Tell me about pellet smoking!!!

[chodempole]

Hey guys, first post on the site!

My name is Steve and I've been in the smoking world now for quite a while, but i'm finally thinking about jumping from the charcoal ship to be a pellethead.

I've done plenty of research and I am ready to buy a new unit. But, before I do I wanted to ask the guys who actually smoke on these things to give me their 2 cents.

So, I guess this is going to be a thread where you guys try and persuade me into buying a certain brand. I've been looking at Traeger, Rec-Tec, Memphis, Yoder and Mak. Talk me into buying one and the reasons why and why not. If there's a brand here not worth my time or a brand I haven't named, please, tell me!

Thanks!

 

[scooter]

IF you make use of the search function you will find hundreds of threads covering the upside and downside of pellet cooking over charcoal, and strengths and weaknesses of one manufacturer over another. They are common topics on this forum as you might expect.
I will say you don't have to give up charcoal to add a pellet cooker to your backyard unless space is an issue. I've said it many times that there is room for charcoal and pellets on any back porch as each have their strengths. A UDS and a pellet smoker make a perfect combination.
As for which pellet cooker you buy, do your research and buy the best and only cry once. I bought an entry level brand/model then sold it 4 months later (at a loss) and bought the best. I cried twice. Don't do what I did.

 

[jimsbarbecue]

I agree with Scooter on this except the more BBQ's the better. We have a Rubbermaid cabinet that has nothing but charcoal and Wood Pellets in it. Two units for the average home BBQer the MAK pellet Grill and a BPS drum are hard to beat.

This weekends party we will be cooking on MAK Pellet Grills our Ole Hickory Pits Ace BP. the BPS Drum and a Hasty Bake and a Weber Kettle 22 inch grill. Now for dinner every night this week the MAK grill gets the work because they are so easy to use and monitor.

 

[killerq]

its tough to beat a Mak! i bought the one star a few months back and could not be happier. Sales support is second to none, i mention that because others have stated it. i havent had to use them because i have not had one single problem with mine. Big Poppa Smokers (who maintains this site) is the best dealer around and has some great products of his own. Welcome!

 

[gap74]

Why to buy it - I refer to it as "smoking for dummies" - not to call any of use dummies . The pellet systems, for the most part, take so much of the time consuming/wee hours in the morning/etc.. work out of smoking food. My camp chef system will keep the internal cooking temp within 10 degrees of what i set it at. Add in the prob that i insert into the meet - i can check the food temp without opening the lid which lets all the beautiful smoke out and lowers the cooking temp.

I'm personally responsible for at least 3 people buying a pellet smoker since i bought mine only 8 months ago. It's just that easy, efficient and good!