The best cooked barbecue is one that is delicious, juicy and tender. This précised perfection can only be achieved if you can very well control the cooking temperature and time. These two important factors used to post a challenge to beginner and pro barbecue pit masters. Today, the best bbq automatic temperature controllers remove the guesswork from cooking perfect barbecue.
A traditional barbecue would usually involve:
- Cooking meat (tough cuts) such as beef brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs over charcoal or wood fire with a low temperature of between 2000F and 2500.
- Cooking meat until tender for long periods of time 15 to 20 hours for pork shoulder or brisket and for ribs about 5 to 6 hours.
- Having someone present for the duration of time meat is cooking. He needs to every once in a while regulate or maintain the right cooking temperature.
Modern technology has found a way to eliminate having someone continuously monitor the barbecuing process to maintain the right and consistent temperature. The cooking times of barbecues still remain the same.
Barbecuing or smoking is fun but all the fun is lost and replaced with the frustration that comes with dried out and tough meat no one likes to eat. This happens when you are not able to maintain a consistent temperature. Quality of the smoker, diminishing charcoal, difficulty in setting the air vent and outside air temperature affect the sudden changes in temperature.
You can easily have control of the consistent temperature of your smoker in the same way you can have with an indoor over. The best barbecue automatic temperature controllers can effortlessly do the job.
Here are the best temperature controllers that you can find:
#1. Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller
Here are 5 jolly good reasons why you need a Flame Boss® 500 this season!
- Larger LCD display with four lines
- Monitor up to three meats (Purchase of additional meat probes is required)
- Includes a magnet in the base to mount without fasteners
- Includes current firmware and mobile app features of the Flame Boss 300 and Flame Boss 400
- The Flame Boss® customer service team is always here for your support
The Flame Boss 500 is available in two versions:
1. Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller (Kamado)
Flame Boss 500 Temperature Controller for ceramic, kamado, grills. Easy way to control and monitor smoking cooks on your grill. New LCD display for grill side management. WiFi capable for control while out and about. Up to 3 meat probes with dedicated port, no splitters needed as with the Big Green EGG EGG Genius.
Fits Kamado-style charcoal grills and smokers:
- Kamado Joe – All Sizes Primo Grills
- All Sizes Saffire Grill & Smoker Grill Dome
- All Sizes Vision Grills Classic Broil King Keg
- 2000 & 4000 Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
- Big Green Egg All Sizes.
2. Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller (Universal)
Fits Many Drum, Barrel, Cabinet and Offset Style Charcoal Grills and Smokers:
- Weber Smokey Mountain
- All sizes Char-Griller offset & barrel Char-Broil charcoal grills and smokers Most drum smokers
- Ugly and otherwise
Does not fit Big Green Egg or Kamado style smokers, gas grills or electric ovens.
Flame Boss 500: PREORDER ONLY. Quantities are limited. Orders will ship in order received.
#2. Flame Boss 400-WiFi Smoker Controller
From monitoring your meat temps to controlling pit heat, the 400’s innovative new design incorporates WiFi technology into the blower itself, giving you total pitmaster control straight from your phone!
Plus, the 400 WiFi is one of the most affordable temp control devices on the market! Learn more about Flame Boss 400 at Amazon!
Read more: Top 5 Best Offset Smoker Reviews
#3. DigiQ BBQ Temperature Controller – Mid-Range Automatic Temperature Controller
The DigiQ BBQ Temperature Controller comes with features that provide flexibility in operation. It is equipped with a ramping feature that automatically lowers preset temperature in the pit when the preset temperature for the food is almost achieved. This prevents food from being over-cooked.
Smoker / Grill Compatibility
The DigiQ BBQ Temperature Controller comes with a grill adaptor to make it compatible with any smoker or grill.
Probes
The DigiQ comes with a pit and meat temperature probes. Both probes are six-feet long. The pit probe is clipped on the grill gate of the smoker. The meat probe is what you insert in meat to get its inside temperature.
Design and Construction
The DigiQ is made from aluminum making it tough and durable. It comes with a well-painted and classy finish and a clear LED type display which makes it easy to read temperatures even under direct sunlight.
