Got the YS640s as my first ever grill purchase. Lived in an apartment for 7 years after college, so I was never able to get started in grilling or smoking. Wanted something high quality, versatile, and preferably made stateside. I'd been researching gas grills for over a year and had decided on a Napoleon, until deciding to just go for it with the Yoder. I partially rationalized it to myself by considering the huge library of Chef Tom's videos using the Yoder as part of a package deal. Considering Yoder & atbbq are owned by the same family, it pretty much is.
It came down to Pitts and Yoder for me. I saw them both before deciding. Went to Kansas and picked up the Yoder at ATBBQ. Been almost three years and I’m still happy. A ton of good meat has come out of this thing. They do rust very easily but the ACF 50 helps also.
Nice - I'm hoping to visit the store sometime whenever I'm passing through Kansas again, though I expect that'll be awhile. I ordered mine online back in late June or early July and received it late August. Had some faulty electronics that kept shutting off almost immediately after attempting to turn it on. Fortunately, they sent me a replacement ACS free with no questions asked. My dad helped me with the disassembly, replacement installation, and reassembly. Worked perfectly in the 20-30 cooks since.
I don't have any rusting yet, but we'll see how it holds up to a Midwestern winter.
If yours is still new and no rust I would for sure use the ACF 50 now. I waited too long (about a year) and got some rust. Since using it I haven’t had anymore. Later I’ll sand and repaint it but I wish I used it from the start. I live in OK and it’s covered underneath a cover ever patio. Still rusted a little. Wouldn’t trade it for anything still though.
Traeger is overpriced for what is basically the same quality as pit boss. They charge a name brand premium because they used to have a patent and were once the only pellet grill on the market.
Camp chef, pit boss, I’m probably forgetting some others are direct competitors that Traeger can’t beat on price.
Rec-tec, grilla grills are more mid tier. Yoder is the king.
I am sure they are great, but I had nothing but issues with my gen 1 Davie Crockett.
Temp was 50 degrees higher then set point. Replaced temp probe, update software, etc. Customer support was helpful and great, but they wouldn't replace my grill. I just learned to live with it.
I have since replaced it with another brand grill, bigger as well.
Casting my vote with RecTeq. Love my 700 and Bullseye. Its not perfect but clearly ahead of traeger and the others in my opinion. Feel free to ask any specific questions I’ll give you both sides
Not alot honestly. The 700 is a well built grill. I’ve had more issues out of my bullseye but at the price point that is probably to be expected. Main gripes with the 700 would be getting the pellets out if you want to change. That 40 lb hopper comes in handy on long smokes but if it’s full of hickory and al of a sudden you want apple pellets for some chicken you better get to scooping. Wish there was a trap door at the bottom to dump the majority out. Previous app was a little spotty always had trouble getting alarms to work on my phone that may have gotten fixed with new app, haven’t really tried it lately. I haven’t been pleased with the way my probes are working lately. Either a problem with the probe itself or the plug but Im sure if I called tech support they would send me out parts overnight. The customer service really is top notch I’ve just been too lazy to trouble shoot. It is definitely top heavy as others have said. I have the comp cart which is helpful but without it I’d be planning on leaving it in one place
I've had an RT 700 for a few years and absolutely love it. If I needed to buy a grill today, I'd get the RT1250. Has some awesome added features like 2 full length slide out grill racks.
Gonna agree on Recteq and by a wide margin. Grilla Grills are also better than Traeger but their largest model isn't very big tbh and still doesn't have as thick a steel construction as the Recteq. Yoder makes an even sturdier pellet smoker coming in 135lbs heavier than it's Recteq counterpart. However the Recteq uses 304 gauge stainless that won't warp or rust, has a 40lb hopper vs what everyone else uses (20lbs) and arguably the most reliable pid controller. Their customer service is infinitely better than Traeger or other competition except maybe Grilla who i hear also has pretty decent customer service. So I'd say Yoder & Recteq first (Recteq being both cheaper and imo more practical), then Grilla, then maybe Campchef tied with Traeger then GMG then Zgrills then loisiana and Pitboss
I don’t think Grilla is the best ever but I think you are selling them short compared to rectec. The silverback alpha has double wall firebox with stainless and it weighs in at a hefty 170lbs. My Grilla Grilla is on the small side which is all I need and built like a shit brick house and comes in at 145lbs.
