Best pellet smoker around $1000 that isn't a Traeger or GMG?

[Troutman]

P&S pellets start at $1500, little over his budget. In doing my research it was Rec Tec or Yoder. Problem there is the price point again. Might want to re-think your budget if you want quality.

[mgood777]

Searing is important to me, which almost makes the Yoder and the Firecraft sound good but I am not convinced that a sear station over the pellet firebox is gonna be any good. Sounds like a lot of hassle. So right now I'm leaning towards RecTec and may just suck it up and spend extra money to buy a Weber gas grill. That'll probably be what replaces the GMG and the Weber kettle that I have now. So yeah I'm going to spend more than $1000, but I think the extra will be for a gas grill that I use sparingly.

[Troutman]

Yoder and P&S have an optional grease diversion plate that has a little trap door in it to open for searing/grilling. I'm with you; however, the mess that would cause in the bottom of the pit would not be acceptable to me. You do have a heat diverter plate over the burn pot but again the mess would be unacceptable.

[BrisketKing]

I like to use a portable induction burner with a Cast iron skillet to get the sear. Either as an initial burn or reverse sear. They can sit on the table next to the grill, and put away after use. Just need a plug.

[rwalters]

Searing is important to me, which almost makes the Yoder and the Firecraft sound good but I am not convinced that a sear station over the pellet firebox is gonna be any good. Sounds like a lot of hassle. So right now I'm leaning towards RecTec and may just suck it up and spend extra money to buy a Weber gas grill. That'll probably be what replaces the GMG and the Weber kettle that I have now. So yeah I'm going to spend more than $1000, but I think the extra will be for a gas grill that I use sparingly.

Here's a possible option if you are only after a "searing station" to compliment your pellet cooker...

I have a 17" Blackstone griddle that sits right next to my MAK on a 24x24" stainless table from Costco. I bought the adapter hose and now have it hooked to a 20lb propane tank that sits on the bottom shelf of the stainless table. Very clean setup and works VERY well when doing reverse sears. It's so easy to have it screaming hot and just move the meat to it for a few minutes of searing action vs jacking the temp on the MAK and waiting/burning more pellets then needed. Also makes outdoor breakfast cooks easy-peasy.


GRIDDLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-Portable-Griddle-Outdoors-Tailgating/dp/B0195MZHBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508522492&sr=8-1&keywords=blackstone+17+inch+griddle

TABLE:

https://www.costco.com/TRINITY-EcoStorage-Stainless-Steel-Table---24%22-x-24%22-x-35%E2%80%9D---NSF.product.100036154.html

ADAPTOR HOSE:

https://www.hsn.com/products/blackstone-regulator-propane-adapter-hose/8396699?sz=5&sf=QC0250&ac=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping%20engine&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google_PLA_Kitchen+%26+Food&utm_content=R02F71fP_pcrid_204377595002_pkw__pmt__pdv_c_slid__pid_8396699&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvabPBRD5ARIsAIwFXBmAgjYEYaLZioJ__RJxC22XSSnfLYVWLpr2edZfqLhnU9Z8VVWhNoQaAgL6EALw_wcB&dclid=CJO2saXl_9YCFQJkfgod-GUMlw

[mgood777]

Got it. I was thinking cover for the table too but if the table is stainless than yeah I guess that's unnecessary. Makes sense. Thanks again!

[rwalters]

Yep, a bottle of glass cleaner and a few paper towels... and the table looks as good as new. I wipe mine off quite often with nothing more then a damp rag. It's always nice and shiny

[Mr. Bones]

+1 on Blackstone!!!!

[tpobst]

I have a smokin brothers grill and love it. Had my first one, traditional 30", 5 years with no problems at all, gave it to my dad and he is still using it. I upgraded to a bigger size with a insulated firebox, 36" premier. I think their 30" traditional is $1099 with 2 free bags of pellets.

