Smoker as a grill... wife factor, etc...

[yardbird]

Currently using a propane (smoke hollow) cabinet smoker. I also have a Weber Performer charcoal grill. My wife won't use either one. When I had a gas grill (*shudder*) she had no problem going out and cooking burgers or sausage or hot dogs or whatever. But she doesn't mess with charcoal and the smoker... well that's just not her thing. Although she loves what comes OUT of it :)

Anyways.... my question is:

Is there a pellet grill that is maybe a little better than the others at doing quick stuff like hot dogs or burgers and stuff like that? 

I realize the answer to this might be kind of all over the place. Maybe ALL pellet grill/smokers can do this easily. I have no experience with them. 

I'm asking because when it comes time to upgrade EITHER my smoker or my grill, I was thinking a pellet grill might get me the best of both worlds. The LP smokers don't have the temperature control that the electrics and pellet poopers have. The electrics don't seem to get hot enough for some of the higher temp cooking I do.

It hasn't been easy finding information on things like reliability, maintenance, stuff like that. How often do you need to replace the igniter? What wears out? 

I'm hoping I find out that with a pellet grill, my wife could go out, plug it in, turn it on, and walk away for a few minutes and come back and toss on some burgers, and when done, shut it off and be done.

Are they that simple?

I'm learning. After a couple of long smokes doing pork shoulders, I'd LOVE to be able to set a temp and go on about my business without having to run out and adjust based on whether the wind picked up a little or changed direction, or whether the smoker started out in the sun and is now in the shade, or.... you get the idea. I'm not the baby sitting type. I COULD be at some point... but not yet. Too many other things to do :)

Guidance gratefully accepted. 

 

[scootermagoo]

As for me..................when it comes to outdoor cookin', I rather leave that up to me.  I'd rather she just kept her fingers off my stuff.  I figure it's just one thing she doesn't have to worry about.  I keep away from the wash machine, she keeps away from my grillin' stuff.

Sorry for not being helpful, I apologize.

 

[daveomak]

Yardbird, afternoon..... Yes there is.... I read about them today.... they are AWESOME.... thermostatically controlled..  sound great....  

RecTec makes them....  they say, "There will be no need to use the kitchen oven once you get one of their grills"....    Dave

 

[tallboys]

I replaced my gas girl with a Green Mountain smoker 4 years ago. They are easier to cook on than propane for sure. Your wife will love it. Just crank the heat up to 450 and do hotdogs and burgers. Or better yet ...cook them low and slow for better flavor.

 

[bbq grub rub]

rectec steak.JPG

• bbq grub rub
• Jan 9, 2013

This is a steak I made on my new Rec Tec. I turned it on, set it to 450 walked away for about 30 minutes. Came back, threw the steak on for 5 minutes, gave it a 1/4 turn for another 5 minutes. Next I flipped it & did the same. Came out perfect. |The flash from my camera made it look a little grey but it was actually pink inside. All the juices you see are just as it was when I cut it. They take a little longer to get to temp but, at least my Rec Tec, does a great job.