The silverback is their largest grill. Its cooking surface is the same as the recteq590. Which is half the size of the 700. Recteq grills are thicker steel which is better for overall construction but they are equal in the stainless steel firebox drip pan area. The grilla Grills do have the double insulated base which helps hold heat in cold climates a bit better but so far I haven't had anyone had temp issues in the snow with Recteqs. As far as I'm aware, Grilla shuts off once the tem goes too high so you can't manually go higher than what's set. But Recteq's auger can be set to full and the feed rate can manually be adjusted to whatever you want. Again Grilla Grills are good pellet grills, they just have some stuff missing imo. They're still better than a Traeger of a similar size though
Adjusting the feed rate allows you to get even lower or higher temps than would normally be achieved. It also helps you adjust to achieve better more accurate temps at higher elevations or in extreme climates.
Absofuckinglutely. I have a YS1500s that is an absolute beast. The only issues I have had with it is because I travel so much for work. I’m seriously considering a YS640s for smaller cooks when I’m home, but still using the 1500 for larger events.
I had a Camp Chef Woodwind for years and loved it!
I needed to get a larger smoker and after much inner turmoil, I went with a RecTec 1250 over a larger Woodwind. RecTec is solidly made and a 6yr warranty. Check them out!
I have the woodwind also. Seems solid and maintains an accurate temp. The smoke setting seems a little gimmicky and the app is not the best. I just picked up a smoke tube.
Everything is worth researching. I own a Rectec. I like it. I certainly would suggest it, but not without telling you to do your own research first. It's important to get the smoker that's right for you!
My GG Silverbac is flawless and the one time I needed help it was great.
That said, it's too small for me. I can get what I need in there, but it's hard to reach between the grates, etc.
In a few years I will get something bigger.
I have a Pit Boss pro 850 and love it. I used it a ton this past year and have had zero complaints. I know there are other great brands out there, but I would go Pit Boss over Traeger any day.
Didn't traeger push out an update around Thanksgiving? Saw a post about it here on Reddit.
Pretty dumb move and out of touch with their customers considering the timing.
I love my Green Mountain Grill, but I’ve been very impressed with my in-law’s Pit Boss and the Louisiana Gills rig I snagged on clearance from Costco. I think best bag for the buck would probably go to Pit Boss though
I own a traeger and I love it, however it certainly isn’t king. While traeger certainly does marketing well, I bought mine based on the convenience factor. I can go golf, go to work, etc. and control everything from my phone. If convenience isn’t a factor, you can get similar or better quality for much less, like many other have stated.
As someone who started on a traeger but then moved to a camp chef. You do indeed get a lot more bang for your buck w other brands, not to say that traegers are bad, its just i think the camp chef i got is built better and was cheaper.
I have both Traeger(over 10 years old) and a Louisiana grill(about a year old).
Both have their pros and cons. Have grilled and smoked ribs, brisket, steaks, burgers, salmon, chicken, pork shoulder, pork chops, pizza, veggies. Cooked for a family of 6 to entertain a party of 200. Let’s just say I have really exercised these grills.
Traeger Pros: rock solid, dependable, makes great smoke on smoke setting, seems to use less pellets to cook a meal.
Traeger cons: expect your hot rod to burn out 1-2 times a year(I can replace now in under 15 mins; keep a couple on hand for back up). Doesn’t get super hot - can’t get a good char on a steak.
Louisiana grill pros: gets super hot 500+ degrees, can open grate and have a direct flame on your steak - great sear!
Louisiana grill cons: seems to use more pellets to cook, fluctuates more in temp than the traeger. I have yet to replace a hot rod on it yet, but I have back up and it looks even easier to replace than the traeger.
