Pellet smoker decision

[bayamon23]

Hi I'm new this group. I am interested in purchasing a pellet smoker but I can't decide on the rec tec, mak 1 star general or the fast eddie pg 500. I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks.

 

[mowin]

Those are all great choices. Check out pelletheads. com. Reviews on dozens of makes/models.

 

[BandCollector]

Hi I'm new this group. I am interested in purchasing a pellet smoker but I can't decide on the rec tec, mak 1 star general or the fast eddie pg 500. I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks.

Before making a decision try to do as much research as you can...Sometimes too much research can be a detriment but in this case I don't think so...Good advice from mowin...the web sight pelletheads.com should give you as much advice as you would need.

Nothing worse than investing in something that you would not be happy with.

Keep on Smoking,

John

 

[seenred]

Hello bayamon23...good advice already given.

I own a Rec Tec and am very happy with it, but in all honesty, all 3 rigs you're considering are great products with very positive overall customer reviews. You just have to determine what features or capabilities you want your rig to have, and how much you want to spend, then go with the one that ticks off the most boxes. There are a few differences in each of the 3 you're looking at:

Rec Tec - the largest of the 3 in standard cooking area, and a very solid overall pit. IMHO, it may be the best bang for the buck...you get a lot of cooker for less than $1K (plus shipping...one drawback - you gotta order direct from the company...you can't find this pit in your local retailer) While RT is a Georgia-based company, all their components are imported...manufactured in China.

MAK 1 Star - Not as large as the RT, but high-quality construction...and if it's important to you, made in the USA. You can order this pit with a modified, convertible drip pan that is perforated to allow for direct-flame grilling and searing. You can also add extra cooking area with an add-on upper grill grate (extra charge).

FE PG500 - Another very high quality grill...stainless construction on this one...also made in USA. If you want the grill that does the best job of direct flame searing, this may be the pit for you. It has a separate flame zone designed only for direct flame grilling. The drawback is, this zone takes up smoking space...if you want to use it primarily as a low and slow smoker, there's less usable cooking area for that here than either of the other 2 cookers.

That's just a very brief overview of all 3...as John said, the more you research these pits, the more clear you'll be about which one is best for you. The good new is, IMO you can't make the wrong decision...they're all great rigs!

Hope that helps a little...Good luck!

Red

 

[bayamon23]

After doing much research I think I will be going with the mak 2 star general. I know it cost more but it looks like it will be worth.

 

[seenred]

Those MAKs are great products...when you get it home, be sure to show it off here with some photos of your cooks! Thumbs Up

Red

 

[phrett]

If you like the Mak 2 star check out the Memphis line. The Pro is a bit more but is full stainless steel, not just the cook chamber. Double wall insulated, goes to 650 degrees, also has open flame and some nice features. Their other less expensive models are alao excellent choices and have super temp control and quality..

 

[smokinpapist]

I've done two cooks thus far on my YS-640 and love it.

image.jpeg

• smokinpapist
• Feb 4, 2016

 

[chef jimmyj]

Similar size, features and less expensive...KUMA Platinum SE. Have not had the funds but this is the direction i am leaning...JJ

 

[muralboy]

PelletPro by Smoke Daddy offers some good alternative as well.  If you don't have a lot of space the 627 is a nice balance of offering ample cooking area without overtaking the patio.  The 969 has even more capacity.  Add their Big Kahuna cold smoker and Jenn-U-Wine Jerry version and you have a lot of the bases covered.  

 

[westby]

MAK 2 Star is a great choice, but as someone else said - take a peak at the Memphis line if you are willing to spend that kind of money.

 

[bayamon23]

Will be making my purchase soon in the next few weeks I see some people recommend the Memphis can anyone give me a brief overview on the Memphis line of smokers