Grill/smoker discussion...

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Sat, Sep 14, 2019 2:23 PM

What kind of grill and/or smoker is everyone using these days? After a trip to Lowe's this morning I saw a Pit Boss that looked pretty nice. Did a little research when I got home and landed on Traeger's website. Anyone have a Traeger grill similar to the current models? I'm very interested in being able to grill and smoke in the same package.

geeblock Member

1,123 posts 0 reps Joined May 2018

Sat, Sep 14, 2019 2:53 PM

I have the pit boss Austin xl and it’s great. U can technically sear/grill but the area where u can do that isn’t that big. It works great as a smoker tho. I grilled steak and chicken at 500 degrees 4 times this week. It does catch fire tho

Bio-Hazzzzard Senior Member

1,055 posts 8 reps Joined Jan 2010

Sat, Sep 14, 2019 6:09 PM

I purchased a Traeger about 6 months ago and really like it. I have seared anything from hot dogs and burgers to steak and chicken, it sears quite well. Low and slow bbq I use a foil water pan for the longer cooks, it retains the moisture in the meat better than without. It does fluctuate around +/- 10° to 15° but once you figure that out it really doesn't become a problem. Don't run it out of pellets, major pain in the ass, you'll lose a good bit of time during your cook. Other than what I listed the versatility of the Traeger is well worth it.

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Sat, Sep 14, 2019 8:31 PM

Which model did you get?

vball10set paying it forward

26,788 posts 121 reps Joined Nov 2009

Sun, Sep 15, 2019 7:39 AM

I'm using a Weber 3-burner grill I bought at Lowe's three years ago, and after using many, many models over the years, I'll never use anything else...it's awesome.

Bio-Hazzzzard Senior Member

1,055 posts 8 reps Joined Jan 2010

Sun, Sep 15, 2019 9:23 PM

posted by justincredible
Which model did you get?

The cheapest $599 model at the Depot

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Traeger-Eastwood-22-Wood-Pellet-Grill-and-Smoker-in-Silver-Vein-TFB42DVBO/206597584

TedSheckler Emporium Entrepreneur

4,023 posts 48 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 16, 2019 9:42 AM

I have a Rec Tec RT-700. The best in the business. I did tons of research. I ranked them higher than Traeger, Green Mountain, and Pit Boss. Amazing customer service. when you purchase a Rec Tec you actually get the owner's cell phone number. If you try to call outside their normal business hours and it's an emergency on Thanksgiving, the owner will answer and help you out. Just awesome. The thing is a beast. 40lb. pellet hopper. I have done 18 hour briskets and never had to refill the hopper. I have purchased the Rec Tec sear grates to do burgers and steaks. I haven't touched my Weber gas grill since I've got my Rec Tec.

And comes with a 6 year warranty.

https://www.rectecgrills.com/rt-700-pellet-grill/

kizer permanente Senior Member

1,309 posts 18 reps Joined Aug 2017

Tue, Sep 17, 2019 7:58 PM

I have a traeger and no complaints. Easy to use. Feels like cheating.

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Thu, Sep 19, 2019 3:36 PM

Found the pellet grill subreddit and have been doing a little more research. Seems to be a lot of complaints about Traeger, mainly about lack of customer service if a grill does have an issue.

I'm reading good things about Rec Tec, but for the price Grilla seems to be a very good option. I had never heard of them until today.

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Fri, Sep 20, 2019 8:59 AM

posted by TedSheckler
I have a Rec Tec RT-700. The best in the business. I did tons of research. I ranked them higher than Traeger, Green Mountain, and Pit Boss. Amazing customer service. when you purchase a Rec Tec you actually get the owner's cell phone number. If you try to call outside their normal business hours and it's an emergency on Thanksgiving, the owner will answer and help you out. Just awesome. The thing is a beast. 40lb. pellet hopper. I have done 18 hour briskets and never had to refill the hopper. I have purchased the Rec Tec sear grates to do burgers and steaks. I haven't touched my Weber gas grill since I've got my Rec Tec.

And comes with a 6 year warranty.

https://www.rectecgrills.com/rt-700-pellet-grill/

The more research I do the more I like this grill. I can't decide if it's too much grill for me, though.

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Fri, Sep 20, 2019 9:53 PM

As of right now, I think I've landed on the Rec Tec RT-700 with the silver package add-on. It's not cheap, but I'm extremely impressed with everything I'm seeing from the grill and the company. Reps for brining it to my attention, Ted.

