ThermoWorks Billows Review

[@bcfran3g844]

I ordered the Billows and the plates this morning. It will work with my existing Smoke 4 on channel 4.

[@jonathond1982]

Correction. Billows doesn't only work with the "Signals" unit. It works with the "Smoke X" unit as well.

[@mikecoughlin4128]

but Signals is the only controller that works with both the app and Billows. I just verified that today with Cust support as part of my research.

[@adamli7168]

​@@mikecoughlin4128can billows work as a fan without signal ，run by ac power？

[@pawpawstew]

Two observations after watching and reading several reviews on this product. The high CFM of this unit is WAY overkill for a kamado style cooker, because they are already super heat efficient. To address the temperature overshoot many people experience, the manufacturer now has a seperate fan opening cover for the Billows that has an adjustable vent, so you can stop down the intake. For a kamado style cooker, it seems that a better option is a lower cfm variable speed fan

[@bseti1151]

Hey, what happens if your smoker goes above the set temp? Does billows do anything to bring it down or does it just shut off? I don’t have a billows, but my temp usually holds well until I open the lid and let in more oxygen. Then my temp spikes and I can bring it down for a bit. I have a Weber Smokey mountain

[@AndriasVaher]

Hello! Do you know is this Billows works with 220 volts adapter to or not? Im form EU and Im really like this Billow bbq tool.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

I'm not sure. Give them a call and they can tell you.

[@AndriasVaher]

@@StokedOnSmoke Thanks, Il do!

[@klaasa.deraad6355]

Both units hook up to USB-C via the splitter cable right? Then any 220V USB adapter that isn’t too small will work. You probably have more than one laying around

[@DonnyBenfield]

Just curious, how did you set your top vent? Like you typically would for that specific temp smoke?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

For low and slow temps...just barely open...like 1/8" - 1/4".

[@sassamafracken]

Thanks for the video, but I'm interested in its performance. The way it was ramping up the temperature looked like it was going to overshoot 270... does this happen?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

Pretty much any temp controller on any cooker will usually overshoot set temps...but then come back down and stabilize. It's usually only for a few minutes then it will come right back down.

[@dirtrider88]

@@StokedOnSmoke how the hell is the temp gonna come back down in a few min on a kamado? i can close off all the vents in my kamado and the temp still wont move much within a half hour.

[@thaney423]

How much quicker do you go through charcoal with it running?

[@Justin.Hawkins]

Man this really helped. I was having issues figuring out how to put the billows on. Everything I read made it sound like you wanted the fan to face downward, but when I did that I was not getting a good seal. Saw your video, rotated my billows and perfect

[@mikecoughlin4128]

The docs do tell you to have the fan down to prevent rain and ash from entering it. Maybe roate the mounting plate instead?

[@Justin.Hawkins]

@@mikecoughlin4128 if you rotate the plate it won’t work, the mounting plate is too long if you rotate it to fit into the grooves.

[@Grumps5]

The videos say to aim it down just In case it rains. Water won't get into the fan or electronics via USB port

[@hadtohabbit1496]

Can this be used with other smokers?

[@ryanbramich6951]

Hey Steve- great review! do you know if any of the 3 adapter plates that come with the flame boss would work with this or do I need to buy the thermoworks adapter plates? I know u have reviewed flame boss before so thought I’d ask. I own a KJ classic. Also how does billows compare to flameboss performance overall? Cheers!

[@StokedOnSmoke]

The flame boss plates should work...so I would def try that first before buying the ThermWorks plates. As for performance, like I showed in the video...the fan is a beast...so performance is awesome. It's going to get to temp quicker than the flame boss most likely...

[@ryanbramich6951]

StokedOnSmoke awesome. Any idea if u can use a battery pack with billows?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

@@ryanbramich6951 no, it requires 12V AC power.

[@je11092]

Ryan Bramich you can use a portable 110VAC or 120VAC power station according to Thermoworks. They ran tests without issue on the 110VAC.

[@ryanbramich6951]

JohnnyB any chance you have a link or know where I could find a good 110V AC battery option at reasonable price? Thanks!

[@Userqwerty349]

I have a Billows, one issue I had. It requires a special USB-C power adapter, the ones for a phone will not work, voltage too low. I was disappointed Thermoworks didn't include that, nothing on the box said you needed one. Thermoworks did send me one for free, maybe they include it now.

[@davidjondoh8671]

Have you experimented with how high you can set the temp? I bake bread and pizza in my KJ at 450 to 500F.

[@yambor44]

Hey Steve, how does the Billows know what the temp is in the grill? Is there a probe inside the grill that is used? Sorry if I missed it.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

You didn't miss it...I was in a rush to get this filmed/posted and forgot to show a quick shot of the probe on the inside of the grill. You can see it plugged into channel 4 at 8:17. Sorry!

[@erikpechmann879]

I thought the same when he was showing the temp rise on the signals, then noticed a probe wire from channel 4.

