Undecided in Az

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pit 4 brains

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
SMF Premier Member
Dec 16, 2009
2,557
618
Summerville, SC
Dear SMF,

Last week my wife and I purchased a Traeger pellet smoker from Costco. This grill became my 7th outdoor cooking apparatus on hand. I was skeptical about it and she was excited to use it and she did. Upon further research, which I should have done before the purchase, I realized that we didn't buy the Traeger that I recall seeing in the past. Now I feel like I've been taken like a fool and I was. 

I am taking the the thing back today for a full refund of around $700.

Now, I have to ask myself, is a pellet grill worth the money? I'm looking at a Rec Tec  RT-680 that is marked down from $1598 to $998 and I kinda want it but I don't know why. Between my Weber gasser and kettle, I have no problem grilling / smoking anything with a "wood burning" flavor. 

Was is it that makes these things worth the money, electricity, fuel and cleaning?
 
I don't have one myself but know several people that own Traegers. They like it because they can make smoked food and have it be easier than other smokers. It is the set it and forget it that they like and not having to add more charcoal and wood because they usually don't smoke long enough to have to refill the hopper with more pellets. I guess whether it is worth it or not is up to any given person and what they want.
 
Seems people try to get that "wood burning" flavor you mentioned without burning actual wood. Not saying it can't be done but seems most folks avoid stick burners while all the time chasing the flavor you get from a stick burner.

There is a mindset I think that there is too big of a learning curve to using a stick burner.  I don't believe that to be true. With the budget you are talking about you should be able to find a decent quality stick burner. I think you will enjoy the learning how to use it and will enjoy the authentic wood fired smoked food that comes from it.
 
What 3montes said. I'm on my third ever stick burn and thanks to paying to the around here, the first two were incredibly successful. I had no idea what a difference it would be, only that the bbq I liked better than mine is all cooked over logs. Holy crap, I'm sold!!

Lance
 
 
Seems people try to get that "wood burning" flavor you mentioned without burning actual wood. Not saying it can't be done but seems most folks avoid stick burners while all the time chasing the flavor you get from a stick burner.

There is a mindset I think that there is too big of a learning curve to using a stick burner.  I don't believe that to be true. With the budget you are talking about you should be able to find a decent quality stick burner. I think you will enjoy the learning how to use it and will enjoy the authentic wood fired smoked food that comes from it.
What 3montes said. I'm on my third ever stick burn and thanks to paying to the around here, the first two were incredibly successful. I had no idea what a difference it would be, only that the bbq I liked better than mine is all cooked over logs. Holy crap, I'm sold!!

Lance
That's the thing. I just built a 60 gal RF stick burner ( I've rusted out two other side fire box smokers) and I ocassionally use sticks in my UDS. I have everything from propane thru charcoal right up to a large stick burner. 

The thing that has me leaning towards adding a pellet grill to my arsenal is that my wife liked to cook on it for the week that we had one. I guess what I'm trying to do is justify buying one for $1000. Like I mentioned above, I'm looking at the Rec Tec this time around.
 
If the wife liked it, go for it.  You are golden.
 
Well, if she liked it, you think it will get used, you have the space, and the means than go for it.

Lance
 
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Thats a great deal on the Rec Tec and they are good units.

You can also look at the Green Mountain Grills as I hear they are good also.

Good luck buddy.
 
I'm really leaning toward the GMG. They have them at Sportsman's Warehouse right by me and they offer a 5% military discount to boot! That should save me a ton in shipping and waiting..
Thats a great deal on the Rec Tec and they are good units.

You can also look at the Green Mountain Grills as I hear they are good also.

Good luck buddy.
 
Last edited:
Thats a great deal on the Rec Tec and they are good units.

You can also look at the Green Mountain Grills as I hear they are good also.

Good luck buddy.
What did you decided to do?
I put the whole idea on the back burner for now. Looking at and comparing all the ones out there, if I decide to get one, it will more than likely be a Yoder, but that's nowhere in my budget right now.
 
Thats a great deal on the Rec Tec and they are good units.


You can also look at the Green Mountain Grills as I hear they are good also.


Good luck buddy.

What did you decided to do?
I put the whole idea on the back burner for now. Looking at and comparing all the ones out there, if I decide to get one, it will more than likely be a Yoder, but that's nowhere in my budget right now.

Ill be watching.
 
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