Let's Talk BBQ
General => General Discussion & Topics => Product Reviews => Topic started by: HighOnSmoke on December 22, 2013, 03:16:04 PM
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This is my review of the Blaz’n Grill Works (http://www.blazngrillworks.com/index.jsp) Grid Iron. I bought my Grid Iron in September 2013. At that time Blaz’n Grill Works was offering 3 models:
The Grand Slam: The Grand Slam is 24" x 19.5" for a total of 468 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 19.5" x 10" for a total of 195 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 663 square inches.
The total weight is 174 lb.
MSRP: $1099.00 + shipping
The Grid Iron: The Grid Iron is 36" x 19.5" for a total of 702 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 31" x 10" for a total of 310 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 1012 square inches.
The total weight is 224 lb.
MSRP: $1299.00 + shipping
The Tailgater: No information as I believe this one is no longer available. At least it is not showing on their web site.
Blaz’n Grill Works now offers the Pro Series which is the Grand Slam and the Grid Iron equipped with a new digital “Memphis Style” controller. I believe this is the same controller that is on the Memphis, Rec Tec and Louisiana pellet grills.
The original grills come standard with the Ortech controller. I purchased the upgraded controller once it became available. Currently you can order both of the grills with the new controller. I don’t know the pricing on these upgraded grills.
They also will custom paint the lid and the hopper lid for an additional cost.
All models have double walls in the front, rear and side panels. They offer an optional insulated bolt-in lid panel. The pellet auger is different than most as it is round cut, made from a round rod, to eliminate jerking on the motor. They also come with an “optional” cover. I say optional but it was one of the 3 choices for free accessories when I bought mine. They also offered a sear kit and the insulated lid panel. I opted for the cover.
The lower body on the grill is made of 16 gauge steel. The lid is 12 gauge and the deflector is 10 gauge.
Here is how my Grid Iron was delivered. For information from the manufacturer’s location of
Beatrice, Nebraska to my house in Hinesville, Georgia shipping was only $85.00 and this included lift gate
service.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg.html)
The only installation required was to put the legs and the lower shelf on the body.
Here is after putting it to together. It has 4 locking caster wheels.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg.html)
Fast forward 3 months and this is how it is looking after a multitude of cooks.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg.html)
The new controller! It is set at a low of 160 and a high of 600. I can only take mine to 450 as I
did not opt to replace the auger to reach the higher temps as I have my charcoal grill for searing.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg.html)
Manufacturer information in the hopper lid.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg.html)
30 pound hopper capacity and notice the lips around the hopper. The lid fits down over the lips and
helps keep any moisture out of the pellets. As you can tell by some of the pictures I rarely use the
cover anymore and it rains a lot here in Georgia.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg.html)
View from the right side with the drip bucket and the pullout burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg.html)
The pull out burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg.html)
The 10 gauge deflector shield. I left it up for photo purposes only.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg.html)
409 stainless steel drip plate.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg.html)
Removable 3 piece 409 stainless roller grates.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg.html)
The standard half shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg.html)
Controller probe placement.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg.html)
Standard collapsible front stainless steel work shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg.html)
Thin blue smoke on warm up.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg.html)
Loaded this morning with some “party wings” for my wife’s work tomorrow and some pig candy for
the son and his wife.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg.html)
My overall rating on this pellet grill is excellent. This is an American made pellet grill manufactured in Beatrice, Nebraska. I don’t notice the temp swings like I do in the smaller Traeger junior. If you notice in the 3rd picture there are a bunch of foil wrapped bricks. I used these when I had the Ortech controller to help stabilize the temp swings, which weren’t much only around 10 to 15 degrees. Once I put the new controller on and ran some temp tests with the bricks in and the bricks out I found that the controller keeps the temps within +/- 5 degrees. This was without the bricks in so I removed them. I have found the only hot spots are around the front edge of the cooker. I did add a high heat oven gasket around the lid edges of the cooker. When I was contemplating purchasing a large pellet grill I narrowed the field down to 3. The Yoder YS640, the Rec Tec and the Grid Iron. I have never cooked on a Yoder and I understand it is an excellent cooker. I did have the chance to cook on the Rec Tec at The Gathering and it also is an excellent model. I decided between the 3 of them that I would go with the basically unknown Blaz’n Grill Works. I guess I have always been a “sucker” for the underdog or unknown and that is my nature. I also liked the look of the Grid Iron and the fact that it came standard with a second shelf (even though only a half shelf) and the front shelf. I have no regrets at all about this purchase. The only things I would change on this is I wish it came with a full upper shelf and I would have like to have seen the controller probe mounted either a little lower or towards the back of body. I would also like the exit for the smokestack lowered more towards the grate level. I think this would help draw the smoke more evenly across the grates. I haven't used the full 1012 square inch capacity yet, but it will definitely be filled on my next request to do pork butts for my friends, co-workers and family. I have seen one loaded with 9 pork butts so that is definitely a lot of pulled pork. ;)
If you are interested in the Grid Iron or the Grand Slam the person to contact is Tim Mickey at 855-634-9233 or tmickey@blazngrillworks.com . He is really great to deal with and maybe tee can contact him about becoming a sponsor on our forum.
