First Pellet Purchase

[japerry01]

Been using a Backwoods Pro Jr. Charcoal smoker and wanting to add a pellet smoker to my arsenal. Looking at the GMG Jim Bowie or the Traegar Texas. Both are around a grand.

Any recommendations or thoughts from those who might use either of these units?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[muebe]

Between those two I would get the GMG.

 

[cowdog]

Agree with muebe, GMG

 

[dconder1]

I own the Tex and a Lil Tex. I love them. Traeger is the only pellet grills I have used so I have no comparison however I couldnt be happier with my Traegers.

 

[Sir Lamerok]

I own the Lil Tex. I got it at Costco for $650. The Texas is $799 but if your budget is around $1000 maybe you should consider the Mak 1 star. It's a few hundred more but definitely the better smoker.

 

[Scallywag]

I started with a Traeger.. great entry level unit, but if your serious and can afford a Mak 1 star I would recommend it for sure. It will save you from upgrading down the road.

 

[scooter]

Agree with Scallywag. Pay a little more now to buy a better grill than an entry level and save money down the road when you upgrade and need to find a buyer for your GMG or Traeger.
I speak from experience. I bought a Lil Tex then four months later upgraded to the MAK 2 Star which was newly released into production (12/2009). I sold my Lil Tex and took a small loss in order to buy the MAK. Going from the Lil Tex to the 2 Star was a night and day difference in construction quality and features. The 1 Star doesn't have all the features of the 2 Star but it does share the best pit controller on the market today which is the PelletBoss. Do your research.
If you can swing it, pay more now, save money later and have a first rate pit the whole time.

 

[Patrick_CT]

I also love my MAK. But I do hear good things about GMG. All depends on budget and there seem to be new pellet grills out everyday lately. Good luck and welcome to the group!

 

[Smokinman88]

Agree with Scallywag. Pay a little more now to buy a better grill than an entry level and save money down the road when you upgrade and need to find a buyer for your GMG or Traeger.
I speak from experience. I bought a Lil Tex then four months later upgraded to the MAK 2 Star which was newly released into production (12/2009). I sold my Lil Tex and took a small loss in order to buy the MAK. Going from the Lil Tex to the 2 Star was a night and day difference in construction quality and features. The 1 Star doesn't have all the features of the 2 Star but it does share the best pit controller on the market today which is the PelletBoss. Do your research.
If you can swing it, pay more now, save money later and have a first rate pit the whole time.

I did the same exact same thing as Scooter and would agree 100%.