($280-$300 depending on configuration, BBQGuru.com)

As opposed to grilling, which is a quick and high-temperature cooking method, actual barbecue smoking using charcoal rigs requires patience and also close attention to temperatures over a period of many hours when you are cooking "low and slow".

With BBQ Guru's DigiQ DX2, you too can smoke like a true competition pitmaster while also having the convenience of automated digital monitoring and electronic thermal management.

Whether you have a simple Weber Bullet, a Big Green Egg, or another charcoal smoker, the DigiQ will automatically regulate the smoker to the desired target temperature (200-225 degrees for ideal BBQ smoking results) using an electronically controlled fan (with adapters designed specifically for your smoker brand and model) and real-time internal temperature monitoring of the meat and ambient pit temperature using probe sensors.

A scaled-down, pit sensor only version of the DigiQ is sold as the PartyQ, and sells for $129. Grill fan stoker adapters are sold separately.

If you use an electric smoker, BBQ Guru has developed the Power Raptor, which is a electrical current regulator used with the DigiQ and CyberQ units in place of a variable speed stoker fan.