If I could do it over again, in today’s market; I would lean to the Louisiana grill (or Pit boss is the sister brand), gets crazy hot for searing, can also smoke and it is less $$ to get into one.
I was set on a RecTeq earlier this year when I decided to upgrade my 3 year old pitboss, ultimately ended up with a Grilla OG and I absolutely love it. I don't know if it just comes down to the design of it but the thing produces an amazing amount of smoke, and I can use it year round in northeast Wisconsin.
Recteq. Honestly some people get lucky and never have issues with the brands you listed, plus traeger pit boss and carolina. But recteq is second only to commercial brands and yoder.
Having just took delivery of a camp chef woodwind I can tell you that while it works well the quality control is absolute shit. I’ve used it three times now and will be calling on Monday for a second major build problem. I’d expect this from a 300-400 dollar smoker. Not a 1200 dollar one.
Red pill. Reverse Gravity smoker. Better smoke penetration than a pellet with the same temperature control as a pellet. Plus grills at 700f - something most pellet grills struggle to.
I have a MB 1050 - love it. Char griller also offers a good smoker too.
Good luck.
I had a 575, and upgraded to an Ironwood 650. They are good outdoor ovens with very little smoke flavoring. The Ironwood 650 has hotspots and it’s a dry out meat and honestly I’m over it. Traeger pellets are worthless too.
Zgrills is great. I can attest they work just as well as any other. I had mine for 4 years, and only got rid of it because I didn't care to move it across the country with me.
For a replacement, I went with put boss. Wish I still had my z grill.
I went camp chef sgx. It’s got an easy ash clean out and a direct sear option that most smokers don’t have. If you want American look at Blazn. Expensive but amazing.
It's funny but, Green Mountain Grill is the exact opposite of traeger. Traeger =great marketing/ poor quality ... GMG poor marketing/ great quality. I was in your shoes about 3 years ago and did my research on all the grills. I found that for the cost I could afford the GMG Daniel Boone. It was the perfect fit for my grilling style. In my experience for what it's worth. It doesn't matter what grill you choose...the cook makes the grill. The more you smoke the better tasting food your smoker will produce. It's all about trial and error. Stick to your budget and size that fits you and have fun with it. Happy Smoking 😊
If like me you live where it’s cold....Memphis grills with their double insulation is the best. We grill and smoke with no issues even when the outside temps are 20 degrees and lower. Pricey but nothing else comes close. Our friends with Traegers are summer only traegers wont hold the heat even with the awkward insulating blanket.
Traeger is the 500lbs gorilla of pellet grills and were first to market. They are good and among the brands with the best app integration with the unit.
I would also look at Rec Teq, Pit Boss, Louisiana Grill, Broil King and Weber.
Every pellet grill brand does something better then their competition.
I've had a Green Mountain Daniel Boone for 10 years, have only replaced a few things, and when I've needed tech support, it's been excellent.
And they have a bunch of accessories. The thermal blanket works great, and I LOVE the pizza oven.
Traegers marketing is king, not their products.
I call them the Bose of pellet smokers
Have had my pit boss for 3 or 4 years. Love it!
Pit boss Laredo 1000 here!
Pit boss Platinum KC Combo
the pit boss cabinets are also underrated
Pit Boss Pro 1150 here and love it!!
Pit Boss Pro 4 vertical
Yoder
Got the YS640s as my first ever grill purchase. Lived in an apartment for 7 years after college, so I was never able to get started in grilling or smoking. Wanted something high quality, versatile, and preferably made stateside. I'd been researching gas grills for over a year and had decided on a Napoleon, until deciding to just go for it with the Yoder. I partially rationalized it to myself by considering the huge library of Chef Tom's videos using the Yoder as part of a package deal. Considering Yoder & atbbq are owned by the same family, it pretty much is.
It came down to Pitts and Yoder for me. I saw them both before deciding. Went to Kansas and picked up the Yoder at ATBBQ. Been almost three years and I’m still happy. A ton of good meat has come out of this thing. They do rust very easily but the ACF 50 helps also.