Any questions you have I will be more than willing to answer or if I don't know, will try to find the answer.
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Mike, good review! Looks like you got a lot of bang for your buck with the Grid Iron! I have a GMG D. Boone and love it, but I'm very envious of the extra room you have. I'm going to work on that real soon and add a half shelf I purchased back a ways. Nice job kiddo!
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She's a beast! Lots of square inches and metal for the price!
Nice review Mike ;)
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I just had the Jim Bowie delivered and your review gave me pellet grill envy. Looks like a well made unit. I like the placement of the probe (out of harms way) it is also nice to have a standard top cooking grate. Like I mentioned earlier in another thread, a good pellet does not have to be solid 1/4 inch, but you do need a heavy gauge steel for items like the fire pot and heat deflector and Blazin has done this.
Thank You for a real good product review. Will this be a continuous review where you add cooks to it? That would be nice....... :)
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I just had the Jim Bowie delivered and your review gave me pellet grill envy. Looks like a well made unit. I like the placement of the probe (out of harms way) it is also nice to have a standard top cooking grate. Like I mentioned earlier in another thread, a good pellet does not have to be solid 1/4 inch, but you do need a heavy gauge steel for items like the fire pot and heat deflector and Blazin has done this.
Thank You for a real good product review. Will this be a continuous review where you add cooks to it? That would be nice....... :)
I can if you like Smoke. I normally just post my photos to either the pellet grill section or to one of the sponsors areas if I am using their
product. But it makes since to continue on with posting my Grid Iron photos here.
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looks like a nice grill.
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You are more than welcome to post in the pellet grill section or keep the review going. Maybe you could give your contact over at Blazin and tell em about the forum and see if they are interested in coming on board. Let me know and I will get em set up with Tee................... ;)
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You are more than welcome to post in the pellet grill section or keep the review going. Maybe you could give your contact over at Blazin and tell em about the forum and see if they are interested in coming on board. Let me know and I will get em set up with Tee................... ;)
I will give Tim a call or email tomorrow Smoke!
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Cool, just let em know over at Blazin that we are over 500 members strong and growing. Tell em we got a bunch of pellet drivers here. Tell him we have some pellet grill dealers as well as Mak and Rec Tec and they might want to jump in and make their presence felt........
just don't tell em we have a moderator that plays with a little stuffed frog :D
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc469/s1cott11/003-101.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/s1cott11/media/003-101.jpg.html)
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Good write up, thanks ;D
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Great review.
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Great review!! Just wondering if you considered a rec tec grill before your purchase and if so what was the deciding factor for the blazing.
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Great review!! Just wondering if you considered a rec tec grill before your purchase and if so what was the deciding factor for the blazing.
Yep, the Rec Tec was my 2nd choice. I guess the deciding factor was the standard second shelf, which when I talked to Ray at Rec Tec he said they
were looking at adding second shelf eventually. I know that the 2nd shelf from the Traeger Texas will work in the Rec Tec. I also liked the standard
front shelf and like veryolddog stated about his Yoder, I too like the fact that it was made in the good old USA. I do know that the Rec Tec is an
awesome cooker as I cooked with it at The Gathering.
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Great review!! Just wondering if you considered a rec tec grill before your purchase and if so what was the deciding factor for the blazing.
