Hello all!! Very excited to have found this forum. I currently own a chargriller offset wood/charcoal smoker and I'm really getting into the art... But many of my friends have the automatic auger fed pellet smokers And I'm quickly becoming very jealous. My only exposure to pellet smokers is with traeger. I'm actively searching and researching the differences and similarities between different brands/versions of smokers(pellet) any information would be greatly Appreciated!!! What's the most reliable accurate plow maintenance etc.
Hi my name is Ian and I'm a charcoal smoker aspiring to become a pellet smoker!!
- Thread starter Geminioc
- Start date
Well I've gained much experience with my side firebox smoker but am tired of the constant work of maintaining the fire and smoke, monitoring heat... I like to BBQ for friends and family nothing commercial as far as volume. I enjoy smoking tri tips ribs both beef and pork. I would like to try my hand at pork shoulders and brisket but have been discouraged with my current bbq
So Cal Smoker
New member
Welcome to the forum Ian. Glad to hear you're researching pellet grills, there is a lot of info to assimilate so take your time. You've come to the right place for info about pellet grills and great cooking. As far as the pellet grills go you can't go wrong with any one of the big three, ( MAK, Memphis, and Yoder ). I happen to be parochial to the MAK 2 Star but do your home work and you won't go wrong.
Salmonsmoker
New member
Welcome Ian. Like you're going to do, I've already done my research and although I don't have one yet, the Mak 2-star will be sitting on my deck...eventually.
muebe
New member
Welcome from Southern California Ian!
When I started looking at my first pellet grill price was a huge consideration. So I went with a Traeger Jr. I was so impressed with pellet grills that I sold that grill and purchased a Memphis Pellet grill a year later. Had I known then what I know now I would have just bought the Memphis in the first place.
So do your research and ask many questions before you decide to buy one.
Good luck
When I started looking at my first pellet grill price was a huge consideration. So I went with a Traeger Jr. I was so impressed with pellet grills that I sold that grill and purchased a Memphis Pellet grill a year later. Had I known then what I know now I would have just bought the Memphis in the first place.
So do your research and ask many questions before you decide to buy one.
Good luck
RickB
New member
Welcome! A few suggestions. Read as much as you can about pellet smokers. There are maybe a handfull of quality units for the backyard cook. Quality of customer service from the manufacturer is of utmost importance. Service from the dealer comes next. IMHO the best of both is Big Poppas Smokers and Mak Grills. Good luck in your quest.
Spent a pretty good chunk of the day online checking things out!!! Thanks to all for advice and suggestions! My main concern is reliability and good quality. The mak 2 looks and sounds extremely nice. Especially due to its ability to cold smoke and open flame grill. So the comments on their website claim. Can anyone attest to these facts?! I've personally had the best tri tip from a traeger and watched and consumed mediocre steaks from the same traeger. The one thing that has me balking on the mak is the price.... How do I justify the 1000.00 difference?
SoDakSmokerGolfer
New member
Ian... I myself just jumped into the pellet world and like you stared looking at the "T's" but after looking into it more I found them to be lacking in quality and support after the sale. I ended up going with a MAK 2 star and I haven't looked back. The support from MAK and Big Pappa is second to none. As a few have already said you can't go wrong with MAK, Memphis, or Yoder... Yes they cost more on the front end but you are getting what you pay for.... Quality unit backed by a number of quality people right here in the USA. They are also very passionate about BBQ and outdoor cooking. They are happy to share their knowledge and eager to help you get the results you are after.
You don't have to take just my word....do what I did and just give them a call and see what advice they can offer. Don't be shocked, in the case of BPS or MAK you get that advice straight from the horse's mouth. I have called both a few times and had Big Pappa himself and MAK daddy answer the phone.
Good luck with your search and welcome from South Dakota.
You don't have to take just my word....do what I did and just give them a call and see what advice they can offer. Don't be shocked, in the case of BPS or MAK you get that advice straight from the horse's mouth. I have called both a few times and had Big Pappa himself and MAK daddy answer the phone.
Good luck with your search and welcome from South Dakota.
RickB
New member
Yes the new mak2 has the full flame zone and the full blank pan avail. the warming/cold smoke drawer is great! Also the pellet dump feature is something you will use all the time. And lets not forget the cleanout door on the main body. Worth every penny.
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Watch your local Craigslist to. I was slowly researching PG and almost had a 3 month old Yoder for $999 but the guy changed his mind. I ended up getting 450 Louisiana for $475. It was only a few months old and looked like new. He was used to that deep smoke flavor a stick burner gives and just couldn't get it out the PG. I gladly took it of his hands. I'm sure I'll upgrade to a Mak, Yoder, Rec Tec or who knows what at some point but I'm in the game for cheap at the moment.
Pellet Smoking: my new hobby/habit!!
Well I've found mybstartin point!! Got a "smokin" deal on a traeger Texas grill. The price point fits the bill and it be a perfect starter grill for me!! I. Have no doubt I'll upgrade eventually!! Thanks for all the great info and suggestions!! I'm hoping to exchange ideas and recipes once I acclimate to the pellet side of smokin
Well I've found mybstartin point!! Got a "smokin" deal on a traeger Texas grill. The price point fits the bill and it be a perfect starter grill for me!! I. Have no doubt I'll upgrade eventually!! Thanks for all the great info and suggestions!! I'm hoping to exchange ideas and recipes once I acclimate to the pellet side of smokin
Salmonsmoker
New member
Next step Ian, pictures. No pictures, didn't happen.
Pictures are to come! Had to order was not in stock. I'm basically gettin it at cost so I had to jump on it. I know I'll upgrade down the road there is no doubt. Definitely excited about it tho!! First smoke will most likely be a shoulder or brisket absolutely pumped for it
Chili Head
New member
Welcome Ian!