Make some upgrades to my traeger or buy a new pellet bbq?

[archer75]

I'm contemplating adding a SSII to my Traeger Texas and a amzn tube smoker for more smoke.

However i'm also considering selling my traeger and upgrading to another pellet grill. I just wish it put out more smoke and I could direct grill on it. I've had it for 2 years and use it about 4 days a week year 'round. I keep it in my garage and when I want to cook I open the door and wheel it right to the front so it's never been in the rain. I've cooked everything on it from brisket, ribs, pork shoulders to chicken, burgers, veggies and pizzas.
Next year I may consider competing.

I'm considering green mountain, memphis, mak and yoder as there are local dealers here for all of them.

Upgrade the Traeger or sell it and purchase a new pellet bbq? Buying a new one would be a lot out of my pocket so it had better be a worthy upgrade.

 

[jettman96]

Not to detract from Big Poppas site but check out Pelletheads.com. They have section dedicated to almost all of the different Pellet Smoker brands. For your case there is the Traeger section with some guys that have done A LOT of experimenting with improving their Traeger. Maybe check there to see if they can provide you any advice to your complaints.

I am new to pellet grills and just bought a Lil' Tex and immediately replaced the three position dial with the SSII. So far I love it but I don't have any experience to compare it to. I do kind of wish I had done more research and purchased a MAK or REC TEC instead.

 

[archer75]

Not to detract from Big Poppas site but check out Pelletheads.com. They have section dedicated to almost all of the different Pellet Smoker brands. For your case there is the Traeger section with some guys that have done A LOT of experimenting with improving their Traeger. Maybe check there to see if they can provide you any advice to your complaints.

I am new to pellet grills and just bought a Lil' Tex and immediately replaced the three position dial with the SSII. So far I love it but I don't have any experience to compare it to. I do kind of wish I had done more research and purchased a MAK or REC TEC instead.

Already have! That's where I got the info on potential upgrades I can make for it.

 

[dnew]

I have a Traeger and I did upgrade the controller to an SSII. The upgrade did allow me higher temps, 550 to 600 and with the use of GrillGrates I was able to sear. But it still did not work for me. I had no problem with smoke because I cook low and slow for the most part and if I needed additional smoke the Amazing Tube was available. The Traeger just never felt right to me after using WBS and offset smokers. I did upgrade to the MAK 2 Star and am now totally happy. It does everything I want plus additional compliments such as remote and WiFi. Do your research but be sure to consider the MAK. I do use the Traeger as a backup for large cooks.

 

[archer75]

Did the SSII help out with producing more smoke? Even smoking at 225 I just can't taste much smoke in the meat, however it does produce a nice smoke ring. Funny enough I taste the smoke if I reheat the meat a day later.

When you switched to the Mak have you noticed any increase in smoke flavor in the food?

 

[dnew]

Did the SSII help out with producing more smoke? Even smoking at 225 I just can't taste much smoke in the meat, however it does produce a nice smoke ring. Funny enough I taste the smoke if I reheat the meat a day later.

When you switched to the Mak have you noticed any increase in smoke flavor in the food?

My motivation for the SSII upgrade was higher temps, not looking for more smoke. I cook low and slow so if I set the Traeger on smoke for several hours, then I usually got the smoke I was looking for. I get the smoke I like with the MAK.

 

[tbone]

I've done the upgrades, including the tube and the grill grates. And while I like my Traeger a lot more, it's only delayed the inevitable.

If you're in a position, order the MAK from BP. Only then will you be satisfied (I think ).

tbone