In the market for a new smoker. Any recommendations?

[motown45]

Hello! I am in the market for a new smoker. I started about 10 yrs ago using a Masterbuilt Vertical Propane smoker and then moved to a Chargriller Akorn. Yesterday was the last smoke on the Akorn. Are pellets the way to go now?

 

[kilo charlie]

Pellet smokers are like easy bake ovens..set them and forget them as long as you have enough pellets.

I'm partial to the Pit Boss brand, but everyone has their preferences. I've had both vertical and horizontal smokers... I prefer the vertical but every smoker I have or ever had has it's own advantages.

In my opinion, Traegers have lost quality after they started making them overseas. You'd be paying for the name, not the best product.

Go visit some stores and see what's out there.. look a the build quality more than the cost. Make yourself a pro/con list for pellets vs charcoal vs electric vs propane vs stick burner... only you can decide what's best for you.

 

[motown45]

Pellet smokers are like easy bake ovens..set them and forget them as long as you have enough pellets.

I'm partial to the Pit Boss brand, but everyone has their preferences. I've had both vertical and horizontal smokers... I prefer the vertical but every smoker I have or ever had has it's own advantages.

In my opinion, Traegers have lost quality after they started making them overseas. You'd be paying for the name, not the best product.

Go visit some stores and see what's out there.. look a the build quality more than the cost. Make yourself a pro/con list for pellets vs charcoal vs electric vs propane vs stick burner... only you can decide what's best for you.

What do you like best about the Pit Boss? I enjoyed the ceramic smoking with the Akorn but it seems that all of the ceramic style smokers have taken a hit due to tariffs and are out of stock.

 

[kilo charlie]

What do you like best about the Pit Boss? I enjoyed the ceramic smoking with the Akorn but it seems that all of the ceramic style smokers have taken a hit due to tariffs and are out of stock.

The build quality is in my own research is better than Traeger.

I also use the Pit Boss brand pellets that I can buy at the local Walmart in 40 pound bags for $15 compared to the Traegerbrand sold in 20 pound bags for $20+.

I had 1 issue with my first Pit Boss and their Customer Service was helpful and sent me to correct part the first time to resolve the issue.

I appreciate that I can buy Pit Boss products at multiple places like Walmart, Menards, hardware stores etc.