Let's Talk BBQ
Welcome Center => New Member Introductions => Topic started by: Dakotad11 on October 25, 2017, 06:13:54 PM
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Hi all from the good ole Mid Ohio Valley! I'm new to this forum and new to pellet grills, well, smoking all together. I absolutely love grilling but want to take it up a notch.
I have been researching for about 2 months now, and after reading what feels like every review on every grill and every pellet grill related posts on multiple forums, I believe I have narrowed down my choices, no specific order, to what would suit me best but what like some more insight from the more experienced.
Option #1: Yoder Smokers YS640 - $2300 with options of my preference. Love the way it's built, its operation, wonderful fan base and most of all it's looks! My concerns..... pellet consumption??? I have read from multiple reviewers that it eats ~5lbs an hour at temps above 350F.... scary... as I will be using it quite often to grill steaks, chicken, chops, brats, veggies, etc. Offset firebox pros and cons? But I love the fact of the open flame option as well as the baffle.. I think?? Also, the controller doesn't have the reputation of my next two options. How's the warrany? Made in USA
Option #2: Blaz'n Grillworks Grid Iron - $2040 with options of my preference. Similar look to Yoder which I love. Fast response when contacted Tim via email. Reputable controller. Bigger hopper. Ash clean out. Central firebox pros and cons? Concerns, internals made from 409 stainless which still rusts. Very very little reviews that I have been able to find. How does it grill?? Pellet consumption?? I would really like some input from someone who has used one. Warranty is the worst of all options it appears. How's customer service? Performance? Longevity? Made in USA
Option #3: Rec Tec RT680 - $1450 with options of my preference. Reputable controller. All 304 stainless internals which I feel is a huge plus. Central fire box pros and cons? Huge hopper that doubles as a giant shelf/warmer. HUGE fan base, Rec Tec community seems extremely loyal to the company and to Ray. Wonderful customer service. Really seems like the best bang for my buck but to be honest I absolutely hate the look, ie. bullhorns, I can live with the red and even fab up a different handle no problem, but that adds to the cost. Chine made. Hmm? But great warranty.
All seem like great options but I'm the type of person that does not like buying things multiple times or wish I had went a different route. I'm ok with spending more upfront for something that will last longer, but don't want something hat will eat up my meat money because its a pellet hog. As I said I will be doing alo of high temp grilling as well as low temp smokes and really want to have one versatile machine that does all.
Any and all input is appreciated and I thank you in advance!!!!
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If you have the budget like you have shown with your options you should just get a MAK. Own the best and be done with it. Cry once I say.
I do not own a MAK. Have done product testing on many however and saw a MAK one day sitting in a BBQ showroom and it just screamed American Quality.
Welcome from Central Texas.
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Well all my decision was made for me over the weekend. I was lucky enough to win a RT680 on custom built cart with custom grill grates and a cold smoker box on a FB page!!! Couldn't be more excited. Cart and grates are being built this week and should be able to pick it up sometime next week! Thanks all for your input!!!
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Congrats on your new smoker!
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Very cool. Congrats
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Hey Dakotad11, which did you decide to go with? I'd be interested to know??? And how do you like it?
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Welcome from Wisconsin ! :)
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Welcome to the forum, from NE Ohio!
And congrats on winning a new pellet grill!
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lucky guy...enjoy
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Greetings from North Texas.
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I've seen giveaways like that on FB, but thought they were bogus.
Guess I'll have to look more carefully.
Congratulations!
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I've seen giveaways like that on FB, but thought they were bogus.
Guess I'll have to look more carefully.
Congratulations!
I saw that one and thought the same thing. Glad you jumped on it, Dakotad11 ! ! !
BD
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Welcome! Happy cooking! Great info can be found here!! You will get some opinions on what grill you should get. I have not gotten to the pellet phase ....yet... So sorry I'm no help.
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I have cooked on a Memphis, tho never owned one. They are stylish, aesthetically sleek looking, and pretty well made. And they emphasize or bias their function on the ability to grill at temps. approaching - or maybe even matching most gas grills, while using wood pellets. They can cook at low temps. as well...but their marketing strength is grilling.
So it is a matter of what your usage criteria happens to be. Your individual cooking style will be your best guide. ;) :)