Traeger Grills

[patman]

Thoughts and opinions on pellet grills, traeger in particular?

Talked to the sales guy at costco, and I'm intrigued. I need a new grill, and this seems pretty fool-proof since it automatically maintains temp

They had 5 models there, and the small one seemed pretty cool after I saw pics of it at tailgates (slow cooking while wheeling??) and on a built in stand at home.

Next size up ($650) is much more practical, obviously

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[BigPrince]

I'd be interested in hearing more.  In general what I've read and heard is - Traeger has the market name but lacks in features compared to others.  Rec Tec, Green Mountain, and Camp Chef seem to have better features / quality.  I've been thinking of picking up a mid sized Green Mountain out of that list. Most of them have good Instagram presences and I would check them out.

[clark123456]

I have a high school friend who is a regional rep for them.  I have had food from his grill at a sampling thing he hosted at a couple of events.  The tri tip was awesome, the rest (chicken, sausage, and some other beef cuts) was good.  He offered me a discount on one, but I have too many grills and smokers already to justify another one, even with a discount.

They are easy is what I recall from watching him.  I believe the company is local, maybe Georgia based?

[Big Dave]

I have 2 cheapazz grill, never use em.
But figure out which model you want to purchase & I'll see if I can get you a better deal at work (Ace).
Can bring to AOP in November.

[patman]

Thanks, Dave.

Rec tec has a show room near my work, I'll go check them out next week. I had no idea there were so many brands and options haha

[Raisinhead]

I have a buddy that has one and really likes it, but I haven't had anything from it. He knows how to cook, so I trust his opinion.

If you don't have another grill, I always push ceramic. Really versatile, long lasting, and the food is awesome.

[Will]

Mty brother in law likes his and the food that I've had off of it has been very tasty. They are easy to set and maintain temp. That's the advantage over most other smokers. The only thing I would say to research is how much the pellets are over charcoal  and how often you go through a bag so you can anticipate your operating cost per something like a ceramic kamado.

[Blue J]

@patman    Did you end up getting a smoker?

A co worker just brought in a smoked Venison Steak cooked on a Traeger. Freaking delicious. Today he brought in 5 lbs of Venison Steaks for me. So of course I'm looking at Smokers and several articles.
Thankfully the bride (aka the vegetarian, loves smoked veggies especially when cooked beside meat, go figure.)


Looking for the best bang for the buck.
https://www.smokedbbqsource.com/best-pellet-smokers/


current contenders are
https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-PG24DLX-Controls-Stainless/dp/B00GIGZE1A?th=1
https://greenmountaingrills.com/products/grills/prime-wifi/davy-crockett-pellet-grill-wifi/

found this smoker tube to use with my Weber
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071986HM8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B071986HM8&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFWSlFHNkdOSzBNU1QmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0OTQ2NzAxNVA5SFJaRFFZS0E0JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjA4MjExUjRXNENJRkdEWFM2JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

but I am not sure of the long term.

any one else been down this road? Thoughts?

[patman]

@patman    Did you end up getting a smoker?

A co worker just brought in a smoked Venison Steak cooked on a Traeger. Freaking delicious. Today he brought in 5 lbs of Venison Steaks for me. So of course I'm looking at Smokers and several articles.
Thankfully the bride (aka the vegetarian, loves smoked veggies especially when cooked beside meat, go figure.)


Looking for the best bang for the buck.
https://www.smokedbbqsource.com/best-pellet-smokers/


current contenders are
https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-PG24DLX-Controls-Stainless/dp/B00GIGZE1A?th=1
https://greenmountaingrills.com/products/grills/prime-wifi/davy-crockett-pellet-grill-wifi/

found this smoker tube to use with my Weber
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071986HM8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B071986HM8&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFWSlFHNkdOSzBNU1QmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0OTQ2NzAxNVA5SFJaRFFZS0E0JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjA4MjExUjRXNENJRkdEWFM2JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

but I am not sure of the long term.

any one else been down this road? Thoughts?

I havent yet, but will be buying a rec tec at some point. We havent cooked much these past few months, so buying a new grill had been on the back burner.

Based on reviews from friends, the rec tec hold the temperature more consistently, and the standard options of dual temp probes and wifi monitoring (and starting the grill from work, via wifi) are just too convenient

[BigPrince]

Rectec is also in Augusta. I would hope that means if there is an issue that proximity might be helpful.

[patman]

Rectec is also in Augusta. I would hope that means if there is an issue that proximity might be helpful.

Yea, forgot to mention that lol. They are right down the street for me and have an excellent reputation for warranty issues/repairs/etc

[jd30005]

Rectec is also in Augusta. I would hope that means if there is an issue that proximity might be helpful.

Yea, forgot to mention that lol. They are right down the street for me and have an excellent reputation for warranty issues/repairs/etc

I didn't know much about Rec tec and this thread caused me to do a little research.  I found this Youtube video that compares the two.  The Rec tec looks like a nice setup.