[BriggsBBQ]

That's what I'm looking for... The best pellet smoker around $1000 that isn't a Traeger or a GMG. I've had both of those in the past and not been super happy with either. Not happy with Traeger quality. Not happy with GMG technology. I'm due for something new. Would love to hear first-hand reports on other brands.

Just out of curiosity what technology problems did you have with GMG?

[mgood777]

GMG tech problems... Few things... Interior temp fluctuates wildly based on readings from a good quality air temp probe. My theory is that the fan and auger are not finely tuned enough to minimize the fluctuations. They also use a funky double layer drip pan with holes in it so that you can slide the pans over each to open or close the holes and expose direct heat. Sounds good in theory but useless in practice if you use foil and it just creates bigger messes to clean. Small drain holes that lead to the grease buckets mean they clog easily. On the Davy Crockett, legs are bolted through the body so any grease that may drip down into the body has the potential to leak out the bolt holes from the legs. The app and wifi are unreliable and not intuitive. As you can see, I have a list. I have two GMGs... both a Daniel Boone and a Davy Crockett. Not happy with either. And I know I said tech problems, but typing this I guess it would be more accurate to say engineering problems. I am fairly happy with the quality. They use heavy gauge metals, good materials, etc. But I am an engineer and I would say they needed more engineering help when they were designing these things. They didn't think enough about them.

[BriggsBBQ]

Cool, that double layer thing is a pain. I only have a Davy and since it is portable I expected it to have some issues. I've not tested the internal temp I do know they do firmware updates that are supposed to improve performance. As for the wifi I really like that. Was not too bad for me.

[mgood777]

I am a software engineer and I work at home and I have 4 different wifi networks with 2 different internet providers in and around my house. The wifi problems with my grill might be related to some of that. LOL

[X Trial jvs10]

I bought a RecTec 680 three years ago and have used it at least 2-3 times a week since and it has held up extremely well. I also purchased a GMG DB two years ago for a seasonal property. This summer I replaced it for the exact reasons you listed. My old 680 became seasonal and I bought a new 680 for my house. GMG going on Craigslist. No regrets.

[(Blake)]

Go to Grilla Grills and check them out. The owner does comparisons with the other grills and is reachable by e mail or phone. I purchased a used grill and love it. I am not trying to sell you anything just think you will be very pleased with one of them for your purchase unless you want to spend 1800 then I would say go for a Yoder
I have the pellet, a Weber gas and a Pit Barrel Cooker and use all of them and love all of them

[mgood777]

I appreciate the input. I know Grilla gets good reviews, but I've looked at the dimensions for the round one and the cooking space is too small for me. 21" diameter round grill is smaller than an average sized Weber kettle. I have one of those and I wouldn't be happy with that little space. The more traditional looking Silverbac is bigger, but it seems like there's just nothing special about it.

[RickL]

I had a Traeger but returned it after 2 cooks, then tried a Yoder YS640 and have had it for about 8 months. It took some time to break it (or me) in but I love it now. It cost a little more then 1k, l think they start at 1200 but they're made in america and built like a Sherman tank. I cook once or twice a week and each cook gets better

[RickL]

PS: I read your concern about the searing over the fire box which was one of the main reasons I returned the traeger. I love the way the yoder sering works I use the searing grate with the flat side up to reverse sear the whole steak or chicken. This of course requires the split plate which is an option and more $

[Sparky51]

Love my Royall. Fantastic customer relations.

[randy.56]

Rectec 680, I've ran about 15 bags of pellet's in 6 months, no problems so far, love it. After learning on this site I do not sear anymore.

[(Blake)]

I hear your concerns but the Silverbac does a great job. Not trying to sell anything just letting you know

[Aimless1]

Last statement is wrong! My next grill is the Grilla I won at the World Food Championship!

Congratulations!

[CandySueQ]

Thanks! It was totally unexpected. That means there's a Grilla at every family member's household and in the test kitchen here at the pellet plant!

[BrisketKing]

I prefer my Pitts & Spitts 1830. A little more $, but totally worth it.