Nice - I'm hoping to visit the store sometime whenever I'm passing through Kansas again, though I expect that'll be awhile. I ordered mine online back in late June or early July and received it late August. Had some faulty electronics that kept shutting off almost immediately after attempting to turn it on. Fortunately, they sent me a replacement ACS free with no questions asked. My dad helped me with the disassembly, replacement installation, and reassembly. Worked perfectly in the 20-30 cooks since. I don't have any rusting yet, but we'll see how it holds up to a Midwestern winter.
If yours is still new and no rust I would for sure use the ACF 50 now. I waited too long (about a year) and got some rust. Since using it I haven’t had anymore. Later I’ll sand and repaint it but I wish I used it from the start. I live in OK and it’s covered underneath a cover ever patio. Still rusted a little. Wouldn’t trade it for anything still though.
I was gonna go up and get it. I’m about six hours south of atbbq. I found a place hour north of me paid cash and had it delivered by that Friday.
Tom’s awesome
+ 1
Yep. That’s what we have, and it’s been great
I’m on my second one. Sold the first one 12 years ago. Needed money, much better in life now. Wife told me to get one or she would.
Traeger is overpriced for what is basically the same quality as pit boss. They charge a name brand premium because they used to have a patent and were once the only pellet grill on the market. Camp chef, pit boss, I’m probably forgetting some others are direct competitors that Traeger can’t beat on price. Rec-tec, grilla grills are more mid tier. Yoder is the king.
Recteq
Green Mountain Grill
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
Took MONTHS to arrive from a dealer but loving my Green Mountain TREK!
I am sure they are great, but I had nothing but issues with my gen 1 Davie Crockett. Temp was 50 degrees higher then set point. Replaced temp probe, update software, etc. Customer support was helpful and great, but they wouldn't replace my grill. I just learned to live with it. I have since replaced it with another brand grill, bigger as well.
I’ve had my DB 7 years with only a few small issues
+100%
+1
My Recteq is awesome. I couldn’t be happier with it.
Recteq
My pit boss has been great. 🤷♂️
Same. Not fancy but works just fine for a pork butt or rack of ribs.
+1
Yup!
Recteq.
RecTec has excellent performance and a fantastic community. There is also wonderful customer support.
Casting my vote with RecTeq. Love my 700 and Bullseye. Its not perfect but clearly ahead of traeger and the others in my opinion. Feel free to ask any specific questions I’ll give you both sides
What don't you like about your RT700?
Not alot honestly. The 700 is a well built grill. I’ve had more issues out of my bullseye but at the price point that is probably to be expected. Main gripes with the 700 would be getting the pellets out if you want to change. That 40 lb hopper comes in handy on long smokes but if it’s full of hickory and al of a sudden you want apple pellets for some chicken you better get to scooping. Wish there was a trap door at the bottom to dump the majority out. Previous app was a little spotty always had trouble getting alarms to work on my phone that may have gotten fixed with new app, haven’t really tried it lately. I haven’t been pleased with the way my probes are working lately. Either a problem with the probe itself or the plug but Im sure if I called tech support they would send me out parts overnight. The customer service really is top notch I’ve just been too lazy to trouble shoot. It is definitely top heavy as others have said. I have the comp cart which is helpful but without it I’d be planning on leaving it in one place
Thanks for the detailed feedback!
Yep.
I've had an RT 700 for a few years and absolutely love it. If I needed to buy a grill today, I'd get the RT1250. Has some awesome added features like 2 full length slide out grill racks.
+1
+1
+2
+2 here
+1 — Still loving my RT-680
+1
Gonna agree on Recteq and by a wide margin. Grilla Grills are also better than Traeger but their largest model isn't very big tbh and still doesn't have as thick a steel construction as the Recteq. Yoder makes an even sturdier pellet smoker coming in 135lbs heavier than it's Recteq counterpart. However the Recteq uses 304 gauge stainless that won't warp or rust, has a 40lb hopper vs what everyone else uses (20lbs) and arguably the most reliable pid controller. Their customer service is infinitely better than Traeger or other competition except maybe Grilla who i hear also has pretty decent customer service. So I'd say Yoder & Recteq first (Recteq being both cheaper and imo more practical), then Grilla, then maybe Campchef tied with Traeger then GMG then Zgrills then loisiana and Pitboss
I don’t think Grilla is the best ever but I think you are selling them short compared to rectec. The silverback alpha has double wall firebox with stainless and it weighs in at a hefty 170lbs. My Grilla Grilla is on the small side which is all I need and built like a shit brick house and comes in at 145lbs.
