I am getting a new control board and the only option is a Wifi model.  I have terrible wifi out at my smoker, so I am assuming it would do me any good.  But I may be wrong?

Will this work with weak wifi?

How far away from the wifi router is your grill and what type of walls does it need to go through?

How far away from the wifi router is your grill and what type of walls does it need to go through?

I would guess about 45' and fiber cement siding on 2x4 walls.  I can't connect on my phone when at the smoker so I don't think I could connect to the smoker.

A good WiFi range extender is about $35.  Just plug it into an outdoor circuit.

A good WiFi range extender is about $35.  Just plug it into an outdoor circuit.

I was already looking into that, but what would having wifi at my smoker do for me?  I am the type of guy that likes to sit outside drinking a cold one while smoking meat.  This is why I did not have a wifi controller.

Well, there's that.

If you don't want it, it's useless.

You only need to connect to the house WiFi for the firmware update.  Then you can connect it to your phone while you're next to it and monitor/adjust temps while enjoying said cold one and not having to get up.  I have enjoyed many in such a position.  Only problem is that last cold beverage.  Ain't the first three.  Got me in trouble a time or two...  Especially when the meat is cooking faster than I want it too.

I am guessing this will come with some type of instructions on how to use the wifi.  I can pull the smoker up closer to the house for firmware updates.  This is what I do when I work on it where I am in the shade of the house.

Also if I choose to not use the wifi feature is there an on/off switch for it?

You just don't have to use it.  I have a Maverick thermometer I monitor grill and meat temps with.  If the grate temp is running 10 degrees hotter than what you want, then crank the controller down 10 degrees for example.  Or you can adjust it with the app.  You connect your phone straight to the pit and don't have to go through the house WiFi to use the app when cooking, but you have to connect the pit through the app to the house to update the firmware.  It's been a while since I did it but the instructions were clear enough I was able to do it.  And I'm far from being good with stuff like that.

I am guessing this will come with some type of instructions on how to use the wifi.  I can pull the smoker up closer to the house for firmware updates.  This is what I do when I work on it where I am in the shade of the house.

Also if I choose to not use the wifi feature is there an on/off switch for it?

Just use it like a regular controller.  The wifi is nice to be able to check your temps.  If you can get it connected it's a bonus.

What do the firmware updates do?

What do the firmware updates do?

It updates the software that runs the controller.

If you get a wifi booster, you should plug it in somewhere between the router and your pit.  If you plug it in outside where you have the pit, you will may not get a signal to boost.  I have my booster where I get a good signal in my kitchen, and the pit is outside the kitchen wall.  Works great.   

It may come with the latest version.  It's been a few years since it was updated as far as I know.

What do the firmware updates do?

It updates the software that runs the controller.

The reason I asked is I have read on a GMG facebook group where people where having issues with their firmware.  I can get a wifi signal if I move the smoker to about the middle of the house (outside of course), but there is no shade there.  My router is at the front of the house.