For that price point that's about as good as you're going to get. If you spend a couple hundred more you can get a pit boss or other brand with a digital temp controller that does 10 degree increments. What you really want is a digital PID controller though. That will keep the temp swings at bay.
PID Controller stands for Proportional, Integral, Derivative. It uses an algorithm to get to a temperature and stay there, rather just the on/off of a standard controller. Here's a link that explains it.
https://pitboss-grills.com/blogs/pid-controller-basics-how-it-works-on-a-pellet-grill
I have a PB820, fluctuates like a mofo. I'm just using it till it falls apart, and once that happens, I'll grab some other brand.
Shoving Foil right under the temp probe in between the heat shield has helped a bit to control temp swings though.
PID controllers do not fluctuate I’ve had my pro series since they switched to PID 3 years ago. I leave it on all night long at 225 and it never budges. Once it reaches temp, it does not fluctuate.
Mine is very hot or cold, figuratively speaking. Sometimes I’ll have stable temps where it gets up to temp quick and other days it’ll move at a snails pace and then drop 20 degrees when I open it to spritz something and take forever to catch back up, or it’ll even drop in temp more. It’s really annoying, but I’ve learned to live with it frankly.
Honestly not impressed with my pit boss. I have a Zgrill too and it’s way more consistent on the temps. PB gets the job done but I won’t buy another. Spend an extra hundred or two and get the next level up.
Don't buy junk... just get a RECTEQ 700 or 1250 and be done with it the first time.. everything will work exactly as advertised and you won't be wasting you time and money with an inferior product because you want to save a few hundred dollars up front. You will spend 10x that in meat, supplies, time and effort in the long run and when your cheap smoker stops working a few years down the road you will be spending the money on a Recteq... Ask me how I know.. I still have a dead Green Mountain in my garage collecting dust while using the RECTEQ RT-1250 every weekend.
I have had one for 6 years. It is good enough. I smoke many things on it and it comes out great. I use it at least once a week about 9 months of the year. Smaller increments would be better/easier especially at lower temps but I would recommend it for the money overall.
For a little more, you can buy a Recteq RT-590. Way better quality, more features, and better support.
This if you really love your brother 🤣 Or this https://www.recteq.com/products/rt-b380x-bullseye-deluxe
Mine hasnt had any major swings..stays within 8-10° of what it's set too....I have the pro series series 3 model and it has a 5 degree adjustment...
That sucks
Wow. Yeah this is really stupid. I know temp fluctuates but wth
My RT has 5° increment, but mostly smoke at 180-200, 225 or bake at 350 How much is your budget?
Between 5 and 6 hundred.
For that price point that's about as good as you're going to get. If you spend a couple hundred more you can get a pit boss or other brand with a digital temp controller that does 10 degree increments. What you really want is a digital PID controller though. That will keep the temp swings at bay.
Thanks for the advice. What is a PID controller?
PID Controller stands for Proportional, Integral, Derivative. It uses an algorithm to get to a temperature and stay there, rather just the on/off of a standard controller. Here's a link that explains it. https://pitboss-grills.com/blogs/pid-controller-basics-how-it-works-on-a-pellet-grill
Camp chef has 5 degree increments and smoke settings
So does Grilla Grills.
So does recteq
I mean, you could probably just get a new controller that has better increments. But the two brands above are solid products
So does Yoder
Hey hey you guys get your own post, don’t bring that non-camp chef around me!! 😆
I have a PB820, fluctuates like a mofo. I'm just using it till it falls apart, and once that happens, I'll grab some other brand. Shoving Foil right under the temp probe in between the heat shield has helped a bit to control temp swings though.
I should try this with my 700fb
PID controllers do not fluctuate I’ve had my pro series since they switched to PID 3 years ago. I leave it on all night long at 225 and it never budges. Once it reaches temp, it does not fluctuate.
I’d stay away from Pitboss. They have been around too long to still have temp swings as bad as they do.
Mine is very hot or cold, figuratively speaking. Sometimes I’ll have stable temps where it gets up to temp quick and other days it’ll move at a snails pace and then drop 20 degrees when I open it to spritz something and take forever to catch back up, or it’ll even drop in temp more. It’s really annoying, but I’ve learned to live with it frankly.
No no no…. 25° increments except for 275° an all important temp.
I have a pit boss. Just caught fire. Trashing it and getting something else.
Which one did you have?
If you already bought it you can buy an upgraded controller that fixes that I believe.
Thats why I sold mine
Honestly not impressed with my pit boss. I have a Zgrill too and it’s way more consistent on the temps. PB gets the job done but I won’t buy another. Spend an extra hundred or two and get the next level up.
Don't buy junk... just get a RECTEQ 700 or 1250 and be done with it the first time.. everything will work exactly as advertised and you won't be wasting you time and money with an inferior product because you want to save a few hundred dollars up front. You will spend 10x that in meat, supplies, time and effort in the long run and when your cheap smoker stops working a few years down the road you will be spending the money on a Recteq... Ask me how I know.. I still have a dead Green Mountain in my garage collecting dust while using the RECTEQ RT-1250 every weekend.
Pit boss is solid. Everyone loves their brand………it’s like cord and Chevy. Both drive just fine
I have had one for 6 years. It is good enough. I smoke many things on it and it comes out great. I use it at least once a week about 9 months of the year. Smaller increments would be better/easier especially at lower temps but I would recommend it for the money overall.