Which pellet smoker to buy?

[Matachi]

Hi Pitmasters

I think I am ready to take the plunge on a pellet grill and have been doing a lot of research, but am still pretty lost. I have (probably) narrowed it down to: Rectec, Blazn Grand Slam or maybe Mak. I also looked at Grilla and Camp Chef which seemed very well liked, but I worry if I went that route I would want to upgrade in a few years. Here are my thoughts, would love comments on them and any advice as to which to get?

I will be keeping my kettle and maybe gasser, so searing ability isn't a must have, but it should be able to make burgers and other "grill" foods at least passably. I dont think I need much more capacity than a grand slam or MAK, since I will usually be cooking for 4 and occasionally up to 10-12. Will be cooking mainly chicken, ribs, briskets, and pork butts, also would like to do some burgers and flank steaks. I like in California, so would not expect to be using it below 50, usually weather is 60-80.

Rec Tec - people seem to universally rave about them, but dont love the styling and the footprint is pretty big (esp depth) for my yard. I also read somewhere they switched away from the Roanoake PID to a chinese model which isnt as good, but not sure if that is confirmed or how important it is. Also, not sure how well the build quality compares to the higher end brands since it is made in China. The 30 day money back guarantee is pretty enticing, since I am not that familiar with pellet cooked foods, though I have liked what I tried.

Blazn - Really like the feature set (ash clean out, integrated probe, front shelf, etc), and seems to be built like a tank. Have heard a some complaints about the auger breaking and also a good number of issues with rust and paint peeling/burning off, so I am not sure about their quality control. Talked to them, and just about had my mind made up to go with them before reading about the paint/rust issues. Also some people say the smoke flavor is more mild than other pellets, but i am not sure if there is that much variability or if it is just personal taste.

Mak - Its on the list because I keep reading that it is amazing and top of the line and it isnt too much more $$ (for the 1 star). From reading the specs though, nothing stands out as that different from others, and I have some concerns with the temp top end being 450 vs 500+ for the others. Also their accessories seem a lot pricier, so in the long run that price gap may balloon. What makes these grills so special/loved?


Thanks!

[kmhfive]

You have an impressive list! I think I'd be proud to own any of these. However, I do own a GMG. Two others that I considered were Memphis and Yoder.

Of the three you've listed, the Mak would be my choice. The pellet hopper-dump, the ignition rod, and the controller are key positives.

I wouldnt worry about the difference between 450 and 500F top ends. As you already stated, the kettle and gasser are what you will sear with. For any of these, if you want a slightly higher temperature surface for "searing", Grill Grates will add about 150F at the surface.

[Aimless1]

Pellet poppers are incredible at smoking and roasting. Grilling not so much. Nice group you chose, but is a pellet smoker what your really want? if so, what is your budget? Since the primary use is not likely to be for grilling, are you looking for more of a smoker or convection oven? Which of the units you chose best meet your expectations and fit in your budget?

[Matachi]

Good questions. I think it's what I want, but I don't have much experience with them. I am looking for an easy to use set it and forget it smoker which also can get high enough to do poultry and other things. I don't know of any other kind of grill which gets real wood flavor and can do brisket and chicken temps all without messing with it. Budget is ~1500 +/-, don't think I could go over 2000

[jgreen]

If grilled burgers is one of your main requirements, I would use one of your other cookers for that. Pellet grills are better at low and slow with a mild smoke. I have the grilla and really like it, but the capacity is pretty small.

[Skip]

I have had a pellet grill since about 2004. IMO their only drawback is "grilled beef". It's just not my favorite on a pellet grill. Low temp beef and high & low temp pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, etc. all turn out great. I believe jgreen nailed it.

[Meathead]

Agreed. A $30 hibachi is better at searing than a $3000 pellet burner. But they are great smokers!