The device comes with 4 buttons. Two of the buttons are to increase and decreases temperatures and the other 2 buttons are to choose between the pit or meat temperatures. The controller comes with mounting brackets.
The probes come with braided stainless steel covers for better insulation for protection against high temperature exposure.
This temperature controllers also comes with a metal plate (adjustable) to allow the fan control air flow
Open Lid detection
The DigiQ is equipped with the open lid detection feature that knows when the smoker is opened. When an opened lid is detected this feature minimizes the loss of heat inside the smoker by bringing back the smoker to its original preset temperature and prevents any drop and increase in temperature.
Fans
The DigiQ comes with a medium sized Pit Viper fan with aluminum nozzles, adjustable dampers and heat dissipaters. The dampers allow precise control over the smoker.
Alarms
The DigiQ is equipped with 2 built-in alarms. One alarm sets off when the temperature of the smoker is above or below your preset temperature. The other alarm sets off when the inside of the meat goes beyond or below the preset temperature. You can adjust the volume of the alarm.
Features
- Ramp down feature to lower pit temperature when temperature of meat is almost reached. This is to avoid overcooking.
- Allows the efficient burning of charcoal to make the burn last longer.
- Capable of supporting two fans for large smokers.
- Can be used with a battery pack (optional).
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accurate temperature readings
- Power adapter plug is water resistant
- Easy to read display
- Capable of managing longer cooking times.
Cons
- Thermometer readings come a bit slow
- Short power cord.
Verdict
The DigiQ is ideal if you have multiple smokers because it can adjust the amount of airflow depending on what you are cooking and on the size of your smoker.
Check Latest Price on Amazon!
#4. PartyQ BBQ Temperature Controller – Best Entry-Level Automatic Temperature Controller
PartyQ BBQ Temperature Controller is for the Weber Smokey Mountain. It is a decent entry level automatic temperature controller. It comes with a probe to monitor temperature inside the smoker so temperature remains consistent to the preset temperature.
Smoker / Grill Compatibility
This device is for the Weber Smokey Mountain
Probes
The PartyQ comes with a single digital probe providing consistent low temperature to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful meat.
Design and Construction
The PartyQ is well-made and is easy to set up. It is simple to use as all you need to do is attached the device to your smoker and set the temperature you need to cook your barbecue. This device controls and monitors the temperature providing the right amount of oxygen to the charcoals to help achieve a consistent low temperature.
Fans
The stoker fan comes with a temperature sensor which accurately provides the right amount of air to the charcoals.
Features
- Compatible with Weber smokers and grills
- Gets back to preset temperature quickly after the smoker’s lid is opened.
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Lightweight and portable
- Minimal temperature fluctuations
Pros
- Cooks food accurately and evenly
- Portable and lightweight making it perfect for camping, picnics, hunting, fishing, tailgating and more
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Does not come with a temperature probe to monitor doneness of meat.
- Eats up battery fast
Verdict
The partyQ BBQ Temperature Controller accurately controls wood or charcoal burning grills. Even a beginner cook can churn up delicious barbecue cooked in slow and low consistent temperatures.
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#5. Pitmaster IQ120 BBQ Temperature Controller – Best Budget Automatic Temperature Controller
The Pitmaster IQ120 BBQ Temperature Controller is one of the easiest to use and most affordable automatic temperature controller for charcoal smokers.
Smoker / Grill Compatibility
It is compatible with the Weber Smokey Mountain when used with a pit adapter. It can also be used with most smokers such as the Brinkman, Char-Broil, Viking and a lot more.
Probes
The Pitmaster IQ120 comes with a smoker and food temperature probes. Each of the temperature probes are 6 inches long. Both probes are made from the RTD platinum technology.
One probe is used to monitor the temperature inside the smoker. The other probe is to monitor the temperature inside the meat. The food probe sends a message to the alarm for it to sound when the food reaches its preset temperature.
