Thinking about pulling trigger on a Traeger

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

I do most of my smoking on a 22 inch Weber kettle using a slow n sear, just got a Santa Maria attachment and am loving that. Thinking the Traeger Pro 22 for my budget, any advice or other recommendations? Having hip replacement surgery June 29th and would like to be able to continue BBQ/smoking 1-2x a week this summer for family and friends without making numerous trips up and down stairs, in and out back door. Any feedback on doing brisket, chuck roasts, beef ribs, pork butts, pork belly, pork ribs, whole chickens, salmon fillets on a small Traeger would be appreciated. Mainly feed 4-10 people. Thank you

 

[SmokinAl]

I just bought a Rec-Tec and it is the first pellet grill I have owned. So I can’t comment on a Traeger, but I can say that I do like my pellet grill.
Al

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Trigger pulled!!! Seasoning it now. Went with the Pro 34 at $624.99 rather than the Pro 22 at $599.99 way more space for $25, gonna do a 15 lb Packer Brisket for Father’s Day tomorrow

 

[pushok2018]

Congrats on your new smoker! Hope you enjoy it for loooong time!

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Been up since 6:30 am got it trimmed, injected, rubbed, and on before 8am
Simple beef stock for injection. Salt, pepper, cane sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne for rub.

 

[bigfurmn]

HOLY S#@T!!! Did i read that right??? $6.99/lb??? Ok deep breath. Keep in mind on the Traeger the stall will be shorter if any at all. Good luck with it. Im in for the finish. Looking good.
EDIT: Forgot to mention, congrats on the new rig. Looks real nice.

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Yep, $6.99 a lb is that good or bad? I know the price on beef cuts I normally cook is up big time. Brisket is special occasion. Thanks for advice on stall, I’m waiting for it at 158 in point, and 156 in flat right now. Have family coming at 6pm just cranked it up to 300

 

[912smoker]

Congrats on getting new toy and off to a good 1st cook ! Are you planning to wrap?

Keith

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Plan is to wrap, I’d like a little darker bark before doing so. This Traeger is all new to me. Playing by ear right now

 

[bigfurmn]

In a pellet grill you may not have to wrap. I have never wrapped one in my Pit Boss and they come out very well. As to price, around here they have whole choice brisket at Hy-vee for $2.99/lb this weekend.

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Nice, I do a lot of pichana and Tri tip on weekends for quicker cooks of delicious beef. Up to $12.99 a lb compared to $7.99 a lb last year. My butcher says he won’t eat beef right now. I’m in Michigan. Picanha on weber kettle with Titan Santa Maria, AWESOME

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Decided not to wrap, right around .200 right now, both spots. Waiting for it to probe tender then I’ll rest in foil. Backyard smells so good right now

 

[bigfurmn]

Man that is looking good.

 

[912smoker]

Looking good CB !

Keith

 

[jaxgatorz]

Looks great..Noce job with the new smoker.

 

[civilsmoker]

Very nice cook and congrats I. The grill, it already looks like you have it dialed in!

 

[CoolbreezeBBQ]

Came out great, never wrapped. Had 9 family members over, no leftovers. Turned it to high and did hot dogs/burgers after brisket was done. Did not use as many pellets as I thought I would in the 9-10 hours it took for brisket. Separated point and flat, cubed and sauced point for burnt ends, foiled flat then sliced. Happy with the purchase, can’t wait for next weekend.

 

[bauchjw]

Awesome! Congrats on the new toy, I like my Traeger, cooks well and let’s me spend time with the family.. Looks great! How did the brisket turn out?

Edit: you posted results when I wrote this great work!