Is the EGG Genius really a genius?

For lots of folks, using a kamado style smoker is about getting back to basics. So when I see a fancy, wi-fi enabled doober-whacky, I'm usually a little resistant. I'd heard the EGG Genius was great, not just because we sell them, but from other pit fiends - but it was from nerdy, tech type smokers that loved shiny toys with flashing lights (I'm also one of those sometimes just FYI). 

Short story, I fired up the so-called-genius to see if it lived up to it's reputation. The unboxing went smoothly...so far so good I told myself. There weren't clear instructions in the box, but I rarely look at instructions until I've broken or burnt something. So this didn't bother me.I was a little annoyed that it's not battery powered, so now I'm running an extension cable to my Big Green Egg. Not ideal. I like things to appear just as they would have in cave man times. No technology....other than the caster wheel...and ceramic...and table. But that's not the point.The app is super simple to use and after setting up an account, plugging the probe into my meat and onto the grill, I set the temp on the phone and waited expectantly.

I was cooking beef back ribs and skin-on chicken thigh. The temp was nowhere near where I wanted it (265 °F to get a nice crispy skin on the chicken). The EGG Genius didn't make too much noise. Blew a bit of air into the lower intake, the green light was on. I wasn't impressed.

About 15 minutes later however, the temp was spot on. Obviously I then opened the smoker because I don't trust the cook unless I see it with my own eyes. Everything looked perfect. The genius also stopped the fan and told my app the lid was open. Almost churlish in its tone. I shut the lid, set the temp again and watched my cook go exactly as planned with the little fan firing up when needed, but mostly staying quiet. The short story - I want a battery pack for it so I can maintain my cave man aesthetic (they do have a battery in the US that will give you 12-15hrs of genius time - hopefully coming our way soon). For situations where you're kinda working but also kinda cooking - this thing is perfect. I can nip out to the shops for an hour without worrying about a temp spike or drop. 

Would I pay the money for peace of mind? Well, personally, I love peace of mind - and it's worth every penny. But everyone's different.

Stay tuned for the next Big Green adventure-slash-product-placement!

- Pitmaster at Lucky Boy BBQ