PID controlled smokers

[jwmorris]

Had a bunch of folks over the other day and took a short video of two of the PID controlled smokers I have. One is a regular wood fired and controls the damper the other is pellet fed and the PID controls pellet flow.

 

[dickfoster]

I rigged up a PID controller to run a stoker fan that I built for my small smoker. The fan is a simple 120V boxer fan. The PID controller also lights a warning lamp to tell me when it's time to add some fuel to the fire box or even if it ever gets too hot. For me fuel is lump and chunk.
The cheap Chinese PID does a really nice job of keeping my smoker where I want it, usually 225 degrees. I don't think I put any more than 50 bucks if that much into the whole thing including PID controller, stainless steel platinum temp probe, fan, SSR etc.

I think this is the controller I used. Xmt71 Size 48*24mm Pid White Led Digital Display Shinko Temperature Controller - Buy Shinko Temperature Controller,Digital Shinko Temperature Controller,Mini Shinko Temperature Controller Product on Alibaba.com

It was a bit of work deciphering the instructions however but it's a popular unit for many things, home brewing, espresso machines, smokers etc.

 

[prichard]

I've been meaning to put one on my electric smoker. There's one on Amazon for $30 - $40 including the SSR and the thermocouple.

 

[dickfoster]

I've been meaning to put one on my electric smoker. There's one on Amazon for $30 - $40 including the SSR and the thermocouple.

It sure takes the work out of temperature control. Especially for those long smokes like brisket or butt.

 

[MarkP2321]

Sounds like a sweet setup. Gives me some ideas. Would love to see a picture of you're setup..

 

[Mike9]

I use a PID for sous vide cooking. It controls the water temp for either a pot on a hot plate, or my old school crock pot. I use it quite a bit it's great for proteins, eggs and veg. Best steaks and chops I've cooked yet.

Here I'm making chicken "bone broth" in my slow cooker - 195f for 40hrs.


Finished product

 

[C4Ranch]

Very slick!!

 

[Joe Malovich]

I've built a PID controller unit for anything, It's a box with a temperature probe on a wire and an outlet. I can plug up to 1500W into it for an electric smoker, dehydrator, sous-vide, bathtub pig, or smoker.

If you do some research you can find the right type of PID controller that will switch up to about 3A of AC or DC or one that turns on a DC output without the need to a SSR. This would be ideal for a smoker where all you need to do is turn on a small fan. I've seen some that need powered by mains on AC, and some that run on DC so pick your controller carefully.