what functionality comes with wifi?

[toejam]

Just curious if wifi is worth the extra $200.  Would like to know what extra functions you can do with the wifi models?

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[old sarge]

It will allow you to stay indoors and monitor the smoker, control the temp and the like.  Some say it is a benefit, some not.  Some say digital is a benefit while others prefer the old fashioned analog.  Pretty much up to you and the wallet.

[LarryD]

I wouldn't say the PID (wifi or not) is worth it 99% of the time.  The sole occasion where I find it useful is so that I can crank it up higher when smoking a turkey.  The analogs can't go as high as the digitals.  Otherwise, the PID is a massive waste that just makes an otherwise elegantly simple smoker complex with more opportunities for failure.

[lcdearman]

I like the convenience of programming the cooking steps on the app and being able to monitor it from anywhere. Being a nerd, I like the graphs too.

[toejam]

Thank you very much for the replies.  I appreciate all the input.
I finally got my si 3.5d and am doing my first smoke (ham).  I see a benefit if the app allows you to change the pid settings faster.  pushing all those buttons while leaning over the unit as it kicks smoke into your face is a bit of a turn-off.  Still, $ 200 to have remote config and monitoring may be a stretch.  Let's wait until my 15th smoke and I finally cry that configuring while smoke blows in my face is not an ideal situation.

[old sarge]

Enjoy your new 'toy'.