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Pellet smoker recommendations?

Discussion in 'The Smokehouse' started by Shawn Curry, May 10, 2018.

  1. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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    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. :handshake:
     
  2. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

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  3. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Boss has a Traegger ( spelling) got it at Costco, it works great and food tastes even better..
     
  4. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    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
     
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  5. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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  6. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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  7. Need2Saw

    Need2Saw

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    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.
     
  8. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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  9. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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    Thanks guys! :yes: 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.
     
  10. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    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.
     
  11. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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    The contact number listed on their website is a Georgia area code. But I can let you know for sure when it ships. :D 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.
     
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  12. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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    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?
     
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  13. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Thought I’d find your thread if Shawn Curry hadn’t located it yet....
    Traeger Pellet Smoker... problem...
     
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  14. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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  15. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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    Eric VW be like, “let me Google that for you...”:rofl: :lol: LMGTFY

    Thanks brother. :handshake: 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! :salute:

    27BCD1F8-4E63-4037-87DC-92A1D2E7ADFF.jpeg 5DEEC5D2-CEFE-492A-944B-5B0F2A34AE93.jpeg
     
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  16. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    My brother from another mother got my back...:D...I think you did good... need to hear an update..:handshake:... the only reason I’m sticking with is it’s from Costco... :faint:
     
  17. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    Love the look of the Rec Tec
     
  18. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    I buy traeger pellets from costco.... happy with them.
     
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  19. Shawn Curry

    Shawn Curry

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  20. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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