I just went through the analysis of which larger smoker to buy and decided on a pellet smoker, the new REC TEC Bull. My current set up is a gasser for grilling and a WSM 22 for smoking. Although I love my current set up, there were a few reasons I decided on a pellet smoker. First, I have been avoiding longer smokes such as briskets and pulled pork because I don't have the time to monitor a smoker closely for 14+ hours at a time (if I did have the time, I probably would have bought the Karubeque). The Bull, which comes with temperature control, should allow me to do longer smokes without having to monitor the smoker as closely. Second, I've had parties where I've smoked (and then reverse seared!) over 100 lbs of meat. Each time I've done it, I've spent the entire day praying to the smoked meat gods that everything would be done smoking on schedule (good luck with that!). Something as large as the Bull should afford me a much larger margin of error. I expect that I will still use the WSM. After all, we have had some great times together and I do like a lot of smoke on certain cuts of meat (especially bacon) that I don't think the Bull will produce (even with a box or a tube). The Bull is supposed to arrive this week -- I'll let you know how it goes.
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Now I'm really confused! I thought that when I looked at the Camp Chef 24 last Fall it had a "set-it-and-forget-it" temp-controlled pellet feeder. But, I've mulled-over so many of these things, I must have confused it with something else. Now I'm looking at the Pit Boss Copperhead 7 series 29" vertical pellet smoker. Can I get some comments on that one? Thanks!Comment
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UPDATE: I wrote to Camp Chef because I wanted to buy their SmokePro XXL pellet smoker but could not find any vendor that had one. This is the reply I just received: "The SmokePro XXL has been a great product for some, with excellent features and tremendous cooking volume. However, due to a door fitment issue that some consumers have experienced, we have decided to pause production of this product. Currently, we do not have a permanent solution for the door fitment issue, however are hopeful we will have one in the future." Bummer! So there you have it. I may sit tight for a few weeks before opting for an alternative. Will keep you posted.Comment
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I recently posted an update to the above April 2018 post and received an inquiry from our resident keeper of the flame, Max. Now I can’t find either my post, or Max’s reply/inquiry. So, here’s the further update: apparently having fixed the filament problem, Camp Chef has re-introduced the XXL. Here’s hoping Max will review it soon.
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You have done it now. The upgrade decision.
Pellet grills are great. They don’t need gas, and they only use a little bit of electricity. It wouldn’t be hard to make one run off batteries really, if you help it with the initial fire in the pellet can - in case the power quits on a long cook (which it will at some point). I can’t imagine they use much wattage once the fire is lit.
My suggestion is to check out the reviews here. They are fantastic. But be warned, unless your budget is very strict it is easy to "well this is only $50 more" until you are looking at the top of the line Rec-Tec.
Also be warned I initially started off looking at a pellet grill because a neighbor has one and I thought it was cool. First it was camp chef. But then why not green mountain? Then ohhh look that Rec-Tec is cool. Then since I was already there, and my gas grill is wearing out, what the heck get the Primo XL - which I would have never done if not for this site.
It never ends
Last edited by SmokeyGator; April 23, 2018, 11:53 AM.Comment
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Or you do GMG and then you have to get a Yoder....
it happens.
Good luck.Comment
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Understood, Smokey Gator. But, I’ve got a perfectly good Weber Genesis for grilling, so I don’t need another (especially since pellet "grills" are middling at grilling, at best). No, what I want is a dedicated smoker.Comment
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In that case, I have a neighbor with the camp chef pellet and he uses it frequently. Really I don’t see the big difference in that and a Traeger, other than the logo on the lid. He is talking about replacing it with a rec-tec because after years of use it’s starting to show its age. The climate here is hot and humid most of the year. If it’s drier where you are things will last longer.
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Have been looking at all the pellet grills for the past 2 months came down to Rec Tec and Grilla Grills. Then based on some Pit input I checked this out today: https://youtu.be/SPSoeRRShmA from Blaz'n Grills. Placed my order today.Comment
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