Do I need a Programmable Temperature Control?

[BBQHobby]

I'm in the process of deciding to buy a MAK 2 or Memphis Pro grill. The MAK 2 grill features a programable temperature control (PTC). I am new to the BBQ world and I'm not sure if I need a PTC. I plan on smoking, cooking slow-n-low and grilling depending on the cut of meat. My goal is to set the temperature in the AM and return from work later to have my meat ready (ignoring grilling). If I plan on cooking beef, chicken, pork etc., do I need to change the termperature settings (high-to-low or vice versa) through the course of cooking the meat? It's my understanding that most BBQ involves smoking for a short period and then raising the temperature for a longer period.

I would appreciate any words of wisdom.

 

[sparky]

your use the mak pellet boss program all the time. i time my ribs w/ it. i can set my mak to smoke for 2 1/2 hours and then turn itself to 240° for the duration of the cook. or set it to smoke until the mak meat probe hits 100° and then turn the mak to 225° for the rest of the cook. then when your meat hits 200° the mak pellet boss will set itself to smoke to hold the food. how cool it that. your use it all the time and it a nice thing to have. just my opinion.

 

[FLBentRider]

I'm with sparky, I use the pellet boss almost every time I use the MAK (which is a lot) except for grilling.

That is, when I remember to push start

 

[sparky]

I'm with sparky, I use the pellet boss almost every time I use the MAK. That is, when I remember to push start

lol, to funny bent.

 

[scooter]

If you plan to start cooking something then leave and return later the PelletBoss will save your butt (literally) if you get detained as you'll be able to program it to change temps due to meat internal temps as sparky outlined. BP will tell you his PelletBoss saved a nice rib roast of his from overcooking recently. That alone is a great feature to have but there are other features to consider. Do your homework.

 

[jimsbarbecue]

It is the one feature I would not want to do without. The least I do is set the meat probe temp to set the MAK to smoke when it gets close to the finish temp in case I'm out. Don't forget it has three probes and all are programmable .

 

[SmokinSteiny]

I think everyone needs PTC, I wish I was smart enough to figure out how to one of those PID system thingies up to my Traeger Deluxe!

 

[Hobbit]

The pellet boss (and the remote boss) along with the smoke box are what decided me on the Mak 2 star. I use the programming functions of the pellet boss more than I thought I would and can't imagine not having it now. Just so functional...

 

[HoDeDo]

You can use it for a low temp start, to add additional smoke to your meat, then bump temps for a hotter finish.... you can use it to st a hold temp in case you get stuck out, and dont get back in time to pull your meat, lots and lots of things.... You will use it all the time.

 

[bflodan]

Yes!!!!!!!

 

[BBQ Joe]

I use mine alot. The ability to use a remote is one of the things that helped me decide. In the cold climates you will really apprecaite it.