[@rogerrathbun444]

Do you think it would work on a homemade stick burner ?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

currently these are the only mounting plates they sell...so if you can get one of these to work somehow w/ your offset...then yeah...it would work: www.thermoworks.com/TX-1607X-M1?tw=BBQBROS

[@robertash3953]

@StokedOnSmoke When you are using your fan on the KJ, how far open do you keep your top control tower? BTW, great review and made my purchase based on it.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

For low and slow cools it is BARELY open...like 1/4” - 1/2”....

[@robertash3953]

@@StokedOnSmoke Thanks for the reply !

[@robertash3953]

@@StokedOnSmoke For the first time, I used my billows and Thermoworks Signals . Man, it worked perfectly. Easy to use (especially with your video) product. Worked like a champ! Thanks again for an excellent review!

[@Kent_edc]

Can you run the fan from the therma SMOKE thermometer?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

Unfortunately, no.

[@acres90]

Will this work on a weber kettle or a oklahoma joe bronco?

[@StokedOnSmoke]

The only adapter plates I know of are for kamados, so you'd need to call them and ask about other options: www.thermoworks.com/TX-1607X-M1?tw=BBQBROS

[@dirtrider88]

wont work on a kettle. if the other one is anything like the kettle then most likely not on that either

[@MrJ9k]

I went to order everything but cant find the adapter plate for my kamado joe. I don't think it will will work with the tape that the fan comes with.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

The plates they sent me were early release...but I was told they are being released this month...so it should be any day now. I had the same problem before they sent me the plates...it didn't hook up to my KJ with one of my BBQ Guru circular plates. When I got the square one you see in my video...it worked perfectly.

[@MrJ9k]

@@StokedOnSmoke awesome and thank you. I bought my Kamado Joe because of your videos and I love it. Been wanting an easier way to control the temp for smoking and thermoworks is high quality stuff!

[@planetkendrickwoodworking]

The adapter plates are sold separately

[@DavidYarber]

How would you say this setup stacks up to the Ikamand? I have a KJ Classic II and am looking for something like this.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

Unfortunately I've never tested the iKamand. Hit up John over at kzbin.info and he should be able to help you out.

[@mikesr3011]

Great review Steve. I too like and own a few ThermoWorks products. Build quality and accuracy are second to none for the price. I am kind of torn between the Signal/Billows setup vs. the BBQ Guru CyberQ. The way it mounts really does not look all that good to me. The "cushy gasket" looks like it might pose a problem after awhile as far as longevity and air leakage go. Is it replaceable? Will I have to use heat resistant tape around the mount? Being this is a new product I haven't read anything (yet) regarding those concerns. Any input???

[@StokedOnSmoke]

The gasket actually fell off when I was first playing around with the spring (again...watch your fingers!)...so I had to super glue it back on. We'll see how well that holds up. I'm not a big fan (pun intended!) of that part...but the connection to the adapter plate does feel solid. I wouldn't worry about that. No, you shouldn't have to use the tape....it was a nice snug fit. The gasket and my fingers getting popped by the spring are my only two complaints...and that's not a deal breaker IMO. I'd still go with it over the CyberQ...but again...that's just my opinion.

[@mikesr3011]

@@StokedOnSmoke Hey Steve, Thanks. I value your opinion. You own one and I don't your the expert!

[@hvyluv1]

Thanks! Great information as always Steve! Thermoworks products are the bomb! I won’t use anything else! Keep those videos coming! Love em

[@StokedOnSmoke]

#truth!

[@adamli7168]

​@@StokedOnSmokehello，can the fan work without signal ？ so just connect ac power and act as a fan ？

[@sneakyblackdog]

Thanks for the info

[@johnknapp6328]

I watched your cyberq demo how would rate the signal with Billows in comparison

[@StokedOnSmoke]

Billows overall is a better package (build quality, ease of use, etc...)...but like I said in the video...not a big fan of the spring on it. Makes it tricky to attach. That's my only small complaint.

[@JannisGundermann]

Nice review! 2 quick questions: 1. How would this setup fare with getting caught in the rain? If you were to rotate the fan opening to be at the bottom it seems mostly shielded against water? 2. With Kamado’s especially I have found that my other controllers will reach the set target temp reasonably fast but overshoot it massively even as the fan shuts off at 275F for example. Is there anything different about the fan curves with the Billows that make the unit “ease off” closer to the target temp so the Kamado doesn’t massively overshoot in final temp? Big fan of your videos! Keep them coming :)

[@StokedOnSmoke]

Answers to your questions: 1. Yes, you are correct. I neglected to mention and demonstrate that in the video...but in ThermoWorks' promo video they did...they actually mention that exact thing: rotating it so the fan points down...shielding it from rain. This thing is weatherproof...so if both it and the Signals got caught in the rain, you should be OK. I still prefer to keep my ThermoWorks products out of the rain as much as possible...but they are built to withstand wet environments. 2. I can't 100% answer that since I just got it and have only used it a few times so far...but what I instantly noticed is that the fan would cut off 15-20 deg before target temp and then would only very slowly blast quick puffs of air to get the temp to set temp. It didn't overshoot. In fact, in the video...as I was showing it climb to 275...after I stopped filming...a min or so later it got to 275 and held at that temp like a champ. So far, it seems to work very well.

