Need help deciding...$3k budget for a pellet grill.

[Scoutdog44]

I am one of those guys that researches to the point of analysis paralysis - that is where I am at this point. There is a list I have that would create the perfect pellet grill but I am unable to find one...at my budget. Here are the most important features I want: heat up to 600 degrees, ability to choose between direct/indirect flame for burgers/steaks, all stainless steel (due to being in rainy south Florida and next to a salt-water pool), enough room to smoke a turkey and a small ham at the same time (or grill 12 steaks or 24 burgers), wifi control, interior grilling light, fairly easy to clean, efficient and even temperature distribution (prefer double-wall construction), two or more temp probes and a great warranty.

Here is what I have researched thus far: Traeger Timberline 1300, Yoder YS640s, Pitts & Spitts Maverick 850, Blaz'n Grill Grid Iron, Coyote 36" Pellet grill, Cookshack PG1000, Mak 2 Star General and Rec-Tec RT-700. On paper, the Coyote has pretty much all of the specs but it sounds like the reputation of Coyote is not that great - but let me know if that is not the case. I am leaning towards the Mak 2 Star but it is a bit on the smaller size but may be just fine. I have used a Kamado Joe for years and ended up selling it to the buyers of our home in Texas along with my Saber grill so I am starting over completely and want to have one grill that can actually grill and smoke.

 

[sandyut]

if it was me these are my top three;

• Mac 2 Star
• Rec Tec
• Yoder

I would skip the Trager...I dont recognize the others from my research.

I wanted a Mac 2 but couldnt part with the coin. I bought a rec tec and LOVE IT! Yoder was in the top contention and I here the yoder guys on here are happy with them. Btwn yoder and rec tec - I think its personal preference on features.

Welcome to SMF!

 

[retfr8flyr]

With your wanted features I would go for the Mak 2*. P&S makes a full SS 850 model but I don't think it's in your price range. The only way you will get adequate direct flame grilling is with the Mak, P&S, or Yoder. You have to have a system to open the firepot through the drip pan to get good grilling. I have the Treager 1300 and it doesn't do well for high temp grilling. There are a lot of Rec Tec fan boys on the forum so you will get a lot of recommendations for this grill, in spite of what they will say, you can't get flame style grilling with a solid drip pan in place. Both the Yoder and the P&S have an option for a drip pan which opens the area above the firepot, also moves the diffuser out of the way. The Mak has a complete system for flame grilling. The Mak looks small but due to the shape of it you can get a lot of food on there at one time.

 

[mike guy]

Rectec 700 for smoking and a weber kettle / or some kind of ceramic kamado for grilling

I like my rectec, but if you want direct flame for grilling you want a real fire. I'm not getting rid of my bge anytime soon. Just my 2 cents.

 

[sandyut]

I kinda agree with M mike guy on this. I havent used my Rec Tec RT700 to sear and likely would opt for my gasser on max. I do plan to pick up a rec tec bulls eye if could keep them in stock long enough for me to but it.

 

[schlotz]

Get the MAK 2 Star. You won't be disappointed.

 

[catavalon21]

Agree with several others; I have (and love) the RT700, but use a gasser for searing (pre or post smoke, depending on my mood and the meat). It's a fantastic smoker, but I haven't mastered making it a real grill yet.

 

[ttkt57]

A small grill retailer up here in Idaho near where I live owns a Yoder 640 and an Outlaw 680 and has competed with both. He says the Outlaw cooks better--something about airflow, burn pot design, and proprietary firmware. The designer is an engineer with a degree in physics and a background at Micron. I took a look at an Outlaw last week and it was solid. Website is out of date and has limited information, but the unit up close and personal is very impressive. Definitely in league with the Yoder and Pitts and Spitts, and maybe a better performer.

And leaves Rec Tec, Grilla, and other imports in the dust.

Edit: I just noticed that something automatically added a link to Rec Tec in my post but not to Grilla, Yoder, or Outlaw. So I will say it again, the Outlaw leaves the Rec Tec in the dust--with or without a promotional link assist.

 

[keithd]

Another suggestion, if you can wait a while - Lone Star Grillz 20x42, seems to take the best things of most of the other higher-end smokers and put 'em into one grill.