Smoker PID conversion?

[kwyeewyk]

I picked up an old Smokin Tex smoker off CL for $100, the equivalent model is close to a grand new. I'm liking it but pretty sure it's due for a t-stat. The replacement from them is about $70 shipped. Curious about PID conversion, saw someone who seemed to be respected on another forum recommend a REX C-100 and posted a link to one on aliexpress for around $20. It's on sale for like $5, I can hardly believe it's anything worth buying at that price?

Anybody have experience with rex c100 or any other recommendations, or should I just get a stock replacement and call it good?

 

[p_ham]

I've got a couple of inkbird PIDs that I use regularly. I haven't had any issues with either. You'll want around a 6" thermocouple, and an SSID with a heat sink to handle the load circuit.