The BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3 is a basic thermostatic controller for charcoal and wood fired cookers. It features an easy to use menu, clear display, separate fan with an internal damper, cooker temperature probe, and a single food temperature probe. It does not interface with the internet or smart devices.
Like all thermostatic controllers, the DX3 employs a temperature probe that attaches to the cooking surface. This sensor measures the temperature inside the smoker or oven and relays that information to the control computer. This internal temperature is compared to a temperature setting made by the user, and adjusts the airflow through the cooker to control the temperature. By increasing the fan speed, more air moves through the cooker, resulting in higher temperatures. This achieves the same result as manually adjusting the vents, but without constant fiddling. So, the internal temperature holds closely to the desired cooking temperature.
User Adjustments
The DX3 has three control profiles that adjust the response parameters to the type of cooker being used. The manual, which you must download from the company website, lists the proper setting for various popular cookers. Once set, the setting is retained in memory. Users set the desired cooker temperature, and the user can set a temperature tolerance range as well. If the internal temp exceeds the set tolerance, too high or too low, the display will flash and an audible alarm will sound. A second probe monitors the food temperature. When the food temperature reaches the food temperature setting input by the user, the display will flash and an audible alarm will sound. Users can adjust the audible alarms for volume or turn them off completely.
The user can also enable or disable a ramp function that will lower the cooker temperature when the food temperature approaches the user setting, thereby preventing the overcooking of food. There is also a selectable open-lid detection feature that will prevent temperature overshoot after a sudden temperature drop caused by opening the lid of the cooker.
Features
Both probes have 6′ (1.8m) braided stainless steel cables that appear to be quite rugged. The manufacturer rates them to 500°F and advises the user to keep the cables away from open flames. The food probe is L-shaped, allowing the probe point to be inserted about 4″ (10cm) into the food. The cooker probe has an alligator clip at its end.
The computer is about the size of a pack of cigarettes. You can power it with the supplied AC adapter (110-220VAC) or by 12VDC. You can set the temperature scale to Fahrenheit or Celsius in the setup menu. The fan attaches to the cooker using a collar that fits over the lower vents. It has a damper control to help fine tune the airflow. If power to the computer is interrupted, it will continue where it left off when power is restored without any input from the user.
Cook Tests
I conducted all of my tests on an 18.5″ Weber Smokey Mountain. Ambient temperatures were approximately 55°F (13°C) and there was a slight breeze. I filled the fuel tray about three-quarters full of unlit coals, and I lit about one-third of a chimney of Kingsford briquets. When the lit coals were showing ash, I poured them on top of the unlit coals, added some hickory, and assembled the smoker with the food (St. Louis-style pork ribs). I set the cooker profile to #3, closed the fan damper to about one-half, and set the top vents to about one-fourth open, as directed in the instructions. I cooked the ribs for about 5.5 hours. As you can see from the graph below, the DX3 did an excellent job of temperature control. (Click on the graph to view an enlarged version.)
All the components of this product appear to be well made. The warranty on the fan and computer is two years, and the probes have a 90 day warranty. The documentation that comes with the product is lacking, but a quick trip to the company’s website will allow you to download a well-written user’s manual. you can find contact info for the company in the manual, including physical address, telephone number, e-mail address and website.
Our Review of the BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3
If you are content to set it and forget it, the BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3 is an excellent choice. It comes in several kit configurations that mate the fan unit to your style of cooker. The company’s website has a kit selection tool that allows you to order the correct hardware. So obtaining the right setup is easy. The unit doesn’t require an internet connection, and it won’t talk to your smart phone, tablet or computer, but it does control the temperature of your cooker very well at a modest price. I’m giving it a Gold Medal for its quality construction, performance, and ease of use.
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