[choffert]

I recently got a Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron (bigger than you're looking for, but otherwise the same) Can't comment on paint as it is new, but the build and features are first rate. Very easy to clean and pretty even temps across the grills. I happy so far, and I looked at most of your list and went Blaz'n. I'm new to pellet smokers and I'm already in love with not having to tend the smoker and I still get great BBQ. Just throwing a monkey in the wrench for you

[GadjetGriller]

I know its not on your list but check into a yoder YS640. It has an ad on heat deflector that can be slid away from the fire-pot thus exposing the grate above to the open flame. get a set of aluminum grill grats to put over the open flame and you got a great way of grilling a few hamburgers or a couple of steaks. Plus all the low and slow set it and for get it overnight smoking sessions. ITs made here in the Good ol USA

[Aimless1]

Good questions. I think it's what I want, but I don't have much experience with them. I am looking for an easy to use set it and forget it smoker which also can get high enough to do poultry and other things. I don't know of any other kind of grill which gets real wood flavor and can do brisket and chicken temps all without messing with it. Budget is ~1500 +/-, don't think I could go over 2000

Awesome! All three will do that and do it well. I have not owned any of the three you're looking at. I recently researched the RecTec and both the MAK 1star and 2star. Apples & oranges. Neither has local dealers which means both are strictly internet sales. All three have good reps. MAKs are well engineered and I really like that they backwards engineer improvements to fit their older models. That is commitment. Temperature control is critical in pellet poppers. By all reports none better than MAK ... temp control extraordinaire. However, nothing wrong with buying one with the idea you may resell/replace it as you learn what you like/don't like.

I researched and agonized before buying a smoker for my seasonal, a Green Mountain Daniel Boone. That has produced some incredible food and was the right decision for there. I just got done going through the same process for my home which has different requirements. Deposit on an entirely different smoker made yesterday. You are likely to love and enjoy which ever one you choose. Let us know what you decide.

[shush]

I have a RecTec680. It is my first Pellet smoker. I love the thing. I have had it for a almost 2 years now. The only _real_ drawback that I had to come to terms with the fact that it was made in China. Other than that, I have had zero issues with it. If you do go with it, I'd recommend getting some 'blue glue' (http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_l...r-Blue-242.htm) for the bolts when you assemble the frame. I keep my smoker in the garage and roll it out to smoke. The 'over the garage lip' trip has caused some loosening of the bolts.

[Matachi]

Thanks for the tip. Has it's being made in china resulted in anything negative you have noticed in terms of quality/other or is it just a philosophical issue for you?

[shush]

Purely my upbringing. I don't always buy USA made products, obviously, but when I have a choice, I really tend to favor buying domestic. The quality is just fine. The support from them has been amazing. I had an issue understanding the quantity of produced smoke. They called me and spend 20 minutes providing tips for me. Just fantastic support.

[dudleyrose]

I have a Rec Tec. I'm impresed by their use of high-quality steel, the PID controller, the smoke flavor of the meat, and the maximum temp. I've smoked for 20 years (Weber Kettle, Smokey Mountain, Kamado Joe--all of which I loved), and I'm getting some of the best results ever with the Rec Tec. The only things others have I'd like are the easy hopper clean-out and easy fire-box clean-out. But honestly neither is a big deal. The six year warranty says a lot, as does their reputation for customer service. As others have said, you likely won't go wrong with any you've researched, though.

[CowboyScott]

For those who did not see my reply in the other post...

I went back and forth a bunch on Blaz'n vs RecTec vs GMG. I also looked at the Yoders, Grilla, and briefly at Camp Chef, but couldn't see a hugely compelling reason for those.

I really liked the look of the Copper Vein Blaz'n, the standard 2nd SS shelf and the double wall insulation. The downsides for me were the cost delta of $300 more for the Grid Iron vs the 680 (similarly equipped- cover, 2nd shelf, starter pellets, front shelf, shipping, etc.) and delivery time was 4-5 weeks.

I liked GMG's ability to update the controller FW and calibrate the probes to lock in the temp (the WIFI seems neat, but not sure why I need it), and the pizza oven attachment looks very cool (but I think I can achieve great pizza results for less $s). Downsides was that the Jim Bowie was the same price as Rec Tec 680 (again, similarly equipped, but including tax instead of shipping), but with thinner steel and shorter warranty.

