Pellet smokers

Do you all know about how many lbs fit in a 5 gallon bucket? Will the whole 40 lb bag fit? Think I may have to get the black bucket so it will look a little nicer than the bright orange ones sitting on my porch haha

 

No, it won't fit all 40 lbs. Maybe half. You will have some remaining in the bag even after you refill the hopper.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Just got myself a Pit Boss 820 pellet grill. Loving it so far. The versatility to smoke, sear, bake, and do it all is nice. And the smell of wood smoke and taste it gives when grilling is so satisfying.

 

Yep. I almost want to have it on and running while I'm outside even if I'm not cooking anything just for the smell LOL

 

While we are on the subject, any suggestions for any good pellets or good deals on pellets? I currently have the Pit Boss competition blend

 

I get my pellets at walmart. Pit boss 20 lb bag for $8.88. Work well on my Camp Chef.

 

I paid $15 for a 40 lb bag at Lowe's

 

Lumberjack. I did a group buy with a buddy and a couple guys off of Facebook. You have to deal with a handful of bags but it is significantly cheaper.

 

I was told that you should keep them inside because regardless of container being sealed, humidity will still seep into the pellets, resulting in them burning less hot (if you are trying to grill/sear. (For those of us who love in high humid areas of course). Not sure if this is accurate (by the same token I guess the pellets could also then dry out eventually).

 

I guess we'll see how they do in buckets. If that doesn't work out, I can just bring them into the laundry room. Just would be nice for convenience to just put them on the shelf under the grill.

 

For smoking, a little more humidity in the pellets may be a good thing!

 

I have a wood/charcoal smoker but looking to find a good deal on a pellet smoker. It’s too much work feeding and trying to maintain the temp with the smoker. I have a Oklahoma Joe Highland offset smoker.

 

I wouldn't keep my pellets outdoors. as mentioned moisture would be a very bad thing.

 

I just got the Pit Boss 820 at Lowe's. Currently $50 off for spring Black Friday deal. Got it for $450. Seems well worth it so far.

 

I've had RecTec 680 for 5 years now. It's truly set it and forget it with the 40lb pellet hopper. These guys customer service is the best in the business. I was about to smoke 5 racks of pork ribs on Memorial Day a couple of years ago. I couldn't keep the temp from going back and forth 20 degrees because it was really windy outside. On the business card they sent to me, it said they answer every day for troubleshooting. I call the number provided and one of the owners answered. He was at home and doing a cook also. Anyway, I tell him what was happening and he walked me through programing the controller by pushing a number of different buttons to adjust the pellet feed rate. Took about 10 minutes on the phone. It worked... and I was blown away at their service.

I'm thinking of giving my stepson this unit and ordering a newer stainless model this summer. I am a RecTec customer for life.

 

Ive keep mine in an old ice chest. That seems to work well for me.

 

I am a big BBQ er and used quite a bit of smokers. Electric, gas, wood, you name it. Currently just for ease, I am using a Bradley smoker and also have a full size smoker on a trailer. The Bradley is really easy and set it and forget it also. Down fall is the wood pucks are expensive.

With that being said, I have the camp chef woodwind and RecTec and it is really easy to use. The Bradley will be moved down the road. The Camp Chef makes great BBQ at home and is great for steaks, burgers, chops, etc.... also. The searing box is awesome! I smoke the steaks at 225 and pull them off once they hit 115 degrees. I then set them on the searer and finish off the outsides and pull it once it hits 135 to 140. Everyone says these are by far the best steaks anyone has ever had.

A pellet grill can be used for multiple things and replaces many different appliances.

With that being said, I got the itch to have a WiFi grill and ordered the RecTec Bull 700 and it is a beast. It is of higher quality then the Camp Chef, Traeger, Pit Boss.... it is very heavy and holds heat better than the camp chef. I know someone with a Yoder and it is more on that level. RecTec gets hot enough to sear steaks within reason.

RecTec is one of the best in the business hands down! Made in Georgia.

I have found with the pellet grills you get what you pay for as much or more than anything. They are not cheap, but if you want something that will really last unfortunately it puts you in the $700 range for the most part.

Just my opinion and mine only.

 

+1 I bought the original RecTec several years ago as well and it's been nothing but amazing. Their customer service is also 2nd to none. I'm a RecTec customer for life as well.

 

The Bull 700 is the unit I'm planning on ordering this summer. My 680 still does everything I ask of it, but the paint has faded some and on the hopper lid some paint has flaked off. Nothing that couldn't be fixed with some sanding and paint... but I figure the stepson can handle that duty. I have more projects than I need right now. LOL

 

I was in this same boat. Loved my offset for the flavor and end product, but stoking the firebox every 45 mins was a pain in the ass, especially when starting a brisket at 2 AM... If you can wait until closer to Father's day, you'll see some smokin' deals come up. I ended up getting a Louisiana Grills Backyard Pro from Costco for around $800 I think.

 

FYI, they'll send a little bottle of touch-up paint if you ask for it. I have a couple of chips where the lid slammed down a couple of times on accident. Haven't used it yet though so not sure how well it works.

 

If I'm going to do it, I'll have it blasted and put a higher temp paint on with a primer first. I don't think they used a primer on the pellet hopper. The red paint has held up good. Mine is just oxidized from living on my back porch and possibly pool chemicals. Thanks for the heads up though!

 

That is a cool looking pit! Where does the smoke draw to?

 

I went with rec tec. Their customer service was great. I love being able to set temp and let it smoke overnight. The original cover does not fit over the cold smoke box. They do sell one but more money.

 

If the damper to the side smoker is closed it just exits the set of holes along the back, or open the damper and it'll fill the side smoker, which has its own damper. I've used the side smoker exactly once, but it made some damn good jerky. I'm going to try that again in a couple weeks when I do another brisket.

 

I have Grilla Grills Silverback I like it it’s my first electric smoker

 

OK... that sounds good! Was just trying to figure it out with no stack visible. Like I said, it looks badarse!

 

best screen name ever.

well done mr turd!

 

I have the same unit and it has earned it's keep!