Im considering purchasing a pellet smoker ahead of my Memorial Day BBQ this year. I currently have a large Egg for my primary charcoal grill / smoker but it’s not large enough for the volume of food I cook for my BBQ. I also have a Bradley electric smoker but the heating element doesn’t work anymore. I know I could probably get a new one but I’m looking to go a different direction this time. It may not end up getting used all that often, but when I do need it, I’m going to need it; so I’d rather cry now about the price instead of later when it lets me down. You guys have any recommendations for me? Thanks in advance.
Shawn, I'm in the same boat my man. I have been researching pellet smokers/grills on the web for a month or two now. I kinda like the Rec Tec RT-680. There are a lot of good reviews on you tube, Grilla Grills is also another brand I was looking at. My 2 burner Weber propane grill is going on 14 years old, still works like a champ but my family needs more food, so I'm looking to upgrade to a Weber 4 burner propane or a pellet. Hard to decide. I have Zero experience with a pellet grill/smoker but they sure look awesome. Good luck with your search and let us know what you decide on
My brother bought the grilla grills silverbac last month. It's a nice grill but I don't have much time next to it. I know it's super easy to grill and smoke. I have the Weber performer kettle and this makes me want to upgrade.
I bought the Englander PG-1000 and really like it but if i had it to do over i would send another couple hundred and get this. Fast Eddy's by Cookshack PG500 Pellet Grill
Thanks guys! These all look like great options. I think I’m leaning towards that Rec-Tec too now. I definitely prefer the stainless steel grates in that one and the Grilla; the porcelain coated ones on the Traeger were basically a deal breaker for me. But having the hopper on the rear like the Rec-Tec seems like a more foolproof design. The Traeger video showed a long feed auger coming in from the side and I’ll bet their customer service gets a few calls about that feature.
I think your on the right trail. I’ve got a Traeger myself this last August. I like it but can’t trust it for long cooks (I’ve got a thread on here about it). But I’m going to try a few more things before moving on. Isn’t Rec-Tec out of Nebraska? If not there’s one that’s manufactured up there that seems to be pretty nice... that I was looking at.
The contact number listed on their website is a Georgia area code. But I can let you know for sure when it ships. Pulled the trigger this morning on the Rec-Tec. Looks like there’s a “Blaz’n Grills” out of Nebraska. But it looks like that ones a side loader as well.
You guys have any recommendations for pellets? I didn’t order any from Rec-Tec, because all they had was a blend. I’d prefer specific flavors, namely pecan and apple. Any brands to avoid?
Thought I’d find your thread if Shawn Curry hadn’t located it yet.... Traeger Pellet Smoker... problem...
As mentioned in another thread, you could visit this site.... Smoking Meat Forums - The Best Barbecue Discussion Forum On Earth!
Eric VW be like, “let me Google that for you...” LMGTFY Thanks brother. I read a couple threads on that site and the Lumber Jack pellets looked like the most popular choice. They were a little cheaper than the Amazon offerings as well. Ordered 60# hickory and 40# apple from duck’s Sporting Goods. We’re hosting the BBQ at the cottage this year. I think I’m just going to leave it down there for the summer. All I need now is a small army to feed!
My brother from another mother got my back......I think you did good... need to hear an update..... the only reason I’m sticking with is it’s from Costco...