TentHunter
Moderator
I've been getting a lot questions about my Stoven, so I thought it'd be easier to answer all the basic questions here in a more detailed review of the Specs, Pros/Cons & personal observations.
This is a review and NOT a sales pitch, so please do NOT ask me to post about where to purchase this item. Thanks!
What is it? The Stoven® Pellet-fired Grill is an attachment that will convert a 22.5" kettle grill into a pellet-fired cooker.
Reference pics:
Hopper Assembly / Pellet & Air shoots, Fire Pot
Diffuser Plate / Controls
Pellets being lit
Grill - Cooking Surface
Specs:
• Materials/Finish: Heavy gauge steel with high temp powder coating.
• Power Hookups: includes two power adapters: a 110-120 volt adapter & a 12 volt adapter that plugs into an automobile cigarette lighter (for tailgating). An optional 12 volt battery attachment is also available.
• Temp range: rating is 185° - 450° F (I've had mine up to 476°).
• Pellet Ignition: pellets are lit manually. I use a small propane torch rather than lighter fluid. This usually takes approx. 30- 45 seconds.
• Fan: Single speed fan controlled by a power switch.
• Pellet Feed system/control: pellets are fed by an auger controlled by a variable rheostat setting from 1 to 9 to control the pellet feed rate. This allows the temperature to be adjusted manually. It does NOT automatically maintain a set temperature.
• Pellet Hopper Capacity: 3.5 pounds.
• Cooking Surface Area: 380 Sq. Inches (based on Weber cooking grid specs).
Other Features:
• Optional side shelf included
• Leg stabilizer included for three legged kettle grills.
Pros/Cons/Observations:
• Made in the USA! The only part made oversees is the fan assembly.
• Warranty: 30 days.
• Pellet consumption seems to be efficient:
1 lb or less/hour for Smoking/BBQ temps.
1.5 - 2 lbs/hour for Grilling temps.
These results were based using BBQ'rs Delight Pellets. And, of course, ambient temp, wind conditions, etc. affects this.
• Small hopper size: Longer cooks will require refilling the hopper about every 2-3 hours (which is still much easier/cleaner than adding more charcoal). Unattended overnight cooks aren't recommended by the MFG. or realistic.
• Thermometer - A good thermometer to monitor the pit temp near the grate level should be considered a must-have!
• Cleaning is fairly standard. Remove & clean the grate & diffuser plate, clean grease & ash from kettle, put back together.
• Customer Service - So far so good. John, from Stoven, called me directly after I'd had it for a couple weeks to see I had any questions or issues. I cannot say how repairs or replacement parts will be handled since I've not had to deal with this.
Recommended: These accessories, all available from www.BigPoppaSmokers.com, will definitely enhance the Stoven's capability:
• Maverick ET732 Digital Thermometer
• Hasty Bake Small Grill Extender (adds a second tier cooking rack for more room)
• 2 Hasty Bake Grid Lifters (they're inexpensive)
• FrogMats
• FireWire skewers
• GrillGrates.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am pleased with this grill. It may be low tech, but it's easy to operate & has delivered some great results.
However, if you're looking for the automatic features of the higher end pellet grills or want to do overnight cooks, you won't find it in this grill. In that case you're better off to spend the extra $300 or $400 and get a Memphis Select or MAK 1 Star
Thanks to Big Poppa for letting me share this here!
Cliff
Update August, 2011: Customer Service
This is a review and NOT a sales pitch, so please do NOT ask me to post about where to purchase this item. Thanks!
What is it? The Stoven® Pellet-fired Grill is an attachment that will convert a 22.5" kettle grill into a pellet-fired cooker.
Reference pics:
Hopper Assembly / Pellet & Air shoots, Fire Pot
Diffuser Plate / Controls
Pellets being lit
Grill - Cooking Surface
Specs:
• Materials/Finish: Heavy gauge steel with high temp powder coating.
• Power Hookups: includes two power adapters: a 110-120 volt adapter & a 12 volt adapter that plugs into an automobile cigarette lighter (for tailgating). An optional 12 volt battery attachment is also available.
• Temp range: rating is 185° - 450° F (I've had mine up to 476°).
• Pellet Ignition: pellets are lit manually. I use a small propane torch rather than lighter fluid. This usually takes approx. 30- 45 seconds.
• Fan: Single speed fan controlled by a power switch.
• Pellet Feed system/control: pellets are fed by an auger controlled by a variable rheostat setting from 1 to 9 to control the pellet feed rate. This allows the temperature to be adjusted manually. It does NOT automatically maintain a set temperature.
• Pellet Hopper Capacity: 3.5 pounds.
• Cooking Surface Area: 380 Sq. Inches (based on Weber cooking grid specs).
Other Features:
• Optional side shelf included
• Leg stabilizer included for three legged kettle grills.
Pros/Cons/Observations:
• Made in the USA! The only part made oversees is the fan assembly.
• Warranty: 30 days.
• Pellet consumption seems to be efficient:
1 lb or less/hour for Smoking/BBQ temps.
1.5 - 2 lbs/hour for Grilling temps.
These results were based using BBQ'rs Delight Pellets. And, of course, ambient temp, wind conditions, etc. affects this.
• Small hopper size: Longer cooks will require refilling the hopper about every 2-3 hours (which is still much easier/cleaner than adding more charcoal). Unattended overnight cooks aren't recommended by the MFG. or realistic.
• Thermometer - A good thermometer to monitor the pit temp near the grate level should be considered a must-have!
• Cleaning is fairly standard. Remove & clean the grate & diffuser plate, clean grease & ash from kettle, put back together.
• Customer Service - So far so good. John, from Stoven, called me directly after I'd had it for a couple weeks to see I had any questions or issues. I cannot say how repairs or replacement parts will be handled since I've not had to deal with this.
Recommended: These accessories, all available from www.BigPoppaSmokers.com, will definitely enhance the Stoven's capability:
• Maverick ET732 Digital Thermometer
• Hasty Bake Small Grill Extender (adds a second tier cooking rack for more room)
• 2 Hasty Bake Grid Lifters (they're inexpensive)
• FrogMats
• FireWire skewers
• GrillGrates.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am pleased with this grill. It may be low tech, but it's easy to operate & has delivered some great results.
However, if you're looking for the automatic features of the higher end pellet grills or want to do overnight cooks, you won't find it in this grill. In that case you're better off to spend the extra $300 or $400 and get a Memphis Select or MAK 1 Star
Thanks to Big Poppa for letting me share this here!
Cliff
Update August, 2011: Customer Service
I thought I should post this as an update to the review.
After a user created mishap I had to send the circuit board back to American Sundancer (Stoven) for repair.
Even though they didn't have to (because it wasn't their fault) they covered the repair at their cost. I can't ask for any better service than that!
Thanks to John for the excellent service!
After a user created mishap I had to send the circuit board back to American Sundancer (Stoven) for repair.
Even though they didn't have to (because it wasn't their fault) they covered the repair at their cost. I can't ask for any better service than that!
Thanks to John for the excellent service!
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