Pellet Grill or Pellet Vertical Smoker?

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Khrakk

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Sep 15, 2019
77
61
E. Texas
I have a delima and would like your thoughts...

My wife wants me to replace my smoker because my old one is... really old. I currently have an old MES30 that probably 10 or 12 years old (surprised it lasted this long). The outside of it is rusty and the silkscreen cover over the controller came off years ago, so I'm looking at circuit board when setting temperature and all that stuff. Anyways, I'm ok with it as long as it works. My wife, not so much.

I found out that my wife and daughter were planning on a PB Vertical Pellet Smoker for father's day when I was looking at a PB Pellet Grill the other day. She started asking questions about it before revealing they were going to get the PB vertical smoker. I did a reverse seer steak on my MES30 and finished it on my gas grill and wife liked it, so she was asking if the pellet grill would be easier to do the seer than the MES or the PB vertical smoker. I think it will, but not sure. I've read that pellets dont put out a lot of smoke at high temps, so I would use my Amazn Smoke Tube to augment smoke generation.

I typically like to smoke pork roasts, tenderloins, turkey breasts, sausage, jerky, ribs, etc in my MES. I grill (on my gas grill) steak, chicken, fish, burgers, pork chops, etc.

So, the delima - could I really grill and smoke all the stuff I like using just a pellet grill and tube? In theory, couldn't I do the same on the PB vertical smoker (it gets pretty hot too). Do pellets grills do a good job with burgers, steaks, and chops AND can they really smoke as well. The thought of smoking and grilling a steak, burgers, or chops is very appealing to me, but only if it works well.

I told my wife I'd likely end up with both if I was not happy with the one she got. I really dont want both.
 
Sorry, I know you guys are inundated with "which one should I get" questions. I have not found much regarding a comparison of capabilities between pellet grills vs. Vertical smokers. Thanks.
 
I just recently went through this dilemma myself. Over the years I have had up to 5 grills/smokers all with different purposes and such, but have since moved to a house with a much smaller lot and trying to simplify things. Through my research I ended up on the Rec Tec line of pellet grills and while not here yet, have seen a ton of raving reviews and videos that all turn out some killer looking food.

I like the idea of horizontal smokers since I like to do ribs, briskets, and such more often. Not much in the way of sausages, links, etc so horizontal style is my preference.

Not sure what the budget is but after 10+ years I would say you def deserve an upgrade. With the addition of 'grill grates' it looks like searing is quiet achievable as well if that, like me, is a fear of yours. Not sure how much help that is, but let us know what you decide!
 
My PB is a few years old but I set it on the P setting (usually in my garage about 170-180 degrees) for about 20-30 minutes then turn it to 450 degrees and they come out great. Just need a very good thermometer. My way isn't for everyone but she who runs the house likes it.
 
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