[@dirtrider88]

@@StokedOnSmoke "It didn't overshoot. In fact, in the video...as I was showing it climb to 275...after I stopped filming...a min or so later it got to 275 and held at that temp" thats not what you said in another comment, you indicated it overshot the temp "Pretty much any temp controller on any cooker will usually overshoot set temps...but then come back down and stabilize. It's usually only for a few minutes then it will come right back down."

[@progers5019]

Hey Steve. This looks like a nice fan setup with the signals unit. I'm curious if the wire between the fan and signals unit is long enough. When you had it connected inside the house, it didn't look long enough for setting the signals unit up in a high location. Did I see that wrong. Other than that, it looks great.

[@je11092]

Phil N Florence I was thinking the same thing though the mess of cable to the left is what connects the fan to the Signals. I’d like to see the setup in action in a 22WSM.

[@jeffreygwinn5081]

The cable from the adapter to the Billows looks to be 8' or longer.

[@progers5019]

@@jeffreygwinn5081 Okay, after going back to 4:49 I see the cords were a little balled up, and I can see that the wire trails on down and around past the blower, so has to be longer. Thanks.

[@StokedOnSmoke]

What's up my dudes! I just measured the cable and the extra USB C cable that comes with the Billows is 6' 8"...but if you add on the adapter length you've got a total of 7'2". Hope that helps.

[@progers5019]

@@StokedOnSmoke Yep, thanks a lot

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Nice Review Steve!

[@ccswede]

I have a Green Egg. I found it is easier to connect the fan to the adaptor plate before putting the plate into the air intake. Also the WiFi only operates on a 2 G WiFi not a 5G WiFi. As mentioned in other information the exhaust port need to be closed to a very small opening. The system operates on using the fan to push air not natural draft. Cooked pork ribs at 225 and the smoke ring was penetrating nearly the entire meat. Someone was upset that the temperature overshot when they opened the lid to spray. Suspect they had the exhaust opening to wide. Agree that thermoworks has the best products. Look at their innovative use on USB C in the product to charge and relay data in a single connection. By the way I used much less charcoal on the 6 hour cook than I used before Bellows. Thanks for review it helped me setup on my firs cook.

[@kamil8502]

Hey Lars I just got done cooking with this billows setup for the first time and that temperature overshot when the lid is open is definitely a problem due to the grate probe sensing a sudden drop in temperature and therefore activating the fan at full speed for the duration of the open lid. This combined with the already increased oxygen flow from the open lid causes a very rapid rise in temperature the moment you close the lid. A "pause fan" feature would be nice for these moments. I just pulled the #4 probe lead from the base unit for the duration of the open lid and only plugged it back in about 30-60 seconds after the lid had been replaced; enough to let the temps inside the chamber stabilize. This was on a WSM18.

[@antipatiko]

How did you turn off the Bluetooth? On the top left of the Signals screen I see the WiFi symbol is there but the Bluetooth symbol is not. How did you accomplish this? PLEASE & THANK YOU

[@BWWGL9]

Its your expensive ThermoWorks products "WATERPROOF" ? I BBQ year ROUND, Snow, Rain, going to rain etc., In the Open not of a Patio or enclosed area. Please advise.

[@dirtrider88]

says weatherproof on the website. the signals is ip66 so it can handle anything mother nature throws at it short of a tsunami or flash flood

[@graysonwagner1855]

Point the fan down, keeps the water out

[@Mike_Y.]

Rad brother

[@kingmiller1982]

Spider Venom much better

[@cesar527]

What's next? A pallet feed? Keep it real!!!

[@willissmokinbbq9679]

Pallet feed? Grilled elephant?

[@EnochLight]

Anyone considering Billows for an Akorn (either full size or Junior) - AVOID. Thermoworks doesn't sell an adaptor that fits the Akorn series (arguably the most popular and widely bought kamado grill on the market). COMPLETE FAIL, THERMOWORKS!!! And no, using thermal tape or foil to jerry-rig an attachment is not an acceptable solution.

[@barndad28]

This thing is absolutely garbage I’ve had two of them break after using only a handful of times save your money on something that actually works

[@littlestar5737]

ThermoWorks is overrated brand. BBQ tools in general is low revenue, low margin market. Companies that make such gimmicky products must be avoided. Instead spend more in better grill/kamado/smoker. If you want PID controlled smoker, then buy pellet grill/smoker. Billows is a joke. Don't waste your money.