Hello! I have been analyzing (wife would call it obsessing...) over which next smoker to get. I have spent an embarrassing amount of time reading up on an incredible number of brands and models. I need some help to see if I am missing any models that may fit my needs better. I have enjoyed my series 7 vertical smoker from Louisiana Grills, but the temp runs away from me at times and is often over/under 30 degrees depending on the rack. It makes it difficult for parties as the meat comes out at different times. I have a coyote gas grill that came with my house so I don't need any ability to sear. I have three boys who will be as big as me (6'3") and love cooking for neighbors.
Notes:
Some of the Models Considered
Folks I need help. I am in full analysis paralysis mode here. Please offer any thoughts, suggestions, laughs for obsessing, etc. I appreciate your thoughts. If you made it this far, THANK YOU for taking the time.
Notes:
- Only need a dedicated smoker as I have a gas grill already
- Must have reliable temp through better heat retention & PID
- Need over 650 square inches
- Prefer under $2,000, but more importantly I don't want to pay for features I don't need
- Prefer Wifi but not required
- Prefer better build quality
Some of the Models Considered
- Yoder YS640S - I have a local dealer. It does everything I need, but it also does way more than I need. With any add-ons, it easily goes over $2,000.
- MAK Grills 1 Star General Pellet Grill - Small cooking space and can get very pricey, but otherwise looks great and Meathead loves it!
- Camp Chef Woodwind 36 - great features overall and looks like good temp control. It has a short warranty.
- Camp Chef XXL Wifi Vertical Smoker - This looks like it would be fit the bill, but the hopper is small and the pellet burner rate. It has an enormous cooking space, which is far too big for me so just wasted heat and smoke.
- Cookshack Fast Eddys 30-Inch Wood Pellet Grill - PG500 - Not the best value for the cost, but it has great reviews.
- Pit Barrel Cooker - While not a pellet smoker, it seems as close to set it and forget it outside pellet smoker. It has a super passionate following.
- Recteq RT-700 - Great features, build, warranty, and reviews, but it looks like it skipped leg day and has bull horns. Please don't hate me if you love the horns haha.
- Pitts & Spitts Maverick 1250 Grill - probably my favorite at this price point, but I don't need the ability to grill so hard to justify.
- Traeger Timberline 850 Grill - Traeger's rep seems to have taken a huge hit. For the price, I probably would jump for the Maverick.
- Pitt Boss / Danson Grills - They don't have a PID controller. I am just so tired of the swings in temp.
- Lone Star Grillz Pellet Smoker - It looks great, but similar issues to other more expensive brands. It has a bunch of features I don't need.
- Grilla Grills Silverbac Alpha - After adding needed options, it runs a bit under $1k. It looks like a great build and has a good rep. It doesn't have a wifi temp so I would need to purchase one to watch the meat while I play with the kids.
- Weber Smokefire ex6 - it looks great on surface, but the horrid experience of the 1st gen scare me. It looks like Weber is standing by the quality, but at $1,200 I could go with RT-700. Maybe I should just wait until the second gen comes out?
Folks I need help. I am in full analysis paralysis mode here. Please offer any thoughts, suggestions, laughs for obsessing, etc. I appreciate your thoughts. If you made it this far, THANK YOU for taking the time.
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