Just got the 1150 last week. Waiting on my new controller in the mail. I was dying to use the smoker so I did a 12lb brisket. It was not ideal trying to “smoke” it at 300 but it would not hold 250 to save its life so 300 is what I had to do. The bottom did burn in spots pretty bad. I did have it centered so it was over the “searer” with the vents closed. It actually came out pretty good and I must say I was impressed with the smoke ring. Comparable if not better than my offset smoker. Really looking forward to the new controller. I really want to smoke low and slow and not worry about the temp. That’s why I bought this monster. I enjoy my stick burner but I also enjoy being able to leave the smoker and do other work around the house. I also got the ERR message but I believe that was from my cap being screwed down to low. It was 35 and windy here so I didn’t want to open it all the way.
First brisket on 1150PS2
- Thread starter Nick549
- Start date
Were they easy to work with to get the new controller?
Yes, short wait time on the phone. I will be receiving it this Friday. Can’t wait. I think I will be getting the fire pot diffuser next. The hot spot in the center is killing me. I’d love to have a 10 degree variation from left to right .
Awesome! If you think about it, update this when you get the chance to cook with the new controller. Really leaning towards picking one of these up in a couple of weeks.
MOB916
New member
Curious...what issues did you have with the controller that came with the 1150 & what features are on the new controller that they are sending you? Got my 1150 right after Christmas & it's been "ok" so far...but the cooking options are certainly limited with the controller not having enough incremental temp settings. I do love this beast though....but I could love it more.
Exactly what you said, the new controller goes in 10degree increments from 180 to 300 then 25 degree increments after that. Call them and tell them to send you one.
MOB916
New member
Well, that failed. I called PB and talked with "Kyle" at the customer support number today. He told me that they no longer offer this new, more user friendly controller as that was a "short term offering that recently ended just a couple weeks ago". What kind of bullshit is that!?!?! The controller with increments of 10deg is an effing no-brainer to update the basic controller that only has limited settings. All I was able to get from them/him is a recommendation to "recalibrate" the controller with a 3-step burn process repeated 3X that takes about 3-4hrs to complete...while sacrificially wasting pellets. This kinda nonsensical "customer service" approach pisses me off....Kyle.
I'd call back. I was told via email this week that they are still replacing. If what you were told winds up being true, I'm definitely not buying a Pitboss.Well, that failed. I called PB and talked with "Kyle" at the customer support number today. He told me that they no longer offer this new, more user friendly controller as that was a "short term offering that recently ended just a couple weeks ago". What kind of bullshit is that!?!?! The controller with increments of 10deg is an effing no-brainer to update the basic controller that only has limited settings. All I was able to get from them/him is a recommendation to "recalibrate" the controller with a 3-step burn process repeated 3X that takes about 3-4hrs to complete...while sacrificially wasting pellets. This kinda nonsensical "customer service" approach pisses me off....Kyle.
I would definitely call back…ridiculous
Did you ever call back and try again? I'm wondering if they've run into the chip shortage and actually can't make the boards anymore.Well, that failed. I called PB and talked with "Kyle" at the customer support number today. He told me that they no longer offer this new, more user friendly controller as that was a "short term offering that recently ended just a couple weeks ago". What kind of bullshit is that!?!?! The controller with increments of 10deg is an effing no-brainer to update the basic controller that only has limited settings. All I was able to get from them/him is a recommendation to "recalibrate" the controller with a 3-step burn process repeated 3X that takes about 3-4hrs to complete...while sacrificially wasting pellets. This kinda nonsensical "customer service" approach pisses me off....Kyle.
UPDATE: new controller is installed and I did a few burns so far. I noticed it takes a long time to come up to desired temp so I have been over shooting it. If I want 250 I set it for 300 or more. On the plus side it does hold what ever temp you want. Long story short this smoker is huge and easier to use than my offset. I appreciate the fact I can turn it on and go work in the yard or do whatever and not be tied to it 24/7. Is it perfect, no but I can deal with the small issues it has. From what I have seen a comparable Trager is about 1,200 bucks which is ridiculous so I’m happy with what I have and customer service has not let me down.
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Padrak
New member
I just set mine at 225, and let it go when smoking anything. Mine holds temps well, and has a good smoke ring. I am pleased with my 850. One of the best Christmas gifts I have gotten. And it’s cheaper to use when grilling. I have found that I spend less money using the pellets than I did using my charcoal grill. Plus I don’t have to wait for the charcoal to coal up. Just turn it on and throw the protein on.
