I don't get the hate on Pellet Smokers.

[Texascat]

I've cooked on everything at one time or another and to me the real difference is in rubs, marinades, and technique. Maybe my pallet is just not that refined but the difference in the type of cooker is pretty negligible really.

I cooked for a long time on a cabinet smoker and then bought an offset and used that for a few years. There were pros and cons but the BBQ came out pretty much the same.

I then bought a Pellet Smoker a couple of years ago because I thought I'd give it a try for the convenience. Turns out I was right because I'm smoking a lot more than ever before because I don't have to find the time to dedicate to a cook. The pellet smoker and a recently purchased warming cabinet has probably stepped up my brisket game more than anything I've done in the past. Perhaps there is a difference in smoke profile but without comparing two methods where everything else is the same I can't tell a difference.

The only complaints I've ever gotten was when I had the cabinet smoker the wife would occasionally comment on the hint of charcoal flavor. Most people I think like that but for whatever reason she doesn't. Not once has anyone said "It doesn't have enough smoke."

 

[Central PA Cowboy]

The most consistent smoke that you will get is on a pellet smoker. I’ve tried bbq from offset smokers and most of the time it tastes like cigarette smoke. But for some reason, people think the harder they work the better the bbq will be. But I let them be.

 

[mneeley490]

I will happily buy another pellet smoker once I get re-established. So good for overnight cooks. I also had a MES40 with a mailbox mod that I liked, but occasionally the AMPS would go out prematurely during the cook. Not a problem with a pellet smoker with a large hopper, and a remote thermometer.

 

[BigW.]

I don't think there is a perfect smoker. That is why I have several. A pellet smoker is hard to beat for convenience. If it gets someone into this world then it's a good thing.

 

[jack l]

There is a saying that if you have to put sauce on the barbecue then it's not barbecue. I have gone to so-called BBQ joints over the years and recognized quickly the meat had not been smoked, but baked then varied seasons and BBQ sauce added.

I have never owned a pellet smoker but that seems to be the gripe from those who have, that you simply do not get the smoked taste. Otherwise I have seen where the camp chef pro is one of the more sought after pellet grills due to the ability to now add some smoke. Just my thought.

 

[mneeley490]

I never had a problem getting a smoke taste or smoke ring with my Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone.

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Complaining about pellet smokers is the same as people who bitch about 3-2-1 ribs.

 

[jcam222]

The most consistent smoke that you will get is on a pellet smoker. I’ve tried bbq from offset smokers and most of the time it tastes like cigarette smoke. But for some reason, people think the harder they work the better the bbq will be. But I let them be.

Pellet smokers are great but I have to say whoever is running those stick burners must not know what they are doing. My Lang runs a consistent perfect blue smoke. Almost impossible to run dirty.

 

[jcam222]

Complaining about pellet smokers is the same as people who bitch about 3-2-1 ribs.

3-2-1 ribs is something I did for a few years and it's a solid proven method. Especially true if you like fall of the bone ribs. That said I've decided when doing a lot of ribs the wrapping / unwrapping etc is a pain. I'm team no wrap with spritz now.

 

[mcokevin]

The best smoker is the one you'll use!

 

[Central PA Cowboy]

Pellet smokers are great but I have to say whoever is running those stick burners must not know what they are doing. My Lang runs a consistent perfect blue smoke. Almost impossible to run dirty.

I’m not in the best area for bbq lol.

 

[Brokenhandle]

There is no right or wrong answer here... taste is subjective and up for personal preference. Some like more smoke, some like less. Goes along with do you like ribs with a bite or fall off the bone? Chili with beans or without? Important thing is to enjoy the food you smoke on whatever type of smoker you're using.

Ryan

 

[DougE]

I love my Camp Chef cooker! Does it deliver as pronounced smoke flavor as my stick burner? No, but I really have no complaints with a little lesser smoke flavor for the convenience of the pellet rig.

 

[Redicans]

There is no right or wrong answer here... taste is subjective and up for personal preference. Some like more smoke, some like less. Goes along with do you like ribs with a bite or fall off the bone? Chili with beans or without? Important thing is to enjoy the food you smoke on whatever type of smoker you're using.

Ryan

100% on this!

 

[Redicans]

I like running my offset but when the time comes and it's more of a hassle for me I will have no problem switching to a pellet smoker. For the time being I like playing with the fire though. Hahaha!!

 

[bigfurmn]

If you like what you are making who gives a rats rear end what Joe Blow down the street thinks? I have a Weber kettle, MES 40 and a Pit Boss 100SC. Only one i don't use is the MES, but that's because it needs a rewire and i don't have time. If you like it that's all that matters.

 

[Elf@shore]

HI! IMO:?
Its what yur introduced to in life, Such @ Food!!?
There are folks that love Golden Corral, They never experienced what REAL FOOD is?
Thats fine ?
ME? I worked over a dozen Kitchens ,and picked up what I see to make a better food product !?
Kinda kills me when I see the Crap on TV ?
Its called EXPERIENCE! Very few recognize that and accept what is given to them ?

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

Wow! A random guy with 16 posts is throwing hate bombs.

I like many others on this forum have spent decades evolving our smoking skills.

We all start out with a simple BBQ. Many are fine with that. Others who have either tried amazing smoked meat or at least have seen videos online on just how great it can be to eat something better want to improve their skills.

Like anything in life there are many levels you can hope to achieve. In my experience I am pretty much at the peak unless I learn more which does happen.

There are many variables that can change a ranking but this is my story.

Standard BBQ grill.
I have had many from gas to charcoal but they were basic.

Electric Smoker.
My first try at smoking. Worked OK but did not last.

Propane smoker.
Better than electric but was fussy and did not give the best results.

Pellet Smoker.
This is when I was getting good. I have made so many great things from briskets to tri-tips. Everything I cooked on the pellet smoker tasted great and it so easy to set it and forget it.

The downside is after 5 years it started falling apart from moving it around. Another thing is being left outside even covered the pellets would solidify when it rained and I would have to take it apart to clean out the hopper and auger to get it working again.

The smoke taste was good depending on the pellets.

Santa Maria Built in adjustable grill.

This was the one thing I always wanted and once I had it I knew I would be the king of BBQ in my area. This is the best way of cooking so many different things and it adds the adjustment of the grill to keep from burning your food when the fire is hot and lower it when it goes down. My best investment.

Large offset wood smoker.

This is my newest and most expensive thing I have bought but is built to last. It is still fairly new to me but I have quickly figured out how to hold the temperatures and I have not had one thing that has not been a 10/10 from it so far.

A pellet smoker will give you a great smoke and you will not be disappointed with what you get from it but a well built offset smoker is on a whole different level. once you use the proper type of wood and learn how to keep the temperatures right there is no comparison. It is not about getting more smoke but getting more taste.

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

Honestly all I use is liquid smoke and a crock pot in the garage. It’s easy and I get to take an empty bag of charcoal to the local Home Depot, buy something random put it in the bag and bring it home like it’s charcoal for the kettle….. wife has no idea

 

[Colin1230]

"I don't get the hate on Pellet Smokers."​

You are right! You don't get the hate on pellet smokers here! We are a civilized bunch here at SMF. Haters don't last long.