Experiences with pellet smokers?

[JacquesG]

I am contemplating buying a pellet smoker. I have a Big Steel Keg, a stainless clone of a Big Green Egg, and a Weber Smokey Joe so I am a fan of using charcoal. However, I have a friend who raves about his Green Mountain Daniel Boone and how easy and stress free it is to use, not to mention his brisket is phenomenal, so I'm considering buying a pellet smoker.

I previously used an Auber temp controller with a PID that controlled a fan in the Big Steel Keg for long smokes which worked great. However, it died after a couple years and Auber wants around $150 for a replacement. I could build a DIY one but I am thinking I might just put the money into a pellet smoker.

In addition to Green Mountain I'm looking at Traeger and Camp Chef (found it on Amazon and it has good reviews). I would like to get the best bang for the buck and though I don't have a top end on my budget I highly doubt I'd spend more than $1000 because I'm inherently cheap.

Do any HBTers have hands-on experience with a particular pellet smoker they'd care to share?

I’ve had my Traeger for a couple years and I love it. While I’ve had a few minor issues with it, Traeger customer service stepped up to help fix them. I have seared a steak on it because it doesn’t get above about 400 degrees, but there is a hot spot on it that can handle a good sear.
I don’t use it for everything. Sometimes I just want to sear and cook a quick steak or a piece of salmon. But in general, it’s been a good adjunct to my gas grill with a high sear zone. Here in SoCal, the Traeger is the thing.

 

[Boomer]

I’ve had my Traeger for a couple years and I love it. While I’ve had a few minor issues with it, Traeger customer service stepped up to help fix them. I have seared a steak on it because it doesn’t get above about 400 degrees, but there is a hot spot on it that can handle a good sear.
I don’t use it for everything. Sometimes I just want to sear and cook a quick steak or a piece of salmon. But in general, it’s been a good adjunct to my gas grill with a high sear zone. Here in SoCal, the Traeger is the thing.

If I ever have to use GMG customer service, I’ll report back...



I’m sure a Traeger is much better than just using charcoal; but, they are the ones who had the patent so they had years to market them and gain brand loyalty. Now that the patent has expired, unfortunately, they can’t even keep up with the market on a product they invented. No offense to any Traeger owners, they just all seem to vehemently defend their overpriced substandard grills. Okay, okay, I meant some offense!

Seriously, if you want to spend extra money to get a Traeger, go for it. However, this is one of the very rare instances where you can spend less money and get a superior product.

 

[BrewHogDeluxe]

I have a Treager and love it. I cook everything on it. Have done awesome briskets to rack of lamb. If you want steaks I smoke mine for about 1/2 hour then crank it up to grill them. Have even made brownies on it. Best thing is OSH carries them and all of their accessories and so does Sportsmen's Warehouse. Plus they have a great app.

 

[Rhyanmeade]

I pretty much second everything Boomer is saying. I have a GMG Danielle Boone WiFi version, and have done everything from burgers, chicken breasts, steaks of all kinds, ribs, tri tip, brisket, pork chops, etc. The grates/drip pan slide so the holes open up, giving a better sear. I even bought the pizza oven attachment and make amazing wood fired style pizzas.

The WiFi requires a strong signal when connecting in server mode, but works fine connected directly.

I also can't say enough about their customer support. I broke a fan blade cleaning it, and they sent a replacement to me at no cost 3 days later. They've also been right on top of some email questions I had.

Next experiment will be smoking grains for a smoked porter...

 

[JMathie77]

I have a Pit Boss pellet smoker and I love it. Does everything I need it to and it can also get up to 500 degrees no problem. Pretty much the same as a treager just cheaper.

 

[jafo28]

Just saw Lowes has the Pit Boss 820D on sale, been thinking about getting a pellet smoker for a while, this one might be it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pit-Boss-8...mperature-powder-coat-Pellet-Grill/1000266681

 

[user 30639]

Commenting so I can find this post later. I have started researching for a new grill and am thinking about a pellet grill. I currently have a plain Weber charcoal kettle, which I like and is a good size for me. But, I pretty much just use it on weekends since I hate waiting 30-45 minutes for the coals to be ready. That's ok on weekends but annoying on weeknights. My plan was to get a Weber genesis, I used to have one and really liked it. But...I want to start smoking as well and the gas grill doesn't really work for that.

Two questions on the pellet grills. 1) on average, how long does a hopper full of pellets last? I know it depends on how much you grill/smoke and what temp you're at. And 2) how long does it take after to you light it to be ready to grill?

