The BBQ Guru

One of the things that I enjoyed about the Bradley smoker was that it was fairly consistent when it came to the temperature control.  The ability to add smoke via that 'pucks' was also nice, giving a good consistent smoke.

Being that the Big Green Egg is basically a fancy charcoal grill the fire is something that you need to learn to control by adjusting the dampeners and the exhaust.  I was able to mess around with this some when cooking my first pork shoulder on it, then some other easier lower temperature items during the break-in period.  During this time I did quite a bit of research in finding the proper temperature control device to add to the Egg.

There are a few different options out there, from a build your own system (which I would do, but I think I've gotten to the point in which I just don't want to put in the effort to do it) to all out full control of multiple pits and foods.

I ended up with the CyberQ by the BBQ Guru.

It consists of the control unit, a mounting bracket, some food probes and a pit probe.  You need to add a blower and adapter that works with the cooker you are working with.

Now, why did I pick this unit?  It is actually built by the same folks that have the DigiQ, which is the unit that is 'The Big Green Egg" branded.  The main difference though between the DigiQ and the CyberQ is that the CyberQ is WiFi capable, and you can monitor as well as set your needed temperatures remotely - without even having to walk outside.

I've gone through the steps of setting up the unit so it is available on my network.  I could take the next step and port forward the unit so it is available externally, but I haven't found the need to do that yet unless I know that I'm going to be away for an extended period of time while I am smoking something.  For now, the extent of external notification is that I have the email capabilities setup (through gmx.com, which allows for non-smtp connections) to send alerts to me when needed.

Looking forward to using the BGE with this unit though, as it should make for some succulent meaty masterpieces!

The Big Green Egg

I just realized that I never finished my 40th b-day adventure posts.  Since that was almost a year ago, I don't think I'm going to be able to do a total recall of the events of that awesome week.

Instead, I'm going to pick up to a more recent line of 'adventures' starting with a new addition to the Toguchi household. I'm talking about the Big Green Egg.

It all started a couple of months ago when my Bradley Smoker decided to kick the bucket.  The stability of it was in question already, but it finally broke down and the feet basically disintegrated leaving the door to not be able to be proper secured.

This sent me on a mission to find something to replace it.  Of course, given the state of this guy, I needed to find something that was built a little better.  After asking around and some well placed pictures and influence, I opted for the Big Green Egg.  I went with the Large version of the ceramic cooker, which should be plenty big for me and my family.  As long as it can hold briskets, ribs, pork shoulders, etc. It should be perfect.

As I learn more and more about this food contraption, I'm sure you will be seeing more posts in the near future.  Egg On!