Does size matter?

[dp2826]

Looking to purchase a pellet grill. Not sure what size I should be looking at or if one does something better versus the other.

Usually just the wife and I. Probably be cooking pork butt, ribs, chicken, burgers, and maybe an ocassional brisket. I first started looking at Traegers, cause that's what friends and family have. But after doing some research I'm leaning towards a Rec Tec. So that leaves me with choices of either a 590 or 340. The 590 is a bit more than I was planning on spending but if I need the size I guess I'd rather buy once, cry once.

Would the Tralblazer 340 be big enough for two people, or should I be looking at the Stampede 590?

 

[SonnyE]

To me, where size matters, is if you want to cook more than you have room for.
Then you have to stage your meat as it goes across the grill, or put the first done in a holding cell while the late bloomers get done.
I don't normally do it, but have done up to 6 racks of baby back ribs at a time.
I have a MES 30 for smoking, and a gas grill for grilling. I considered a Pellet Grill, but in the end, a pellet grill could not operate at my cold smoking temperature needs. So I got the MES and modified to to my needs.
With my gas grill I can light a single burner for a couple of burgers, or more for bigger needs.
I use an Amazen AMNPS as my smoke generator (pellets).
When in doubt, Buy once, cry once.

 

[illini40]

In my opinion and experience, go for bigger than what you think you need. Better to have spare room than not enough room.

I know you have ruled out the Traegers, however, I have the Pro 34 and would not go back to anything smaller now.

 

[ross77]

There are a couple downsides to larger smokers. Increased time to get up to temp, slower recovery time after opening the lid and higher pellet usage. The 340 is definitely big enough for two but you could be squeezed for space feeding more than 4.

 

[mike243]

Recovery time after a lid opening isn't a concern with mine in summer weather and don't think it will be in winter time also,time will tell soon.Pellet usage will be the only thing affected imo. I don't worry about how much I use,the hopper holds 31lbs so over nite cooks don't require reloading with mine but was surprised at the small hoppers on some units

 

[ross77]

Winter will definitely add time to your cook. A thick steel smoker and/or an insulated blanket will help.