 

[brew703]

I was thinking of getting a pellet smoker and did a bit of research. I found Grilla Grills. If i had purchased a pellet smoker it would be the Grilla. They have a FB group that is very informative not to mention customer service is top notch. I emailed the owner and he responded to many questions within an hour or two.
In all honestly, i opted not to order one only because i have a Stumps smoker and a BIG STEEL keg and really don't need another one but i was intrigued. The Grilla is still on my wish list and may end up getting one later in the year.
https://grillagrills.com/

 

[AzOr]

Commenting so I can find this post later. I have started researching for a new grill and am thinking about a pellet grill. I currently have a plain Weber charcoal kettle, which I like and is a good size for me. But, I pretty much just use it on weekends since I hate waiting 30-45 minutes for the coals to be ready. That's ok on weekends but annoying on weeknights. My plan was to get a Weber genesis, I used to have one and really liked it. But...I want to start smoking as well and the gas grill doesn't really work for that.

Two questions on the pellet grills. 1) on average, how long does a hopper full of pellets last? I know it depends on how much you grill/smoke and what temp you're at. And 2) how long does it take after to you light it to be ready to grill?

Ooh, that is a really tough question to answer. So many variables; smoking or grilling temp, outside temp, type of wood, cooking method etc.
I have the GMG Daniel Boone and I can do a 10 hour pork shoulder at 225 and use maybe 2.5-3 lbs of pellets

There are also many ways to conserve pellets. Most meats can only absorb 4-6 hours of smoke. So during the winter when I don’t mind turning on oven, I can smoke a brisket or chuckie for 5 or 6 hoursf, then wrap and finish in oven for another 3 or 4 hours. In the summer I’ll usually do whole smoke on grill.

 

[Boomer]

Also, I think the warm up cycle on my GMG is about 5 minutes. After that, I sent it to a temp and it's there very quickly. Last night I had ribeyes on the grill within 10 minutes of turning it on.

 

[beernutz]

I talked to the better half and got the go-ahead so I am going to pull the trigger on a Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone with wifi and I am considering the stainless lid model. Now the problem is going to be finding one as the Green Mountain website says the closest retailers to me are an hour and a half away and I haven't been able to find them online.

Thanks again for the help. What is the top pellet brand? I have heard good things about Traeger.

 

[Boomer]

I talked to the better half and got the go-ahead so I am going to pull the trigger on a Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone with wifi and I am considering the stainless lid model. Now the problem is going to be finding one as the Green Mountain website says the closest retailers to me are an hour and a half away and I haven't been able to find them online.

Thanks again for the help. What is the top pellet brand? I have heard good things about Traeger.

You won't regret it. I use Traeger's pellets because they're available for a really good price in my really small home town. I also like them because they sell the wood as is. In other words, you can buy Hickory, Apple, Cherry, Pecan, etc., Rather than buying "Competition BBQ Blend," "Hamburger Blend," etc. I'd rather come up with my own blends if I choose to do so.

If you do end up going to get one, make sure you take a truck and a back brace!

 

[beernutz]

Update: As was pointed out previously by jafo28 (thanks!), the Pit Boss 820 sq-ft model is currently 20% off at Lowes for a Memorial Day sale so I thought I would at least take a look since its online reviews were pretty solid and the store is ten minutes from my house.

While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Daniel Boone such as wifi and a meat probe, it seemed to be built like a tank, came with a flame broiler, 820 sq-ft of grilling space on two racks, and it was only $399 on sale. I already have an Inkbird bluetooth food temp probe so I didn't think the lack of a meat probe was a big deal and the boathouse on a river where I'll use it doesn't have wifi currently.

I guess seeing the Pit Boss in person convinced me I didn't want to make the hour and a half each way drive to a GMG dealer, which is an electrical supply store that had zero mention of grills on its website. Hopefully I won't regret it. Link to Pit Boss: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pit-Boss-8...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-7149918-_-2617611-_-10935405

Thanks again to everyone but especially to Boomer for all the mouth watering pictures and the great info on the Daniel Boone.

 

[rondemay]

I personally love my homemade side-barrel. Little need for anything else.

 

[DocDriza]

I am also in the market for a pellet smoker. A friend of mine who has been in competitions says to get the Camp Chef. It is the best price wise. Not as expensive as the Rec Tec, but a better quality than the newer Traeger models.

 

[Seamus]

Most are made in the same factory and are similar build quality. Buy once cry once, get a Yoder.