Design and Construction
The Pitmaster IQ120 is equipped with a single knob to preset your desired temperature. It comes with a probe that is attached to the cooking grate of the smoker to monitor preset temperature.
The device has a LED indicator which shifts from red to green to show when temperature of the smoker and food is within the programmed values and whether the temperature is too hot or too cold.
The Pitmaster IQ120 automatically adjusts cooking temperature based on time delays and temperature of the food. The device includes 12 pre-programmed temperatures and with a cheat sheet at the back of the device to list the temperatures that can be programmed.
An alarm goes off then when preset temperature is out of range or when food is cooked. The device is enclosed in a polycarbonate housing that is heat and UV rays resistant.
Open Lid detection
The Pitmaster IQ120 is not equipped with the open lid detection feature.
Fans
The blower automatically adjusts its speed to maintain desired temperature inside the smoker.
Alarms
An alarm goes off when the smoker and food temperature are above or below preset levels.
Features
- Adjustable digital LED brightness so readings can still be visible under direct sunlight or in the dark.
- Intact damper can be adjusted to suit smaller smokers.
- Alarm volume is adjustable to desired level or can also be silenced.
- Flexible rope handle made from nylon allows easy hanging.
- Equipped with accurate RTD temperature platinum sensor
- Does not need any smoker modification
Pros
- Comes with a standard smoker adapter kit
- Maintains consistent and even temperatures
- Set and Forget type of operation
Cons
- Instructions are not very clear.
Verdict
The Pitmaster IQ120 can be installed in most smokers even without tools. Meat remains moist thus producing tender, juicy and delicious meat with the hassles associated with barbecuing.
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#6. Tappecue Meat Thermometer with Wifi – Best Wi-Fi Automatic Temperature Controller
The Tappecue Meat Thermometer is the very first Wi-Fi thermometer in the market. You may not include some of the smart features found in the newer thermometers but its accuracy and ease in set-up and use still make it the preferred Wi-Fi automatic temperature controller by many smoking enthusiasts.
Smoker / Grill Compatibility
This device is compatible with most smokers and ovens.
Probes
The Tappecue Meat Thermometer comes with 4 meat probes making it capable to monitor 4 different kinds of food at one time. Each probe is 6 feet long giving it more range and flexibility. It can withstand temperatures of up to 5720F with précised accuracy.
Design and Construction
The exterior of the Tappecue Meat Thermometer is made from thick polycarbonate material. The jacks of the device are enclosed by a foam layer for protection against dust, rainwater and grease. It comes with 2 embossed stands at the bottom so it can stand upright.
This device comes with a free app to allow you to sync it to your Wi-Fi network. This Wi-Fi capability of this temperature controller allows you to monitor the temperatures of food and the smoker through your smartphone, PC or tablet. The device sends alerts when the smoker gets to be extremely hot and when food is cooked.
If you are without a Wi-Fi network, this device can still work on offline mode of up to 180 feet away with its built-in internal antenna.
To start using this temperature controller, download the free app and sync your Tappecue device.
Open Lid Detection
The Tappecue Meat Thermometer does not include the open lid detection feature.
Fans
The Tappecue Meat Thermometer does not come with fans or blowers.
Alarms
Alerts are sent when minimum or maximum temperatures are reach and when the smoker goes from high to low
Features
- 4 meat probes to allow the cooking of 4 different types of food at one time
- Remote monitoring of smoker temperature and doneness of food through your smartphone, PC or tablet via a Wi-Fi connection
- Offline monitoring is possible up to 180 feet through the device’s internal antenna
Pros
- Connects to smartphone, PC or tablet via Wi-Fi
- Weather proof
- Comes with 4 probes
Cons
- Big and bulky design
- App is not too efficient
- Complicated to set up
Verdict
The Tappecue Meat Thermometer with Wifi monitoring range is unlimited as long as you are connected to the Internet. The temperatures in your smoker and of your meat are stores in the Tappecue servers through the cloud.
Again, this device may not have the smart features of the newer models but it does include the important features to make it the best Wi-Fi temperature controller.
