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looking to purchase a new smoker...suggestions?

Discussion in 'Product Reviews' started by Catmann1972, Jun 20, 2021.

  1. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:44 AM
    #1
    Catmann1972

    Catmann1972 [OP] New Member

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  2. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:07 AM
    #2
    Buckeye1977

    Buckeye1977 New Member

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    I would not pay that much for that small of a smoker!

    it’s good you have a decent budget.

    I have the following /with competition cart(almost necessary if you need to move it at all):
    https://www.recteq.com/RT-700-Wood-Pellet-Grill

    My friend has this
    http://www.blazngrillworks.com/the-grid-iron

    Differences:
    Blaz’n is insulated (lots nicer), more room for a second shelf (wish I had this), it’s way more expensive.

    Recteq holds more pellets, better igniter, and nice wi-fi.

    honestly they cook/grill/smoke the same in my opinion.

    I really REALLY appreciate my smoker I was always a charcoal guy and now I don’t use it, however I wish I had the Blaz’n because of all the small issues.(insulated/shelves/top rack)

    good luck
     
  3. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:15 AM
    #3
    Kanobi13

    Kanobi13 New Member

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    I have a traeger and little disappointed. Its always been covered and is starting to rust.
     
  4. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:47 AM
    #4
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    I've had a Traeger 055 for about 10 years works well, bit of a pain to clean out, and a little small but it works well. Burn pot rusted out after 8 years but it also sits outside all year round and gets used all year round. They're solid units.

    I just last week ordered a Green Mountain Peak SS still waiting on delivery but I've heard nothing but good things and I like the fact that they're still only sold through a local dealer network.
     
    FrenchToasty likes this.
  5. Jun 20, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #5
    RainMan_PNW

    RainMan_PNW SSEM #82 RGBA #4 “That Guy” Vendor

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    Check the build link in my signature.
    There was a time that Traeger was the one to get. That was also back when they were still built in Oregon and the concept of pellet smokers was new (they got started making pellet heating furnaces - we had one growing up). I’ve got a few friends with original Traegers that are still going strong.

    Any more, there isn’t much that separates the import pellet grills from each other except for the wifi apps (when equipped) that run them and whether the pellet hopper is on the left or the right and where the chimney is attached.

    Unfortunately, the price on a lot of the imports is still high. You might be gaining a little going with a name brand like Traeger or Green Mountain in warranty or customer service, but not necessarily. I have gotten 11 years out of my Green Mountain Daniel Boone, but it’s likely not going to last through this year…it’s rust/rotting through in a few places finally and time to replace.

    If you can swing it, looking at a true US-built setup is the way to go. Thicker steel, features like dump doors in the hopper (for changing your fuel source or for storage), better airflow designs, added upper racks for smoking larger batches, dumpable ash trays, extension boxes for cold smoking, etc. - the things that come from improving an existing design instead of just putting different wheels and hammered paint on the outside and a fancy-looking controller.

    A lot of guys in the south swear by the Pits and Spits Maverick line (built in Texas).

    Here in the PNW, the Mak is considered the Cadillac of smoking (built in Oregon).

    The Fast Eddy pulls a lot of praise.
     
  6. Jun 20, 2021 at 10:14 AM
    #6
    Tyman

    Tyman Isaiah 41:10

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    Indiana
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    We bought a Traeger Ironwood 650 from a local dealer. He was very helpful as I asked lots of questions. I know we made a good purchase and have enjoyed using it. It is easy to move around. The temp probe is very helpful and the app on the phone is neat.

    Temp seems to fluctuate around 5 degrees at the most. I use Traeger pellets only and have not had and jam issues.

    So far I have done pulled pork, 2 full chickens and ribs. Cleaning the grill is very easy if you have a shop vac and a wire brush. I plan on doing some jerky soon. Hope this helps!
     
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