What's a step up from Campchef/Traeger level? Time to upgrade

[wahoowad]

In 2.5 years I've had nothing but problems from my Campchef...too many failed parts and now it's starting to rust away. I consider Campchef and Traeger and others in that price range to be entry level big-box store products designed for casual users. I smoke enough that I want to now buy a step up and interested in suggestions.

My needs remain fairly basic, usually smoking for small family so that's usually just a chicken or two at a time or a brisket or maybe 3 racks of ribs. What is a good pellet smoker of noticably better quality?

 

[ksmith9]

I just made the jump to charcoal from. Pellet. Doing my first cook as we speak. I got the masterbuilt 1050. I'll give you a review on it after the cook

 

[BB-que]

In 2.5 years I've had nothing but problems from my Campchef...too many failed parts and now it's starting to rust away. I consider Campchef and Traeger and others in that price range to be entry level big-box store products designed for casual users. I smoke enough that I want to now buy a step up and interested in suggestions.

My needs remain fairly basic, usually smoking for small family so that's usually just a chicken or two at a time or a brisket or maybe 3 racks of ribs. What is a good pellet smoker of noticably better quality?

Highly recommmend Rec Tec - great product and better CS.

 

[sawhorseray]

I'm not a pellet guy but most folks here who have one speak very highly of Rec-Tec. RAY

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

Look into yoder. Made in Kansas.

Scott

 

[kruizer]

Yoder YS640

 

[MadMax281]

Lone Star Grillz 20x36 or 20x42. Expensive but built like a tank with Fireboard controller. They put out a good amount of smoke for sure.

 

[Buckeye02]

I recommend recteq as well. And depending on where you live I have a 700 for sale

 

[ofelles]

The Lone Star Grillz pellet was not available when I bought my Yoder. I have not regretted the purchase though. Steady temps built like a tank and now has the Fireboard controller.
ksmith9 mentioned charcoal, I had an LSG insulated cabinet cooker that is very close to set and forget when used with a controller and fan

 

[jcam222]

Lots of good suggestions above in Rec Teq, Yoder and LSG. Choice between those could couples down to availability in your area.

 

[drunkenmeatfist]

MAK Grills would be my pick if I were in that market, they seem to be sold out though.

 

[civilsmoker]

I just went though the same decision process and ended up with a Recteq 1250, this Thursday will be week one with it and I have already done chicken thighs at 450, spare ribs & tips, 1/2 pork butt, and a brisket point cut.....(ie 45 min, 6 hour, 8 hour, and 12 hour cooks). and all I can say is I like it!

I really like the Yoder and LSG but just couldn’t justify the price point and waiting for one......personally I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them.....

 

[Fueling Around]

I know a Pitts & Spitts owner and dealer. He has sold many to satisfied customers.

A friend used to sell a now defunct brand that was a pretty good unit.
He says to start with Green Mountain

I have a Masterbuilt that is basically a cheaper Traeger clone.
I'm going to try a different controller and if that fails, I will probably jump to a Rec Teq

 

[Buttah Butts]

Rec Tec

 

[unclebubbas bbq]

RecTec

 

[sandyut]

Rec Tec - hands down the best purchase I have made in years.

 

[Apparition]

MAK Grills would be my pick if I were in that market, they seem to be sold out though.

Love my 2 star

 

[bdawg]

I just upgraded my Pitboss 700FB to a Recteq 700.
I've already done 2 batches of smoked cashews, a batch of beef jerky, and today is a rack of Spare Ribs.
So far, I am LOVING this Recteq- it holds temp right where I set it, it has no problem starting up, and the build quality is head and shoulders above my old rig.
I added the high-temp gasket tape around the lid as my only change.
Can't go wrong with a Recteq, IMO.

 

[Brokenhandle]

Don't have one but think if I do I'd go with rectec! Haven't heard one bad thing about them. Wished I lived closer to Ohio and Buckeye02

Ryan

 

[Buckeye02]

Don't have one but think if I do I'd go with rectec! Haven't heard one bad thing about them. Wished I lived closer to Ohio and Buckeye02

Ryan

Lol! The 700 wishes you did too! It's been put up for winter for over a month. Keep the WSM and the kettle out year around though. Cook a few times a week on them year aaround. The kettle sees 95% of the action