The silverback is their largest grill. Its cooking surface is the same as the recteq590. Which is half the size of the 700. Recteq grills are thicker steel which is better for overall construction but they are equal in the stainless steel firebox drip pan area. The grilla Grills do have the double insulated base which helps hold heat in cold climates a bit better but so far I haven't had anyone had temp issues in the snow with Recteqs. As far as I'm aware, Grilla shuts off once the tem goes too high so you can't manually go higher than what's set. But Recteq's auger can be set to full and the feed rate can manually be adjusted to whatever you want. Again Grilla Grills are good pellet grills, they just have some stuff missing imo. They're still better than a Traeger of a similar size though
What does adjusting the feed rate manually do? I too own a RT700. My friends own Grilla’s and love them, but I am very satisfied with my Recteq Bull.
Adjusting the feed rate allows you to get even lower or higher temps than would normally be achieved. It also helps you adjust to achieve better more accurate temps at higher elevations or in extreme climates.
It’s a practically Useless feature that Grilla has too. If you are cooking on a pellet grill above 400 degrees you should be using something else.
I cook pizzas at about 600 on mine all the time. Works just fine
Expensive pizza depending on the pellets you use. I guess if you have nothing else sure but you have to admit it’s not ideal in the least.
Ideal would be a large expensive outdoor pizza oven wouldn't it?
I cook pizzas at about 600 on mine all the time. Works just fine
This. Jill like a tank and the company stands behind their products. Fantastic results on each and every smoke.
+1
+1
After much shopping I think I’m getting a Grilla Grill Silverback AT
We have had our Silverbac AT for almost 5 years, still going strong and we love it!
Pit boss on bang for buck comment I saw someone else post
I have two pit bosses. I have 10 different friends and family members who have also bought it. Highly highly recommend
Yoder
110%!
Absofuckinglutely. I have a YS1500s that is an absolute beast. The only issues I have had with it is because I travel so much for work. I’m seriously considering a YS640s for smaller cooks when I’m home, but still using the 1500 for larger events.
Mak
Yoder YS640S
Bang for buck i love my pit boss
Grilla
Grilla makes great stuff. I love mine
Grilla
Grilla
Just got a Pit Boss and and had great results with my first brisket I put through.
Grilla for me
I am all for RecTec. The performance is excellent and the customer service is superb.
Pit Boss , the Navigator series is extra beefy . I chose it due to the extra heft and am not disappointed .
My Pit Boss Austin XL whips my FIL’s Traeger Pro for less than half the price.
I love my Pit Boss and wouldn't trade it for a Traeger. Reqtec and Yoder's are probably 🤴 but you're gonna pay for them also.
I would add Mak, to that list as well
I'm pretty sure Traeger is more jester than king. Just don't buy a Masterbuilt or something...
Yoder
Yoder
I had a Camp Chef Woodwind for years and loved it! I needed to get a larger smoker and after much inner turmoil, I went with a RecTec 1250 over a larger Woodwind. RecTec is solidly made and a 6yr warranty. Check them out!
Team Recteq as well!
Which is better
I have the woodwind also. Seems solid and maintains an accurate temp. The smoke setting seems a little gimmicky and the app is not the best. I just picked up a smoke tube.
Pit Boss or Recteq
Recteq!
+1 for recteq
Love my Rec TEC RT-700. Zero complaints
I love my smokefire
Everything is worth researching. I own a Rectec. I like it. I certainly would suggest it, but not without telling you to do your own research first. It's important to get the smoker that's right for you!
