Looking for opinions on a pellet grill - Page 2

CasaDooley · 04-01-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I learned that Traeger sent their mfg operation to China ~5 years ago. Anyone purchase one recently? I like to buy US made wen I can. But if the quality is still there, I have no problem buying one.

I will look into Green Mountain, too.
Thanks, Mark.
Posted via Mobile Device

I have a few friends that own the China made models and the quality appears to be equal Peter.

poker · 03-30-2011, 11:39 AM

I found all the local places that are Traeger retailers dont carry the Texas model in stock but rather they are ordered as needed. Just called Traeger and they verified they have them available in both their Northern & Southern California warehouses so ETA's are minimal.

pnoon · 03-30-2011, 11:41 AM

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mosesbotbol · 03-30-2011, 11:48 AM

I never heard of this style grill until right now. Pretty cool. For those who want to know more: http://www.traegergrills.com

Smokin Gator · 03-30-2011, 11:56 AM

You will love the Traeger!! We have been using a Lil Tex for several years as our chicken cooker for our competition BBQ team. After seeing it my brother bought an 075 and loves it as well.

Here is a GREAT source for good quality pellets. They make all the difference in the world:

http://www.cookinpellets.com

pnoon · 03-31-2011, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

You will love the Traeger!! We have been using a Lil Tex for several years as our chicken cooker for our competition BBQ team. After seeing it my brother bought an 075 and loves it as well.

Here is a GREAT source for good quality pellets. They make all the difference in the world:

http://www.cookinpellets.com

I looked at that site and all I could find was hickory and their blend.
Am I missing something?

mosesbotbol · 03-31-2011, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I looked at that site and all I could find was hickory and their blend.
Am I missing something?

I don't think so, that's all I saw too.

Lear31MX · 03-30-2011, 01:12 PM

The green mountain has a remote, thats cool

Aero95 · 03-31-2011, 09:14 AM

Anybody ever heard of mak gills? I.read some reviews and I hear they are very nice.

Aero95 · 03-31-2011, 02:15 PM

Very cool Enrique. Do they ever do BBQ's at there place?

qsalinas · 03-31-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aero95

Very cool Enrique. Do they ever do BBQ's at there place?

I don't think so and if they do it's probably just for the employees after work. But I think they have a competition team and I bet their BBQ is

.

Aero95 · 04-01-2011, 12:12 PM

Pnoon check out MAK grills http://www.makgrills.com/ I have read nothing but great reviews about this company and its American made

pnoon · 04-01-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aero95

Pnoon check out MAK grills http://www.makgrills.com/ I have read nothing but great reviews about this company and its American made

I have. They look great but a bit beyond my budget.
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T.G · 04-01-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I learned that Traeger sent their mfg operation to China ~5 years ago. Anyone purchase one recently? I like to buy US made wen I can. But if the quality is still there, I have no problem buying one.

I will look into Green Mountain, too.
Thanks, Mark.
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I have. They look great but a bit beyond my budget.
Posted via Mobile Device

Not sure if it's exactly what you are looking for but I think there's a company right in my area somewhere that makes pellet adapters here for Weber kettles (still built in the USA I believe).

I'll do some checking a bit later and get back to you.

T.G · 04-01-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I learned that Traeger sent their mfg operation to China ~5 years ago. Anyone purchase one recently? I like to buy US made wen I can. But if the quality is still there, I have no problem buying one.

I will look into Green Mountain, too.
Thanks, Mark.
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

I have. They look great but a bit beyond my budget.
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.G

Not sure if it's exactly what you are looking for but I think there's a company right in my area somewhere that makes pellet adapters here for Weber kettles (still built in the USA I believe).

I'll do some checking a bit later and get back to you.

Found it...

Stoven, in Citrus Heights (suburb of Sacramento).

http://www.thepelletbbqgriller.com/s...barbecues.html

Radio interview with the inventor/founder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8z2NjWEgDw

Not much info or reviews out there on these units. $350 for the stoven + $90 for a Weber 22.5"OTS - not sure how it directly compares or stacks up against the lowest cost Traeger. Doesn't seem to have advanced temp control, but I don't think the entry level Traeger does either.

I did see one comment on a bbq pellet forum about the hopper isn't very big, but I'm not sure of that person actually owns one to make the statements he does about how long the fuel lasts.

Aero95 · 04-01-2011, 12:21 PM

Ahh my bad. You can also check out this site I found they have reviews on grills. http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyer...t_smokers.html

Green mountain looks nice also.

pnoon · 04-01-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aero95

Ahh my bad. You can also check out this site I found they have reviews on grills. http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyer...t_smokers.html

Green mountain looks nice also.

