Looking For New Smoker

[ThePreacherMan]

I’m looking to upgrade from my 2014 Traeger 22 Tailgater. I’ve been doing a little research, and I’m really liking the PitBoss Austin XL. My Father In Law has been using PitBoss smokers for a while now but he has run in to several problems with his, so I don’t know how durable they are. I’m wanting something with big hopper space and a good size cooking area. I love Traeger but some of their smokers will break the bank. I’m looking to only spend around $500-$700. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[DougE]

I'm happy with my Camp Chef SG24 WIFI. I've had it a few years now. I bought it from Lowe's, had it shipped to store, and put it on my Lowe's card. I had a year, interest free to pay it off, so that was a plus.

 

[ThePreacherMan]

I'm happy with my Camp Chef SG24 WIFI. I've had it a few years now. I bought it from Lowe's, had it shipped to store, and put it on my Lowe's card. I had a year, interest free to pay it off, so that was a plus.

I’ll check it out! I’ve seen a few of them around

 

[TNJAKE]

Loved my Austin xl and never had a single issue that pitboss didn’t fix very fast! I no longer smoke meat so gave it to a friend and now he’s enjoying the heck out of it

 

[ThePreacherMan]

Loved my Austin xl and never had a single issue that pitboss didn’t fix very fast! I no longer smoke meat so gave it to a friend and now he’s enjoying the heck out of it

So far it’s my first choice! Appreciate the feedback

 

[schlotz]

Remember, you usually get what you pay for. Sometimes its worth going up to the next level.

 

[ThePreacherMan]

Remember, you usually get what you pay for. Sometimes its worth going up to the next level.

What’s a brand to avoid? Or are they all fairly decent?

 

[mike243]

I think I am on year 7 with my Austin XL, no problems yet, they make a similar unit with a bigger diameter barrel, might be better for larger/more items. have been pleased with mine and would buy again if it came with a Pid board

 

[Winterrider]

Happy RT 590 Stampede owner for pellet unit.

 

[BigW.]

What do you usually smoke and how much room do you need? Those are big factors. Also if you own a Weber Kettle? That will do a lot, with less money.

 

[schlotz]

What’s a brand to avoid? Or are they all fairly decent?

Depends on who you talk too. Remember, most will positively point to their purchased brand, which is somewhat natural. I will say I've seen more negative reports on some brands vs others. One that comes to mind is Traeger. On the opposite side, I rarely read about any negatives regarding Rectec.

 

[chopsaw]

I’m looking to only spend around $500-$700. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

All kinds of good pellet smokers out there .
Make a list of the features you want .
Size and style
Like a pellet chute for hopper clean out .
Feed type . I wanted a drop auger feed
Ease of cleaning the main body .
wheels
trays
how many shelf positions ,,,,
That might help you narrow your search

 

[ThePreacherMan]

What do you usually smoke and how much room do you need? Those are big factors. Also if you own a Weber Kettle? That will do a lot, with less money.

My patio is about 100 sq ft. I smoke a lot of brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, chicken, fried chicken, burgers, steak, brats, cheese.

 

[BigW.]

A 26" Weber Kettle would be my 1st choice. Grilla Grills is having a pretty good special now for a pellet grill in your price range. I do not own one. I have a Green Mtn pellet, but use Weber most often.