps on butts, and keep going lower.  I was using 190, and now I'm at 188.

The smoker performed flawlessly!  The temp didn't vary at all!  I mean, every time I checked it, it was exactly where it was set.  My standalone units always vary a degree or two, but not this one.  I realize this was my first smoke with it, but I'm pretty darned impressed so far!

I also love the new smoke box design, which is now standard on the #3.  There's a foot welded on the front for support...works great!

I'll be doing much more testing with this unit, but so far, it appears that Steve hit a home run! 8)

 

[SconnieQ]

Support on the firebox makes a lot of sense. Not necessary for my little #1, for the longer #3, I'm sure that is nice!

 

[gregbooras]

Looks like the Butts turned out great Tony!

Glad you feeling better.


Greg

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks Greg!  Weird virus, I guess, came on sudden, but only lasted a couple of days.  Back in the saddle again! 8)

 

[old sarge]

Very impressive!

 

[NDKoze]

Glad you're feeling better.

I am digging the new smoke box mod. It is great to see that Steve is still making changes to improve his product.

 

[DivotMaker]

Steve does listen to us!  The smoke box support was a good addition; really makes it stable and keeps it up off the floor.

 

[sidpost]

Does the Integrated PID Digital Temperature Controller offer anything besides preprogrammed temperature changes?  $200 seems like a lot of money in relative terms for the convenience of preprogrammed temperature changes.  Sure the temperature stays set and doesn't vary but, is that really a big deal?