New Member...

[paleoman]

Hi! I've had a Masterbuilt electric smoker for about eight years, and it has been working pretty well. The last two years, however, the front panel display doesn't work and I have to use the remote to set temp and time.

So, I decided it was high time to buy a new smoker and during the Black Friday sales, I bought a Traeger 575 smoker, and am venturing into the "pellet" world. Looking to learn more about pellet smoking (and smoking in general), and to pick up ideas for recipes and techniques.

 

[mr_whipple]

Welcome from Virginia! Congrats on the new smoker, but I hope you didn't toss the Masterbuilt. A PID controller will make it like new all over again, except way better.

 

[BigW.]

Welcome!

 

[normanaj]

Hello from RI.

Don't ditch that MES! The simple rewire and the addition of a PID controller can turn it into an electric smoking machine so much better than a stock model.

 

[paleoman]

Welcome from Virginia! Congrats on the new smoker, but I hope you didn't toss the Masterbuilt. A PID controller will make it like new all over again, except way better.

Yeah, I still have the Masterbuilt. it's sitting on the deck for now, in the corner... probably jealous of the new smoker. :)

I'm anxious to try out the pellet smoker. I did the initial seasoning run they proscribed, and then cooked some burgers, just because it was quick thing to make. Even grilling, it's a bit different with the indirect heat, vs using our Weber propane grill. Came out well, but took longer - granted the 20 degree temps didn't help.

 

[paleoman]

Hello from RI.

Don't ditch that MES! The simple rewire and the addition of a PID controller can turn it into an electric smoking machine so much better than a stock model.

In the Spring, I'll have to research into the PID controller stuff, and see what it takes to resurrect the unit. Right now, the seven segment display is like a three segment display.

I do like the size and shape of the Traeger - especially since I like baby back ribs, and I can easily fit racks in the Traeger. I'm itching to try smoking the ribs as part of the process.

 

[sandyut]

Welcome to SMF! I switched to a pellet grill about 10 years ago, best thing I ever bought. Great people here to help.

 

[DougE]

Welcome from Kentucky!

As others said, don't ditch the MES. Just mod it with an Auber PID controller.

 

[paleoman]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. If there are existing threads on tips for a Traeger, please let me know. I see there is a pellet sub-forum (and a whole bunch others) that I'll want to look into.

 

[Brokenhandle]

Welcome from Iowa!

Ryan

 

[bigfurmn]

Welcome from Minnesota. I hope you realize the rabbit hole you just started down. The people here are incredible people and darn good cooks. First thing I would suggest, and this is a forum of enablers , would be a welding blanket to put over the grill if you plan to cook a bit in lower temps. It has done wonders for my pellet grill.

 

[paleoman]

Welcome from Minnesota. I hope you realize the rabbit hole you just started down. The people here are incredible people and darn good cooks.

I'm looking forward to learning more about smoking, especially with pellets, as that is totally new to me. I've been scanning the different sub-forums and already see some things I want to explore. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions!

First thing I would suggest, and this is a forum of enablers , would be a welding blanket to put over the grill if you plan to cook a bit in lower temps. It has done wonders for my pellet grill.

Great tip on the welding blanket. I didn't even think about using that as a cover and had already gone the inexperienced/expensive route, and had ordered a Traeger blanket. It's good to know that it will make a difference.

 

[bigfurmn]

paleoman I have the Pit Boss blanket for mine. I went the cheap route too though, had someone get it for me for Christmas a few years ago.

 

[Colin1230]

Welcome from KC. Glad you joined us. Got any pics of your new cooking machine?
Again, welcome.

 

[normanaj]

Harbor Freight welding blanket does the trick at the price.

 

[paleoman]

Welcome from KC. Glad you joined us. Got any pics of your new cooking machine?
Again, welcome.

Thanks!

Here's a quick shot, right after I set it up and was doing the first "seasoning" run on Tuesday...

 

[paleoman]

Blanket came in today...

 

[matthewjtaylor]

Blanket came in today...

View attachment 708623

Great, BTW Welcome to SMF

 

[schlotz]

Looking good and cozy! FYI: when not in use you might want to place the grease bucket inside the hood so creatures don't get at it.

 

[paleoman]

Looking good and cozy! FYI: when not in use you might want to place the grease bucket inside the hood so creatures don't get at it.

Oh yeah, I do. Found that out from our Weber grill grease catch pan ending up in the middle of the yard all tore up.

After the shot, I put the bucket away and put the grill cover over it.