Help me make a final decision

[tdub36tjt]

So I've been driving myself crazy trying to decide which pellet smoker to buy. I think I've narrowed it down to the rec tec stampede/trailblazer or grilla silverback alpha.

My concerns with the rec tec is the bases appear to be cheaply made especially on the trailblazer. But I'm not sure I need the bigger size or not. Is the stampede worth the extra $300? Itll mostly be used for small parties. 5-10 people. Occasionally maybe 25 people Max which would be like 2-8 lb butts or something along those lines so I think the trailblazer can handle that?

The grilla seems to be really comparable to the stampede and $100 cheaper. Maybe this is the here choice? Any opinions on those 2 head to head?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Get the biggest unit you can afford. 25 people will need 24 lbs of Raw pork, 3 Butts. This is a nice 8oz plated portion or two 4oz sandwiches. Heavy eaters will eat 12oz if the pork is the only protein...JJ

 

[retfr8flyr]

Do you live in cold country? The Grilla has an advantage with the double insulated bottom. Personally I would go with the Grilla Alpha, as I just can't stand the owners of Rec Tec's commercials. It also seems too me that everything at Rect Tec is geared toward the Bull and the other grills are just an afterthought. They even had different warranties on them, until recently. I just like the guys at Grilla better and I think they make a great product.

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

I did the same hand wringing before I bought my Rec Tec Mini(now the trailblazer) several years ago. Because it's portable, and the legs fold, mine was a little wobbly. I don't take mine anywhere so I bolted a small wooden shelf at the bottom. Problem solved. That was my only complaint, and it has been a solid performer since I bought it. Rec Tec also has rock solid customer support.

 

[tdub36tjt]

I live in southern Michigan. So the insulated bottom was a bonus. But no WiFi on the grilla was a down side too. Kinda why I've bounced back and forth

 

[ofelles]

What ever size you think you want/need go bigger. I have a Yoder YS640 and wife said why is big it's just the 2 of us? Just commited to smoking up 70 pounds of butts next month for a homeless community lunch , so that's why.

 

[LarrymickeMN]

I faced the same decision, along the GMG Daniel Boone. Decided on the Grilla as a friend just got one and loves it. WiFi would be nice, maybe, but I liked what I saw in the Grilla construction and the ability to use the PID and Pro modes. The double wall construction was also a factor, no purchasing a thermal jacket which raises the cost. Also, the Stampede had vents vs a smoke stack. Not a huge deal but the vent face slightly up which would allow rain/snow. You can purchase vent covers for this but another cost.

Waiting anxiously for my grill to arrive as I have big plans for it!

 

[sandyut]

go as big as you can. This was my upgrade from a 14" WSM. soon as I had more room, I cooked more and larger. and for wings and jerky with a main at the same time is priceless.

I love my Rec Tec Bull and would recommend rec Tec hands down...but have not tried others. In my short list, Yoder, Rec Tec, and Mac. Mac was too spendy

if you are using in the winter just toss on the cold weather cover. I bought mine in Nov and sed all winter no issues at all.