Memphis Select - Direct Grill

[stljrs]

Hello all,

Can someone confirm if the Memphis Select can be configured to Direct Grill. In this thread, it's mentioned it can be: http://www.pelletsmoking.com/pellet-smoking-com-lounge-9/help-mak-vs-memphis-vs-6293/
However from what I've read it can't be. It doesn't come equipped to do so. Can parts be purchased to make it so? Can anyone comment on how hot the stock grill gets? Unlike the higher models, it's not a 600F grill but if you run it wide open, what might it get to?

I ask because a local dealer who no longer is carrying the Memphis line has one on the floor and is willing to discount it. I am more interested in the GMG DB due to pricing and quite frankly it's alot of grill for the $ and the company customer service is strong. There are also tons of GMG users and lots of internet forum support on the brand. While the Memphis is still considerably more, were it able to direct grill, I just might reconsider. Otherwise other than build quality, I'm not sure it will really cook better than the GMG. The GMG has an excellent controller and while I know some find the WiFi gimmicky, I think it will be useful especially if GMG releases an anticipated firmware update to allow it work through a router, similar to the MAK. But no question on the build quality the Memphis is impressive, almost stunning to the point it would be a shame to get it dirty..... Also not much on how well the Memphis line smokes. It vents all the way across the top so I wondering if it holds smoke as well as the GMG.

Since Big Poppa sponsors this forum and formerly carried the Memphis line, I was hoping someone on here would know regarding the direct grill. Thank you. Hoping one way or another to be a pellet grill owner very soon!

 

[TentHunter]

You are probably referring to what I mentioned in that thread:

If You do more grilling, then the Memphis Select, Pro & Elite go to higher temps, offer the Direct Flame insert, and are better insulated. This allows them to be more efficient at getting to the hotter temps you want for great grilling, but also lets you do low & slow BBQing.

I can see why you would be confused, so please let me clarify that statement. The Select, Pro & Elite all go to higher temps. The Pro & Elite offer the Direct Flame Insert.


Memphis does NOT offer the Direct Flame insert for the Select model.

Now having said that, there are a few guys that I know of who have modded the Select so they can use the insert, BUT I cannot say if this is recommended by Memphis.

Sorry if my previous post caused you more confusion.

 

[Big Poppa]

Ok I really like the select and advantage. I like where they have the pellet hopper. I do not like where they have it on the pro and the elite...With the elite it is really a bear. ON the smoking side it took Memphis forever to reallize that the primary use for it is a smoker they were more concerned with having the lowest pellet burn. Finally they were convinced that in order to make enough smoke you had to burn pellets. The Select does not have the flame zone but it gets really hot and with grill grates you can get a nice steak or burgers.

understand taht I really think that pellet grills do an acceptable job of faux grilling but if your interest is solely grilling charcoal rules. Look at one of our drum kits...weber kettle hasty bake portable kitchen...

 

[stljrs]

Thank you for the comments. I plan to keep my Weber Summit for quick grills but having the option to get a little direct grill capability using the pellet grill is appealing. I plan to primarily use the grill for long smokes and basically as an outdoor oven. To be able to not have to heat the house up in summer with our regular oven would be great. Given the temp control on these PID grills, it seems very possible. These appear to be very versatile machines!

I have read enough hopefully to know that all these grills have issues from time to time. Anecdotally, across several forums, of the sub $1000 type grill, GMG seems to be the preferred. For the posts about issues there seem to be more posting wonderful results. Will the Memphis cook better as a smoker? Not sure anyone can truly answer it. Will it outlast the GMG? The body will definitely. But the moving parts in both will eventually wear out and need replaced. In a few years should I fall madly in love in pellet cooking it might be easier to drop the extra $ on a longer lasting body like a Memphis, MAK or Yoder.

Big Poppa. This is a great site. Thank you for maintaining it. I hope to continue frequenting the forum and maybe get a little advice here and there. Folks cook the exact same piece of meat so many different ways it's quite interesting reading about it.

 

[Big Poppa]

perfect bottom line as long as you are cooking outside you are fine!

 

[BigKroth]

Hi all. I haven't been around much recently posting due to heavy work commitments and health issues but saw this thread and wanted to chime in since I'm a proud owner of a Memphis Advantage.

Personally I think it performs excellent as a smoker. We do a lot of chicken and ribs and get great results and last weekend I smoked a chuck roast and made shredded/pulled beef. I also tried smoking my own salmon and it turned out great with good smoke flavor. Hands down better than anything I have gotten at my local deli.

I got an older model that didn't have the flame insert so I went to the local Memphis dealer since I purchased the grill from them as a closeout. I asked if we could upgrade to the open flame and it was possible all we had to do was purchase a new controller and the open flame insert. Since the model I purchased was older I jumped on it and by far it was the best thing we ever did hands down.

That being said Big Poppa is spot on about the grill grates being a really good alternative to the open flame insert. Just crank up the temp and let the grill grates work their voodoo magic.

Kevin