I agree 100%. Like you said in a earlier post... In the end we are cooking food for ourselves friends family and loved ones...as long as you are cooking outside you are good with me. Cook On People.
Which Pellet Grill to Buy ? HELP!
- Thread starter thethrill
- Start date
TentHunter
Moderator
I added some additional info to my post above on surface area comparison between the two grills.
I also changed the focus to keep it more about providing realistic info and trying to compare apples to apples, and NOT about pushing the MAK!
I also changed the focus to keep it more about providing realistic info and trying to compare apples to apples, and NOT about pushing the MAK!
Thank you all for your input. I had not heard of MAK until y'all suggested it. I looked it up and to be honest my first impression was that it was small and overpriced. It didn't weigh 300lbs so I was beginning to feel pretty negative about it. I watched pretty much every MAK related video on the net, and read countless threads about them. I discovered that the were intelligently designed and appeared very real world ready. I then decided to call MAK and ask a few questions that I had written down during my research. A guy named Matt answered the phone. He stated that he is the "M" in MAK. I was impressed by that as even very small business's generally have a receptionist field all their calls. He took a great amount of time discussing in detail why he felt the MAK should be seriously considered when one is shopping for a pellet grill.
The problem is I now just want the MAK 2 Star. I feel that it's the best fit for me although over my budget, I think it's worth investing a little more money in. Now I just have to convince the wife to let me spend $2500 on a grill !!
The problem is I now just want the MAK 2 Star. I feel that it's the best fit for me although over my budget, I think it's worth investing a little more money in. Now I just have to convince the wife to let me spend $2500 on a grill !!
Darwin00537
New member
You'll be happy with a 2. Don't count the 1 out though if budget is a concern. It still has the pellet boss (Universe's best controller). And like Tenthunter said once you add the upper racks either grill has a LOT of smoking space.
BTW I was right there with you just a few weeks ago. I was deciding between several brands. The biggest issue for me was living on the East Coast and having no physical Mak dealers close by so I could touch one. I had to rely on web information. Luckily I relied on the right folks. I'm very happy with the build quality, the performance, and the wifi.
Darwin00537
New member
Blaz'n owners I meant no offense. Y'all have a great looking grill and I like the "pull the firepot out the side feature".
This is how I felt when I did the research. In my case I put off the purchase for a bit (which turned into a year thanks to a furnace going) to save up the extra money for the 2 star. FWIW I am happy with my decision to wait a bit and stretch for the 2 star.
So Cal Smoker
New member
Cry only once and never look back. Promise the Wife you'll cook dinner at least three times a week. Now that's a win win. Good luck and good smoking.
Sorry Darwin if this is off base, but have you ever owned a PG500? I am new here so please forgive me if I missed a review you did on the sear area and the unit itself.
Darwin00537
New member
Yambor I don't own the PG500. I based my comments on this review: Fast Eddy Cookshack PG500 | Amazing Ribs
Good article. Hopefully thethrill (OP) will read that. As an avid user of the unit, and other pellet grills, they ALL blow pellet dust into the cooking chamber on startup. After that, brush the grates (as you would with any grill) before adding your meat and you're good to go.
I did replace my cast iron grate over the flame zone with a stainless one that was made for the unit. Living in Florida I couldn't keep the rust off of it no matter how I seasoned it short of taking it inside and what would be the point of that?
I will say this (and then duck and run for cover), the Fast Eddy PG500 provides the best smoke aroma and flavor of any of the pellet grills I own, have owned or cooked on. The MAK 2 I have is great also. As I am learning it, I am really startinmg to enjoy it. They both have their great qualities. I recommended the PG500 based on his price point and cooking needs. I haven't owned a Mak 1 so I couldn't rightfully recommend it as I have never owned one.
Darwin00537
New member
My Goodness, WHAT are you doing with all of those pellet grills?
LOL. The same thing you're doing with all of those charcoal grills!
Darwin00537
New member
DUDE. You need to stop burning charcoal in your pellet grills. That won't end well.
Any chance you know http://www.pelletsmoking.com/pellet-smoking-com-lounge-9/how-do-i-cook-7144/
Darwin00537
New member
Not as cool as you guys but I had a 96 Vette with both tops, the LT4 engine and a 6 Speed. That was a fun car but very expensive to own. Ended up selling it in 2001 so I could move from North Carolina to Texas.
82corvette
New member
Old School. 1982 Corvette Collector Edition, 34,000 actual miles. 6,759 built, first Vette over 20grand, first electronic fuel injection on a Vette, special paint & leather interior, wheels that replicate original knock off mag wheels, first year with opening rear hatch, last Stingray, first built in Bowling Green. Generally collects dust in my garage.
scottdaddy
New member
From what I have seen the FE 500 sears just fine. And it has plenty room to sear my friend. It's a wonderful unit. I'm very impressed with the FE 500. There is a pretty good wait to buy one.
Right now they have to be back ordered if one is wanting to buy one. That's a pretty good positive sign for the unit. : )
It's also a strong build. They are built out of 14 ga stainless. We are not talking 060 AL.
I am a retired sheet metal man.: ) My last big job was at NASA building a sheet metal Space Station. : ) I'm telling my age,: ) that was back in 98.
I'm glad you are enjoying your Mak. I hope to be grilling again soon.
Right now they have to be back ordered if one is wanting to buy one. That's a pretty good positive sign for the unit. : )
It's also a strong build. They are built out of 14 ga stainless. We are not talking 060 AL.
I am a retired sheet metal man.: ) My last big job was at NASA building a sheet metal Space Station. : ) I'm telling my age,: ) that was back in 98.
I'm glad you are enjoying your Mak. I hope to be grilling again soon.
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