Pellet grill for camp?

[Alphonse]

I have friend that is trying to decide what pellet grill to buy for their camp. He needs to cook for 10 or less and often times just for 3 or 4 folks.

Budget is not really an issue for him. But for a camp, I think he will be somewhat frugal. I don't think he is going to buy a LSG or Yoder. He will want something that is readily available, meaning big box or hardware store.

I have not been too interested in pellet grills for the last 3 years and haven't kept up. In the past I did not like Traegers due to their proliferation of models and business practices.

If you were buying a pellet grill for a camp considering the above what would it be?

[texastweeter]

Will it stay at camp or be moved around location wise?

[Michael_in_TX]

The three models that immediately come to mind are Grilla Grills Chimp (which I have) and Traeger's Tailgater and Ranger models. If the desire is to walk into a store and buy it, Traeger may be the only option. The Ranger is probably a bit small. The Tailgater has nearly twice the cooking space and only weighs a few pounds more.

[Sid P]

It’s not sold at retail, but the Grilla Chimp is the one I thought of.

[MBMorgan]

I’d vote for the Chimp, also. It’s tailor made for that sort of thing and, if power is a concern, Grilla sells what looks like a pretty decent battery power station to go with it.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

If budget isn't an issue, check out the Mini MAK

[radiodome21]

I say go with Grilla Silverback. The chimp has a 15# hopper but pellets are sold in 20# bags. I cook for for 4 and I could always use more room. I also have a Traeger 575 but that’s too small. No one ever complains about their pellet cooker being too big.

[texastweeter]

Pitboss makes a tailgater model that folds up. My Dad has one he keeps stowed in his RV.

[briano52]

Two thoughts. Pellet grills rarely do direct grilling well. They do low and slow well, albeit with lighter smoke flavor than is common with charcoal and stick burners. I love my MAK pellet grill for smoking and convenience. But I much prefer to grill over charcoal. Second: in hunting camp does anyone really have the time to monitor a long low and slow smoke cook all day? Why not keep it simple and get your favorite charcoal kettle or kamado and just grill your meat? And if you really want to low and slow smoke, you have the option to do that with a kettle or kamado.

And one more thing, can you really run a pellet grill well in camp without your generator running all day? I have heard that somebody now makes a portable pellet grill that can run off batteries. I have no experience with that, and I wonder if it would actually do a long cook or allow you to get close to direct grill temps? Just my 2 cents. Happy hunting!

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Theres a few folks using I believe marine batteries to run their MAKs on the road and at comps.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

oh and I forget the brand but there was a PG that's selling feature was portability and that it ran on a proprietary battery. I remember laughing when the battery was sold separately, like you couldn't even order it with one it was a separate order.

[Alphonse]

They have an XL BGE and the owner is prone not to take the time to build a fire in it. Plus it is a bit large for everyday cooks.

[Old Glory]

For Camp I would get a Weber pellet grill. Reasonable price and good warranty. Can grill and smoke. If money were no object MAK 2 Star Stainless.

[glitchy]

The Weber can throw very small hot embers out the bottom. So, depending on how camp is setup and if grass fires are a concern something to consider. The SmokeFire would definitely do better at grilling than other retail available pellet grills though.

[Old Glory]

glitchy Good to know!

[randy.56]

Any brand that is on sale black Friday.

[glitchy]

Is portability a concern or does it have a safe home and not have to move far. If it needs to be somewhat portable a Traeger Tailgater of CampChef Pursuit. If not get a 22” Traeger or CampChef. Some of the newer 22” CampChefs have a full upper grate giving them a ton of cooking space. CampChef also has the sidekick/searbox attachments available if the want a small gas grill attached to the side of the pellet grill for more versatility.

There’s nothing wrong with Traegers at all. They’re just not the best bang for your buck. However, mine always worked fine minus the one launch firmware issue when the D2 grills first came out. Traeger still has a number of grills without WiFi, which might actually be better at camp. Their accessories and many parts are available all over the place. Unless price is the only concern, I’d avoid Pit Boss/Louisiana Grills. Their quality is getting better, but used to be poor and their business practices could be questioned too trying to hire the Joe Traeger and his son and cash in on their names.

Another brand to consider is SmokinBros. American made with a dealer network, you’d just have to see if any dealers in that area. More affordable than most other US made brands.

[STEbbq]

I’d throw in another vote for the Chimp.

[klflowers]

Chimp and a Smoky Joe.

[Jerod Broussard]

Alphonse

What type of camp?

Cabin with a constant supply of electricity? (outside of inclement weather)

Generator electricity only?

[Alphonse]

Secluded surrounded with hardwood forest and river swamp. Satellite internet, nice outdoor cooking area and fire pit w/chimney undercover just off kitchen. Already equipped with XL Big Green Egg and Weber gas grill. Power is reliable.