Yep, the Rec Tec was my 2nd choice. I guess the deciding factor was the standard second shelf, which when I talked to Ray at Rec Tec he said they
were looking at adding second shelf eventually. I know that the 2nd shelf from the Traeger Texas will work in the Rec Tec. I also liked the standard
front shelf and like veryolddog stated about his Yoder, I too like the fact that it was made in the good old USA. I do know that the Rec Tec is an
awesome cooker as I cooked with it at The Gathering.
Thanks you very much for your response. I will own a pellet grill one day just so undecided at this time :)
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Now correct me if I am wrong, but I feel you cant go wrong with any of the pellet grill offerings these days. Just pick out the one with the features that you like. If applicable, be happy with the dealer that you are dealing with and then pull the trigger 8)
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Now correct me if I am wrong, but I feel you cant go wrong with any of the pellet grill offerings these days. Just pick out the one with the features that you like. If applicable, be happy with the dealer that you are dealing with and then pull the trigger 8)
I agree 100 percent with what Smoke said! Pellet grills have come a long way and they only
seem to be getting better. So pick out what is best for you and your pocketbook and enjoy! I kept hearing
that I wouldn't get the same smoke flavor that I do from my charcoal smokers and yes that is true, but what
we have found is that the smoke I am getting from my pellets is a light and delicate smoke that we both really
like. Sometimes if I want a heavy smoke flavor I will use my WSM or just use my A-Maze-N smoker tube for some
extra smoke.
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Not to derail this excellent product review but this ties in with the spirit of the Blazin Review:
Back when I was reviewing the Camp Chef Pellet Grill, I had seasoned up -4- spare ribs. My kids didn't come by so I cooked -2- and wrapped -2- up and froze em.
I took some in for some co-workers for lunch.
A couple of weeks later, I thawed the ribs out and did them in an off-set burning strictly Post Oak splits.
I brought some in to the same co-workers. Later that day, one of them asked me if I cooked them on my pellet grill. Nope, I said. I did them on a stick burner.
I have been bringing in left-overs cooked off a pellet pooper and an off-set and they honestly can not tell the difference.
Now I attribute this to the fact that I burn on heck of a clean fire in an off-set 8).....however, that is one heck of a testimonial to the grub that comes off a pellet grill.
So put that in your pellet pooper and smoke it 8) ;)
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This is my review of the Blaz’n Grill Works (http://www.blazngrillworks.com/index.jsp) Grid Iron. I bought my Grid Iron in September 2013. At that time Blaz’n Grill Works was offering 3 models:
The Grand Slam: The Grand Slam is 24" x 19.5" for a total of 468 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 19.5" x 10" for a total of 195 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 663 square inches.
The total weight is 174 lb.
MSRP: $1099.00 + shipping
The Grid Iron: The Grid Iron is 36" x 19.5" for a total of 702 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 31" x 10" for a total of 310 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 1012 square inches.
The total weight is 224 lb.
MSRP: $1299.00 + shipping
The Tailgater: No information as I believe this one is no longer available. At least it is not showing on their web site.
Blaz’n Grill Works now offers the Pro Series which is the Grand Slam and the Grid Iron equipped with a new digital “Memphis Style” controller. I believe this is the same controller that is on the Memphis, Rec Tec and Louisiana pellet grills.
The original grills come standard with the Ortech controller. I purchased the upgraded controller once it became available. Currently you can order both of the grills with the new controller. I don’t know the pricing on these upgraded grills.
They also will custom paint the lid and the hopper lid for an additional cost.
All models have double walls in the front, rear and side panels. They offer an optional insulated bolt-in lid panel. The pellet auger is different than most as it is round cut, made from a round rod, to eliminate jerking on the motor. They also come with an “optional” cover. I say optional but it was one of the 3 choices for free accessories when I bought mine. They also offered a sear kit and the insulated lid panel. I opted for the cover.
The lower body on the grill is made of 16 gauge steel. The lid is 12 gauge and the deflector is 10 gauge.
Here is how my Grid Iron was delivered. For information from the manufacturer’s location of
Beatrice, Nebraska to my house in Hinesville, Georgia shipping was only $85.00 and this included lift gate
service.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg.html)
The only installation required was to put the legs and the lower shelf on the body.
