Traditional vs. Digital Smoker

bwmoffit · February 17, 2012, 10:01:41 AM

Is the newer digital technology really work the extra cost? What is the relibility so far with this technology. Anyone have any problems?

GusRobin · February 17, 2012, 10:30:05 AM

not sure if you mean the difference between the OBS and the digital or different versions of the digital? To me the only benefit with the digital is if you buy a 6 rack. Otherwise I would buy an OBS, dual PID from auber, maverick 732 and add a second element. I would choose this configuration unless I absolutely had to have the added space from a 6 rack.

My humble opinion.

mikecorn.1 · February 17, 2012, 12:07:32 PM

Ditto.
I chose the 4 rack digital cause I didn't know about this forum before I purchased it. I got all the toys now and if I knew then what I know now, i would have gone with the obs4. IMHO.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

theLDP · February 17, 2012, 04:11:17 PM

I agree with Mike.

hybridcx · February 17, 2012, 05:55:31 PM

after a lot of reading on here (glad i found The site). I changed my mind from the 4 rack digital, and know happily have a obs 4 rack with the dual auber pid.. a bit more $ but a way better set up.

3rensho · February 18, 2012, 03:04:02 AM

Agree, if you don't need the six racks I think the OBS with a PID is definitely the way to go.

RAF128 · February 18, 2012, 06:18:45 AM

IMO to only advantage of the digital is it comes in a 6 rack. That's what I got to make sausage that I like to hang. It has a problem with temp control so I bought a PID and now everything is good.

Salmonsmoker · February 18, 2012, 07:58:53 AM

I got the DBS-6 because of the size of the batches I smoke and also for the height when smoking sausages. I bought the Auber PID right away so I never suffered through the experiences of others without it. I just bought the 900w element and the fan, so once those are installed I'm set.

viper125 · February 18, 2012, 08:04:36 AM

I stumbled on this site while trying to figure out which smoker i wanted to buy. Glad I did! I would love to got a 6 rack. But to be buying a digital and then a PID was a waste of money. So I bout the original,PID and Maverick 732. Best set up ever. I added a extra 500 watt element,fan mod and 8 more racks making it a 12 rack. If Bradley would come out with a smoker that was as big as the 6 rack or even bigger with out digital. I'd jump on it. But till then Im happy with what I have.

3rensho · February 18, 2012, 10:15:01 AM

I think Bradley ought to come out with a 6 rack OBS with 900 watt heater and built in a PID. Not really rocket science. That seems where users are pointing.

viper125 · February 18, 2012, 12:32:50 PM

Been quite a few suggest that. But be surprised if it happens. price would probably be so high you couldn't afford it. Also unless they desighn a PID to beat Auber be hard to get people to change.

Salmonsmoker · February 19, 2012, 08:36:16 AM

They should team up with Auber to put the PID in the unit. What could be better? ;D