Been there, too

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CasaDooley · 04-01-2011, 01:00 PM

There have been a lot of great grill suggestions put forth here, so I would just say look at the following items when trying to decide what the best pellet BBQ is for you:

How long has the Mfg been in business ( I have seen some grills on the market for a few years then disappear. What good is a grill that will last a decade or more when you can no longer get parts for em. )

How easy is it to get pellets locally ( Shipping adds a lot to the final cost of your pellets. )

When you open the BBQ lid up, how much heat will you lose ( some brands are just designed better then others. )

Do not buy anything that has rubber pieces in the auger feed system.

Remember that a pellet BBQ is not the same as a gas or charcoal grill. You will not get those high high searing temps.

I have cooked everything on my pellet grill in the last 16 years ( If you cook it in your oven, you can do it on your grill ) and the taste is unbelievable!

( Your gonna have to trust me on this one

)

markem · 04-01-2011, 01:05 PM

One last item:

If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure that the auger itself is empty if you plan to not use the grill for more than about a week. The achilles heel for these things is that if the pellets in the auger expand, they can wedge it and then when you turn it on you can burn out the auger motor. Happened to me with my Traeger.

CasaDooley · 04-01-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markem

One last item:

If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure that the auger itself is empty if you plan to not use the grill for more than about a week. The achilles heel for these things is that if the pellets in the auger expand, they can wedge it and then when you turn it on you can burn out the auger motor. Happened to me with my Traeger.

Forgot to mention that. Good catch Mark!

03-30-2011, 11:39 AM	#2
poker 1:11 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kelly Location: SoCal Posts: 5,280 Trading: (7)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill I found all the local places that are Traeger retailers dont carry the Texas model in stock but rather they are ordered as needed. Just called Traeger and they verified they have them available in both their Northern & Southern California warehouses so ETA's are minimal. __________________ Cigar Asylum: A cigar board birthed without agendas, without profiting, and without advertisements. Amor puro Character is what you do when no one is watching

03-30-2011, 11:41 AM	#3
pnoon YNWA Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Peter Location: San Diego Posts: 29,919 Trading: (20)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill Posted via Mobile Device

03-30-2011, 11:48 AM	#4
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill I never heard of this style grill until right now. Pretty cool. For those who want to know more: http://www.traegergrills.com __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

03-30-2011, 11:56 AM	#5
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill You will love the Traeger!! We have been using a Lil Tex for several years as our chicken cooker for our competition BBQ team. After seeing it my brother bought an 075 and loves it as well. Here is a GREAT source for good quality pellets. They make all the difference in the world: http://www.cookinpellets.com __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

03-30-2011, 01:12 PM	#8
Lear31MX Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: May 2010 First Name: Anthony Location: Pacific Northwest L.C.D.H. Posts: 451 Trading: (8)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill The green mountain has a remote, thats cool __________________ Being still and doing nothing are two very different things.

03-31-2011, 09:14 AM	#9
Aero95 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Aaron Location: Loveland Ohio Posts: 295 Trading: (2)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill Anybody ever heard of mak gills? I.read some reviews and I hear they are very nice. __________________ "If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go." -- Mark Twain

03-31-2011, 02:15 PM	#10
Aero95 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Aaron Location: Loveland Ohio Posts: 295 Trading: (2)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill Very cool Enrique. Do they ever do BBQ's at there place? __________________ "If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go." -- Mark Twain

04-01-2011, 12:12 PM	#12
Aero95 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Aaron Location: Loveland Ohio Posts: 295 Trading: (2)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill Pnoon check out MAK grills http://www.makgrills.com/ I have read nothing but great reviews about this company and its American made __________________ "If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go." -- Mark Twain

04-01-2011, 12:21 PM	#16
Aero95 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Aaron Location: Loveland Ohio Posts: 295 Trading: (2)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill Ahh my bad. You can also check out this site I found they have reviews on grills. http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyer...t_smokers.html Green mountain looks nice also. __________________ "If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go." -- Mark Twain

04-01-2011, 01:00 PM	#18
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill There have been a lot of great grill suggestions put forth here, so I would just say look at the following items when trying to decide what the best pellet BBQ is for you: How long has the Mfg been in business ( I have seen some grills on the market for a few years then disappear. What good is a grill that will last a decade or more when you can no longer get parts for em. ) How easy is it to get pellets locally ( Shipping adds a lot to the final cost of your pellets. ) When you open the BBQ lid up, how much heat will you lose ( some brands are just designed better then others. ) Do not buy anything that has rubber pieces in the auger feed system. Remember that a pellet BBQ is not the same as a gas or charcoal grill. You will not get those high high searing temps. I have cooked everything on my pellet grill in the last 16 years ( If you cook it in your oven, you can do it on your grill ) and the taste is unbelievable! ( Your gonna have to trust me on this one ) __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

04-01-2011, 01:05 PM	#19
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,669 Trading: (47)	Re: Looking for opinions on a pellet grill One last item: If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure that the auger itself is empty if you plan to not use the grill for more than about a week. The achilles heel for these things is that if the pellets in the auger expand, they can wedge it and then when you turn it on you can burn out the auger motor. Happened to me with my Traeger. __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx