Overall rating: 4.5800867 / 5 from 462 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Billows BBQ Temperature Control Fan Kit is praised for its impressive temperature control, making it a game changer for long cooks. Customers appreciate its ability to maintain consistent heat, reducing flare-ups and improving results. The unit is observed to work flawlessly, especially when paired with compatible ThermoWorks controllers. However, some users reported varied feedback on temperature control and compatibility with certain devices.
Summary topics
- Temperature Control (9%): Customers appreciated the impressive temperature control provided by the Kamado Jr and Siignals monitor.
- Long Cook Performance (11%): It was reported by customers that the Billows fan was a game changer for long cooks.
- Smoker Control (5%): It was observed by customers that the Billows temperature control fan is perfect for keeping charcoal smokers under control.
- Unit Performance (4%): It was observed by customers that the unit is great and works flawlessly as far as they can tell.
- Smoking Experience (5%): It was observed by customers that the Smoke is easy to use and provides stress-free smoking.
Review topics: ["results","improvement","quality","looks","size","control","adapter","works","setup","installation","heat","price","customer service","value","fit","issues","upgrade","instructions","connection","use","interface","support","performance","temperature","construction","effort","billows","fan","cook","addition"].
Review highlights
- "I finally hooked a Billows up to my OJ Bronco and since I already own a Signals it was a no brainer." —
- "I also own a pellet smoker and it was like cooking on it the way that it kept the temperature solid." —
- "Excellent temperature control and holds a tight temperature" —
Reviews
"Just used this and the RFX gateway to cook a brisket overnight. Kept my vision grill Komodo style between 220 and 240 effortlessly. Alerted me at the stall point and then I wrapped to finish it off at about 3 AM. Came off the grill at about 0630 and is resting wrapped up. Looks amazing."
Don’t last long, short out
"Don’t last long, short out on large cooks, 5th one purchased and when I called customer service never got back and did not know the details"
"not sure why I waited to add the Billows to my collection but it is a game changer...held steady 225 for 7 plus hours....able to get somexrest..."
It’s great except for one thing
"It works unbelievably great. The only problem I found is that it only came with one gasket. I feel it should have had 3."
"Works flawlessly when used with the supplied 12V adapter."
Is ok
"Having a hard time figuring out how the billows works I set the temp on the signals to 225 it the billows does not stop until the temperature is over 300 and keeps going to I had to disconnect it. Can you send me instructions on how to control temperature"
Works great
"It was able to keep my temperature steady +/- 5 degrees. Very happy with it."
Billows and Signals combo
"When linked to the Signals temperature thermometer it keeps the temperature at a steady temperature. I have used it on brisket, pork shoulder, steaks and chicken and worked perfectly on all the meats!"
Surprised me.
"I really wasn’t expecting any blower to be this good at holding a set temp; had me giggling to myself 😆."
Very happy
"Works extremely well. I had to call support, but they were great too (spoke to knowledgeable human within 30 seconds and a resolution quickly after)"
Q&A
- Will it fit an xtra large big green egg without adaptor kit? Runs on batteries? What kind? How long does battery run fan?
- Billows will not fit an Extra Large Big Green Egg securely without an adapter kit. Because kamado-style cookers use a sliding draft door track, you will need the [Billows Kamado Mounting Kit](https://www.thermoworks.com/products/billows-mounting-kit). This plate slides directly into your lower vent tracks to create an airtight seal and provide a rigid mounting slot for the fan. Remember to also use the included yellow damper to choke down airflow for low-and-slow cooks in ceramic cookers. Billows does not contain internal batteries and cannot run on standard household batteries (like AA or 9V). It requires external 12V power. To run it without plugging into a wall outlet, you will need an external 12V rechargeable battery, such as the ThermoWorks [Billows 12V Battery Bank](https://www.thermoworks.com/products/tx-1614x-b1). On a full charge, the ThermoWorks 12V Battery Bank powers the Billows fan for at least 24 hours of continuous temperature control, covering even extended overnight cooks.
- Does the Billows work with a Green Egg?
- Billows works with all sizes of the Big Green Egg. Because Billows is a blower fan rather than a standalone unit, it requires a compatible ThermoWorks controller, such as [Signals™](https://www.thermoworks.com/products/signals) or [Smoke X®](https://www.thermoworks.com/products/smoke-x), to power and regulate it. You will also need the [Billows Kamado Mounting Kit](https://www.thermoworks.com/products/billows-mounting-kit) adapter plate, which slides directly into your Egg's lower draft door track to create an airtight seal. Once mounted, remember to insert the included yellow silicone damper to choke down airflow for low-and-slow cooks, as ceramic cookers retain heat exceptionally well.
- Will this pair up to a Lyfe Tyme smoker/grill
- Yes, the Billows™ BBQ Temperature Control Fan can be used with a Lyfe Tyme smoker or grill. Since Billows is a fan attachment, it requires a compatible ThermoWorks controller like Signals™ or Smoke X™ to monitor pit temperature and operate the blower. It comes standard with an expandable spring-loaded nozzle that fits many standard draft vents. Depending on your exact intake damper design, you may need a Billows Mounting Adapter or a Threaded Mounting Adapter to ensure a tight seal. Because heavy-gauge steel smokers draw air well, you will also want to choke down the top stack damper slightly so Billows can maintain precise airflow control. If you would like help picking the exact adapter for your specific vent style, please reach out to our Utah based Tech Support team at https://www.thermoworks.com/pages/contact-us.
- I have a stumps classic smoker. How is this temperature control fan installed
- You most likely have a threaded ball valve on this smoker. If so, you can use our threaded Billows Mounting Kit to easily and securely install Billows.
- Is this a variable speed blower?
- No, Billows does not have a variable-speed control. It does automatically manage a few things, such as pulsing when the temperature being read is close to the set temperature.