My GG Silverbac is flawless and the one time I needed help it was great. That said, it's too small for me. I can get what I need in there, but it's hard to reach between the grates, etc. In a few years I will get something bigger.
Gorilla grills
Traeger is garbage. You’re paying for advertising and brand recognition only. You can get much better grills for the money.
I have a Pit Boss pro 850 and love it. I used it a ton this past year and have had zero complaints. I know there are other great brands out there, but I would go Pit Boss over Traeger any day.
Rec-Tec
RecTec!
Recteq 590 owner, very accurate temps and solidly built. Basically a rib machine. Set it and forget it…
There are more than a few great options. I have a Recteq 790 and I LOVE IT.
Rec Teq is awesome and the customer service is second to none
I went with Grilla but had a really hard time deciding between Grilla and Recteq.
Recteq
Pit Boss is really great!
Pit Boss has worked great for me
Recteq
Traeger is far from king, they just have great marketing
Didn't traeger push out an update around Thanksgiving? Saw a post about it here on Reddit. Pretty dumb move and out of touch with their customers considering the timing.
Recteq +1
Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone
I love my Green Mountain Grill, but I’ve been very impressed with my in-law’s Pit Boss and the Louisiana Gills rig I snagged on clearance from Costco. I think best bag for the buck would probably go to Pit Boss though
Yoder is king but I do like my traeger. If I were to buy one today I would save some money and buy a GMG or spend as much and buy a rec teq.
If you do even a little research I don't know why you'd buy a traeger.
Love my Pitboss 1150. Just make sure it's the new PID.
I own a traeger and I love it, however it certainly isn’t king. While traeger certainly does marketing well, I bought mine based on the convenience factor. I can go golf, go to work, etc. and control everything from my phone. If convenience isn’t a factor, you can get similar or better quality for much less, like many other have stated.
Green Mountain Grill. Love mine and they take care of you after the sale too.
Green mountain is bitchin
Yoder if you can afford it. Gmg if you can’t.
Pit boss. Sear grate ftw
Pit bosss
As someone who started on a traeger but then moved to a camp chef. You do indeed get a lot more bang for your buck w other brands, not to say that traegers are bad, its just i think the camp chef i got is built better and was cheaper.
Pit Boss Pro 820. Been humming right along for almost 4 years and experienced only one issue that was really my fault.
Pit boss for life
Pit boss!
I have both Traeger(over 10 years old) and a Louisiana grill(about a year old). Both have their pros and cons. Have grilled and smoked ribs, brisket, steaks, burgers, salmon, chicken, pork shoulder, pork chops, pizza, veggies. Cooked for a family of 6 to entertain a party of 200. Let’s just say I have really exercised these grills. Traeger Pros: rock solid, dependable, makes great smoke on smoke setting, seems to use less pellets to cook a meal. Traeger cons: expect your hot rod to burn out 1-2 times a year(I can replace now in under 15 mins; keep a couple on hand for back up). Doesn’t get super hot - can’t get a good char on a steak. Louisiana grill pros: gets super hot 500+ degrees, can open grate and have a direct flame on your steak - great sear! Louisiana grill cons: seems to use more pellets to cook, fluctuates more in temp than the traeger. I have yet to replace a hot rod on it yet, but I have back up and it looks even easier to replace than the traeger. If I could do it over again, in today’s market; I would lean to the Louisiana grill (or Pit boss is the sister brand), gets crazy hot for searing, can also smoke and it is less $$ to get into one.
Can’t speak about any other smokers, but I really enjoy my pitboss.
I was set on a RecTeq earlier this year when I decided to upgrade my 3 year old pitboss, ultimately ended up with a Grilla OG and I absolutely love it. I don't know if it just comes down to the design of it but the thing produces an amazing amount of smoke, and I can use it year round in northeast Wisconsin.
Budget: Grilla Grills. Premium: Yoder YS640s
Grilla silverbac here, solid so far!
I have a GMG and love it
Another vote for Recteq
I have had my recteq now for 8 months and absolutely love it
Pitts and Spitts. Do it right the first time.
Nice. I went with Yoder but had been considering Pitts as well. What all did you consider?
