aggiedent said:

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Sad to see so many great Ags tout faux BBQ techniques.

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I'm just a t-shirt Aggie, and at 52 yrs old, I no longer give a crap about "faux bbq", or "man cards".

Rectec here. I have 2 one called the tailgater and one I bought called the bull. Like some have noted you can't beat the customer service.

Bought a Pit Boss KC Combo Platinum from walmart the other day. Love it!

A pellet grill is a convection oven with the ability to smoke. But while some people like throwing on wood every hour I can set it and forget it.

So what are the good brands of the pellet smokers/grills? I know Traeger but who else is out there and what are the pros/cons?

I was talking with a fellow Ag this weekend at my kid's birthday party and he's had a Traeger for years and loves it. While he can't get up to BGE temps to sear stuff at 700 he said he can get it over 500 which I think is probably good enough. I'm looking for a replacement of my Weber Genesis and while I wish I could do both a grill and smoker I just don't have the space at present. Nor do I really want to fool with tending the fire in a stick burner.

This Ag with the Traeger said they did pizzas and bread on it regularly as well which appeals to me too.

P.U.T.U said:

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A pellet grill is a convection oven with the ability to smoke. But while some people like throwing on wood every hour I can set it and forget it.

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Ron Popeil?

One of the problems I see at this point in the pellet grill world is that although they have been around for 30 years or so they have really become popular in the last 10 years(I'd say exponentially more within the last 5 years). Because of that most people have only had one pellet grill and don't have experience to compare them with other models/brands. So you get a traeger and you go this is the best thing ever, but you only have ever had a traeger. Which is fine that's you're experience. I just always think ok they love the one they have, but if they had another one would they feel the same way. Sure some people have had more than one pellet grill, but I think most people that have one are on their first pellet grill.

RCR06 said:

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One of the problems I see at this point in the pellet grill world is that although they have been around for 30 years or so they have really become popular in the last 10 years(I'd say exponentially more within the last 5 years). Because of that most people have only had one pellet grill and don't have experience to compare them with other models/brands. So you get a traeger and you go this is the best thing ever, but you only have ever had a traeger. Which is fine that's you're experience. I just always think ok they love the one they have, but if they had another one would they feel the same way. Sure some people have had more than one pellet grill, but I think most people that have one are on their first pellet grill.

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I cooked on some cheap pit boss pellet grills at work the last three years. Ive also helped buddies set up and cook on Traegers, Camp Chefs, and Green Mountains. The grills at that level are all pretty ubiquitous. If I had to pick I'd go with the camp chef.

Now, if I were buying one (which I contemplate often) I'd go with a Pitts and Spitts. I was very impressed by the build of it and the brisket it was turning out at Camp Brisket this past winter. Plus it's made in Texas which puts it over the top for me. Id definitely consider a Mak as well but don't particularly care for the look of them.

ajolly said:

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I Bought a Pit Boss KC Combo Platinum from walmart the other day. Love it!

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I did too smoked ribs 2 weekends ago and brisket last weekend. They both were great. Plus I left them for 4 hours while I fished. Was very nice

TarponChaser said:

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So what are the good brands of the pellet smokers/grills? I know Traeger but who else is out there and what are the pros/cons?

I was talking with a fellow Ag this weekend at my kid's birthday party and he's had a Traeger for years and loves it. While he can't get up to BGE temps to sear stuff at 700 he said he can get it over 500 which I think is probably good enough. I'm looking for a replacement of my Weber Genesis and while I wish I could do both a grill and smoker I just don't have the space at present. Nor do I really want to fool with tending the fire in a stick burner.

This Ag with the Traeger said they did pizzas and bread on it regularly as well which appeals to me too.

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Might check out the pit boss kc pro. My gas grill was completely shot, wanted a smoker, got both plus it comes with a griddle,. Gas grill got up to 720 when I burned it off. Was nice to come home and put corn on grill as I was taking brisket off. Probably not as great as some but it seems to be everything I need

You can get the camp chef with a side sear box that runs on propane

Very happy with my Camp Chef. Haven't read the thread but have been wanting to show off the shelf I added to mine last weekend.

I own Creekstone Outdoor Living and we have carried half a dozen different pellet grills at our stain store. I think Yoder is the best value, best build, most versatile, etc.

If anyone is Houston Area and wants to see it, come see us and check them out. We cook on one every Saturday at the store.