Sent from my LG-H872 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[beernutz]

I did my first smoke on the Pit Boss yesterday--a beer can chicken that was very good despite some initial temperature fluctuations that I've seen reported in video product reviews for this model while in its break-in period.

Today is the real test as I'm smoking St. Louis style ribs using 3-2-1. I can't believe I waited this long to buy a pellet smoker.

 

[jafo28]

Ended up going a different direction, and pulled the trigger on a GMG Davy Crockett. I really only ever smoke meat for myself, so the smaller size isn't an issue, and I really like the portability of it. Just did a quick meatloaf this afternoon before the supposed storms roll in.

 

[AzOr]

I did my first smoke on the Pit Boss yesterday--a beer can chicken that was very good despite some initial temperature fluctuations that I've seen reported in video product reviews for this model while in its break-in period.

Today is the real test as I'm smoking St. Louis style ribs using 3-2-1. I can't believe I waited this long to buy a pellet smoker.

Beernutz- make sure you work out that issue while the grill is still under warranty. I have the GMG Daniel Boone and it’s never fluctuated over 2 degrees, and I use it fairly regularly. I have also verified the temp w other thermo.

Happy smokin!

 

[beernutz]

The ribs came out great. I was going to do both racks using 321 but after overanalyzing the cook I decided to do one rack, the one pictured, with no wrapping or saucing, one rack with a 2 hour Texas crutch wrap, and a couple of ribs with both the Texas crutch and with Allegro Tennessee bbq sauce applied while wrapped.
My wife and I thought those were the best. I used Blues Hog rub with additional brown sugar.

My only issue with the Pit Boss were that after starting and preheating to 350 it took about 35 minutes to get back down to 200. Over the course of the next six hours it stayed within 10 degrees of 200 according to it's digital readout except for a couple times when it inexplicably rose ro around 285 before settling back down to the set temp. I'll call their customer service to see if this is normal next week.

I did my first smoke on the Pit Boss yesterday--a beer can chicken that was very good despite some initial temperature fluctuations that I've seen reported in video product reviews for this model while in its break-in period.

Today is the real test as I'm smoking St. Louis style ribs using 3-2-1. I can't believe I waited this long to buy a pellet smoker.

 

[Boomer]

The ribs came out great. I was going to do both racks using 321 but after overanalyzing the cook I decided to do one rack, the one pictured, with no wrapping or saucing, one rack with a 2 hour Texas crutch wrap, and a couple of ribs with both the Texas crutch and with Allegro Tennessee bbq sauce applied while wrapped.
My wife and I thought those were the best. I used Blues Hog rub with additional brown sugar.

My only issue with the Pit Boss were that after starting and preheating to 350 it took about 35 minutes to get back down to 200. Over the course of the next six hours it stayed within 10 degrees of 200 according to it's digital readout except for a couple times when it inexplicably rose ro around 285 before settling back down to the set temp. I'll call their customer service to see if this is normal next week.

Don’t be afraid to open the lid to get that temp to drop quicker. I’d rather have it open for a bit than too hot for half an hour.

 

[Boomer]

Ended up going a different direction, and pulled the trigger on a GMG Davy Crockett. I really only ever smoke meat for myself, so the smaller size isn't an issue, and I really like the portability of it. Just did a quick meatloaf this afternoon before the supposed storms roll in.

You should look online at some of the photos where people have built semi-permanent stands at home to get the Davy Crockett up to a normal height. Pretty slick stuff out there.

 

[user 30639]

I've been doing a bunch of research on pellet grills, although probably not going to buy one until next year. I have a couple other big purchases I'm saving up for right now. Couple questions though.

1: Is there any way to do, I guess you'd call it duel-temperature zones? If I'm cooking fajitas on my Weber kettle, I'll put the coals on one side of the grill and sear the meat, then move it to the cool side to finish cooking while I put a cast-iron pan with the peppers and onions over the coals.

2: Are there any in the $800 and less range that are made in the USA? I'm not some MAGA hat wearer, but if at all possible I try to buy American.

 

[imasickboy]

You won't regret it. I use Traeger's pellets because they're available for a really good price in my really small home town. I also like them because they sell the wood as is. In other words, you can buy Hickory, Apple, Cherry, Pecan, etc., Rather than buying "Competition BBQ Blend," "Hamburger Blend," etc. I'd rather come up with my own blends if I choose to do so.

If you do end up going to get one, make sure you take a truck and a back brace!

