First Pellet - need advice

[SmokingLegos]

Guys,
Ok, i am sure this has been discussed so please feel free to post the links in your reply.

I am in the market for my first pellet smoker and I have no idea which one to purchase. Here is where I am leaning towards:

1. Timberline 850 (can get 40% off)
2. GMG wifi Prime db
3. GMG wifi regular
4. Camp chef

The YS 640 last... that thing is pricey and honestly I just do not want it to look abused after 2 years.

RecTec are nice but those handles really break it for me... can they just use a normal bar, please!

My reservation about the timberline is restriction on pellet type to Traeger only.

let me know what you guys think.

 

[kruizer]

I have the Camp Chef Woodwind and am very pleased with it.

 

[oldsmokerdude]

In spite of what Traeger says, you do not have to use only Traeger pellets in their grill. While Traeger pellets are okay, they are not the best you can buy. Using another pellet will not void your warranty.

If you can afford it, the Yoders are a high quality product. How it looks in two years is 100% dependent on how you care for it.

 

[dubob]

Just bought my Camp Chef Woodwind SG direct from Camp Chef about 3 weeks ago. I've cooked pork steaks, beef steaks, baby back ribs, chicken breasts, and a brisket flat on it so far. We just love it so far but this is our first pellet grill and have no experience with any other brand. Customer Service on a couple of very minor issues was excellent. And they are 6 to 8 month's out on having a plug&play WIFI capability. I'm already on the waiting list for it.

 

[SmokingLegos]

Thanks guys.

I understand its all in how you care for it but it is a very common compliant. Fuel usage is another. As a hobbiest, i am not sure I can justify the price ( because I would have to have the comp cart).

I also really like tech features. even thought some can be gimmicky, i like have the temp on my phone and being able to see what it is doing. that is why the 850 and the GMG are towards the top.

 

[SmokingLegos]

interesting about the wifi, thank you.

 

[bregent]

Need more info.
Are you going to use it for grilling or just low and slow?
How many people do you cook for?
Price Range?
What type of food are you planning to smoke?

 

[texomakid]

You'll never get a clear answer and don't overthink it. Buy what is within your budget and get cooking. The only reason I didn't pick on your survey I don't know anything about any of those. Jump in with both feet and get the one YOU like.

 

[SmokingLegos]

I am a hobbiest, so I am looking to be able to cook everything but my main focus will be low and slow on the pellet. I have a gas, WSM, Weber kettle. I am more concerned with value rather than price. Obviously I am looking at smokers in the 600-1600 range based on my list. But I am not going to be using it 6 times a week.

 

[SlowmotionQue]

In that case I’d go with none of the above. That ridiculous window in the lid some of the Green Mountain offerings would bother me more than the horns on the RecTec.

If value vs price is your concern, then you’re missing out by ruling out RecTec.

Wifi, PID controller, warranty, customer support, build quality and build materials, throw in free shipping and ease of assembly, and at its price point, it’s tough to beat for what you get.

I have 2 WSMs, an 18 and a 22, a Kamado Joe classic, and have gotten rid of a Weber kettle some years back.

My RecTec is my go to smoker.

 

[winsa12]

I am in the same place as you and got a GMG DB. I bought mine in November, so the Prime was not an option. Regular wifi (Choice) is cool, Prime would be cooler.

I wanted the wifi, I wanted the DB size and I wanted pellets, but the biggest reason I went with the GMG was the pizza oven accessory. I am pretty sure it is the best $150 I have ever spent.

 

[bregent]

I am a hobbiest, so I am looking to be able to cook everything but my main focus will be low and slow on the pellet. I have a gas, WSM, Weber kettle. I am more concerned with value rather than price. Obviously I am looking at smokers in the 600-1600 range based on my list. But I am not going to be using it 6 times a week.

If it were me, I'd look hard at the Fast Eddy PG500. Great features including the best in class char broiler, unique controller and smoke path design, warming drawer/ "cold" smoker. If I didn't have a Memphis that's probably what I'd get.

Also, the handles on the RecTec may look tacky, but that's a very good grill and one of the best values.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Timberline at 40% off is a no brainer. At the regular price it's much better then the others listed.

 

[sweetride95]

A pitboss with a PID upgrade would be a competitive and accurate rig and on the bottom side of your budget.

 

[SmokingLegos]

thanks for all the input everyone. Very appreciated.

 

[checkerfred]

I've used 3 different pellet smokers so far. A Traeger...I can't remember the model but it came out about 3 years ago and won it in a drawing. It was the biggest model. I've cooked on a Pitboss, again can't remember the model but it's about the size of a Daniel Boone and had a heat shield that could be opened for direct heat. Now I have last years GMG Wifi Daniel Boone. Honestly, all three cooked ok. Pellet smokers do not produce enough smoke for me overall so I ended up having to use an A-Maze-N tube with them. Each have their pro's and con's but the quality of food coming off depends on you and not necessarily the grill/smoker. I'd look at the features and things like customer service. I've never dealt with Pitboss, but Traeger was decent and GMG was awesome so far.

GMG by far feels the most heavy duty/well made. I read quite a bit about people having problems on various Facebook groups. I'm sure there are some legit concerns but I think most is user error. Mine had an ugly paint run on the door after I unboxed it. I called them and had a new door/handle in no time.

On the Traeger I used to have, the control board went out during the middle of a long butt cook. I went out to check on it and the temp was low. Called them and they had to send a new one, under warranty. I also had the auger jam up once. It had to have been due to humidity from sitting over the winter/part of spring. I turned it on and nothing came out. I ended up having to take the auger out and clear the jam. The pellets had set up like concrete.

The Pitboss seemed about on par with Traeger build quality as far as the metal goes. I can't comment too much on the grill/smoker overall because it's my brother in laws. I have cooked on it several times and it's made good food. I could have bought a bigger one at Walmart on clearance super cheap. Like mid to high $200 range. At that price I could have used it for 2 years and got my money worth.

I also have a cheap small Weber gas grill and I love that little thing too. I've made some awesome stuff on it. So just look at your budget and features you want then go from there. If you're not hurting to get one right now, wait for a deal. I got my GMG for about 40% off on Black Friday although you can get the Timberline for 40% now.

 

[sandyut]

get over your horn issue and get a rec tec. they are awesome! had mine about 4 months and have no regrets!

 

[Scooter Trash]

Guys,
Ok, i am sure this has been discussed so please feel free to post the links in your reply.

I am in the market for my first pellet smoker and I have no idea which one to purchase. Here is where I am leaning towards:

1. Timberline 850 (can get 40% off)
2. GMG wifi Prime db
3. GMG wifi regular
4. Camp chef

The YS 640 last... that thing is pricey and honestly I just do not want it to look abused after 2 years.

RecTec are nice but those handles really break it for me... can they just use a normal bar, please!

My reservation about the timberline is restriction on pellet type to Traeger only.

let me know what you guys think.

Hello, you can get a Yoder if you want but, I get much better results with less headache with a Pit Boss Austin XL. Money wasnt a factor when I got my 640, just got tired of fighting them every time something went wrong. All my buddies and several family members have pellet smokers from just about all makers. Yoder was nightmare with the 640 and started with 480...they had to go!! Good luck!