Here is after putting it to together. It has 4 locking caster wheels.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg.html)
Fast forward 3 months and this is how it is looking after a multitude of cooks.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg.html)
The new controller! It is set at a low of 160 and a high of 600. I can only take mine to 450 as I
did not opt to replace the auger to reach the higher temps as I have my charcoal grill for searing.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg.html)
Manufacturer information in the hopper lid.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg.html)
30 pound hopper capacity and notice the lips around the hopper. The lid fits down over the lips and
helps keep any moisture out of the pellets. As you can tell by some of the pictures I rarely use the
cover anymore and it rains a lot here in Georgia.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg.html)
View from the right side with the drip bucket and the pullout burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg.html)
The pull out burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg.html)
The 10 gauge deflector shield. I left it up for photo purposes only.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg.html)
409 stainless steel drip plate.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg.html)
Removable 3 piece 409 stainless roller grates.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg.html)
The standard half shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg.html)
Controller probe placement.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg.html)
Standard collapsible front stainless steel work shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg.html)
Thin blue smoke on warm up.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg.html)
Loaded this morning with some “party wings” for my wife’s work tomorrow and some pig candy for
the son and his wife.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg.html)
My overall rating on this pellet grill is excellent. This is an American made pellet grill manufactured in Beatrice, Nebraska. I don’t notice the temp swings like I do in the smaller Traeger junior. If you notice in the 3rd picture there are a bunch of foil wrapped bricks. I used these when I had the Ortech controller to help stabilize the temp swings, which weren’t much only around 10 to 15 degrees. Once I put the new controller on and ran some temp tests with the bricks in and the bricks out I found that the controller keeps the temps within +/- 5 degrees. This was without the bricks in so I removed them. I have found the only hot spots are around the front edge of the cooker. I did add a high heat oven gasket around the lid edges of the cooker. When I was contemplating purchasing a large pellet grill I narrowed the field down to 3. The Yoder YS640, the Rec Tec and the Grid Iron. I have never cooked on a Yoder and I understand it is an excellent cooker. I did have the chance to cook on the Rec Tec at The Gathering and it also is an excellent model. I decided between the 3 of them that I would go with the basically unknown Blaz’n Grill Works. I guess I have always been a “sucker” for the underdog or unknown and that is my nature. I also liked the look of the Grid Iron and the fact that it came standard with a second shelf (even though only a half shelf) and the front shelf. I have no regrets at all about this purchase. The only things I would change on this is I wish it came with a full upper shelf and I would have like to have seen the controller probe mounted either a little lower or towards the back of body. I would also like the exit for the smokestack lowered more towards the grate level. I think this would help draw the smoke more evenly across the grates. I haven't used the full 1012 square inch capacity yet, but it will definitely be filled on my next request to do pork butts for my friends, co-workers and family. I have seen one loaded with 9 pork butts so that is definitely a lot of pulled pork. ;)
If you are interested in the Grid Iron or the Grand Slam the person to contact is Tim Mickey at 855-634-9233 or tmickey@blazngrillworks.com . He is really great to deal with and maybe tee can contact him about becoming a sponsor on our forum.
Any questions you have I will be more than willing to answer or if I don't know, will try to find the answer.
So 6 months later how is your pellet pro controller working?
Would this be an easy switch for an ortec on a traeger texas grill?
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This is my review of the Blaz’n Grill Works (http://www.blazngrillworks.com/index.jsp) Grid Iron. I bought my Grid Iron in September 2013. At that time Blaz’n Grill Works was offering 3 models:
The Grand Slam: The Grand Slam is 24" x 19.5" for a total of 468 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 19.5" x 10" for a total of 195 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 663 square inches.
The total weight is 174 lb.
MSRP: $1099.00 + shipping
The Grid Iron: The Grid Iron is 36" x 19.5" for a total of 702 square inches.
Top cooking shelf is 31" x 10" for a total of 310 square inches.
Total cooking surface is 1012 square inches.
The total weight is 224 lb.
MSRP: $1299.00 + shipping
The Tailgater: No information as I believe this one is no longer available. At least it is not showing on their web site.
