Editor’s note: Originally published July 2018. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- The PartyQ is BBQ Guru’s simplest, least expensive controller: battery powered, built-in fan, one pit probe.
- The DigiQ DX2 adds a meat probe, ramp mode, open lid detection, a food-done alert and an adjustable damper, but needs AC power.
- Pick PartyQ for portability and simplicity; pick DigiQ for more control over long cooks.
The PartyQ and DigiQ are BBQ Guru temperature controllers that regulate your grill or smoker by feeding the fire just the right amount of air with a fan. The PartyQ is the simpler, portable, battery-powered option. The DigiQ DX2 is the more advanced unit, adding a meat probe and a ramp mode that eases the pit temperature down as your food nears done.
The trade-off is that the DigiQ runs on AC power and takes a little more effort to fit to your cooker. Here’s how they compare.
PartyQ vs DigiQ at a glance
| Feature | PartyQ | DigiQ DX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 4 AA batteries | AC power |
| Probes | One (pit) | Two (pit and meat) |
| Fan | Built into the unit | Separate fan |
| Ramp mode | No | Yes, within 30°F of done |
| Food-done alert | No | Yes, adjustable beeper (0–10) |
| Open lid detection | Recovers after lid opening | Yes |
| Damper | Not listed | Built-in adjustable slide damper |
| Relative price | Lower | Higher |
The two controllers
BBQ Guru PartyQ
The PartyQ is the most straightforward BBQ Guru controller. It attaches to your smoker or cooker, you set a target temperature, and it holds that temperature using its built-in fan, much like an oven. It is designed to recover the target temperature after the lid is opened, so you get fewer swings.
Setup is simple: attach it to your cooker, place the probe inside and set the temperature. Installation kits are available for a variety of grills, and it is listed as compatible with most cookers. It runs on four AA batteries and is highly portable.
Listed specifications
- Power: 4 AA batteries
- Built-in fan
- Single probe (pit temperature)
Pros
- Least expensive BBQ Guru model
- Runs on standard AA batteries
- Fan built into the unit
- Portable and simple to set up
Cons
- No meat probe; measures pit temperature only
- No ramp mode, so you need to remove meat when done
- AA batteries can run down on long cooks, with no backup power
BBQ Guru DigiQ DX2
The DigiQ DX2 measures both the pit temperature and the temperature of your meat. A pit probe clips to the grate with a sturdy alligator clip and sends readings to the console, which adjusts the fan to keep the cooker steady. The probe is rated to 500°F, with sturdy wires to protect against heat and breakage.
Programming uses simple up and down buttons, and the large LCD is designed to be readable day or night. You can switch between pit and food temperature, and status lights show how the controller is working. If the fan runs constantly, that’s a sign your charcoal is running low.
Ramp mode and open lid detection: Ramp mode is optional. When your food gets within 30°F of its target, the DigiQ lowers the pit temperature so you have more flexibility on serving time without overcooking. An LED shows when ramp mode is active. Open Lid Detection recognizes the temperature drop from opening the lid and adjusts to shorten the recovery time.
Damper and alerts: The built-in adjustable slide damper lets you fine-tune airflow for drafts or other conditions, and closing it fully will put the fire out quickly. When food reaches its target, the display shows a food-done message and an audible alert sounds, with beeper intensity adjustable from 0 to 10.
Listed specifications
- Power: AC
- Two probes (pit and meat)
- Pit probe rated to 500°F
- Fan not built into the unit
- Ramp mode within 30°F of done
- Adjustable beeper, 0–10
- Built-in adjustable slide damper
Pros
- Monitors both meat and pit temperature
- Ramp mode gives flexibility in serving time
- Built-in adjustable damper
- Food-done alert
Cons
- Costs more than the PartyQ
- Requires AC power
- No Wi-Fi, which some other controllers offer
Which should you choose?
- Choose the PartyQ if you want a simple, portable controller for steady pit temperatures and you’re happy to monitor your meat with a separate thermometer.
- Choose the DigiQ DX2 if you cook long smokes at home, want meat temperature on the same display, and value ramp mode and the food-done alert.
- Look elsewhere if you want to monitor your cook from your phone; neither unit offers Wi-Fi. Our wireless BBQ thermometer guide and Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth explainer can help.
If you go with the PartyQ, pair it with a good probe thermometer; see how to choose a meat thermometer and our safe internal cooking temperatures chart.
Bottom line
Both controllers take much of the guesswork out of holding low, even temperatures. The PartyQ is the budget-friendly, portable choice; the DigiQ DX2 is worth the step up if you want meat monitoring, ramp mode and finer airflow control.
FAQ
Does the PartyQ have a meat probe?
No. The PartyQ has a single probe that measures pit temperature only.
What does ramp mode do on the DigiQ?
When food gets within 30°F of its target, ramp mode lowers the pit temperature so the meat doesn’t overcook if you aren’t ready to serve.
How are the PartyQ and DigiQ powered?
The PartyQ runs on four AA batteries. The DigiQ DX2 runs on AC power.
