Smoker recommendations

[CLdrinker]

I’m looking for a decent smoker that don’t break the bank.
I have a bunch of Joel’s meat that deserves to be cooked better and then my charbroil big easy or my blackstone.

BBQ’ing is not a hobby or something I enjoy. So I don’t want or need the best of the best.

Just need something easy to get decent results with in a budget of $500-700

 

[Singleton]

My Traeger tailgater works well. Small enough that we take it camping with us, but large enough for a family of 5

Traeger Tailgating Grill | Traeger Grills

Shop the Traeger Tailgater grill. It comes with EZ-Fold Legs for max portability. Infusing big, wood-fired taste in tight spaces; for your tailgaters, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

www.traeger.com

 

[King295]

I went through this exact scenario about a year ago after my first order from Joel + Amy. I ended up with a Recteq and have been really happy with it.

Here is one that fits your budget: https://www.recteq.com/products/the-patio-legend-410

 

[JFMFG]

Traeger

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Traeger has gotten spendy and less quality IMO.... I like my Green Mountain

 

[FishSniper]

I’m looking for a decent smoker that don’t break the bank.
I have a bunch of Joel’s meat that deserves to be cooked better and then my charbroil big easy or my blackstone.

BBQ’ing is not a hobby or something I enjoy. So I don’t want or need the best of the best.

Just need something easy to get decent results with in a budget of $500-700

I will give you one not to buy the Req Tec B380. Bought it as a backup couple years ago and it’s an awful design. I heard good things about the other Req Tec models but that model is awful. I have an offset now but used a pit barrel for many years before I got the offset and it works very well and is in the $400.00 range. https://pitbarrelcooker.com/?gad_so...MI0rvvsvXsgwMVKxCtBh15EQldEAAYASAAEgIJrfD_BwE

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

I went through this exact scenario about a year ago after my first order from Joel + Amy. I ended up with a Recteq and have been really happy with it.

Here is one that fits your budget: https://www.recteq.com/products/the-patio-legend-410

Those always seemed to be of good quality and had good reviews. Price always seemed out of reach for entry level though. Looks like they've changed that as this one looks to be in the right price range. I'd consider this one for a newbie.

 

[attitude]

I went through that search a couple months ago, I ended up with my PitBoss Navigator. I am very happy with it so far. $500 at Costco.

 

[CLdrinker]

I went through that search a couple months ago, I ended up with my PitBoss Navigator. I am very happy with it so far. $500 at Costco.

View attachment 1324614

Per the you tube. Pit boss is 14ga and Traeger is 16ga. That’s nice advantage

 

[attitude]

Per the you tube. Pit boss is 14ga and Traeger is 16ga. That’s nice advantage

I want to say the package said it was around 200lbs.

The grate that opens to allow searing is also nice.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I can’t comment on other brands, I’m in the market for a replacement for my Weber smokefire. It’s garbage, and a lot of reviews agree.

 

[King295]

I went through that search a couple months ago, I ended up with my PitBoss Navigator. I am very happy with it so far. $500 at Costco.

View attachment 1324614

That looks like a solid option that doesn't break the bank. I ended up with the Recteq after scouring RDP for input and quite a few members swearing by them.

 

[CLdrinker]

That looks like a solid option that doesn't break the bank. I ended up with the Recteq after scouring RDP for input and quite a few members swearing by them.

Recteq looks really nice and the stainless is a huge selling point.
But the pit boss looks good as well slight cheaper and I can I have my BIL use his military discount.

 

[Gasketman]

I started with an entry level Traeger from Costco $ 350.00. I used the crap out of it but had problems with the thermostat. Replaced it 3 times. Decided to upgrade a little. Was looking at another Traeger at Home Depot and a guy recommender I look t the Pit Boss at Lowes, Went with a 850 Pro Series and have no complaints. It is built on a much sturdier chassis with shelves both on side and front and smoking with it has been awesome. Paid $ 700.00 at the time but I see that they have cone down to about $ 550.00 now. By the way after 4 years of use on my Traeger I took it back to Costco and they refunded full amount,

 

[LBsuperJET]

I’m looking for a decent smoker that don’t break the bank.
I have a bunch of Joel’s meat that deserves to be cooked better and then my charbroil big easy or my blackstone.

BBQ’ing is not a hobby or something I enjoy. So I don’t want or need the best of the best.

