Author Topic: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"  (Read 23889 times)

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Offline bbqchef

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2013, 08:10:16 PM »
My bride tells me if I get any more "stuff" I'll need a new house... for myself <lol>!
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Offline Keymaster

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #15 on: February 16, 2013, 07:58:27 AM »
Do you have to empty the hopper on pellet grills when not in use so the pellets don't absorb moisture in a rainy state like Washington? I noticed a Mak Grill has a trap door for emptying pellets fast but it does not look like a REC-Tec has a trap door. 
« Last Edit: February 16, 2013, 08:02:17 AM by Keymaster »

Offline mikecorn.1

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PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #16 on: February 16, 2013, 08:36:56 AM »
Do you have to empty the hopper on pellet grills when not in use so the pellets don't absorb moisture in a rainy state like Washington? I noticed a Mak Grill has a trap door for emptying pellets fast but it does not look like a REC-Tec has a trap door.
Just me. I leave them in my hopper and never have had  an issue. I live about 14 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. I do keep all my stuff under a covered patio and with covers.


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Offline Hub

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #17 on: February 16, 2013, 10:53:10 AM »
Do you have to empty the hopper on pellet grills when not in use so the pellets don't absorb moisture in a rainy state like Washington? I noticed a Mak Grill has a trap door for emptying pellets fast but it does not look like a REC-Tec has a trap door.

Unless your cooker is going to be exposed to rain and wind so hard that water could be driven into the hopper, no.  The lids on both my Memphis and my Traeger cover the bins completely enough to prevent this even though they are located under an open roof shelter where they do get some blowing rain.  Using the covers is, of course, a good idea too but I often leave them off when I'm cooking frequently. 

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Offline Keymaster

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #18 on: February 16, 2013, 10:58:38 AM »
Thanks Mike and hub, I tend to over think everything. I have a covered deck as well.

Offline squirtthecat

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2013, 11:05:31 AM »

The MAK's pellet dump is for quickly changing flavors of pellets.    I just use an old plastic cup.   ;D

My grill sit uncovered all the time, but I will put a brick on the hopper lid(s) if we are expecting heavy winds and rain.

Offline ptpalms

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #20 on: February 23, 2013, 10:35:50 PM »
Hub,
I just want to say thanks. 
Everything you have stated about the other site and it's cronies is absolutely true.
All the reason why I'm on this site now. 
Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to post much lately, but as things warm up, I'm hoping to add to the content here. 
I especially like your response to types/grades of pellets.  I've argued your point till I'm blue in the face w/ others on pelletheads, but if they want to burn heating pellets in their cookers, that's their choice. 
I have a local BBQ joint that I just found out that they buy the cheapest heating pellets they can find at the local Sutherlands to cook with. 
Needless to say, I won't eat there. 

Here's to a great new site for all of us! 

Thanks,
PT
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Offline mikecorn.1

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PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #21 on: February 23, 2013, 10:40:17 PM »
Hub,
I just want to say thanks. 
Everything you have stated about the other site and it's cronies is absolutely true.
All the reason why I'm on this site now. 
Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to post much lately, but as things warm up, I'm hoping to add to the content here. 
I especially like your response to types/grades of pellets.  I've argued your point till I'm blue in the face w/ others on pelletheads, but if they want to burn heating pellets in their cookers, that's their choice. 
I have a local BBQ joint that I just found out that they buy the cheapest heating pellets they can find at the local Sutherlands to cook with. 
Needless to say, I won't eat there. 

Here's to a great new site for all of us! 

Thanks,
PT
Wow! Crazy considering that some some pellet sites tell you not to use for cooking.


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MIKE
Bradley DBS4 (dual 500w, fan)
Charbroil SRG
Pit Barrel Cooker
New Braunfels Hondo Smoker


Offline bbqchef

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #22 on: February 23, 2013, 11:15:47 PM »
Finally got my Yoder 640 moved to its temporary position but won't get to fire it up until Monday due to the WX...

Can't wait to get cooking on it!
Author of "Mastering BBQ"
KCBS CBJ & CTC/ Ph. B.
Broilmaster P-3
Yoder YS640
WSM x 3
CharBroil Big Easy
Grill Dome Infinity
Enough cast iron to sink a ship
Weber kettle
Lodge hibachi
A garage full (literally) of cooking gear, pellets, charwood and wood chunks (no room for a car)

Offline Scallywag

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #23 on: February 27, 2013, 08:14:29 AM »
Great article Hub!
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Offline chris becker

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #24 on: March 24, 2013, 11:13:39 AM »
Very nice write up. I leave my pellets in the garage and have reusable zip ties on my bags. I only have 1 or 2 bags max at a time. I do have tons at the shop ;)
As far buying pellets.. I agree with Hub and at first try , try, try, when you find one you like that is close enough for good shippi ng or has a dealer close then stick with it.
Nutin better then Hard Wood!

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Re: PELLET COOKERS 101 -- PART ONE "So, you're interested in pellets?"
« Reply #25 on: October 10, 2013, 05:01:30 PM »
I know this is an old thread, but thanks Hub. I'm going to search for your other articles.