Thermostat/probe or PID?

[Jeff010]

Just ordered a smokin-it #2.  I was looking to get a maverick (around 60) but then saw the thermoworks probe ($150).  I have a thermapen thermometer and I love their products but for 150 I would probably upgrade to the PID.  Other posts say that the smaller 1 and 2 smokers don't need a PID as they don't have large temp swings.  I know I'm overthinking this as usual.  Should I just get the maverick?  Even if it's not the most accurate, does 5-10 degree fluctuations really matter? Are their any other brands I should look at?  Thanks for any advice.

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[Smokster]

For what is it worth, I have the #3 and the maverick and both work great, however i wouldn't mind getting the PID controller. If I had to do it again , I would order the controller instead of the maverick. 

But this is not out of necessity, just another nice to have, not a must have.

[swthorpe]

I have a #2 and a maverick and it works fine...the temp swings are not that bad and the Q comes out great every time.   I would recommend he maverick for now, and then decide later if you want/need to upgrade to the PID.

[Jeff010]

Thanks.  Maverick it is.

[bigbassnutt]

Hi Jeff, I have a maverick and like the ability to monitor temps inside the house. I also have the Auber and I love being able to program the different steps so all I have to do is come back to it when the meat it done. I smoke ribs most often and the Auber stores the last program used so all I do is turn it on and it's already set. If I could only have one or the other I would go with the Auber, the Maverick just makes it so I don't have to walk outside and look at the Auber, Mike

[DivotMaker]

Jeff, I use both!  The Maverick is great for monitoring the temp remotely, but the PID (especially with the permanent Auber box temp probe) brings a level of accuracy and flexibility to the process like nothing else.  6 programmable steps, triggered by time or temp, and +/- 1° accuracy.  Hard to beat!