Blaz’n Grill Works now offers the Pro Series which is the Grand Slam and the Grid Iron equipped with a new digital “Memphis Style” controller. I believe this is the same controller that is on the Memphis, Rec Tec and Louisiana pellet grills.
The original grills come standard with the Ortech controller. I purchased the upgraded controller once it became available. Currently you can order both of the grills with the new controller. I don’t know the pricing on these upgraded grills.
They also will custom paint the lid and the hopper lid for an additional cost.
All models have double walls in the front, rear and side panels. They offer an optional insulated bolt-in lid panel. The pellet auger is different than most as it is round cut, made from a round rod, to eliminate jerking on the motor. They also come with an “optional” cover. I say optional but it was one of the 3 choices for free accessories when I bought mine. They also offered a sear kit and the insulated lid panel. I opted for the cover.
The lower body on the grill is made of 16 gauge steel. The lid is 12 gauge and the deflector is 10 gauge.
Here is how my Grid Iron was delivered. For information from the manufacturer’s location of
Beatrice, Nebraska to my house in Hinesville, Georgia shipping was only $85.00 and this included lift gate
service.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2225_zps15789dfb.jpg.html)
The only installation required was to put the legs and the lower shelf on the body.
Here is after putting it to together. It has 4 locking caster wheels.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC_2228_zps49325eca.jpg.html)
Fast forward 3 months and this is how it is looking after a multitude of cooks.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00899_zps1f69266a.jpg.html)
The new controller! It is set at a low of 160 and a high of 600. I can only take mine to 450 as I
did not opt to replace the auger to reach the higher temps as I have my charcoal grill for searing.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00900_zps903f0adc.jpg.html)
Manufacturer information in the hopper lid.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00902_zpsd903e181.jpg.html)
30 pound hopper capacity and notice the lips around the hopper. The lid fits down over the lips and
helps keep any moisture out of the pellets. As you can tell by some of the pictures I rarely use the
cover anymore and it rains a lot here in Georgia.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00903_zpsbd30594e.jpg.html)
View from the right side with the drip bucket and the pullout burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00904_zpsc661c7ac.jpg.html)
The pull out burn pot.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00905_zps09850ae8.jpg.html)
The 10 gauge deflector shield. I left it up for photo purposes only.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00906_zpsa989a5c2.jpg.html)
409 stainless steel drip plate.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00907_zps634e9eef.jpg.html)
Removable 3 piece 409 stainless roller grates.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00908_zps6aeb9204.jpg.html)
The standard half shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00909_zpsfd4f3f3a.jpg.html)
Controller probe placement.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00910_zpsbf919110.jpg.html)
Standard collapsible front stainless steel work shelf.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00911_zpsb0cae79f.jpg.html)
Thin blue smoke on warm up.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00912_zps43787c01.jpg.html)
Loaded this morning with some “party wings” for my wife’s work tomorrow and some pig candy for
the son and his wife.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m550/Michael_Coffman/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg) (http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Coffman/media/Blazn%20Grill%20Works%20Grid%20Iron%20Review/DSC00915_zps3e18d4df.jpg.html)
My overall rating on this pellet grill is excellent. This is an American made pellet grill manufactured in Beatrice, Nebraska. I don’t notice the temp swings like I do in the smaller Traeger junior. If you notice in the 3rd picture there are a bunch of foil wrapped bricks. I used these when I had the Ortech controller to help stabilize the temp swings, which weren’t much only around 10 to 15 degrees. Once I put the new controller on and ran some temp tests with the bricks in and the bricks out I found that the controller keeps the temps within +/- 5 degrees. This was without the bricks in so I removed them. I have found the only hot spots are around the front edge of the cooker. I did add a high heat oven gasket around the lid edges of the cooker. When I was contemplating purchasing a large pellet grill I narrowed the field down to 3. The Yoder YS640, the Rec Tec and the Grid Iron. I have never cooked on a Yoder and I understand it is an excellent cooker. I did have the chance to cook on the Rec Tec at The Gathering and it also is an excellent model. I decided between the 3 of them that I would go with the basically unknown Blaz’n Grill Works. I guess I have always been a “sucker” for the underdog or unknown and that is my nature. I also liked the look of the Grid Iron and the fact that it came standard with a second shelf (even though only a half shelf) and the front shelf. I have no regrets at all about this purchase. The only things I would change on this is I wish it came with a full upper shelf and I would have like to have seen the controller probe mounted either a little lower or towards the back of body. I would also like the exit for the smokestack lowered more towards the grate level. I think this would help draw the smoke more evenly across the grates. I haven't used the full 1012 square inch capacity yet, but it will definitely be filled on my next request to do pork butts for my friends, co-workers and family. I have seen one loaded with 9 pork butts so that is definitely a lot of pulled pork. ;)
If you are interested in the Grid Iron or the Grand Slam the person to contact is Tim Mickey at 855-634-9233 or tmickey@blazngrillworks.com . He is really great to deal with and maybe tee can contact him about becoming a sponsor on our forum.
