Looking for my first smoker, torn between Camp Chef, Recteq, others

[du57in]

Hi, all - I am looking to get my first smoker and after waffling over electric, MB Gravity and pellet, I think I am finally ready to commit to pellet. I need something to compliment my Weber Spirit that is relatively automated and will work in the cold Michigan winters.

I have narrowed it down to a couple models that I think would suit my needs of cooking for as many as four adults, but two on a regular basis, at around $500 dollars or so.

1. Camp Chef WoodWind Wifi 20 - This is on sale for $425. I like the features including the easy ash clean and pellet dump.
   
   
2. Camp Chef MZGX 24 - On sale for $499. Also great features, just a little larger and it has the Gen 3 controller.
   
   
3. Recteq Patio Legend or Deck Boss - The sale on this went away, but they were something like $550 and $760. The Deck Boss keeps calling my name, despite it being so much more expensive than the other models.
   
   
4. Traeger 22 - This is also on sale for $400, but the Camp Chef seems much nicer.

What do you think, any suggestions? Am I missing something?

FWIW, I have been looking at used models and I just can't find a good enough deal that looks better than the MZGX. I did find a $350 Grilla Alpha, but I am nervous of the history of a used smoker with electronics. I also have a hard time spending an additional $300 or so for the Deck Boss over the MZGX. It doesn't seem fundamentally different or so much better to justify the 60% higher price.

Thank you!

 

[jcam222]

If I were buying a pellet grill from that list it would be the Recteq if money weren't an issue.

 

[Coreymacc]

I have had a 36" Camp Chef Lux for 10 years and its basically like new. I did the wifi upgrade a few years ago, and exept for that, its been flawless. Its had 100's of lbs of pellets through it.

Only Caveat is, mine is 10 years old and I have no experience with newer units.

My 2cents
Corey

 

[du57in]

I have had a 36" Camp Chef Lux for 10 years and its basically like new. I did the wifi upgrade a few years ago, and exept for that, its been flawless. Its had 100's of lbs of pellets through it.

Only Caveat is, mine is 10 years old and I have no experience with newer units.

My 2cents
Corey

Thank you for sharing. I have really only read good things about Camp Chef. I tend to take good care of my things, which seems to help longevity.

 

[schlotz]

Lots to choose from. Like most things the financial strings usually have their say in the decision making. Off all the options the one that sticks out most to me is the positive feedback coming from those using Recteq. They were in their infancy back when I was in the market but if I was looking for a pellet smoker today it most likely would be from Rectec. Size is important so don't skimp on it.

 

[DougE]

I've had my Camp Chef SG24 WIFI a few years now. It has the Gen 3 PID controller and is more or less a Woodwind without the stainless steel trim.

No issues with it at all other than the original meat probes had to be replaced as they quit reading correctly. I got aftermarket ones off Amazon cheaper than getting them from CC and they work fine.

Be aware that while the ash cleanout gives you a clean firepot each cook, you still have to remove the bottom grates and drip tray to vacuum the ash out occasionally. The fan blows some of the ash out of the firepot, which ends up in the bottom. Pretty much true of all pellet grills, though.

 

[sandyut]

I would buy the recteq! no question. Ive had mine a decade and it run like day one. LOVE IT

 

[du57in]

I would buy the recteq! no question. Ive had mine a decade and it run like day one. LOVE IT

Despite how good of a deal these other models are, the Recteq is really calling to me.

 

[Buckeye1]

Despite how good of a deal these other models are, the Recteq is really calling to me.

A good choice, can’t go wrong with Recteq

 

[sandyut]

A good choice, can’t go wrong with Recteq

Seriously, just get the Rec Tec. You will love it. many of us have them. I really cant say this enough, great smoker, quality, customer service like you wish all companies had. zero regrets! buy once cry once.

 

[Buckeye1]

Seriously, just get the Rec Tec. You will love it. many of us have them. I really cant say this enough, great smoker, quality, customer service like you wish all companies had. zero regrets! buy once cry once.

Agree with this comment. First week I had my RT had a user error problem, called after hours on a Friday, of course no one answered. Monday morning the CS rep called and said “we see we missed your call on Friday “ ….. how can we help! That is customer service.

 

[sandyut]

Agree with this comment. First week I had my RT had a user error problem, called after hours on a Friday, of course no one answered. Monday morning the CS rep called and said “we see we missed your call on Friday “ ….. how can we help! That is customer service.

yup, ive done the same. they call promptly and help. no judgement for user error or lack of knowledge, they just explain how it works and how to keep it rolling. I swear, if all companies had service like this, they would have customer for life! sad others dont...really!

 

[du57in]

The Deck Boss went on sale again today so I pulled the trigger. Bought a cover as well, then had an additional $100 off coupon. I think I made the right decision. Praying it will be here before Christmas!

 

[Brokenhandle]

That's awesome! Excited to see your first cook!

Ryan

 

[TheJackwagon]

The Deck Boss went on sale again today so I pulled the trigger. Bought a cover as well, then had an additional $100 off coupon. I think I made the right decision. Praying it will be here before Christmas!

You will not be disappointed, I love my Recteq BFG!

 

[schlotz]

The Deck Boss went on sale again today so I pulled the trigger. Bought a cover as well, then had an additional $100 off coupon. I think I made the right decision. Praying it will be here before Christmas!

Good decision, you will certainly enjoy it. Remember, let's see that first smoke!

 

[civilsmoker]

The Deck Boss went on sale again today so I pulled the trigger. Bought a cover as well, then had an additional $100 off coupon. I think I made the right decision. Praying it will be here before Christmas!

Congrats and you made a solid choice, I love my RT 1250....It still gets used 2-3 days a week at our house....ie I have over 600 hours of cooking on it this year...Life has been busy so its dropped down from 800 hours a year in the past.... But this year I have been smoking more per cook and then Vac-pac for later.....

 

[du57in]

Good decision, you will certainly enjoy it. Remember, let's see that first smoke!

I will do that. Wife has been asking for ribs so I think that will be it!

 

[du57in]

Congrats and you made a solid choice, I love my RT 1250....It still gets used 2-3 days a week at our house....ie I have over 600 hours of cooking on it this year...Life has been busy so its dropped down from 800 hours a year in the past.... But this year I have been smoking more per cook and then Vac-pac for later.....

That's the way to do it. I cook in bulk (can't beat Costco) and freeze for other dishes. Another tool in the chest!

 

[sandyut]

The Deck Boss went on sale again today so I pulled the trigger. Bought a cover as well, then had an additional $100 off coupon. I think I made the right decision. Praying it will be here before Christmas!

Good call for sure. Mine has been rolling for a decade. its the older rt-700