AggieSam02 said:

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I own Creekstone Outdoor Living and we have carried half a dozen different pellet grills at our stain store. I think Yoder is the best value, best build, most versatile, etc.

If anyone is Houston Area and wants to see it, come see us and check them out. We cook on one every Saturday at the store.

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Sell me on why I would buy a Yoder 640 over a Pitts and Spitts Maverick 850

RCR06 said:

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One of the problems I see at this point in the pellet grill world is that although they have been around for 30 years or so they have really become popular in the last 10 years(I'd say exponentially more within the last 5 years). Because of that most people have only had one pellet grill and don't have experience to compare them with other models/brands. So you get a traeger and you go this is the best thing ever, but you only have ever had a traeger. Which is fine that's you're experience. I just always think ok they love the one they have, but if they had another one would they feel the same way. Sure some people have had more than one pellet grill, but I think most people that have one are on their first pellet grill.

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I think there's probably a lot of truth to this. I have the RecTeq 590 and have cooked on it 4 or 5 nights per week for over 3 years. I haven't had a single issue. Why wouldn't I rep it? I obviously can't say it's better than some other brand; but when it's batting 1.000, it certainly can't be worse. That said, I realize that others have had similar experiences with different brands.

Ultimately, I'd say to just read all the reviews in the brands you're researching, and pay particularly close attention to comments about customer service because sometimes stuff breaks. Get the best deal on a quality grill with the features you want, and enjoy. There are a handful of brands that are great, where I don't think you can make a bad decision.

We carried the Pitts and spitts for a short time. At the time the WiFi was an add on. Not sure if it's included standard now but if so that would be one reason.

Honestly I don't like the design near as much as the Yoder. The Yoders controller is better in my opinion and the WiFi interface is awesome since it incorporates the FireBoard app.

Yoders two piece diffuser is awesome - great searing and grilling capability.

Total cook area is about 200 sq in larger on the Yoder YS640s.

Temp range on the Yoder is 150-600+ (We have bad ours over 700+)! I think Pitts is 180-700.

Better accessories - griddle insert is awesome!

Overall I give the nod to Yoder.

Thanks for all the advice. We decided on the Yoder YS640s. I wanted to go with the competition cart but had to compromise with the boss to get her on board with the Yoder vs some less expensive options. Also got the thermal jacket for cold weather and the Ultimate Grilling Bundle of extras. The site says about a four week delivery time. I'll let you know how it performs once we get it.

AggieSam02 said:

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We carried the Pitts and spitts for a short time. At the time the WiFi was an add on. Not sure if it's included standard now but if so that would be one reason.

Honestly I don't like the design near as much as the Yoder. The Yoders controller is better in my opinion and the WiFi interface is awesome since it incorporates the FireBoard app.

Yoders two piece diffuser is awesome - great searing and grilling capability.

Total cook area is about 200 sq in larger on the Yoder YS640s.

Temp range on the Yoder is 150-600+ (We have bad ours over 700+)! I think Pitts is 180-700.

Better accessories - griddle insert is awesome!

Overall I give the nod to Yoder.

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Didn't do much to move me off Pitts and Spitts. Wifi is still an add on with them and I do agree that Yoders wifi with fireboard is a nice feature. I also like that the Yoders come standard with 2 shelves. However, most of what you said regarded the bells and whistles of the Yoder and not the build quality. Having seen both (only seen a Pitts and Spitts in action) the Pitts and Spitts is built with thicker and higher quality materials. That's #1 in my book with smokers. A fancy app and controller does no good if it just tells me my Temps are all over the place. If you look around the forums you do find a fair amount of complaints about Yoder quality, especially paint after using it and some of the fit and finish upon delivery. Also, the Yoder website lists the 2 piece diffuser as a $189 accessory.

I think it my be splitting hairs a bit as both pellets seem like overall good quality products and much better than their more economical counterparts.

I should have prefaced that I'd probably only bbq with the pellet. Id still use my egg for grilling.

Thanks for the first hand input though.

Ugghh. I've always been interested in this, but never wanted to use the coin to spend on it. Of course, I try not to pay retail on anything

zooguy96 said:

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Ugghh. I've always been interested in this, but never wanted to use the coin to spend on it. Of course, I try not to pay retail on anything

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Around Christmas there are usually deals. I bought my Grilla, a few hundred in accessories, and about 300 pounds of pellets for approx $900.

mm98 said:

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zooguy96 said:

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Ugghh. I've always been interested in this, but never wanted to use the coin to spend on it. Of course, I try not to pay retail on anything

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Around Christmas there are usually deals. I bought my Grilla, a few hundred in accessories, and about 300 pounds of pellets for approx $900.

