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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Ran treager or 15-20 years now, I like em.

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.

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.

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.

I've heard those Webers have a bad habit of bursting into flames and not on purpose.

My Pit Boss does too!

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.

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.

Been eyeballing these. With the idea of adding the sear box. A good size for us.

https://www.sportsmans.com/outdoor-...eluxe-pellet-grill-with-window/p/1508839

My good friends own a bbq supply store here in town and sell several different brands of pellet smokers. Cook Shack FEC 100's and 120's are the Cadillacs followed by Yoder, Green Mountain and Blaz'in. They are also a Weber dealer and tested one about two weeks ago. I happened to stop by that day and we all had the same opinion of the Weber. It is hands down the biggest piece of $hit I have ever seen! In fact, they were going to contact their Weber rep and see if they could return the other five they have in their warehouse.

Mike

Edited to add that they drain the grease and dump the ash into the same tray. You talk about a freaking mess! They are way late to the game and need to start from scratch if they want to make pellet grills/smokers.

Know a few people with a Traeger and it's hit and miss. One guy had his pellet auger go haywire in the middle of the night. It dumped an entire bin of pellets in there quickly, causing a flameout. Or what he suspects. No thank you. I'll stick with my low-IQ Weber Smoky Mtn.

Mine's just like that only no window. I like it.

The pre-Chinese Traeger's were awesome. There are a lot of competition bbq guys that give good money for them to do their chicken. I've never cooked on one of the new ones, but I have heard way more bad than good.

Mike

Check out Grilla . Based out of my hometown in Holland, MI. If you do Facebook, check out “my grilla grill smoker” group. Very helpful.

Great customer service, very responsive. Been very happy with mine. Have smoked in temps down to 10 degrees, no problems.