Help me choose my new Smoker

[mickgriller]

i am getting a new smoker and just wanted some input on which one to get I will have about 1,400.00 to spend I am thinking one of these

 

[clifish]

what features are you looking for? that might narrow your selection a bit.

 

[mickgriller]

I would have to say that a good controller is must it would be nice if it had WiFi. It that is not a must. I would really like it to hold a good temp and produce good smoke. I like the things that Traeger has done with there ironwood but it is still a Traeger so I am skeptical, the Grilla Grills Silverbac Alpha seems like it is built like a tank and the dual smoke controller seems like it is the best if both worlds, but there is no WiFi. Now as far as Rec Tec well in either the bull or the stampede it seems to me that you are getting a great smoker with all the features I would want. I just would like some people to tell me there opinions or even experiences with any of those grills. Thanks

 

[jlud]

Just be advised if you are used to heavier smoke flavor you may be underwhelmed by pellet smoke. It is so much simpler though, think of them more as outdoor ovens.

 

[Cookingproject]

Choosing a smoker may solve your problem but it is again a challenge to get a better smoker or else it goes negative. Hence before you choose a smoker better try to find one who is well versed or check out whether it is required.

you can also take help of some videos online before spending a penny on a smoker. there are various free techniques really available on youtube and other platforms that help you free cooking hacks and you can choose for your reference.

The reason behind sharing this is that I also came across information about a cookbook that really helped me in the past. so, if you want to check out this and think it wise before making hiring a smoker then you can follow that free cookbook access guide via familycookbookproject login

 

[SlowmotionQue]

I would have to say that a good controller is must it would be nice if it had WiFi. It that is not a must. I would really like it to hold a good temp and produce good smoke. I like the things that Traeger has done with there ironwood but it is still a Traeger so I am skeptical, the Grilla Grills Silverbac Alpha seems like it is built like a tank and the dual smoke controller seems like it is the best if both worlds, but there is no WiFi. Now as far as Rec Tec well in either the bull or the stampede it seems to me that you are getting a great smoker with all the features I would want. I just would like some people to tell me there opinions or even experiences with any of those grills. Thanks

There has been plenty in here written about the Bull and the Stampede.

A perusal of some of the recent threads from as far back as 3-6 months from now should keep you busy reading what owners of both those models have to say

I liked the Stampede so much and was so satisfied with both it and Rec Tec’s customer service, that I bought a second one and gifted it.

That should tell you a lot.

 

[DoubleBull]

In your price range go for the Rec Tec RT 700. I had serious doubts about pellet smokers in general as far as smoke profile went when I was struggling to decide between Rec Tec and Yoder.
I eventually decided that although the Yoder appealed to me more visually but as a tool to cook with they were going to be very similar and with the price difference I went Rec Tec. I prepared myself mentally to be somewhat underwhelmed by the smoke profile even as I made the purchase and resigned myself to knowing I would appreciate the convenience of a pellet smoker. I was happily wrong on that assessment.
I have done three cooks with various meats and I am more than happy with the smoke profile, not quite as pronounced as my WSM but plenty good enough. I had ordered a smoking tube in advance of my purchase and it is still in the shipping bag Amazon sent it in unopened. I don't think I need it. Not to say I wont ever try the tube.....but I wanted to see what the 700 could do on its own. It puts out visible smoke from 200 (more) to 300 (a little less but still there)

 

[SlowmotionQue]

In your price range go for the Rec Tec RT 700. I had serious doubts about pellet smokers in general as far as smoke profile went when I was struggling to decide between Rec Tec and Yoder.
I eventually decided that although the Yoder appealed to me more visually but as a tool to cook with they were going to be very similar and with the price difference I went Rec Tec. I prepared myself mentally to be somewhat underwhelmed by the smoke profile even as I made the purchase and resigned myself to knowing I would appreciate the convenience of a pellet smoker. I was happily wrong on that assessment.
I have done three cooks with various meats and I am more than happy with the smoke profile, not quite as pronounced as my WSM but plenty good enough. I had ordered a smoking tube in advance of my purchase and it is still in the shipping bag Amazon sent it in unopened. I don't think I need it. Not to say I wont ever try the tube.....but I wanted to see what the 700 could do on its own. It puts out visible smoke from 200 (more) to 300 (a little less but still there)

What pellets are you using?

 

[DoubleBull]

What pellets are you using?

Lumberjack Mesquite blend at the moment. I have not tried the 100% hickory, cherry or pecan blend as of yet. I dumped the full 20 lbs of mesquite blend in hopper and have a good bit still left. Atwoods sadly only carries 5 varieties of Lumberjack with only two of them being the 100% variety. (hickory and cherry)

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Lumberjack Mesquite blend at the moment. I have not tried the 100% hickory, cherry or pecan blend as of yet. I dumped the full 20 lbs of mesquite blend in hopper and have a good bit still left. Atwoods sadly only carries 5 varieties of Lumberjack with only two of them being the 100% variety. (hickory and cherry)

Lumberjack pellets are very good pellets.

I see where the mesquite blend is 40% mesquite and 60% red oak.

Seems like a winner as you don’t want to burn straight mesquite pellets as mesquite burns very hot.

BTW, the Lumberjack MHC Competition Blend is good too. I’ve gotten great results with it.

 

[sandyut]

Get a Rec Tec Bull - its amazing in every way

 

[bregent]

you don’t want to burn straight mesquite pellets as mesquite burns very hot.

You can burn 100% mesquite no problem. It may burn hotter but that shouldn't matter - the controller will maintain the temp you set. But, I think the blend is a better choice for flavor reasons - the 100% mesquite might be too strong for some folks.

 

[sandyut]

ive been using the rec tec ultimate blend and CookinPellets Perfect Mix. the cookinpellets are more mild, both are quite good.

 

[glycerine]

Not one that you mentioned, but if you can save a bit more for your purchase, I highly recommend the PG500. Great machine and very versatile.