However, what finally led me to the Rec Tec 680 was that there are so many very satisfied owners. That speaks volumes to me (FlaBouy being just one of them- love the pics- keep 'em coming). I couldn't find a lot of user feedback on Blaz'n and although GMG is very well established and has many satisfied owners, for the same price as the Rec Tec 680; I thought the Rec Tec was a better deal for the $s.

At the end of the day, I don't think you could go wrong with these models. The key thing for me is that it felt right and I didn't have any regrets when I pulled the trigger.

BTW- I ordered on a Thursday afternoon, it was shipped on Friday, and I received it last Wednesday (from Augusta, GA to Colorado). Have done bacon (twice), jalepeno poppers, and lamb loin chops. Unfortunately, I have been on business travel since Monday morning and just now flying back home so I could not use it at all this week. Have plans for tri tip or beef ribs this weekend and will be doing a bunch of chicken legs and wings on Monday along with pork belly burnt ends. Also did some initial temp tests with my Smoke vs their probe (so far, their probe shows a higher temp than actual- but I still have work to do) and getting to know where the hot spots are.

[CowboyScott]

Also, I had heard of Rec Tec great customer support and wanted to pass along my initial experience.

I called Rec Tec today with a question on why the internal probe was always a bit higher than my ambient probe (Thermoworks Smoke). In my initial test, I had seen ~15% higher temps on the Rec Tec internal probe vs the smoke that is on the grates. The Rec Tec person indicted that I should see ~10% higher reading on the Rec Tec probe vs an ambient probe on the grate. He said they calibrate their probe with 36 locations in the grill before they ship and that their probe is measuring the moving air temp while mine, sitting ~1" off of the grates will always be lower. His bottom line suggestion- trust the Rec Tec's probe.

As an FYI- I have also done multiple ambient temp measurements on the left, center and right side of the Rec Tec 680 and I see <5% delta in temp.

Lastly, the Rec Tec person also said that Rec Tec will be releasing a new controller near the end of this year/early next; which will have WIFI capability, smart phone app, meat probe inputs, etc. Current Rec Tec owners will be able to upgrade, but he didn't know what the price will be.

Hope this helps.

-Scott

[Matachi]

Thanks all for the input. After a lot of research and talking to all the brands, I ended up taking the plunge and going with the MAK 2 star. I really wanted flamezon and my wife likes the stainless look a lot more then the one star, so surprisingly was totally fine going over planned budget. It arrives Friday and I can't wait to break it in!

[David C]

After 15 years of using a Bradley, I got a Memphis Advantage pellet cooker a few years ago. I love it! It keeps temp about as well as I can imagine, is rock solid, and so far massively reliable. My only potential regret is that maybe a (much more expensive) Mak 2 Star would sear better. That said, here are the issues to consider:

* It isn't a true replacement for a gasser. You can ramp it up to a nominally-high temp, but you should really swap out the deflector plate, which is work, and give it time to heat up, which affects things.
* The top shelf doesn't have as much room as the lower shelf, so if you want low and slow and stick a water pan on the main level, you don't have a huge amount of room. I think the Mak might have a top shelf closer to the same size as the lower shelf.
* Without fiddling (per Meathead's advice, putting the meat on the top shelf with a water pan underneath), it doesn't have as much smoke or moisture as either an electric like the Bradley (which has lots of other problems) or a true stick burner with moist wood. Smoke taste is light for some, but if you keep the temp low and the food cold to start, that shouldn't be an issue.

RecTec should be pretty similar, I just liked how well built the Memphis was, and for a once in 15-year purchase, I was okay spending the money. Mak doesn't have anyplace to look at or purchase their units locally, so I left that off my list.

[Aimless1]

Congratulations on your 2-star.

I personally prefer manufacturers who support a dealer network, which is why I ruled out MAK and am waiting delivery on an Advantage Plus. However, both MAK and Memphis are great grills. Hope you post pics when you get it!

[RanchoStarvo]

If you are in the Houston area, or Texas, you should try Pitts & Spitts. They make nice offset stick burners and grills, but do foray into the pellet scene. Basically their pellet grill is their $2,000 offset with a hopper instead of a firebox for $1,500. Or at least that's how much I paid for mine.