First off- thanks for all the info. I’m brand new here and I’m sure you get these questions all the time... Thr problem with these what should I buy threads is everyone is looking for something different, different features, etc. Well, I can find the modes that interest me the most if you guys can tell me which brands to consider and which brands to avoid. I’ve been looking for a little while now and my head is literally spinning.
If you look at this forum, and others, and check the number of threads describing problems and do a tally of those threads according to grill manufacturer, then you may be able to get a feel as to which brands to avoid.
I would start out by looking at say, this page and up to the last 10 pages of threads, maybe even as much as the last year’s worth of thread titles, in this the Pellet Grills section of this forum. I'd read threads which describe problems, and keep a count of the brands mentioned in those "problem" type threads.
I’m replacing our family’s propane grill so this pellet grill will be our only smoker/grill. We are a family of four and will use it here in Texas about 3-4 times a week. I’m looking to spend about $600-800 all in (cover, accessories like any sear grates, etc.). I’m good with maintenance and want a brand that will last. I would like something that can sear to finish sitting off, even if that’s throwing a cast iron griddle at 450 for 20 minutes and using that instead of the grates that come with it.
Based on what I've seen in here and elsewhere, what you're describing is a tall order.
You want reliable, at a $600.00-$800.00 price point and with all of the accessories, big enough to feed a family of four, and reliable enough to do that 3-4 times per week.
You want it built to last, which goes to quality of build materials and durability of those build materials. Quality of construction and corrosion resistance. And you want it to be able to sear well.
At the price point that you're describing, and with accessories, I have not seen a brand referenced in here nor elsewhere, which would check all of those boxes.
Reliability when you go to fire it up, good construction materials and build quality which will "last", is going to cost good money just by themselves, and put you at or near the top of your price range, if not beyond it, right off the bat.
Throw in accessories, and you'll easily top your price point.
"Size" is the easiest box to check, as there are many pellet grills out there which are "big". But many of the "big, but cheap" pellet grills out there, are among those leading the pack in the description of problems. Not to mention that many of these less expensive grills are made of low grade steel which is less resistant to corrosion.
Extra info- I have a Costco membership and get a 10% military discount at Lowe’s. So I’m looking at those two places for most bang for my buck. I’m looking at Traegers at Costco, the Pro PBs at lowes,
Camp Chef, you name it.
Again, I would do a thorough perusal of this forum first, and then others like it, searching for threads describing problems in pellet grills in general.
While doing so, I would do a tally to determine how well represented the brands that you refer to above are in those "problem" threads.
The brands which repeatedly showed up, I would avoid.
I can just about guarantee that the brands leading the pack in the description of problems, are going to fall in the price range that you have set. That $600-$800.00 range, (and below $600.00) and they are going to be sold in chain stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Costco.
As you go to the brands that are in the $800.00 and above range, the frequency of threads here and perhaps some of the other places that you may look, which describe problems, is going to decrease.
The $800.00 and above range, and possibly well above that range, with all the accessories you're describing, the reliability and durability that you're describing, the size that you'll likely need for a family of 4, is possibly going to lead you into the GMG, Grilla,
Rec Tec, Yoder, MAK type offerings.
Some of these aren't likely to be sold in big box stores and chain hardware stores.
But you will see and hear of a lot fewer threads describing problems in these, than in some of the less expensive offerings.
Some of that is possibly due to sheer number of units (mass) produced. So it is fair to take that into account as well.
But by and away, IMO, much if not most of it is due to overall product quality vs what you'll find in the stores that you mention.
So Thanks in advance for my admittedly newbie post. Just looking to know what brands really stand ou for quality, longevity and accuracy in my price range.
Arguably, there really are no "standouts" among pellet grills priced in the range that you state.
And now that “accuracy” is in the mix, well...it’s going to be difficult, if not impossible to check all of your boxes st the price point that you specify.
From what I have seen, "standouts" among pellet grills, are going to come in at a higher price point than what you’ve mentioned.
Based on a description of problems and their frequency, the grills with the highest description of problems are going to come in at the $600-800 price point and below the lower of the two figures.
Once you get above that price point, the description of problems begins to thin out.
I’m looked at all the reviews but I’m convinced they are written by different companies- and they all say different things, so no luck there...
Any advice?
This is why I suggested reading threads in fora like this one, searching for descriptions of problems amongst a variety of brands and going from there.
Good luck.
