Thinking about getting a pellet grill

[Dave N]

Getting to the point where my wood supply for my offset is dwindling. I know pellet grills have been discussed here and there, pros and cons, etc. but I'll just start a new thread. Some sales are coming up and it might be a good time to jump in and get one, so I'm looking for some help narrowing them down. First and foremost, being single I have no need for one that would do a side of beef! I also don't make sausage or salami anymore so large grills aren't needed. Secondly, I'm just not ready to spend a fortune for the absolute Rolls Royce version of grill. Are there any economical pellet grill/smokers that I should have on my list to pick from? I've read just about every brand's horror stories about parts wearing out and stuff, so it seems like they all pretty much have issues one way or the other. Are wi-fi units all they're cracked up to be? Seems like more to go wrong at a higher price. I wouldn't be using it all that often being alone, maybe once a week at the most during the summer if it does a good job for me. Not worried about what pellets to buy. That comes later. I already figure I would buy a separate smoke tube to add to it. I've set a limit of $500 or less for a price target. Hopefully less. Ideas? Please and thank you!

 

[TOGIE]

i would personally look into finding a used pit boss or traeger if i was gonna look for another "new" one for myself.

my plain as can be pit boss will turn 7 soon and i don't see any huge need to get something different. i've had to replace the auger after a moisture intrusion seized everything up and rusted it and while in there i repalced the motor and control board fan. as long as they are well taken care of they'll last.

so, yeah, after realizing how easy it was to replace stuff in there i would just go with a used one on craigslist or facebook if i was going to look into another i think. there can be some suprisingly cheap ones, or you can find one for nearly free that might just need a new motor or control board.

i went with pit boss at the time because they were much cheaper than traeger with no discernable difference in performance that I could find in my research. i dont' know if that price differential still exists though. i wouldn't bother with the wifi bells and whistles unless you need to find a way to let go of some cash or if the price difference is minimal between the options.

pellet grills are great and truly pump out some quality smoked foods.

 

[recon6036]

I have a Traeger Pro 34 and have no complaints. I actually just bought two more the other day at Home Depot. They are on sale for $499. I gave my daughter one and my middle son one. I had already bought my oldest son one a year or so ago.
The smaller Pro 22 is also on sale right now at Ace Hardware and Home Depot, if you have one nearby….$389.99

 

[TheTone]

I’ve had a green mountain Daniel Boone that has served me well for almost a decade. At the time I got it I thought it was far superior in build quality to the trager my parents had. Currently having some type of issue with either the firebox but I really think the issue began with me letting it get to wet this winter and not protecting it enough

If you have a local store that has a good selection of different brands and seems to know what they’re doing letting them walk you through features and recommendations is a good idea IMO

 

[Elktrack]

I’ve had a green mountain Daniel Boone that has served me well for almost a decade. At the time I got it I thought it was far superior in build quality to the trager my parents had. Currently having some type of issue with either the firebox but I really think the issue began with me letting it get to wet this winter and not protecting it enough

If you have a local store that has a good selection of different brands and seems to know what they’re doing letting them walk you through features and recommendations is a good idea IMO

Exact situation I’m in with my Daniel Boone. It’s been ultra reliable for about 10 years and now I think it’s on its last legs from winter abuse. I’d buy the same one again if it were available but they’ve “upgraded “ their models to something I’m not interested in.
Simple is better for my purposes.
Looking at a Louisiana Grill now.

 

[huntin24/7]

If you don’t mind sharing paying a little more, can’t beat a recteq.

 

[brymoore]

I’m completely disappointed in my Traeger after two years. It really doesn’t do anything great. It’s a great almost attempt.

We spend more time using our Weber grill. Sales guy said how great the Traeger seared steak. BS. He needs a swift kick in the balls.

 

[baz77]

I've had 2 treagers 1 grilla grill and 1 Recteq the recteq blows the other two out of the water.

 

[Addicting]

Getting to the point where my wood supply for my offset is dwindling. I know pellet grills have been discussed here and there, pros and cons, etc. but I'll just start a new thread. Some sales are coming up and it might be a good time to jump in and get one, so I'm looking for some help narrowing them down. First and foremost, being single I have no need for one that would do a side of beef! I also don't make sausage or salami anymore so large grills aren't needed. Secondly, I'm just not ready to spend a fortune for the absolute Rolls Royce version of grill. Are there any economical pellet grill/smokers that I should have on my list to pick from? I've read just about every brand's horror stories about parts wearing out and stuff, so it seems like they all pretty much have issues one way or the other. Are wi-fi units all they're cracked up to be? Seems like more to go wrong at a higher price. I wouldn't be using it all that often being alone, maybe once a week at the most during the summer if it does a good job for me. Not worried about what pellets to buy. That comes later. I already figure I would buy a separate smoke tube to add to it. I've set a limit of $500 or less for a price target. Hopefully less. Ideas? Please and thank you!

No need for a separate smoke tube.

I own a Traeger and Pit boss vertical smoker.

Traeger is ok and works well for ribs and brisket. Can’t sear with it and I dearly missed that. Also can’t do smoked meat sticks well. You will burn the ends because the way the heat escapes. Brisket ends will be burnt ends.

Pit Boss vertical can do everything but sear. It does everything better but it is huge. Lots of problems online with board failures. Mine is delaminating but still functional. Problem is where it’s located, heat and liquid both end up on it.

It comes down to what you primarily want to make. Snack sticks, Ribs, Brisket, Turkeys? Vertical all the way.

Ribs, brisket, chicken? Traeger would win because of longevity and ease of use.

Seared anything, a charcoal grill.