Diving into pellet grills

[VileBooey]

My GF said she’d buy me a pellet grill for my bday and I’m having a bit of a hard time deciding on what to get. So I thought I’d turn to you all.

I’ve been researching it as much as I can but I think my bias and love of Traeger (don’t ask me why) is getting in the way.

I really want to the new Ironwood but I’m hesitant because it seems so many people hate on Traeger. Whether on YouTube, Reddit, etc. it has me worried. Surely big companies will get shit on but maybe all the hate is warranted. Yes you’re paying for the name etc. and that’s all fine with me if the product works and is good.

I guess my question is what’s with the hate? Is it warranted? Is a traeger overpriced crap?

I did check out GMG but they just look cheap to me. The Jim Bowie Prime seems nice but I was reading that the new GMG models (Facebook group) are having a lot of issues. Also they appear to be fairly loud and that’s a concern for cooks through the night.

Anybody have the new Ironwood and have solid thoughts on it yet? Something similar out there I haven’t read about? I want to be able to control and check on the grill with my phone if possible.

 

[WBDubya]

You have a nice GF! It wouldn’t hurt to check out MAK Grills.

 

[kruizer]

Have you looked at Camp Chef?

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Do yourself a big favor and make another selection aside from Traeger.

You might end up buying one and never having any problem with it.

But why run the risk of joining the legions of those who do have problems with Traegers if you don't have to?

The only known and sure fire way to avoid becoming another potential disappointed Traeger owner, is to not buy a Traeger.

Buy one and you’re fair game to be the next entrant in the disappointed Traeger owners club.

This is a gift from your girlfriend you say?

Well then make it count.

 

[VileBooey]

Have you looked at Camp Chef?

I haven’t. Any specific models that are known to be good?

 

[VileBooey]

You have a nice GF! It wouldn’t hurt to check out MAK Grills.

Yeah she’s pretty great. We like to spoil each other when we can.

Never even heard of MAK grills. I will definitely check them out.

 

[Winterrider]

What is approx. $ range you would prefer to stick close to ? Also how many normally cooking for?

 

[VileBooey]

What is approx. $ range you would prefer to stick close to ? Also how many normally cooking for?

Around $1200 or lower. 2-6 people. I’d like to be able to fit a packer brisket in easily.

 

[Jabiru]

There's heaps of choices and most are the same ish, just some have more features than others. I did alot of research and picked something in my Budget and suited me. Support was also a factor when I chose.

I bought a GMG Prime Jim Bowie - $799 and very happy with it. I can monitor it while at work etc which I find cool. Minimal pellet usage for big cooks etc.

Comes back to research and what you like really.

 

[Winterrider]

Just a couple that I have been interested in ,no particular order
Mak Star 1 $1800. ( to much for me)
Yoder 480 $1600 (Plenty)
Pit Boss 820 ( lower class but fine unit)
Camp Chef Woodwind/searbox. $900

Jim Bowie $800
Rec Tec Stampede 590 $900 (PID Controller)
Grills Silverbac Alpha $800 (PID Controller)
Bottom 2 is where I lean at this stage

 

[VileBooey]

There's heaps of choices and most are the same ish, just some have more features than others. I did alot of research and picked something in my Budget and suited me. Support was also a factor when I chose.

I bought a GMG Prime Jim Bowie - $799 and very happy with it. I can monitor it while at work etc which I find cool. Minimal pellet usage for big cooks etc.

Comes back to research and what you like really.

Enjoying it so far huh? I was looking at that unit and have been going back to it since Traeger seems like a dangerous path to tread.

How is the sound when it’s running? A YouTube video got me a little worried about the sound. Granted it was an older non-Prime DB unit but I was watching a guy cook and it sounded fairly loud. Most likely the fan kicking on and off regularly. Hopefully just bad microphone situation.

Oh also how do you like the App and WiFi control?

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Around $1200 or lower. 2-6 people. I’d like to be able to fit a packer brisket in easily.

At that price range, Rec Tec Bull might be a good choice.

 

[kruizer]

I have the Wood Wind but there are a lot of models to look at.

 

[bregent]

Around $1200 or lower. 2-6 people. I’d like to be able to fit a packer brisket in easily.

Are you just interested in low and slow, or do you want to be able to grill on it too?

 

[ameskimo1]

I looked around all last summer and fall, looked at several models and was about to buy a GMG when I accidentally stumbled on Grilla Grills. It didn't take long to decide that I was buying from them and settle on the Silverbac. The quality in design and construction are amazing, built like a tank. If you should have a problem, their customer service is simply unmatched, look at the My Gilla Grills page on facebook and you will frequently see them answering and troubleshooting even on the weekends. There are some 1 and 2 year reviews on YouTube from Jus Piddlin, my only regret with this grill is that I almost bought something else. Feel free to message if you have any questions.

 

[jake0531]

I have a GMG Daniel Boone and love it. No issues here, and fits a packer brisket with room to spare. You might check out smokin brothers or Yoder. If I would’ve had a bigger budget I would’ve gone Yoder, as they are locally made for me and work great. Smokin brothers are made in Missouri and I have several buddies who have them and swear by them

 

[VileBooey]

Are you just interested in low and slow, or do you want to be able to grill on it too?

Mostly low and slow. I’d use the grill but not a requirement.

 

[retfr8flyr]

There are a lot of Treager haters on the forum. I have the Timberline 1300 and haven't any problems with it and I am very happy with the grill. The new Ironwood is their latest grill, with the new D2 controller and brushless auger motor. I think you would be very happy with that choice.

 

[Jabiru]

How is the sound when it’s running? A YouTube video got me a little worried about the sound. Granted it was an older non-Prime DB unit but I was watching a guy cook and it sounded fairly loud. Most likely the fan kicking on and off regularly. Hopefully just bad microphone situation.

Oh also how do you like the App and WiFi control?

Yes, the Fan makes noise, it is not quiet enough to sit next to and chat like a gas BBQ, but in saying that I don't want to be sitting next to it because of the smoke anyway. My Old smoker was out the backyard due to the smoke.

I just moved mine away from the patio a bit and all good. Im used to it now and isnt a deal breaker for me. I was surprised first cook though. Im not sure if the other brands make noise to compare.

The APP and wifi works great, so damn handy. I dig the fact I can go out and keep an eye on the cook, make adjustments to temp etc. The app has cooking profiles and other things too.

I do like the flexibility of the GMG, handles both low and slow and high temp for grilling. Just gave the sons my old smoker and gasser as not required anymore. Ive cooked heaps of different meals on it, super easy and come out tasty as.

 

[VileBooey]

Yes, the Fan makes noise, it is not quiet enough to sit next to and chat like a gas BBQ, but in saying that I don't want to be sitting next to it because of the smoke anyway. My Old smoker was out the backyard due to the smoke.

I just moved mine away from the patio a bit and all good. Im used to it now and isnt a deal breaker for me. I was surprised first cook though. Im not sure if the other brands make noise to compare.

The APP and wifi works great, so damn handy. I dig the fact I can go out and keep an eye on the cook, make adjustments to temp etc. The app has cooking profiles and other things too.

I do like the flexibility of the GMG, handles both low and slow and high temp for grilling. Just gave the sons my old smoker and gasser as not required anymore. Ive cooked heaps of different meals on it, super easy and come out tasty as.

Awesome man. Glad you’re enjoying your new grill. I can’t wait to be in that same position.

I’m going to look a little harder at this Jim Bowie Prime.

Thanks for the info.