What pellet smoker to get ???

[Rafter H BBQ]

Hey all, going to take the plunge and get a pellet smoker, just wondering if ya'll had some suggestions on which one to get ?? Been looking pretty hard at the pellet pro smoker for $650, regular price was $1,000. Any feedback is greatly appreciated and keep smokin !!

 

[geerock]

Pellet pro is a good value at $650 but look hard at the RecTec and the Yoder.

 

[fwismoker]

The pellet pro has a very good controller with cold smoke settings..... i'm going to use that hopper with a UDS one of these days. I like how the pellet pro also has the squared off lids....very cool.

 

[fwismoker]

Hey all, going to take the plunge and get a pellet smoker, just wondering if ya'll had some suggestions on which one to get ?? Been looking pretty hard at the pellet pro smoker for $650, regular price was $1,000. Any feedback is greatly appreciated and keep smokin !!

Where'd you see the deal?   That is a very very good deal, especially if you are talking about the 969 sq inch model.   

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

For the 627 model, actually the guy has an eBay store. Just search on eBay for pellet pro pellet smoker and there ya go !! Was gonna possibly get one but geerock had to tell me about the tec rec and now I'am leaning that way.... That is one sweet smoker... Thanks geerock !!

 

[fwismoker]

Smoking, oh ok  i didn't know they had a EBAY store...what ever you way go both great grills imo.   It all has to do with what you want in a grill.  I did a lot of research into the controllers and the cold smoke setting on the pellet pro is way cool along with the squared lids to fit bigger items such as really big turkeys. 

Me, i just want a plug and play version of the  uds smoker to go along with my regular uds smoker, $ 360 for a pellet cooker and that controller is perfect for my needs.  Basically it's a Pellet Pro Hopper/controller to fit a standard 55 gallon drum. 

 

[tropez]

Well, to me, the Traeger/Rec Tek/GMG/Pellet Pro are pretty much the same machine. They look the same, sound the same, cook the same, they seem to only have some minor tweaks and controller differences between the lines. I would consider that your first tier and price range of options.

Then you get into MAK, Yoder, Fast Eddy's, maybe a few others. These seem to take it up a level but cost a bit more. 

I started with a Traeger, it lasted a few weeks. Great smokes but I wanted more space, something bigger. I sold it and ordered a Yoder, I'm waiting for it to arrive still.

I'm biased to Yoder now because it's what I went with, so I think it's the best choice for the money. You will need to see what's best for you, here to answer any questions I can though.

 

[geerock]

RecTec and Traeger the same? You may have not seen the RecTec in person then. I own a traeger and neighbor has a RecTec and there is no way I would buy another traeger when I can get the RT about the same cost. Lots better smoke flavor, PID temp controller is steady as can be, more room, and built like a tank. And RecTec is really making good deals by throwing in nice accessories.

 

[tropez]

RecTec and Traeger the same? You may have not seen the RecTec in person then. I own a traeger and neighbor has a RecTec and there is no way I would buy another traeger when I can get the RT about the same cost. Lots better smoke flavor, PID temp controller is steady as can be, more room, and built like a tank. And RecTec is really making good deals by throwing in nice accessories.

Not the same name, but pretty similar in construction (shape, layout), sound, temps lows/highs), that's what I meant. Not trying to imply they are the same manufacturer. They do seem to have a great deal in common, from what I've seen. Good to hear you have more real world differences that you can see. Something I may not be able to see online.

 

[geerock]

No problem. I know you weren't saying same manufacturer. I went thru a lot of research on these things last december and went to a couple of shows where various manufacturers were doing demos of their smokers. RecTec really stood out for quality and cost. Yoder right there with them for the 1000 to 1200 range. Traeger texas elite for same money doesn't make it IMHO. Mine has gone thru a couple controllers and a couple sensors, but I bought it very slightly used at a flea market for $ 150 so I'll stick with it and and do repairs but I wouldnt buy a new traeger when compared to other pellet munchers out there for same money. All the best to you.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

So anyone have an opinion on the Louisiana Grill or MAK ?? I am driving myself crazy trying to narrow this down to one. Some say go with Louisiana Grill or Yoder cause they are US made. While others say rec tec is the way to go but think its made over seas.

 

[geerock]

If you have the cash can't go wrong with MAK or LOUISIANNA.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Hey geerock, FWI & tropez, thanks for your input and help !! Now just have to decide. How you like your Yoder tropez ?? Sorry to ask so many ???'s but just wanna make the right decision .....

 

[tropez]

Hey geerock, FWI & tropez, thanks for your input and help !! Now just have to decide. How you like your Yoder tropez ?? Sorry to ask so many ???'s but just wanna make the right decision .....

It should be here this week. On paper, in video, looks like a champ.

 

[tropez]

So anyone have an opinion on the Louisiana Grill or MAK ?? I am driving myself crazy trying to narrow this down to one. Some say go with Louisiana Grill or Yoder cause they are US made. While others say rec tec is the way to go but think its made over seas.

Rec Tek is made in china but QC'd here. Similar to Traeger and GMG. Not sure on the Louisiana, the Yoder is US made. If that matters you are going to pay a slight premium for the USA made product. The china stuff is fine, works okay, but not sure how many years you can get out of one. I wanted to buy one unit and have it last ages, the Yoder seemed the best bet for that with my climate and needs (all four seasons here in Kansas City, MO). MAK is also USA made. The china grills are fine, they will work well, but the USA units seem more robust but at a premium (which I'm okay with).

 

[tropez]

Also, top end temps were important to me for grilling. The yoder is at 600, the others are around 500 if I recall.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Yeh, I would like to stick with the USA made. Should all be made here, but that's a sore subject with me and I won't get into it. I am gonna be checking out some of the others but if you would let me know how you like your Yoder after you kick the tires on it !!

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Hey tropez, maybe I missed it but what model of Yoder did ya go with ??

 

[fwismoker]

Also, top end temps were important to me for grilling. The yoder is at 600, the others are around 500 if I recall.

I love the concept of smoking with pellet grills but when it comes to grilling on one i have a hard time dealing with burning so many expensive food grade pellets to achieve those temps when charcoal will do it much better for pennies.    When a buddy of mine got his pellet cooker the first thing he said is that he had to get a good charcoal grill also...couldn't agree more, they make a good pair. 

 

[yoder ay heehoo]

I have had my Yoder 640 for a month or so now and I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for a good pellet smoker.  The thing is really amazing and simple to use.  Everything that comes off it is fantastic.  If you use the Yoder, the maverick 732 and the recipes from this board you can't really go wrong.