Can't decide

[tyfins13]

Hi Everyone,

Here we go again with trying to decide which pellet smoker to purchase. Have been using a MES 40 for the past 5 years and want to make the switch to a pellet smoker.

With so many options out there I don't even know where to begin. Here are the things I'm considering:
- cost: want to stay around the $1000 Canadian price range as I live in Canada
- quality: built to last
- consistent temperature: my MES had some wide temp. ranges during the smoking process want to minimize the temp swings
- grilling surface area

I have been researching the GMG Daniel Boone Wifi, Traeger, Louisiana Grills, Gorilla Grills and Pit Boss. I think the Rec Tec and Yoder's are out of my price range.

Let me know what you think your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mrad]

I would eliminate the Traeger. Father purchased on a year ago (against my advice) and ended up returning it within 30 days. Temps would swing 75 degrees. He called customer service and was told this was normal. I would go Pit Boss before traeger and save yourself quite a bit of money.

I don't own a Rec Tec ( have a blazn grillworks grid iron), but with the new models have a SS cook chamber and a 6 year warranty, I would try to swing it if at all possible

 

[jakester]

I would go with a Louisiana Grills, your local Costco might have one and it's a great deal for a smoker under $1,000

 

[jakester]

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...n-smoker-with-cold-smoke-offset.274328/page-2

 

[tx smoker]

I've heard great things about the Rec Tec (if you can absorb the cost) and also got some great feedback from one of our members about his Camp Chef. I looked at those and they seem like decent units but I was looking for a vertical smoker so they didn't fit the bill for me. The Sausage Maker has some nice units but they are a bit pricey, especially the larger ones. I ultimately bought their 20# stainless steel digital unit which should be perfect for sausage.

Robert

 

[Geebs]

If you are looking at all those options I would look at a Camp Chef as well. I have loved my Woodwind since I purchased it, there are many models you can choose from and I dont think you could go wrong. My FIL has a Louisiana and it seems to have quite a few issues but I know some other really love them. I also have a good friend that owns the GMG Daniel Boone and loves his. Lots of options out there.

 

[SmokinAl]

Boy I know you don't want to spend the extra money, but we have heard nothing but good things about Rec Tec.
I don't own a pellet smoker, but if I were to buy one I would seriously look at the Rec Tec.
Al

 

[Quibbley]

I have had my Grilla Silverbac for about a year and I have been very pleased with it. It has worked flawlessly since day one and is built very well. You don’t hear much about Grilla Grills but more specifically you don’t hear anything bad about them. I understand they now sell into Canada now.

One thing one to consider, amongst many, is that the Silverbac doesn’t use a PID controller which was a positive factor for me. I usually get around +/- 20 degree temperature swing. I'm okay with this because I feel like a get a little more smoke. That being said I still use a pellet smoker tube.

Good luck with your search. There are some good pellet smoker manufacturers out there. They say half of the fun is getting there so enjoy the search.

 

[bdskelly]

Howdy tyfins. Like you I am also a long time MES owner. And all of the brands of pellet units will make your head spin. After months of research I bought the Rec Tec RT700 Bull. It’s a bit more than your budget ...and it was a bit more than my budget too.
I’ve posted a number of cooks here and tomorrow I’ll be smoking a brisket. I’ve had nothing but a good experience with RT customer service. The smoker is solid. No problems at all. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
B

 

[tx smoker]

"After months of research I bought the Rec Tec RT700 Bull. It’s a bit more than your budget ...and it was a bit more than my budget too. "

Brian....thanks for chiming in here. You're actually the person I was "quoting" in my reply above about the Rec Tec. Knowing I would soon be looking at a more automated smoker for sausage, I've been reading all of your posts pertaining to your cooking adventures and the accolades you've received from other members. Last week I finally got the green light to spend the $$ to get a smoker that would work well for sausage and be less temperamental than the two I've tried to make work the last couple months. I gave a serious look at the Rec Tec and was ready to pull the trigger.....except I really wanted a vertical unit so I wound up going a different direction. There is little question in my mind though that if I ever find myself in the market for this type of unit, it'll be a Rec Tec on the patio, but I already have 4 smokers (and a variety of other cookers) so it may be a while :)

Tyfins: Gonna share some insight here. If you're really interested in getting a good smoker, don't shortcut yourself unless you absolutely have to. I've run the gamut from real cheap in the beginning up to a big custom made pit I got last Summer. In all, I've had 8 smokers over that many years, each one getting bigger and better. The point of this is to say that you'll spend a lot less money in the long run if you get a good unit in the beginning versus "settling" for something now and wanting to upgrade in a year, and again a year after that, and so on.

Robert

 

[tyfins13]

It's been about a month or so. I decided on the GMG Daniel Boone Wifi. So far I have been greatly impressed with this pellet smoker. Ribs, pulled pork and wings are just a few of the things I've smoked. All turned out delicious. Thanks for all the input from everyone I appreciated it.

 

[Thebutscher]

Nothing but good to say about the $999 (US) Traeger Select Pro I got at Costco 6 months ago. Temp swings only about 20 degrees, easy to clean and it looks great!

 

[dcecil]

Howdy tyfins. Like you I am also a long time MES owner. And all of the brands of pellet units will make your head spin. After months of research I bought the Rec Tec RT700 Bull. It’s a bit more than your budget ...and it was a bit more than my budget too.
I’ve posted a number of cooks here and tomorrow I’ll be smoking a brisket. I’ve had nothing but a good experience with RT customer service. The smoker is solid. No problems at all. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
B
View attachment 362700

B, that pit looks awesome. I want one just to make my backyard look cool LOL. Seriously though, Im gonna have to look into that bad boy. If it works half as nice as it looks its a winner.