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#7. Flame Boss 300 Temperature Controller – Best High-End Automatic Temperature Controller
The Flame Boss 300 is the top model of Flame Boss. Being a Wi-Fi temperature controller you can monitor and control what you are cooking from anywhere through your smartphone, PC or tablet.
Smoker / Grill Compatibility
The Flame Boss 300 is compatible with most smokers and charcoal grillers.
Probes
This temperature controller comes with 1 meat probe and 1 pit probe. Probes are heavy duty and can withstand high temperature. The probes are platinum resistant and are rated up to 575°F. You can use up 3 meat probes at one time with Y-cables (sold separately).
Design and Construction
The Boss 300 temperature controller made from solid plastic is attached to a stable and solid stand which can be listed up or down for easy reading of temperatures. The stand can also be screwed permanently to a table.
The green LCD is big enough to display set temperature, current temperature in the pit and meat as well as the percentage the fan is running. It also comes with an arrow up and arrow down buttons to adjust settings.
The probes are made from high grade platinum which can withstand high temperatures.
Open Lid detection
The Open Lid feature of this device can detect sudden drops in temperature when the lid is opened. This feature allows the temporary turn off of the fan to prevent the fire from over-stroking.
Fans
This temperature controller is equipped with a blower with variable speeds. It automatically runs of the best speed to be able to reach and retain the needed temperature inside the smoker.
Alarms
The Boss 300 comes with multiple alarms to keep smoking safe and simple. The pit temperature alarm sends an alert to your Wi-Fi device when temperature increases or decreases. The meat temperature alarm sends an alert when meat reaches its desired temperature.
Features
- Monitors smoker temperature to control the blower allowing it to manage air flow amount in the smoker. It controls the fire and consequently the amount of generated heat.
- Functions as a timer and meat smoker thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Equipped with a meat alarm to automatically shift the smoker to “keep warm” when meat reaches pre-set temperature.
- Wi-Fi capabilities allow the viewing of temperatures online in your smartphone, PC or laptop.
Pros
- Does not come with ON/OFF buttons as the temperature controller automatically turns on when plugged.
- Extremely clear 2-line LCD display for easy viewing of temperature readings.
- Easy to read and understand set-up instructions.
Cons
- Has a learning curve
Verdict
The Boss 300 combines beauty and functionality. Being automatic, there are no buttons to push.
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Benefits of Using an Automatic Temperature Controller
As has been said, maintaining a consistent temperature is extremely important in barbecuing. Temperatures inside the smoker can fluctuate depending on the outside environment and the smoker itself.
Fluctuating temperatures can cause your meat to be undercooked, overcooked or unevenly cooked. An automatic temperature controller has a fan so it can balance oxygen inside the cooker for proper airflow.
An automatic temperature controller (ATC) allows your smoker to have consistent heat in the same manner your indoor oven does. All you need to do is set the temperature and the ATC will adjust oxygen flow in the smoker to maintain the temperature.
Other than consistent temperature for the duration of cooking time, an automatic temperature controller provides more benefits:
- Can monitor temperatures both of the smoker and meat being cooked.
- Can monitor temperatures while doing other things and even remotely through a Wi-Fi connection.
The functionality and features of the best barbecue automatic temperature controllers are varied. It is best that you know what you need and like before making a choice.
- Food Probe – This is the temperature probe that is inserted into the food you are cooking to measure its internal temperature to check for doneness.
- Pit Probe – This is the temperature probe that measures the temperature inside your smoke. It is placed on ton the food grate.
- Open Lid Detection – This feature lets you know if the lid of your smoker is open. An open smoker lid can cause the temperature inside to fluctuate leading to uneven temperature.
- Ramp Mode – This feature turns off the fan when it is detected that food is reaching the desired temperature. This is to avoid overcooking your food.
How Barbecue Automatic Temperature Controllers Work
A barbecue automatic temperature controller works pretty much like a computer. One probe is connected to the grill of the grate to monitor the temperature inside the smoker and another probe is inserted into the food to monitor internal temperature and to check for doneness.
