My wife bought me a Daniel Boone back in 2015 because they were considered one of the better pellet smokers. This model came with WIFI, which I didn't think was a big deal until I used it. It's definitely a nice add-on, but has never really worked well on mine, even with good strong wifi available to it.
The smoker has never heated evenly, and GMG support's only advice was to move the windshields away from the heat shield to try to even out the temps. I live in Kansas where what some people might consider a strong wind, we call a light breeze.
I don't use this smoker more than 4 or 5 times per year, so it really hasn't gotten a ton of use.
Here recently, I've had to replace the igniter, and then the cotter pin broke on the auger, which wasn't a big deal to fix. The motor wasn't able to keep the auger going, so GMG sent me a new auger assembly. Now, it appears I'm getting some backdraft into the hopper, even though the hopper lid appears to be sealing and the hopper fan is functioning. The pellets seem to be bridging pretty regularly, which is something I've never had trouble with before, and I'm actually seeing some charring on the pellets around the outside of the hopper.
Overall, I've been pretty disappointed in this smoker. It has still produced some really good food, but I feel like it's a constant battle. I'm impressed with GMG support's willingness to send me free parts, and that's good, because at this point, I'm not really willing to put much money into this smoker in case I decide I'm over it, and want to upgrade to a better one.
I guess my reason for posting this is to see if other GMG owners are experiencing some of the same issues, or to confirm for myself that maybe I simply got a lemon. Anyone have any comments?
The smoker has never heated evenly, and GMG support's only advice was to move the windshields away from the heat shield to try to even out the temps. I live in Kansas where what some people might consider a strong wind, we call a light breeze.
I don't use this smoker more than 4 or 5 times per year, so it really hasn't gotten a ton of use.
Here recently, I've had to replace the igniter, and then the cotter pin broke on the auger, which wasn't a big deal to fix. The motor wasn't able to keep the auger going, so GMG sent me a new auger assembly. Now, it appears I'm getting some backdraft into the hopper, even though the hopper lid appears to be sealing and the hopper fan is functioning. The pellets seem to be bridging pretty regularly, which is something I've never had trouble with before, and I'm actually seeing some charring on the pellets around the outside of the hopper.
Overall, I've been pretty disappointed in this smoker. It has still produced some really good food, but I feel like it's a constant battle. I'm impressed with GMG support's willingness to send me free parts, and that's good, because at this point, I'm not really willing to put much money into this smoker in case I decide I'm over it, and want to upgrade to a better one.
I guess my reason for posting this is to see if other GMG owners are experiencing some of the same issues, or to confirm for myself that maybe I simply got a lemon. Anyone have any comments?