Just need something easy to get decent results with in a budget of $500-700

Snag yourself an older used Traeger off of Offerup or FB. From my experience, all of them work just fine if they're kept vacuumed out every few large cooks. I restore the older USA made ones in my off time and when I can find one for sale. Even an older China Traeger works just fine for what you're gonna do w/ it.

 

[530RL]

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want to both smoke and grill, the recteq bullseye is an option.

Cheap and cooks from 200 to 750. You can smoke chicken or ribs at low temps, or grill and sear at 750.

399 bucks. Works great.

RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill

Enjoy direct-flame grilling and restaurant-quality searing with the RT-B380 Bullseye. With a temperature range of 200°F to 750°F, this wood pellet grill can handle all the cooking you throw its way, whether it's the neighborhood cookout, the weekly meal prep, or a family get-together. Experience...

www.recteq.com

 

[toto]

I went through this exact scenario about a year ago after my first order from Joel + Amy. I ended up with a Recteq and have been really happy with it.

Here is one that fits your budget: https://www.recteq.com/products/the-patio-legend-410

Recreq for sure in this price range and I think better than the Traeger

 

[LBsuperJET]

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want to both smoke and grill, the recteq bullseye is an option.

Cheap and cooks from 200 to 700. You can smoke chicken or ribs, or grill and sear.

399 bucks. Works great.

RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill

Enjoy direct-flame grilling and restaurant-quality searing with the RT-B380 Bullseye. With a temperature range of 200°F to 750°F, this wood pellet grill can handle all the cooking you throw its way, whether it's the neighborhood cookout, the weekly meal prep, or a family get-together. Experience...

www.recteq.com

I've actually been pretty interested in the Bullseye. I'd already have one if I had any room in my backyard LOL

 

[callbob]

Had a big treager and when sold the house and retired bout a smaller pit boss that legs fold up to take in the rv. Only place I could find it was to order it through Walmart. I like it a lot and it has the slide panel to sear also.

 

[530RL]

I've actually been pretty interested in the Bullseye. I'd already have one if I had any room in my backyard LOL

It’s a compromise. I have a big recteq I really like but for small jobs or quick dinner the bullseye does what is needed quick and easy without the horrible taste of a gas grill.

 

[Boat Potato]

I love my Camp chef woodwind CL 36. It's a little more than your budget but worth it. No hassle ash removal pot. You can cook over the open flame of the fire pot or slow smoke. Also has a propane side sear grill you can use to just bbq something quick or sear.

Woodwind WIFI 36 with Sidekick Sear and More | Camp Chef

The Woodwind WIFI pellet grill brings easy and delicious BBQ right to your back patio. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, boil, broil, or even sear all your favorite foods with the included Sidekick Sear,

www.googleadservices.com

 

[FishSniper]

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want to both smoke and grill, the recteq bullseye is an option.

Cheap and cooks from 200 to 750. You can smoke chicken or ribs at low temps, or grill and sear at 750.

399 bucks. Works great.

RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill

Enjoy direct-flame grilling and restaurant-quality searing with the RT-B380 Bullseye. With a temperature range of 200°F to 750°F, this wood pellet grill can handle all the cooking you throw its way, whether it's the neighborhood cookout, the weekly meal prep, or a family get-together. Experience...

www.recteq.com

I posted above about this one it’s garbage.

 

[530RL]

I posted above about this one it’s garbage.

Love mine. Use it multiple times every week.

 

[Romans9]

Wife does the cooking.
I bought her a Yoder a couple years ago.
Works very well.

 

[530RL]

Wife does the cooking.
I bought her a Yoder a couple years ago.
Works very well.

View attachment 1324661

Those things are awesome. But a little pricey.

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

Is there anybody on here that doesn't use a pellet smoker? We have a Treager at the river house that was a gift but at home still perfer wood or wood and charcoal.

 

[530RL]

Is there anybody on here that doesn't use a pellet smoker? We have a Treager at the river house that was a gift but at home still perfer wood or wood and charcoal.

Ive got a green egg and a cheap little Weber.

I’ve just become too lazy by the time I get home from work.

Except for hamburgers or lamb, I rarely use them.

 

[intense]

went from a treager to the green mountain world of difference in quality

 

[Desert Whaler]

I was given a Traeger ‘Ranger’ a few years ago. It’s a table top model, (no wheels). I’ve actually taken it truck camping … although it’s about the max weight I’d want to lug around.

I totally get that they are over priced, & china made … but I must admit, it’s been flawless & I’ve never ruined a cook.

