Memphis Elite vs Beale Street -- pros and cons?

[DNADave]

I'm shopping for a pellet smoker to go with my FireMagic Echelon gas grill. Looking at Memphis Grills Elite and Beale Street models. Any opinions on which one is better? Also, any concerns over Memphis being acquired? Thanks.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

There's been lots of complaints (quality control and customer service) since Memphis stopped making their grill in the US a few years ago.

I'm assuming you're focused on stainless?

If so take a look at MAK, they also have a built in option if that's one of your other focuses. There were a few hiccups with their new controller 3ish years ago but I think they've got that under control.

If price is the concern, RecTeq makes a few different SS models, lower quality stainless and a few reports of rust from poorly QC'd steel but that's not something I've seen often lately so they mighta got that under control.

There's also twin eagles but seen a few complaints on them too.

[DNADave]

thanks for the POV. I worried a bit about the overseas mfg. Apparently the acquisition by Alfresco (SES) will bring it back to US. Too bad. Highly rated (platinum medal). MAK 2-Star is interesting too. LSG pellet looks amazing -- wish I didn't have to wait 3 mos.

[glitchy]

I haven’t heard one positive thing about Memphis since they moved manufacturing overseas. I also had a Memphis Pro before the switch happened and prefer my MAK everyday over it. IMO, the Memphis only beats the MAK in looks. Memphis has a really awkward grate configuration and the upper levels are borderline useless. Their temp probes I don’t even know what to say about them. It’s like wrestling a drain snake every time you use them.

If I were to start shopping again today, I’d be looking at MAK, LSG, Smokin Brothers, and possibly RecTeq.

[briano52]

I love my MAK. Solid SS and built well. Great customer service as well.

[DNADave]

Thanks for the vote of confidence on MAK -- they sound like a solid choice.

[DNADave]

Thanks for the feedback. glitchy: Memphis vs. MAK comparison was great to read. I don't really care about looks -- just smoking performance. I need the simplicity of pellet over stickburner or I'd get a Karubecue C-60. LSG and MAK are now at the top of my list.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

If you do go the MAK route, order through bigpoppasmokers.com then use the points from the purchase after the grill arrives to buy a cover or other accessories. If you get the all stainless 2 star it comes with all the base accessories so the price is really only a few hundred more than the base 2 star.

[bbqLuv]

I am a Traeger TImberline 850. So I truly believe pellet grilling is The Good Way to GO.
There are some great write-ups on the free side of Amazing RIbs: You searched for pellet grill - Meathead's AmazingRibs.com
you may want to take a look-see.

[Redwng]

I've had my LSG for 2-1/2 years and it is 400# of Made in America smoking awesomeness. It has a sear function with a Fireboard controller. It is amazing I get such a great amount of smoke with the controller set at 350-375 while the smoke profile is really close to my LSG offset. I have been really happy with mine.

[Waiting for the Worms]

I have the LSG pellet pooper, and love it. glitchy loves his Mak, so that's more than enough to convince me that they are well built quality poopers. You wouldn't be disappointed with either one.

[tenphases]

The guy I buy my stuff from stopped selling Memphis. He offers a lifetime guarantee on labor if you purchase through him and made in China stuff beaks down to much so he won't sell it.