Portable Pellet Grills

[tstalafuse]

With Labor Day deals kicking off, I am looking to add a portable unit to keep in my travel trailer. Yes, I have already checked the reviews, but they don't always reflect what is happening now with a particular brand.

I am leaning towards the Grilla Grills Chimp, but since the buyout there are a lot more grumping about quality, receiving damaged/dead product even though the packaging isn't, and customer service. Anyone have recent buying experience within the last with the Chimp and/or customer service in general?

Thoughts on other brands? Recteq, Camp Chef, GMG, or other brands that might fill the bill for a portable cooker?

[das85]

I got one of the last GMG Davy Crockett's before they renamed it Trek. Have been consistently very happy with it.

My top takeaway from the shopping and using experience was probably be thoughtful about how much portability you need and check the specs. I believe the GMG is significantly more portable (ie lighter) than some of its competitors. How you prioritize that may depend on just how frequently you really pick it up and move it, do you typically have another pair of hands to help you carry, etc.

[tstalafuse]

das85 Thank you. I bought the Jim Bowie Prime Plus right before the name change and it has done nothing but work. My brother bought the Trek about a year after the name change, and it has been a challenge. Seems GMG made some supplier changes that didn't work out very well, and then got caught up in the general supply chain issues. The Chimp is slightly bigger than the Trek, but not enough to affect portability. Mostly concerned about changes affecting quality after they were bought out.

[CandySueQ]

Vote #2 for GMG Davie or Trek! I have a Trek that lives in the van for contests, one that lives on the back porch (which has the fancy stainless steel stand to lift it up to working height) and a Davie still in the box. I chose Trek because of weight. Grilla Chimp is about 20 lbs heavier.

[MBMorgan]

klflowers

[Sid P]

Last June FedEx busted up my Silverbac, and Grilla’s response was excellent.

[klflowers]

I have a Chimp, bought it before they sold out. I haven't had any problems with it. It is my go to right now because I don't have lots of time to use charcoal. My only gripe is that the Bluetooth is kind of buggy. It drops a lot. But it doesn't affect the performance.

[tstalafuse]

My GMG Jim Bowie wifi has always been buggy, but it didn't really matter to me since I use a 3rd party thermometers to monitor temps.

[barelfly]

I can’t provide info on a pellet, but I’ll mention Smokin-it Smokers. They have a number of sizes, some of which many use as a portable cooker for Motorhomes and such. The #1 and #2 fit that bill, with the #2 perhaps pushing the size, but still portable.

I’m happy to answer any questions if it peeks your interest, but thought I’d just throw that out there for you. I’ve had my #3D for about 8 years and it’s solid, my dad has a #2 for about the same time.

[Jfrosty27]

I also have a Smokin-It. Mine is a #2 analog. Over 10 years old now. Still turning put great food. As for portability, I guess so. But I wouldn’t want to move it often. The #1 would be much easier.

[DavidNorcross]

Dont have the chimp, but there is no secret that I am huge fan of Grilla. Can't go wrong.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

For giggles check out the mini-MAK, very expensive and kinda heavy... but you said you were interested in quality and customer service so...

https://makgrills.com/product/mini-mak/

[tstalafuse]

That price tag is a little on the high side for my wallet.

[das85]

I also saw that appear recently and curious if anyone here has used one yet!

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

das85 I've only seen 1 owner review and they're really happy with it. With the price and weight I personally think it only makes sense for someone with an RV or a seasonal cabin. The guy that reviewed it had it on a hitch on his RV and said it performs as well as his 1 star, he didn't have any of the add ons.

[Sid P]

FYI, all Grilla products are now 20% off.

[tstalafuse]

Everybody seems to be having a sale, which I am thinking about buying one now. I just hesitate when I can't put my hands on one first.