Thinking about getting a pellet grill - which one?

[mikeintx]

I have enjoyed my Masterbuilt smoker for the last couple of months that I have had it and I also have (well, had - keep reading) a Weber Genesis Platinum that is about 10 years old. Last night I went to give the Weber a quick clean before I threw some burgers on and I realized that it has reached the end of its serviceable life. The burners are shot, the regulator is toast, the frame is rusted, the grates are burnt through, etc. I know it could be salvaged if some money was put into it, but it has served me well, it's time to put it out to pasture, and I want to try something different. So, what to replace it with?

As I mentioned above, I have been bitten by the smoking bug and am enjoying my Masterbuilt. A little research regarding combining the best of a grill and a smoker led me to pellet grills. More research has narrowed my choices down to the Rec Tec and the GMG. Now, I'm not really concerned about getting the most square inches for the dollar, but I do want to get the best grill for my buck. I'm looking for temperature stability, a quality build, a good warranty, good service, and a good feature set. I'm not looking to be talked into a different breed of cooker, I've done the research and a pellet grill is what I want. Question is, which one? I can go $1200 or so before I have to start explaining things to the wife, and I'd rather not go down that road. So what do I buy? Give me the pros and cons and your personal experiences - good, bad and ugly. Help me get a new grill!

Thanks folks!

 

[striper]

Don't know anything about the RecTec, but have friends with the GMG and they love it.  A possible alternative would be the Yoder ys480.  Very heavy construction, very good customer service, and Made in America.

 

[show me smoke]

Yep I am loving my ys 640...I looked at the 480 also but wanted more room...thought if you are wanting to grill the 640 may be better since it has the damper..I do not see myself grilling on my yoder...down side is the grease that will get into bottom of pit...combine grease and ashes from burn pot...= mess...I will still use my  weber Genesis for my grilling.

 

[mikeintx]

Good thoughts, thanks folks. I'll take a look at the Yoder as well. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[1beezer]

I have aTraeger Lil Tex Elite and am very happy with it.

 

[bama bbq]

What is the cost of pellets per lb and how many lbs per hr are burnt?  I saw several at the Jack and the Yoder looks a bit heavier duty to me.

 

[show me smoke]

Well after 3 cooks of paying attention my 640 is using about 2lb per hour..at 50 degees..costs about $2.84 per hour.  That figure should go down with warmer temps i would expect.

 

[mikeintx]

Thanks again for the input. At this point, I'm not really concerned so much about cost per hour as I am about reliability and temperature stability. Sounds like I've got a few grills to read up on...

 

[bbq grub rub]

I have a Traeger and a Rec Tec. I absolutely love the Rec Tec, it holds its temp within 2 degrees and is very well built. I don't think I could have got more for my money. (or even more money) Most of my best BBQ ever has come off of it.