A barbecue automatic temperature controller has a basically simple operation. It gathers information from the pit and food temperatures. It then calculates the time and temperature needed for your food to achieve proper doneness.
The ATC is also connected to a fan (some models have built-in fans). The fan is securely attached to the vent of the smoker. The fan is responsible for controlling the amount of air that flows inside the smoker.
The ATC directs fan speed to regulate the temperature inside the smoker. The oxygen supplied to the fire by the fan depends upon the temperature readings from the probes. Level of oxygen supplied to the fire depends on the speed of the fan.
The speed of the fan works to keep temperatures consistent so your food will not be undercooked or overcooked.
Most barbecue automatic temperature controller comes with an alarm to inform you when temperatures are below or above your settings so you can make the necessary adjustments. The alarm also goes off when it is time to turn or baste your food and more importantly when your food is cooked.
Some barbecue automatic temperature controllers are equipped with features allowing you to monitor what you are cooking remotely. These hi-tech ATCs send alarms through emails or text messages.
You can also monitor everything through your smartphone, PC or tablet with an internet connection. Some models can also be connected to the Amazon Alexa so users can receive temperature readings and direct the barbecue automatic temperature controller to make necessary changes in its settings.
Where Can You Use Barbecue Automatic Temperature Controllers?
Barbecue automatic temperature controllers come in handy for smokers that use charcoal or in some instances wood. Electric and pellet smokers usually have built-in temperature controllers and it is relatively easy to set and control temperatures in gas smokers.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Barbecue Automatic Temperature Controllers
- A barbecue automatic temperature controller should ideally be grease proof and water proof to survive the environment surrounding the smoker while smoking. The tip of the probe should be durable enough to withstand repeated use. It should also be made from materials that are easy to clean. Heavy-duty plastic is a good material for barbecue automatic temperature controllers.
- You need to choose a temperature controller that is compatible with your smoker. If it is not the controller will be useless.
- All barbecue automatic temperature controllers come with a pit probe so you can adjust temperatures but not all come with meat probes. If you have been into smoking meat for quite sometimes, you definitely already own a meat temperature thermometer. A meat probe with your barbecue automatic temperature controller allows the pit temperature to ramp when the cooking process is almost done.
- Temperature Ramp Mode is a feature common to temperature controllers that come with meat probes. At temperature ramp mode, the software is aware of the temperature of the smoker, the meat and the temperature you require toward the end of the cooking time.
- It should have Open Lid Detection feature. Opening the lid of your smoker at any time during the cooking process will make all the alarms sound off. It will also make the fan work at top speed. This will not happen when your temperature controller comes with open lid detector.
- A barbecue automatic temperature controller takes care of the pit and meat temperatures during the cooking process so you do not have to worry about anything. As the saying goes, if anything will go wrong, it will go wrong. There are certain instances when all the temperature controller can do is sound off the alarm when a problem occurs. Such is true when you need to add more briquettes or charcoal. When this happens temperature inside the smoker will drop and you will not be able to get your desired temperature even if the fan works at full speed. At this point an alarm will sound to inform you to add more briquettes or charcoal.
- It should have a power source. Barbecue automatic temperature controllers run either through batteries or by plugging to an electrical outlet. You will need to know where you will often use your temperature controller be able to choose the right power source. If you intend to take this device outdoors such as on camping trips you will need it to be powered by batteries. If you intend to use the device mainly in your backyard, you will be fine with one that can be plugged to an electrical power source.
- The best barbecue automatic temperature controllers come with a hefty price and a lot of features. Each feature contributes to the cost of the temperature controller. Before picking a temperature controller check all the features and decide whether you need all the features that come with the device. Along this line you should always have an idea how much you are willing to spend for a barbecue automatic temperature controller.
The Secret to a Perfect Barbecue
Barbecuing fun can be extremely delicious, fun and addicting. Grilling and barbecuing are two different things. Grilling uses direct and high heat while barbecuing uses indirect and low but consistent heat for long cooking times.
Meat used in barbecuing usually has high fat content adding to the flavor and making them tender over long cooking times. Wood used in barbecuing also adds to the flavor and aroma of the meat.
