Back to square one

[SocalDon]

Still trying to decide on a new Pellet smoker. My GMG still performing but want a forever top of the line grill. I thought I wanted a Yoder or maybe a Pitts and Spitts but then decided on the Lonestar Grillz 20x40. Talked to Chris and the wait time is better than 5 months and shipping is $550 just can’t justify waiting and spending better than $4,000 so back to the drawing board. Damn I really wanted that smoker too. And yes I looked hard at Rec Teq but feel I would be settling.

 

[jcam222]

I’m curious as to what about a Recteq you see as settling. Not many pellet smokers have a better reputation for quality and service.

 

[schlotz]

Recteq has a very good reputation. You might also want to look at MAK, made in Oregon.

 

[Apparition]

You might also want to look at MAK, made in Oregon.

This, very happy with my MAK

 

[sandyut]

I’m curious as to what about a Recteq you see as settling. Not many pellet smokers have a better reputation for quality and service.

I second this comment. I love mine and have zero regrets, issues, or complaints.

You might also want to look at MAK, made in Oregon.

MAK was on my short list as well.

 

[schlotz]

IMO you want the MAK-2 Star vs -1

 

[SocalDon]

Sorry don't want to step on toes but the Mak doesn't interest me at all. Don't like the design and it's too small.

 

[SocalDon]

Recteq has a very good reputation. You might also want to look at MAK, made in Oregon.

Recteq certainly has a fan club, and great digital marketing however I see it as a lateral move rather than a upgrade. Plus I think I would rather buy a American made products.

 

[1MoreFord]

OP, did you consider Gator Pit?

Backyard

 

[SocalDon]

I like the Pitts and Spitts more than the Yoder but Wi-Fi is an afterthought for them and 1 damn meat probe what’s up with that? Wish the Lonestar controller was on the 1250

 

[bauchjw]

I feel like I’m posting my first controversial comment, and I don’t mean this as an insult, but I’ve never heard or read “forever” and pellet smoker in the same sentence? I am not judging, I’ve been using MES and Traeger for a while now, but to me forever means heirloom and I’m not sure even an original Yoder will be there for my grandchildren after they hit puberty. For a Resturaunt or catering business there is different calculus, but for a home cook there are some amazing pellet rigs that are well worth the money and will last…with care and maintenance and this is the best place to get guidance. Pick what you like, enjoy cooking on, and can afford! It sounds like you’re a little focused on some things that are not the most important, IMVHO, Wi-Fi should be an afterthought for a smoker after maintaining heat and, for a pellet smoker, reliable auger mech to feed pellets. Good luck! Curious which direction you go!

 

[Brokenhandle]

I'm all for the lateral sideways move to the rectec while you're on your 5 month wait for the Pitts and Spitts! Give you something new to play with while waiting!
I know not much help...but have heard we are good at helping others spend their money!

Ryan

 

[sandyut]

The issue I have with Made in America is that I doubt 100% of the product is made in the USA from materials from the USA.

Agreed. I find it hard to believe anything is 100% American made. If it were we wouldn’t be having supply chain issues...maybe…. Not trying to start up something off topic but.

 

[Apparition]

Agreed. I find it hard to believe anything is 100% American made. If it were we wouldn’t be having supply chain issues...maybe…. Not trying to start up something off topic but.

"Made in the USA
MAK Grills are truly “Made in America.” In fact, in July of 2013 we became the first—and to this day only pellet grill manufacturer—to be in the Made in the USA Hall of Fame!

This is a fundamental part of who we are and will never change.

Many former “made in America” brands have moved manufacturing offshore. Others import materials and components but assemble them here so they can still make the claim. In doing so, they often sacrifice reliable quality standards. If you’re charged the cost of American parts and manufacturing, you should be able to expect the benefits they bring, without worrying about delays in production and gaps in supply lines due to viral pandemics.

Our grills aren’t just assembled here. We domestically source our materials, many from right here in Oregon. Components like our auger, auger motor, and K-Style Industrial Thermocouple Meat Probes are made in the USA to our exact specifications. Our Pellet Boss Controller is designed, tested, and built within driving distance of our shop in Dallas, Oregon, where all of our grills are made. Even our hats are fully made in the USA by a veteran-friendly company that also manufactures caps for branches of the United States armed forces.

It’s something we take seriously. As a small business in a small community we know how important it is to preserve American manufacturing and gainful employment opportunities. As a precision sheet metal manufacturer that is very proud of our product, we refuse to compromise quality by outsourcing. That’s why we were Made in the USA Certified in 2011."