TedSheckler Emporium Entrepreneur

4,023 posts 48 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 10:25 AM

posted by justincredible
As of right now, I think I've landed on the Rec Tec RT-700 with the silver package add-on. It's not cheap, but I'm extremely impressed with everything I'm seeing from the grill and the company. Reps for brining it to my attention, Ted.

Welcome to the Rec Tec Mafia! You won't be disappointed. Going big time with the silver package. I may as well have. I bought the cover, sear kit, front shelf afterwards. Also be sure to check out the REC TEC Grill Owners Of America on Facebook, if you're on FB. Great info and recipes get shared. Ray Carnes, the owner, is in the group also and answers questions. I've made one modification. I upgraded my wifi antenna. It was always tough to keep a signal before. Now I've never had it drop.

Spock Senior Member

5,271 posts 9 reps Joined Jul 2013

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 11:00 AM

Red Tec is this shit.

BTW......I smoked chicken with Pecan wood. My new favorite

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 12:55 PM

posted by Spock
Red Tec is this shit.

BTW......I smoked chicken with Pecan wood. My new favorite

Which grill do you have?

j_crazy 7 gram rocks. how i roll.

8,623 posts 30 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 1:54 PM

I've had my RT680 for 5 years now. Love that thing. I've moved it across the country 2 times. it's a little beat up, but overall its in great shape. Only thing i've ever had to do with it was change the ignition rods (i actually tested one of the first batches of ceramic rods while they were developing them). Ray Carnes called me once to step me through an issue i was having with the logic board and even overnighted me a new one.

Long story short, even if it's not the best grill (i think it is) it's damn sure the best customer service i've ever had.

Along the same lines, i'm about to buy the griddle plate for my RT. anyone have it? If so, what are your thoughts?

TedSheckler Emporium Entrepreneur

4,023 posts 48 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 2:18 PM

posted by j_crazy
I've had my RT680 for 5 years now. Love that thing. I've moved it across the country 2 times. it's a little beat up, but overall its in great shape. Only thing i've ever had to do with it was change the ignition rods (i actually tested one of the first batches of ceramic rods while they were developing them). Ray Carnes called me once to step me through an issue i was having with the logic board and even overnighted me a new one.

Long story short, even if it's not the best grill (i think it is) it's damn sure the best customer service i've ever had.

Along the same lines, i'm about to buy the griddle plate for my RT. anyone have it? If so, what are your thoughts?

Same thing. My controller kept throwing codes. Tech support couldn't figure it out. Overnighted a new controller that day.

I have the griddle. Only used it once. Seasoning it was a pain. Took a good 5 hours. Still not where I want it. I thing I'm going to go through another seasoning with Buzzywax instead of grapeseed oil.

I smoked out a breakfast on the griddle. Did bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. Turned out really good. The griddle for the 680 and 700 is huge!

j_crazy 7 gram rocks. how i roll.

8,623 posts 30 reps Joined Nov 2009

Mon, Sep 23, 2019 3:34 PM

posted by TedSheckler
Same thing. My controller kept throwing codes. Tech support couldn't figure it out. Overnighted a new controller that day.

I have the griddle. Only used it once. Seasoning it was a pain. Took a good 5 hours. Still not where I want it. I thing I'm going to go through another seasoning with Buzzywax instead of grapeseed oil.

I smoked out a breakfast on the griddle. Did bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. Turned out really good. The griddle for the 680 and 700 is huge!

i've read similar complaints about the seasoning. and knowing it's a huge griddle, couldn't i just season the damn thing on my stove top? seems like it'd save time.

TedSheckler Emporium Entrepreneur

4,023 posts 48 reps Joined Nov 2009

Tue, Sep 24, 2019 7:30 AM

posted by j_crazy
i've read similar complaints about the seasoning. and knowing it's a huge griddle, couldn't i just season the damn thing on my stove top? seems like it'd save time.

I will probably do it in my oven next time. It will hold a more consistent temp.

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Thu, Nov 5, 2020 10:30 AM

Finally bought a Grilla Chimp last night. Should be here in a week or so.

geeblock Member

1,123 posts 0 reps Joined May 2018

Thu, Nov 5, 2020 10:35 AM

posted by justincredible
Finally bought a Grilla Chimp last night. Should be here in a week or so.

Those are good grills but that’s kinda small?

justincredible Honorable Admin

37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009

Thu, Nov 5, 2020 10:40 AM

I'm cooking for two people.

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