Looking for 2 cents

[pman5412]

Getting ready to squeeze the trigger on a pellet smoker. While i would love to get a more expensive model, but my wife reminds me i must stay humble (< $600). I saw that Lowes sells the chargriller ($500) and saw some positive reviews on here about it. The only other P.S. that appealed was the Green Mountain DB (no wifi for about $600). The rest of what i looked at in this price range was either too small or looked cheaply made. Looking for recommendations from all you vets. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[xray]

Let us know what you decide to get. I also have a pellet grill on my wishlist. I'm looking to replace my rust bucket of a gas grill that's on its last legs.

My budget would be similar to yours. I like the GMG Daniel Boone model but it looks small so the Jim Bowie is worth a look at. The closest GMG dealer is about an hour away so I would like to stop by and see them in person before I ever pull the trigger on one.

Ive also thought about the Cabelas models, haven't seen them in person yet. My biggest fear is paying $600+ and having it rust away in a few years...but I would probably store it in the basement when not in use like my smoker...especially paying that kind of $$$

 

[mowin]

All are good choices. My 2 cents... GMG has the best customer support I've ever used.
Not saying the others don't.

The GMG DB is a decent size unit. I've had a 15# brisket, rack of ribs, and two pans of Mac n cheese on the top rack.

The few issues I've had with my GMG have been handled quickly. Usually get a call back the same day, if not within a hr or so.

It does have its quirks, but it's like any smoker. The more you use it the better you know it and can put out great Q every time.

 

[bregent]

 
Getting ready to squeeze the trigger on a pellet smoker. While i would love to get a more expensive model, but my wife reminds me i must stay humble (< $600). I saw that Lowes sells the chargriller ($500) and saw some positive reviews on here about it. The only other P.S. that appealed was the Green Mountain DB (no wifi for about $600). The rest of what i looked at in this price range was either too small or looked cheaply made. Looking for recommendations from all you vets. Any help will be appreciated.

How often do you plan on using it? If not very often, the Chargriller is probably fine. If you're going to be using it several times a week, I'd step up to a better unit. Keep in mind that with moderate use, you can easily burn $500 of pellets a year, making the initial purchase cost trivial by comparison. 

 

[pman5412]

Looked at the PS's today and while the chargriller was less expensive the GMG just looked like a better build for $50 more. As far as how often i use it ... Probably not too often (3-5/month) depending on how much jerky the wife goes through. It was one of her big selling points("smoker will pay for itself in jerky savings after a year"), lol.

 

[jake0531]

In reference to the thread title...

61266385.jpg

• jake0531
• Mar 9, 2017

 

[bregent]

 
Looked at the PS's today and while the chargriller was less expensive the GMG just looked like a better build for $50 more. As far as how often i use it ... Probably not too often (3-5/month) depending on how much jerky the wife goes through. It was one of her big selling points("smoker will pay for itself in jerky savings after a year"), lol.

If jerky is one of the main things you'll be cooking you are probably better off with the GMG, as it has a better controller and can maintain lower temps better. 

 

[pman5412]

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the GMG DB. My first smoke was a couple butts. Used the smoking tube and they turned out rather well (less smoky than the COS i used to use, but i expected that. the only thing I can say I didn't really care for was the traditional "spoke type" grilling surface. Makes me wonder if there are any of the flat cast iron replacements to be found. The grill plates from my old smoker will fit inside, but not in the recessed area.