When you want to seriously go into barbecuing, here are useful tips that will assure your success in cooking delicious, juicy and tender meat.
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The Meat
Beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and chicken are the most popular barbecue dishes.
- Beef Brisket is from the cow’s chest area.
- Pulled pork is usually the shoulder or Boston butt of a pig.
- Pork ribs are spare ribs or baby back ribs.
- Chicken for barbecuing are usually drumsticks and the thigh area.
If you are new to barbecuing, try starting with pork ribs or barbecue chicken because they cook faster. Beef brisket and pulled pork take about over 10 hours to cook.
It is important that you know at what internal temperature to set for the type of meat you are cooking. Remember to keep a consistent temperature for the duration of the cooking time. It is also important to make sure that moisture of the meat is retained all through the cooking period.
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The Smoker
The best barbecue cooker to use for barbecuing is one that uses wood or charcoal. Electric cookers are great but they are not able to provide the wood-charcoal infused taste barbecues are known for.
Smokers made from ceramic are efficient in retaining heat and consistent temperatures. They are airtight and require less charcoal. Smoking and grilling can be done in ceramic made smokers.
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Low and Slow Temperature
Barbecuing requires that you cook in low temperatures and slowly (long hours). Grilling on the other hand cooks quickly. The long hours required to barbecue pays off once you experience the fabulous taste of barbecued food.
The slow and low cooking process (at exact and consistent temperature) works on the collagen (connective tissues and fats) content of meat bringing out the tenderness, new flavors and juices. Fast cooking in inconsistent temperatures produces chewy and tough meat.
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The Fire
It is not intimidating to cook using charcoal. You can use briquettes (carbonized coal in powder form shaped with fillers and binders). They are easy to light and do not have too much ashes.
If the briquette you are using is not all natural, allow them to turn to ash and color white before placing your food. This is so the chemicals in the charcoal have been removed and will not affect the taste of your meat. If using all-natural briquette, you can immediately place food to be cooked.
You can also choose to use natural lump charcoals. These are carbonized wood that are all natural thus they are easy to light and do not have so much ash. Once you reach the desired temperature, you can immediately add in your food.
Never use a lighter when lighting charcoal because it takes away the natural flavors charcoal can give to your food. Use instead a charcoal starter torch.
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Temperature Control
You by now know that the best tasting and most tender barbecues are ones that are cooked in consistent and even temperatures. Barbecue automatic temperature controllers control fire inside the smoker and food. ATCs make cooking with charcoal a breeze.
ATCs bring smokers to the desired temperature and regulate the fan to produce the right amount of airflow to allow charcoal to deliver consistent and even heat.
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Accessories
For a fun, convenient and easy barbecuing experience, always have the right accessories handy such as gloves, knives and tongs to name a few.
Adding Flavor to your Barbecue
Rubs, sauces, and smoke are important ingredients that contribute to the delectable flavor of your barbecue. Of course you have to cook them slowly and in even and consistent temperatures.
Rubs are dry and mix to the meat prior to cooking (marinates). Marinate meat at least 30 minutes or longer prior to cooking.
Sauces on the other hand are wet and applied to the meat (baste) for a sweet caramelized crust when meat is almost cooked. Applying sauces too early in the cooking process will cause it to get dry out and burn.
Smoke wood. Charcoal can transmit added flavor to your meat. Charcoal on its own just has a small amount of flavor but they add a lot of aroma. You should be able to strike a balance between the aroma from charcoal and the taste of meat. Adding too much wood will ruin the taste of your meat.
The best barbecue automatic temperature controllers are devices that are capable of allowing you to monitor the temperatures of your smoker and meat without any hassles or difficulty. They not only make barbecuing fun, they also produce tender, juicy and the best tasting barbecues.
Last Updated on August 17, 2020 by Judith Fertig
Dan says
The Tappacue only monitors temperature. It does not come with a fan, nor is it able to run one. Therefore, technically it is not an automatic temperature controller.
Mat says
Should look into fireboard themometer. It has the ability to add a fan.