Rec-Tec Smoke output adjustments?

[Srl135]

I am very impressed with the temp control of the new grill but I am a little disappointed with the smoke output at all temps. I understand that at high temps it’s not to be expected, but even down low and with the extreme smoke setting on, it didn’t exactly billow out smoke. I’d like to explore the settings on the controller before buying a smoke tube. Anyone have any knowledge or experienced this? If so, what did you do?

[shush]

Put a couple of chunks on the deflector, under the drip pan.

[Huskee]

I agree with shush. Don't limit yourself to pellets. Find a way to add more wood.

[Rod]

I use smoke tubes. I tried the chunks of wood on the deflector shield and it didn't work for me at 225 anyways.

[vandy]

What kind of pellets are you using? I used to use the Traeger brand pellets on my smokers but I switched to BBQ Delite, I have much more smoke from that brand than I ever did with the Traeger pellets. I can now actually smell the smoke on the meat after it is cooked, never could with the other pellets. I have heard that Lumber Jack is also a good brand but I don't have any first hand experience with it. Cooking Pellets brand is another one that I have heard good things about. You may want to do some research on pellets and try different brands. I have tried the wood on the deflector also and that did not work out for me either. A smoke tube may also work but I have never used one and have not felt the need for it since I switched pellet brands.

[Srl135]

There’s a chance this could be to blame. I am using cookin’ pellets but I had a small box given to me of pellets someone had leftover that they didn’t use when their pellet grill broke down. No clue what brand. When I did the initial burn in, I used the good pellets then dumped those in and then filled the hopper with cookin’ pellets so they are sandwiched in. They may be what’s being burned now.

[DWCowles]

Pellet brands does make a difference.

[vandy]

Absolutely DW, I thought pellets are pellets until I made the switch. Would have never believed it if someone just told me there was a difference but now I know.

[CandySueQ]

Yes, it does just like brand matters with charcoal.

I typically cook with the Yoder Cimarron set at 350. At that temp it's about 300 at the cooking area. Get plenty of smoke and a beautiful smoke ring. Just as a comparison, I cook at a lower temp on the Jambo (with and without the pellet fire) and smoke ring is really hit and miss and smoke flavor is about the same. No matter what fuel I use, it's a mix of pecan and cherry for smoke flavor.