Traeger pellets are not what you think they are: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/new-info-on-whats-in-traeger-pellets.116254/

 

[Boomer]

Traeger pellets are not what you think they are: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/new-info-on-whats-in-traeger-pellets.116254/

Back to the drawing board. I was just happy because I live in a rural town of about 1,500 people and could get them here at a really good price.

Does anyone have any good online sources for quality pellets at decent prices? Any brands known to be putting out actual wood vs. wood & oil? This is all news to me!

 

[imasickboy]

I use these: https://cookinpellets.com/

Most of the pellet sellers use a blend, or oil. Put some research into it, and find what's right for you. I'm burning pellets for smoke, not for heat, so purity is more important to me. If you're using a pellet grill, maybe purity is not so important. Oak or alder would be a reasonable consideration, if that were me. Spend some time getting an education on pellets, and decide what best suits your application, situation, and budget.

I'm using an AMAZEN tray in an electric smoker, so pellet makeup is more critical in my situation. Your situation will probably be much less give-a-floccish.

 

[Boomer]

Disagree 100%. I’m using my pellet grill to smoke probably 90% of the time. I’ve owned damn near every kind of smoker out there and take pride in what’s coming out of mine. I had no idea that these pellets were anything other than what they’re marketed as.

Now that you’ve pointed it out, I’m definitely going to find something that is 100% what it says it is.

To be fair - the food has been amazing since I bought it; but, I don’t like the lack of authenticity I’ve apparently been giving folks for the last six months.

 

[imasickboy]

Cheers to you putting your foot down for authenticity.

 

[jafo28]

You should look online at some of the photos where people have built semi-permanent stands at home to get the Davy Crockett up to a normal height. Pretty slick stuff out there.

I have seen a few, for now I put it on a movers dolly and used a couple of U bolts to hold it in place.

 

[beernutz]

Update to my update. Short version: The smoker works but is a pain to operate and has control issues so its going back.

Long version: I am going to return the Pit Boss 820D to Lowe's. I cooked on it four times (beer can chicken, ribs, chicken thighs, and pork loin) and while all the food came out great the smoker is a PITA to operate. That's a shame because it looks beautiful on the outside and is built seemingly like a tank. Also it is going to be a major pain to get it off the raised deck where it is located onto my trailer to get it back to Lowe's but that's the way it has to be.

My biggest complaints are startup times and wide temperature swings during cooks. The startup instructions say to run it on smoke setting for 5 minutes with lid open until it ignites which was never a problem. They then say to close the lid and set it to 350 to preheat for 15-20 minutes and though it typically overshoots 350 by 25 to 50 degrees initially it seems to eventually get back down to it during the 15 minute period. However, if you want to run it on low and slow like 200 or 225 it takes at least 40 minutes to get back down to that temp. I have tried letting it drop temps with the lid closed as the instructions state and also at least once by opening the lid however when you open the lid the smoker temporarily resets (by design) to high heat so to minimize heat loss so that doesn't help much. I have also tried adjusting the P value to help here without success.

For one low and slow cook I decided to try skipping the preheating to 350 and going straight from the Smoke setting to 225 but the smoker immediately took the temp up to over 350 and it was at least 30 minutes for it to get back close to my setting. I could probably live with that long total startup time if not for the next problem.

The issue that is really driving my desire to return the smoker is that when set to a low and slow temp like 250 or lower the Pit Boss periodically will increase the temp by up to 100 degrees seemingly at random and then slowly over the course of the next 20 minutes or longer drop it back down to the set temp. When I cooked ribs at 200 this happened at least twice that I saw, once going up to 285 and once to 305. When I cooked chicken thighs at 275 the temp increased up to 370 at least once. Same with the beer can chicken and pork loin. I have tried various P value settings which control how often the auger pushes pellets into the fire pit without any improvement. It appears that sometimes the auger pushes more wood pellets into the fire pit than are needed but that's just a guess. On one cook when I was trying the P value at its highest setting of 7 the fire went out.

I am not sure how to reconcile the high Lowe's website product ratings for the 820D (4.5 out of 5 average) with my experiences. After buying last week I found the 820D ratings on Amazon which are problematic as they are mixed in with ratings for other Pit Boss smokers but it didn't take long reading the numerous 1 star reviews to see that there were many users having the same issues I was having. Their reports of getting customer service help also were disappointing. Most reported getting help by the CS person sending a new part to replace the old one but either the new part such as the PID temp controller didn't fix the problem or it was very difficult to install such as a replacement auger. So long story long it is going back to Lowe's as soon as I can get around to it.

Apologies for the dissertation.