Made in the USA

When you purchase a MAK Grill, you’re showing your support for American-based manufacturing, and keeping Americans employed. Made In The USA.

makgrills.com

Even the hex key set they send to assemble the grill says "Made in the USA"

 

[Apparition]

Except the MAK-1 is out of stock. Jump in price to a MAK-2

Check big Poppa Smokers for the MAK-2 pricing. A little better deal.

 

[Apparition]

Sorry don't want to step on toes but the Mak doesn't interest me at all. Don't like the design and it's too small.

Gotta get what makes you happy.

 

[BigW.]

Here is another American made pellet smoker:

Blaz'n Grill Works

American Made Wood Pellet Grills. Made In Beatrice, Nebraska.

www.blazngrillworks.com

 

[ofelles]

I have a pre "S" model 640 Yoder and it is a solid performer. has been for 3-4 years. The LSG pellet cooker is top of the line workmanship/materials. I have heard nothing but good about the food they product. Yes, it is a long wait and shipping is $$.
I purchased an LSG Large Cabinet smoker 2 years ago and ouch the price hurt and the wait long but I believe in cry once and get what you want. I have not looked back or regretted my purchase.

 

[civilsmoker]

First of all there is no such thing as a forever pellet grill......

I had (still have) a Memphis Wood Fire grill for a very long time, it is full stainless body (probably last forever), but after 11 years of service the electronics and fire pot reach the end of life..... so I went down the path of replacement parts or wanting the best race horse there is.......but then I did the time value of money thing and after that math I had a Recteq 1250 sitting on my driveway 7 days later and since then have been spending money on meat to smoke!

Since I have a GM grill as well, I can tell you that the Recteq is a step up from the GM and with a full 6 year warrantee its very difficult to over look........So now that I have cooked on it, ie burned through 280 lbs ish of pellets since I got it in October (so I burn 50 - 60 lbs a month) and I can tell you it simply works! Oh it also works better than my Memphis and I paid almost 50% more for the Memphis 11 years previously...It also puts a much better smoke profile as well. The 1250 also has many upgrades over the others....IE 3 rpm auger (faster heat up (7 min to 225) and up to 700 ish deg), duel band wifi (fixes past connection issues), conduit electronics, heavy duty front shelf, lid drip edge, porcelain cast iron deflector, slide out bottom self, slide out upper shelf. The only thing I would change on the 1250 is one more position for the top shelf that is 3" above the bottom shelf, like the BFG has....

All that said I have many smokers/wood cookers and if I could only have one it would be the RT...... Furthermore, the other grills you are looking at are all very nice grills and work very good (I would be very happy with any of them)......ie there is a seat for everyone in the bar!

Good luck on your search and whatever you get just enjoy it!

 

[bigfurmn]

"Made in the USA
MAK Grills are truly “Made in America.” In fact, in July of 2013 we became the first—and to this day only pellet grill manufacturer—to be in the Made in the USA Hall of Fame!

This is a fundamental part of who we are and will never change.

Many former “made in America” brands have moved manufacturing offshore. Others import materials and components but assemble them here so they can still make the claim. In doing so, they often sacrifice reliable quality standards. If you’re charged the cost of American parts and manufacturing, you should be able to expect the benefits they bring, without worrying about delays in production and gaps in supply lines due to viral pandemics.

Our grills aren’t just assembled here. We domestically source our materials, many from right here in Oregon. Components like our auger, auger motor, and K-Style Industrial Thermocouple Meat Probes are made in the USA to our exact specifications. Our Pellet Boss Controller is designed, tested, and built within driving distance of our shop in Dallas, Oregon, where all of our grills are made. Even our hats are fully made in the USA by a veteran-friendly company that also manufactures caps for branches of the United States armed forces.

It’s something we take seriously. As a small business in a small community we know how important it is to preserve American manufacturing and gainful employment opportunities. As a precision sheet metal manufacturer that is very proud of our product, we refuse to compromise quality by outsourcing. That’s why we were Made in the USA Certified in 2011."

Made in the USA

When you purchase a MAK Grill, you’re showing your support for American-based manufacturing, and keeping Americans employed. Made In The USA.

makgrills.com

Even the hex key set they send to assemble the grill says "Made in the USA"

Wonder if the 5 month wait has anything to do with computer chips in the electronics???