Will a pellet smoker be my answer?

[illini40]

Hello

Looking for some opinions or validations.

I have a Masterbuilt proper smoker, and it has been great to start with and learn on. Been a lot of fun.

However, I find myself wanting something that I can set and forget. Something that holds steady temps (in my other post recent, you'll see I struggle to hold steady temps). I assume pellet smokers will produce as good of tasting food (tender is most important to us).

Will a pellet smoker by the answer for me? Or am I just dreaming?

Tender and ease of use is most important.

 

[PerazziMx14]

Please delete

 

[uncle eddie]

My MES40 is set-and-forget with the addition of an AMNPS

I have heard on this forum, but not from personal experience though so take this with a grain of salt, that some pellet smokers lack the good smoke taste because many of the pellets are full of filler wood - so if you go that route, make sure you will get the end product you desire.

 

[illini40]

I'm a newbie - just to clarify, is MES40 a Masterbuilt electric smoker?

What is the advantage of an electric over a pellet?

I have seen that pellet rigs may lack smoke sometimes but also see that the AMNPS is an easy fix.

 

[mowin]

I've got a masterbuilt propane with lots of mods. A GMG pellet smoker, and a reverse flow stick burner. I've made fantastic Q with all 3.

My GMG does 90% of the smoking. Fill the hopper, turn it on, set my temp, and i can go inside and do other things.
I do use the tube for added smoke flavor with great results. I use 100% hickory pellets from lumberjack for most cooks.
Good quality pellets definitely make a difference in smoke flavor.

 

[ross77]

I've been happy with my RecTec pellet smoker. I started with a WSM and then a MES. I can't speak to other brands but mine is set and forget with a 40lb pellet hopper. I've cooked packer briskets for 19 hours and the only thing I had to do was wrap the brisket. No adding fuel, water or adjusting vents. It held 225 within 5-10 degrees for the entire cook.

There are many varieties of wood pellets. Some use oak or alder as filler. There are also blends. I mostly use Lumberjack 100% hickory or 100% mesquite and I like the flavor it imparts. You will not get a harsh, bitter smoke flavor with a pellet smoker. For reference, I thought the smoke flavor from the MES was similar to an ash tray and never really liked it. Some people use a smoker tube to get a more powerful smoke flavor. It really depends on the person's tastes.

 

[idahopz]

I love my pellet cookers - a modified Traeger and a GMG Davy. However, because I am not an accomplished cook, I need other machines to make reasonable food. Any higher heat requirements and I'll use a pellet cooker or the SRG. Low temperature requirements are done with the Bradley OBS.

I am in envy of the guys that can make everything happen on a single cooker.

 

[gmc2003]

Pellet smokers will do exactly what you want. The only issue is with the higher the heat the less smoke you'll get. As you stated earlier the amps or something similar will get you to your desired smokeness. Pellets are like meat, some are good, some very good and some are great. You just have to find out which ones work for you and are available near you.

Chris

 

[PerazziMx14]

Please delete

 

[Ed Crain]

I’ve had the bge for years and it’s great like was stated above. Got the pellet for a bigger size and love it does anything you could ask for

 

[daveomak]

Pellet smokers won't control the heat much below 180... Most smoked products call for temps in the 70-140 range... at least for the first few hours if you are using nitrite to control botulism..

 

[mowin]

Pellet smokers won't control the heat much below 180... Most smoked products call for temps in the 70-140 range... at least for the first few hours if you are using nitrite to control botulism..

Ya, can't do summer sausage on my pellet grill. For general smoking they do a great job.

 

[Ed Crain]

Yeah the 70-140 leaves me out but it did make a great cold smoker lol

 

[uncle eddie]

I'm a newbie - just to clarify, is MES40 a Masterbuilt electric smoker?

Correct....

 

[yahoot]

My Louisiana smoker (pellet burner) does just fine down at 170. If you run it low and slow, smoke is great. If you run it at 350, not much smoke because it is burning too clean. nature of pellet smokers. However, I wouldn't give it up. Hard to beat the convenience. We cook on it all the time for simple stuff - smoked chicken in a couple of hours, pork chops, etc. Push the button, good to go.

If you are looking to cook very cool, you can get a cold smoke attachment for a Louisiana. My buddy uses one to smoke fish and cheese. works great.

If you already have a masterbuilt, look at their cold smoker attachment. I got one for our old masterbuilt and it turned it from a joke into a surprisingly good little rig. It almost puts out too much smoke.

 

[WhoDak]

I have a Traeger Texas but swapped out the standard controller with a savanah stocker/smoking brothers controller. Great temp control and smoke output even at higher temps (e.g. 325). Pellet grills are essentially wood fired convection ovens. I cook everything on this grill and always have great flavor. From burgers to pizza/bread to steak/chips and roast to pulled pork, brisket, jerky etc. it will do it all with great results. Most will tell you a pellet grill won’t give you as pronounced a smoke flavor, however I have put my Q up against friends with offset smokers and BGE and I can’t tell a difference.

I would highly recommend a pellet gril if your looking for easy set and forget cooking and lots of versatility.

 

[WhoDak]