New smoker?

[smokyYank]

Thanks, Rick!

[rickgregory]

Eventually, probably depending on local conditions, whether you cover it etc. But they're cheap. If it's in good condition and the price is reasonable, I'd for sure get the Mak

[smokyYank]

Hi TxF,

Thanks. Please see my concern about MB and PitBoss below...

[smokyYank]

Thank you all for your input.

As of now, Masterbuilt and PitBoss verticals are on my final list, along with a used MAK 2-star general that's local.

It appears that everything Masterbuilt and PitBoss make are mostly made of painted steel and will rust out, even if the cooking liner is stainless. True?

[LA Pork Butt]

Welcome to the Pit from Dallas, Texas!

[Anthonydrasssa]

Welcome to the Pit!

[TxF]

Since your used to the size and shape of a vertical smoker, Pit Boss makes a few versions of vertical pellet smokers that check all your requirements. I lost mine to a falling limb in the Great Texas Ice Storm of 2021and I’m planning on replacing it with another one soon. I had the $399 Lowe’s version and will probably replace it with the new and improved one from Lowe’s for the same price.

[Whiskeyman53]

I believe that the pellet grill is a more useful grill/smoker for a few reasons. It is a wood fueled outdoor oven that can roast and bake at higher temps without a smoke profile much like an indoor oven. The pellet grill also can be set on a smoke setting for low and slow cooks placing a mild smoke profile on food which is satisfying to those who do not want heavy smoke. With that being said when more smoke is wanted a smoke tube can be used to increase the need. I have a Camp Chef and have used it for many purposes, as far as higher temps to sear and grill removing the deflector plate and drip tray allows the fire box to have direct contact with the grates or a flat top griddle if you want.

[RichieB]

Welcome from Western Massachusetts.

[Joetee]

https://lonestargrillz.com/collections/pellet-smokers-coming-soon/products/pellet-smoker

you should check this out before buying. Outstanding company. Outstanding products.
Watch the review video. It's amazing.

[smokyYank]

Thanks, "Its..."

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

ran outta room, but it seems more pellet smokers are moving towards internal grease management. I know that was a requirement for me or the dogs woulda had access to free snacks. The most important factors for me are reliability, smoke output, efficiency, and ease of cleaning.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

So at the high end of your budget you will find MAK, Yoder, Fast Eddy and Pitts and Spitts but there are also lots of great brands closer to 1,500 like Grilla, Blaz'n, etc... ever some good ones closer to 1K. On the main site you can filter results to pellet grills and a price range. Max hasn't reviewed ALL of them but there's a decent selection of quality grills. Most pellet smokers don't have a water pan because pellet cooking isn't exactly a dry environment.

[smokyYank]

Hello all,

Thank you so much for your kind advice and wisdom. I was leaning in the direction of pellet.

A few qualifying questions:
1. Vertical vs. horizontal bed? Right now I have about 672 sqin of smoke space, looking to increase to about 800-900
2. Do all pellet smokers have the angled pan to direct the grease into an external pot?
3. I don't think I've seen any pellet smokers (PSs from now on) with water pans to keep moisture and smoother temp?
4. Other factors to consider?

Although I don't want to spend the money, I'd probably go up to about $2K. I'm getting older and can't mess around with any more low end stuff!

Thank you all again.

PS - at this rate, I should be quite the pit master by age 127 !

[smokyYank]

Wow, are you "that" Max, the reviewer? Thank you so much!