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Yeah, I don't have that type of disposable income for a grill. I'm a teacher in Tenn... we don't make nearly as much as our Texas counterparts. I'd make $30k more in Tx.

Yoder is 10 garage entirely with a 14 gauge hopper. Pitts and spitts says 7 and 10 gauge cooking chamber but doesn't specify what parts are 7 gauge. Having carried both in store I would tell you that my opinion the Yoder is better built. Pitts and spitts does have a stainless hood but I honestly don't like the look and design near as much. That's just personal preference.

Haven't seen any paint issues on Yoder personally but have read about a few. Seems like a minor issue since it's never more than a surface rust that can be touched up. A good oil/seasoning at the break in will go a long way in preventing this.

Yes 2 pc diffuser is an option but we include it with every grill we sell. The YS640S standard cart with 2 pc included is $1988 and it's more cooking area than the Maverick. I like the look of the cart more as well. Again, the design looks better on the Yoder - the Pitts and spitts legs look un-proportional to me (large cook chamber, small legs).

It's all splitting hairs. I've cooked on both and they are both good units but the Yoder our performs the Pitts and spitts - as a smoker and especially as a direct grill/sear. Plus the griddle insert!

Great topic. Some good reading here. Looked at Traegers and bought a Pit Boss 1100 Pro series. Will get it next weekend. Went with the lower tech higher cooking area so I could knock out multiple turkeys this year

Yoder warranty, 10 Years on the body, 3 on the controller, and 1 on the ceramic igniter.

Has a variable damper system that takes it from a smoker, to hot and cool zone grilling, To direct grilling temps over 700 with the optional grill plates.

Temp control with the FireBoard keeps the average temp exactly where you set it. It's like an oven so there are minimal above and below swings but averages exactly where set.

Can only compare to the GMG Daniel Boone. Temp stability and heat retention far superior.

WC87 said:

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jdubd34 said:

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I have a Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone since March and we've enjoyed it. Come with wifi control and uses any brand of pellet. Got it delivered from Texas Star Grill shop assembled for about $650-700 .

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I too bought a Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone this year, in July. Bought mine unassembled from the Waller Buccee's of all places LOL, for $599, which was way cheaper than anywhere else I had priced that model. Mine is the Prime with WiFi and stainless lid. Stupidly easy to cook. I love it. I've done brisket, ribs (beef and pork), stuffed boudain flounder, chicken, and meatloaf and all have been hits at the table.

Edited to add that I also bought the pizza oven attachment and that's great as well. Makes great pizza.

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That's a GREAT price for that grill!

My Yoder 640s shipped today! Chomping at the bit to try it out.

You're going to love it!!!

ags2125 said:

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Rectec here. I have 2 one called the tailgater and one I bought called the bull. Like some have noted you can't beat the customer service.

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I keep hearing from everyone they have great customer service. To be honest, I'd rather not have to call a customer service line to fix a pellet smoker / grill.

Please let us know your thoughts on the Yoder. Seems like it is just about the best stand alone pellet grill on the market. I plan to be in the market for one next year. My brother had an outdoor kitchen built with a Coyote pellet grill install and it's a really nice unit. I'd consider a Coyote but not interested in spending quite that much.

Will do. So far so good - didn't have to get up and down all night feeding the fire, so that's good. Seems to hold the temp well. It is definitely built like a tank.

I bought some B&B pellets at Academy here in Atlanta and mixed about 1/3 mesquite and 2/3 post oak.

I have been looking at pellet grills for a couple weeks now. There are to many to choose from. About the time that I make up my mind I run across another one that everyone says is great. Guess I can just draw straws.

This Yoder looks like a very good one. Enjoy it.

Which one will get the absolute hottest and properly sear things? I am getting one in a few weeks.

Neighbor is a serious former competition (winner) cook. He loves his pellet cooker, BUT he'll start briskets and butts in the stick burner for 5-6 hours before transferring them. He says he likes the smoke and bark better. Ribs, chicken, and other things he goes 100% pellet grill.

shalackin said:

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Which one will get the absolute hottest and properly sear things? I am getting one in a few weeks.

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Can't say but... the Pitt Boss has a sliding heat shield that allows direct heat from the fire pot to the grates. It gets blistering hot. Searing is no issue with it.