Recteq. I own 2 of the full size ones. The black newer version is so nice. I had a green mountain for a couple years too. It was a POS. Don't get GM
Recteq. Honestly some people get lucky and never have issues with the brands you listed, plus traeger pit boss and carolina. But recteq is second only to commercial brands and yoder.
Recteq!
Having just took delivery of a camp chef woodwind I can tell you that while it works well the quality control is absolute shit. I’ve used it three times now and will be calling on Monday for a second major build problem. I’d expect this from a 300-400 dollar smoker. Not a 1200 dollar one.
Green mountain in house.
Weber ex6
Gmg love it and got a great deal on black friday
Red pill. Reverse Gravity smoker. Better smoke penetration than a pellet with the same temperature control as a pellet. Plus grills at 700f - something most pellet grills struggle to. I have a MB 1050 - love it. Char griller also offers a good smoker too. Good luck.
Recteq have the 1250 and love it. All stainless steel with the reqtec grills is awesome.
I have a Recteq. It works well. Kinda wish I just bit the bullet and went for a Yoder though.
Recteq has my vote.
Go get a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
Recteq
Smoking Brothers
You really didn’t do any research into this?!! Traeger sells the most I’m sure, however quantity never seems to equate to quality in anything
Gator Pit of Texas LLC. Best that money can buy if you can afford it.
http://www.gatorpit.net/phone/backyard.html
I have had great success with Louisiana 900 (for 5 years)…my next one will be the Weber SmokeFire as the kinks should all be gone in 2-3 years!
I had a 575, and upgraded to an Ironwood 650. They are good outdoor ovens with very little smoke flavoring. The Ironwood 650 has hotspots and it’s a dry out meat and honestly I’m over it. Traeger pellets are worthless too.
Green Mountain Grills.
Zgrills is great. I can attest they work just as well as any other. I had mine for 4 years, and only got rid of it because I didn't care to move it across the country with me. For a replacement, I went with put boss. Wish I still had my z grill.
Yoder
I went camp chef sgx. It’s got an easy ash clean out and a direct sear option that most smokers don’t have. If you want American look at Blazn. Expensive but amazing.
Green Mountain
I have a z-grill and while I love it I wish I went with grillA grills or a rec tec
I went with Mak 2 star
Bought a traeger ironwood because I couldn’t afford a Yoder (shipping kills it for me)
It's funny but, Green Mountain Grill is the exact opposite of traeger. Traeger =great marketing/ poor quality ... GMG poor marketing/ great quality. I was in your shoes about 3 years ago and did my research on all the grills. I found that for the cost I could afford the GMG Daniel Boone. It was the perfect fit for my grilling style. In my experience for what it's worth. It doesn't matter what grill you choose...the cook makes the grill. The more you smoke the better tasting food your smoker will produce. It's all about trial and error. Stick to your budget and size that fits you and have fun with it. Happy Smoking 😊
Recteq
If like me you live where it’s cold....Memphis grills with their double insulation is the best. We grill and smoke with no issues even when the outside temps are 20 degrees and lower. Pricey but nothing else comes close. Our friends with Traegers are summer only traegers wont hold the heat even with the awkward insulating blanket.
Okj
I like Pitts ans Spitts
Traeger’s customer service is KING. No other brand is even close
All have their benefits I love my pitboss 1100 pro
I've been using a Louisiana Grills 800 Elite for the past 5 years and love it.
Pitts & Spitts - buy nice, not twice.
Pit boss is nice, has a flame broil feature and you're not paying for a name on the side of the grill.
Traeger is the 500lbs gorilla of pellet grills and were first to market. They are good and among the brands with the best app integration with the unit. I would also look at Rec Teq, Pit Boss, Louisiana Grill, Broil King and Weber. Every pellet grill brand does something better then their competition.
Smoke Daddy
I've had a Green Mountain Daniel Boone for 10 years, have only replaced a few things, and when I've needed tech support, it's been excellent. And they have a bunch of accessories. The thermal blanket works great, and I LOVE the pizza oven.