Analysis Paralysi

[Mike Langhorst]

Hey all,

After a few years with my Traeger, I'm looking to upgrade a bit. Currently have a Jr. Elite, and a 34 + cold smoker. The Jr. is a little small, while the 34 + cold smoker is too big. I use the Jr. most of the time, but it will sometimes struggle to hold a temp, occasionally going out on the smoke setting.

So from looking at a Timberline 850, saw some suggestions for Yoder, and I was pretty close to decided on the YS480. Just need to Craigslist my current Traegers first.

Then strolling into Costco yesterday I see the Louisiana Grills 900 with the side box for $799. It seems to check the boxes I need/want:

• more space than my current Jr.
• not nearly 6' in lengthy like my 34 + cold smoker
• direct heat option + 600F for steaks
• bigger diameter to fit a turkey
• integrated temp probe
• (bonus) is Costco so easy returns.

But not seeing much talk about this brand. even looking hear I see Disco has one, but it's much less discussion than some of the other brands, Yoder, RecTec, etc. Any things other than needing to start at a higher temp and bring back down to be concerned with? The price is hard to beat for the combination.

 

[ross77]

I saw that at Costco as well. My concern would be the pellet hopper. At 12 pounds it's one of the smallest I've ever seen. I was shocked at how shallow it was. They sell a hopper extension for their other models but not for this one.

 

[daveomak]

From what I've read, a small hopper is good... It won't allow you to leave a bunch of pellet in it to get damp...

 

[ross77]

That’s an interesting way to look at it. But I don’t see a small hopper as a good thing. Unless you rarely use the smoker, damp pellets aren’t an issue.

I’ve never had damp pellets and the hopper on my smoker holds 40 pounds.

 

[daveomak]

Damp pellets ARE an issue if they crumble from moisture... They lose their "stick together" ability from the lignin getting damp....

 

[ross77]

Sure if they get damp. But I’ve never had that issue and I’ve not heard of many who have.

Unless you leave them in the smoker unused for a long period of time (month or more)in high humidity it’s just not a big concern.

If you’re concerned with damp pellets then just put less in the hopper.

Having a small hopper is a disadvantage and IMO kind of defeats the purpose of a pellet smoker in the first place.

 

[bregent]

I leave my pellet grill full of pellets year round in the rain and never have a problem with damp pellets. If you are really worried about it, you could just fill a larger hopper part way. Putting a small hopper on a grill that size was dumb, but 12lbs will get you through most any overnight low and slow cook.
And I think they do sell a hopper extension.