Talk Me Down Off The Ledge...or Push Me Over

carp210

I also have a Smokin Brothers grill and I really enjoy it. I also went through the process of researching different pellet grills and landed here after watching my brother struggle with his Traeger Pro anytime the temp dropped below 40. 

Teefus

I like the thought of “set it and forget it”. that said, I have a LBGE, a 22” Weber Kettle with rotisserie, and a Little Chief cold smoker. I need another cooker like I need a hole in the head. 

YukonRon

My next door neighbor had a Traeger. It was in my garage for repair, more often than on his patio cooking.

Since it was requiring an electrical plug, (which also had its own issues), whenever it rained there was no cooking, unless he put it in my garage (which was about the only time it worked).

The feeder box and auger were massive problems for him, that I think may had easily been resolved, by use of some sort of cover to counter the higher humidity weather we have around here.

His wife finally bought him a Green Egg after the 6th or 7th time of failure. An XL.

I watched him roll the Traeger to the curb and put a sign on it that said "Free". I do not know what the happiest day of this guy's life was, but by the way he acted, this event had to be top 10.

A couple people drove by to look at it, but it ended up being picked up by the waste management company.

At some point on this journey, you must ask "why?"

If you do not wish to be involved in a cook, then go out to eat, order delivery, whatever. With mechanical failure and issues with rain...from what I have seen, I will keep the Egg or any Egg type cooker, anyday.....over a plug in.

Your money, spend as you so please. If I get anything other than an Egg, I would invest in an off set.

My $00.02. Note: My opinion means nothing.

SonVolt

We have the luxury of having all 3 on the farm - custom offset, BGE XL and Yoder ys640 w/comp cart. 

For BBQ the offset wins hands down...

For everything else not involving pure smoking the BGE is my preference and gets most of my cooking time.

The Yoder pellet smoker (best on the market) is nice and easy but produces bland results - no smoke flavor at all by comparison, regardless of pellet variety or brand. You can get nice bark formation by getting jiggy with the rubs and pepper, but it still doesn't taste right - like airport BBQ maybe. Bland.

Get a pellet cooker if you want ease of use with an understanding that you take a sacrifice in flavor. 

johnkitchens

SonVolt said:

 - like airport BBQ maybe. Bland.  

Get a pellet cooker if you want ease (OR AN OVEN) of use with an understanding that you take a sacrifice in flavor. 

MaxQ

I started my adventure in smoking on a small WSM.  Had good results, but needed way to much tending too.

Moved on too a cheap offset cooker.  Again, had good results.  Used this unit until it was falling apart.

Started looking at Eggs.  Frankly, got scared about potential for cracking, since I like in snowy part of US.  While still considering it, my wife made the decision to buy me a Traeger for Xmas.  NOOOOO way that was going back, or I'd be on the couch.

I was/am VERY happy with the Traeger.  Get terrific consistent results.  In my opinion, its only good as a smoker though.  You cannot make a steak, or a decent burger.

A year ago, I was very lucky to buy a, virtually new, XL Egg, from a friend who was moving overseas for a job.

I love the egg for grilling, baking, making pizzas, etc.  However, I have yet to become satisfied with it as a smoker....but I am still trying and learning the Egg.

Currently, If I was to smoke, I would generally go to the Traeger.  Everything else, the Egg.  (I've had zero issues with my Traeger)

Having both is great.......

MaxQ

Forgot to add....

On a handful of occasions, I've cooked ribs for  group since having Egg and Traeger.  Over an over, people prefer what comes off Traeger.

I've also won several ribbons (In fundraiser contests....public judging/voting) against other people and their smokers, using the Traeger.

It sure makes darn tasty and pretty meat!

oldmandawg

IF I were to get a pellet grill, it would be a Rec Tec. Have heard nothing but good words from Rec Tec owners.

lkapigian

MaxQ said:

Forgot to add....

On a handful of occasions, I've cooked ribs for  group since having Egg and Traeger.  Over an over, people prefer what comes off Traeger.

I've also won several ribbons (In fundraiser contests....public judging/voting) against other people and their smokers, using the Traeger.

It sure makes darn tasty and pretty meat!

oh my Lord