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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37
Campfire 'Bwana
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OP
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37 |
Kicking around the idea of adding one to the garage when all of this BS quiets down.
Can't afford a Yoder. Traeger seems to be popular but I've noticed most reviews are "Got one for Christmas, made ribs twice. It's awesome" and that's it. Other brand reviews like Camp Chef, Pit Boss, Green Mt. Grills etc all seem to have reviews like "Had a Traeger, sucked. Got XXX and it's the best"
So what's the truth?
What do you like? Why?
Currently using a PBC and it's ok but I want a little more versatility with lower temp smoking.
Me
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,332 Likes: 4
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,332 Likes: 4 |
Had the big Traeger for 4 years now.
Steaks Ribs Brisket Venison Bacon Shoulders Butts
Probably more but it’s been excellent. I keep the blanket on mine year round. It just keeps hammering away making excellent protein. I’d buy another tomorrow.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,116
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,116 |
Out of the 4 or 5 I’ve used I liked the Green Mountain the best. Seemed to keep temps more even, easier to clean, and very few issues. I’ve used a couple of PitBoss units, Camp Chef, Green Mountain, and several Traegers.
We cook in some of the KCBS BBQ series contests, as well as demo units for stores around the area using their equipment and our recipes. I like some of the new features on the new Traegers and Pit Boss grills, but for the most part they’re over complicated, and over priced.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,268 Likes: 7
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,268 Likes: 7 |
I got the Camp Chef Woodwind with the Bluetooth temp and smoke controller for Christmas. It also has the optional sear box on the side. I've really enjoyed using it, and it is very versatile especially with the option of putting a real sear on meat, which is an inherent problem for pellet grills.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,258 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,258 Likes: 2 |
I got a Camp Chef at Thanksgiving to do a turkey. Probably used it a dozen times since. Well made, works as promised, nice features, it was outfitted better than the comparable Traeger and about $100 cheaper. Got it at Sportsman's Warehouse.
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,621
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,621 |
I have two Green Mountains... I use them quite a bit when I'm on days off... everything I've smoked so far has come out excellent... super easy to use... minimal maintenance... perfect every time...
Public landowner...
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 19,239 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 19,239 Likes: 2 |
I got a Pit Boss for Christmas, because I'd mentioned that I'd like something better than the little Bradley smoker I've been using for years. Have only used it twice, and so far I love it. It does a great job, and is so much easier to clean up.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37
Campfire 'Bwana
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OP
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37 |
The sense I'm getting is that it is NOT "Traeger and everything else is inferior".
Appreciate it gentlemen.
Me
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 19,239 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 19,239 Likes: 2 |
The sense I'm getting is that it is NOT "Traeger and everything else is inferior".
Appreciate it gentlemen. While I don't know anything about Traeger, keep this in mind.......this is the internet, and everyone thinks their opinion is the one that matters. I would suspect that there is good and bad in all of them.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,874
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,874 |
I'm not into pellet grills, but knew several people here that used Traegers for many years. Traeger was started here, in this area, so I think some took satisfaction in supporting the local company and their design.
Now, those same dudes have moved on to other brands and say they would never buy a Traeger again. Several said the low maximum temperature was disappointing. Others said value, or cost vs. quality on newer models, was low. Another said his didn't last long, and needed new parts after the warranty expired.
I don't know all the details, as I have no interest in pellet grills, so take it with a shovel of salt.
My only interest was in the history, and local aspect. I think Traeger has now relocated to Utah. Probably a more friendly business environment than Oregon.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,400 Likes: 2
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,400 Likes: 2 |
I have two Green Mountains... I use them quite a bit when I'm on days off... everything I've smoked so far has come out excellent... super easy to use... minimal maintenance... perfect every time... I also have 2 GMG's and no longer have a gas grill. I still use charcoal once in a while, but the GMG's get the most use.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37
Campfire 'Bwana
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OP
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37 |
Been poking around while I work from home. I think the Green Mountain will be my choice.
Don't think I'll get the wifi one tho. Dicking around with the grill is 1/2 the fun...
Me
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21,199
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21,199 |
Ran treager or 15-20 years now, I like em.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,177
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,177 |
Check out the RECTEC's.
I spent a ton of time researching them and that is where I ended up.
GMG was my 2nd choice.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,116
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,116 |
My GM control board went out after about 10 years so I called them about a replacement. They gave me a code with a very reduced price to order one. When I ordered I got the wifi version, but I’ve never used it. I just don’t see a reason for it using it how I do.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,966 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,966 Likes: 1 |
I've had a small Pit Boss for a few years, I use it quite a bit. It appears that Treager and Pit Boss are made by the same people now days. When I bought parts for my Pit Boss (grease tray & burn pot cover) they came in Treager packaging. IF I were to buy another pellet smoker, I'd make sure the burn pot was cleanable without disassembling the grates and deflectors and using a shop vac. There are some brands (Camp Chef?) that have a sliding bottom on the burn pot that allow you to empty the ash without pulling it all apart. I've looked at the new Weber SmokeFire pellet grill. It has some interesting features that I've not seen on other grills.
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes." szihn
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37
Campfire 'Bwana
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OP
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,237 Likes: 37 |
I've heard those Webers have a bad habit of bursting into flames and not on purpose.
Me
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,966 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,966 Likes: 1 |
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes." szihn
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,705
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,705 |
I've had a Green Mountain Dan'l Boone model for 7 years now. Use it pretty much weekly year'round. I did have the pellet ignitor go bad recently and it was replaced by the dealer for $30 plus they threw in a new heat shield because the original one I had, tended to warp and GM was replacing them for customers. I really like it for jerky and summer sausage too. I'm a satisfied owner.
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 105
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 105 |
I got a Pit Boss (not near it go get the model) a year or two back and smoke just about everything on it. The only issue I have had with it, self-inflicted, was I left it full of pellets near the edge of my patio and the pellets inside got wet. It choked up the feed screw, and burnt up the motor. It was still under warranty, so they sent another motor, no questions asked. I’d recommend it to anyone.
I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
-Patrick Henry
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