Super new to the party - some questions about Pellet Grills

[FlyingColors]

I have been avidly reading this site for a few days, getting serious and researching pellet grills for a solution to my backyard and lifestyle. So much great information and I look forward to getting more involved on the site.

I am admittedly a very much novice smoker having only owned straightforward electric smokers in the past. Happy with the results, but like many on here I’m interested in upping my game and babysitting less.

A couple of quick questions:

1) This is a really dumb question, but how is the auger powered on a camp chef woodwind? (which is the leader in the clubhouse for what I believe I want to buy)

2) I am not the most handy person either, and have a general concern about the onboard digital computer and functionality like the auger. How often do these functionalities “break” or need maintenance? Do certain factors influence that? Things like weather, do you leave it covered, just should’ve best be kept in a garage, etc...?

3) How important is it to buy pellets specific to the brand of smoker/grill? Do most people buy any brand pallets typically?

I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Very excited to get more involved with these and really enjoy the forum.

 

[gmc2003]

Welcome to the site. Sorry I'm not a pellet pooper, so I can't offer much help your questions. Question #3, I don't believe it's to important to buy pellets specific to the smoker. Just look for brands that are what really what they say they are. Some brands can be deceiving with the makeup of the wood and flavoring. You may want to also looking into an external smoke generator for added smoke. Something similar to the A-Maze-N smoker. Here is the link: http://www.amazenproducts.com/. Someone will chime in answers to your questions.

Chris

 

[kruizer]

The auger is motor driven and is controlled by a small process controller that regulates by monitoring temp. It works really well.

 

[FlyingColors]

But what powers the motor? A battery? Electric cord?

 

[dp2826]

Standard 120 volt home outlet. You plug it in. This powers the unit including the auger.

 

[muskyjunky]

My experience with a pellet smoker has been very good . And like you, I started with an electric . My advice is study this website you have joined and you will find all the answers ( search option is great here ) . Having said that , I think the real key to this type of cooking is patience . No matter what type of smoker you are running . I have had good results running the recommended pellets for my machine , I do run a tube on occasion as Chris suggested , and I cover my machine and keep it in garage . Just my 2 penny’s .

 

[vaffanculo403]

I recently came from an electric smoker. i went with a RecTec and i absolutely love it! It's night and day. The customer service is top notch and the warranty is the best that i could find.