I’ve smoked Tri-tip , small briskets, ribs, fish , pork butts, & chuck roasts for bbq beef. All came out excellent.

If that size / price fits your needs, I would def. recommend.

I can go into more specific details / tips on that particular model if you decide to go that route. Just let me know.

 

[Gramps]

A small Traeger works well.....you don't need all of the BS bluetooth WiFi crap

 

[RichardMango]

Cookshack

 

[FishSniper]

Is there anybody on here that doesn't use a pellet smoker? We have a Treager at the river house that was a gift but at home still perfer wood or wood and charcoal.

I had a pit barrel but now have this offset. Pit barrel is a good product but like the offset it is a definite upgrade.

 

[Icky]

A small Traeger works well.....you don't need all of the BS bluetooth WiFi crap

But it is nice knowing if there's an issue or being able to change the temperature from the store

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

I had a pit barrel but now have this offset. Pit barrel is a good product but like the offset it is a definite upgrade. View attachment 1324665

That is a nice looking smoker sir!

 

[jetboatperformance]

 

[Gramps]

But it is nice knowing if there's an issue or being able to change the temperature from the store

I don't cook from the store

 

[TimeBandit]

I built a UDS, I burn lump charcoal in mine.

Cheap and good, there is lots of info on the BBQ Brethren site.

Is there anybody on here that doesn't use a pellet smoker? We have a Treager at the river house that was a gift but at home still perfer wood or wood and charcoal.

 

[Gramps]

no wifi here

 

[Icky]

I don't cook from the store

Christmas I was at my dad's house and was able to monitor the prime rib on my grill and know when visiting time was over

 

[Richard.E]

All depends on how much you are willing to spend.
I’ve got a GMG Jim Bowie. Does everything I need it to. Have had some issues with it that were covered under warranty even after I passed 3 years coverage.
But I really like my Meater Thermometer.
I would highly recommend this.

 

[28Eliminator]

We have a Z grill. We use the shit out of it, works great.

Limited-time deal: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2023 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 6 in 1 BBQ Grill Auto Temperature Control, 450 Sq in Bronze https://a.co/d/5aOv138

 

[Kachina26]

 

[X Hoser]

All depends on how much you are willing to spend.
I’ve got a GMG Jim Bowie. Does everything I need it to. Have had some issues with it that were covered under warranty even after I passed 3 years coverage.
But I really like my Meater Thermometer.
I would highly recommend this.

I have a Green Mountain to but I thought it was a Daniel Boone? I could be wrong tho. Does everything I need it to do and easy to use.

 

[Sharky]

Old school Weber grill with an S&S insert or, an S&S grill.

Slow 'N Sear® Charcoal Kettle Grill & Smoker

The Most Versatile Kettle Grill on the Market! The 22" Slow 'N Sear® Kettle Grill gives you all the performance you’d expect from a kettle style charcoal grill and is customized to work with our Slow ‘N Sear® accessory for unrivaled searing power, low ‘n slow smoking, and true two-zone cooking...

snsgrills.com

Traeger if you want to be like every other yuppie neighbor that thinks they are some sort of pit master.

 

[Ricks raft]

Rec teq. Good quality. Great customer service.

 

[Ct5]

If you really want a smoker I prefer the green mountain. It has held up better than my Traeger did. I only do ribs on it now. The smoker flavor gets old fast. I cook all my beef on this

https://www.amazon.com/Weber-Origin...MIouq39PTtgwMVQwOtBh1e7ga0EAQYBCABEgL5DfD_BwE

You can do direct or indirect heat on a charcoal grill and the flavor is much better. Tri tip, chicken wings, whole chicken, steaks, burgers and dogs, carne asada, potatoes and veggies, it’s all best on a charcoal grill. Pile the charcoal and wood chips on one side and you can sear and bake no problem. It’s the only way!

 

[CarolynandBob]

I have 3 Pitt bosses. Had an igniter problem on one. Called company and then sent a new ignitor and I replaced in about 10 min. Other than that they have been flawless and I use them a lot.

 

[Markus]

we have a grill dome. Like a big green egg.

It does not allow you to smoke with wide open vents and regulate the temperature with the amount of fuel like the bbq pros do.

other than that, it keeps temperature and uses very little charcoal, so it is very user friendly.

it is also fantastic for searing/grilling

 

[RitcheyRch]

We've been happy with the Traeger we bought at Costco a few years ago.

 

[Gelcoater]

I’ve been under the assumption all these pellet smoker grills require an electrical source?
How does this tailgate Traeger operate??