In the market for a new smoker. Any recommendations?

[chopsaw]

used Smoking Brothers Pellet grill,

Been looking at those myself . Just because really . There's a place here that sells them , I just might go stand in front of one . Not in the market right now , but maybe down the road .
Whatever you decide , make your list and stay with that list . Get opinions from memebers that own or have used what you're looking at . Not everyone likes the same thing .
I've heard good things about the smokin bros . but no real experience .

 

[sandyut]

Whatever you decide , make your list and stay with that list . Get opinions from memebers that own or have used what you're looking at . Not everyone likes the same thing .

Solid advice. When I was shopping I made the list of what I wanted it to have and then what was in budget and read everything I could find about the top three contenders which were MAK 2 (out of business), Rec Teq and Yoder.

 

[912smoker]

I would definitely choose the Smokin Brothers between those 2.
Made in the USA and they appear to be top quality. I've only seen 1 in person and it was stout.

Keith

 

[chopsaw]

Smokin Brothers between those 2.

My SmokeFire is still getting it done . Makes great food with plenty of smoke profile and features .
I had been scoping out a Mak incase I had to move on from it . Since things have changed with Mak , I was looking into the Smokin Bros . I like it .

 

[bigfurmn]

I see that your budget number won't fit this but check out the Stump's brand of smokers. I have a Stump's Baby and that thing is going to outlive me. It makes the best BBQ I have ever had. Hands down. The cabinet is insulated so it holds heat well in the winter. I smoke meat all year round if I can.

It is a vertical feed charcoal burner with smoke wood under the burn grate. Simply out, I love this unit! Was worth waiting the extra time to save enough for this smoker. My $0.02.

JC

Well hello there Mister Fancy Pants. . Totally kidding but they look like nice rigs.

 

[Elf@shore]

I appreciate all of your replies. I am faced with three choices right now. Would love your thoughts. I have the opportunity to purchase a used Smoking Brothers Pellet grill, purchase a new Grilla Pellet or a new Grilla Kong. The Kong seems to be a better version of the Akorn, which is what I have been using for the past 5 years. I am interested in what your thoughts are between a used Smoking Brothers and new Grilla pellet?

HI! Grill choices:
I almost got a used pellet grill, but then said why put good $ into a big Maybe it will last ?
Not worth the risk of buying used electrics IMO ?
I looked for over a year before buying one.
As far as reviews go?: Traeger has many but are not the best?
Grilla ships direct, therefore they are not in yur typical Big Box store.
I liked the Grilla features above the Rectec:
1st looked @ the Chimp model:
Double walled: cold cooking, upgraded pellet pot.
SS grates, top rack standard, Not an add on
Wifi: Smoke mode along with other nice perks, A Stall mode: temps will not peak during an opening.
Auger , RTF, adjustments, comes with a Temp probe.
Decent pellet load: 15 lbs
I got a nice price for the old 1.0 WIFI : $500 with a cover shipped to my door.
No sales tax and free shipping within a few days.
Saved over $300!.
Not to mention I get more for the $ in feature upgrades.
Not going to pay few $100 more for less features? with a RECTEC?
BBQ Labs has you tube reviews on Grilla grills, including the Kong.
I feel he has an unbiased review .
FYI: Grilla did have sales during the year, such as now:
Grilla OG and Silverback XL now.
Kong was on sale last year around XMAS.
I have no idea of that Smokin Bros. unit?
What model is it ?
What condition is it in?
Is it priced right ?
If its reasonable and you plan on adding a few $100 down the road to replace electric parts?
Hope this helps?
ELF

 

[schlotz]

Couple of things regarding the Smokin' Bros. I noticed the upper rack is only 8" deep. There is no mention of a pellet dump feature. That would be an issue for me. Moisture over an extended time can decompose the pellets and when they in turn dry it becomes a concrete mess freezing the auger in place. Dumping the pellets & letting the unit continue to run until it flames out due to no more pellets being fed ensures this will never happen. Can't say I'm that fond of the non-stainless steel approach. JMTC

 

[chopsaw]

There is no mention of a pellet dump feature.

Back when I bought mine , I had a list of features I wanted . The Rec tec RT-700 didn't have a pellet dump and was the first one crossed off the list .
It's a deal breaker for me too . So if the Smokin Bros. doesn't have one , I wouldn't even consider it .

I actually just dumped the pellets in my SmokeFire . This time I vac'd out the chute too , and found some hard pellet dust at the bottom of the auger . Amazing how hard that stuff gets . Happy I found it , or it was going to be an issue at some point .

 

[Elf@shore]

Back when I bought mine , I had a list of features I wanted . The Rec tec RT-700 didn't have a pellet dump and was the first one crossed off the list .
It's a deal breaker for me too . So if the Smokin Bros. doesn't have one , I wouldn't even consider it .

I actually just dumped the pellets in my SmokeFire . This time I vac'd out the chute too , and found some hard pellet dust at the bottom of the auger . Amazing how hard that stuff gets . Happy I found it , or it was going to be an issue at some point .

Grilla OG:
Reviews : there are over 400!
Not sure where that previous statement:few reviews?
Has a pellet dump!
Also a 2nd shelf extension available.
There is a bundle with it and a cover
$737 Price.
You Tube has a guy with a 6 month review, that’s pretty honest about it.
He showed a smoke ring on a piece of meat: pretty impressive for a pellet smoker!
Grilla had some videos too.

 

[chopsaw]

I'm just looking around at different smokers . Not in the market right now , and next one will be a step up from the middle if I want one . The Griila's look good though .

showed a smoke ring on a piece of meat: pretty impressive for a pellet smoker!

The SmokeFires are the same way .

 

[zwiller]

Get opinions from memebers that own or have used what you're looking at .

+1000. I asked @chopsaw a BUNCH of stuff and checked out the Weber forums. Honestly, I think was pics of his beef runs with the smoke ring like above that did it for me. Since owning one, I personally think there is unjust bias towards pellet smokers as they are easy to use. In the end, the people eating don't care what smoker was used.