Any questions you have I will be more than willing to answer or if I don't know, will try to find the answer.
So 6 months later how is your pellet pro controller working?
Would this be an easy switch for an ortec on a traeger texas grill?
Controller is still going strong. No problems. The controller replaced the Ortech I had on this one, but not too
sure if it would work with your Traeger Texas. You might want to call Tim Mickey at Blaz'n Grill Works and talk
to him about it. Sorry I am not much help on this.
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This product review is what prompted me to join the forum. I recently discovered pellet burners and have been researching them online. I thought the Rec Tec seemed like the best fit for me as I would like to smoke as well as grill. The Rec-Tec is one of the pellet burners that seems to be able to achieve higher temps and can sear. During my web research I found a stray post on the Blazn Grill Works units but the review on this forum has more information than anything else I've found. I did contact the company in NE and received a prompt response by email. The price for the Grid Iron they quoted me was $1449.00 and $196.00 to ship to NC - OUCH! I also got quotes on all the accessories (including custom paint color) which would bring the grand total to about $2100. It's only about $300 more for the larger unit where other brands seem to have a drastic price jump for cooking space.
For the last 12 years I've used a Jenn Air gas grill but it's finally lost the battle to rust! I was going to order some new burners and grates for it but during an inspection I noticed the entire bottom of the cooking area is rusting through so it's time for something new. My dad bought a Big Green Egg a few years ago and it's an impressive cooker. I was leaning that direction until I walked into the local Costco where Traeger was set up with a road tour. They have the large cooker for $799, but the reviews I've seen online make me skeptical.
I love the idea behind the pellet cookers of "set it and forget it." My dad has done one or two slow cooks with his egg, but he has to get up in the middle of the night to add fuel and check the temp etc... The Blazn Grill Works site explains how they have improved upon many of the "flaws" found with traditional pellet cookers. The one that bothers me the most is the claim that the auger will jam and strip the gears in the motor. Has anyone experienced this with a pellet cooker? They also talk about the flame going out during cooks and the need to access the burn pot to clean and restart the fire. If that only happened once I'd be glad to have the pull our burn pot of the Blazn Grill Works cooker... So what are your thoughts? What features would be best for a cooker/grill combo? What should I avoid?
Another feature that really attracted me to the Rec-Tec or Blazn Grill Works Gridiron is the larger pellet hoppers (40lb on the Rec Tec or 30lb on the Gridiron). I also like the location of the hopper on the Rec Tec being behind the cooker so that refilling doesn't interfere with the side table being usable.
Are the improvements of this (Gridiron) cooker as significant as the marketing makes them out to be? Is it worth twice the cost of something like a Rec Tec or Traeger?
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This product review is what prompted me to join the forum. I recently discovered pellet burners and have been researching them online. I thought the Rec Tec seemed like the best fit for me as I would like to smoke as well as grill. The Rec-Tec is one of the pellet burners that seems to be able to achieve higher temps and can sear. During my web research I found a stray post on the Blazn Grill Works units but the review on this forum has more information than anything else I've found. I did contact the company in NE and received a prompt response by email. The price for the Grid Iron they quoted me was $1449.00 and $196.00 to ship to NC - OUCH! I also got quotes on all the accessories (including custom paint color) which would bring the grand total to about $2100. It's only about $300 more for the larger unit where other brands seem to have a drastic price jump for cooking space.
For the last 12 years I've used a Jenn Air gas grill but it's finally lost the battle to rust! I was going to order some new burners and grates for it but during an inspection I noticed the entire bottom of the cooking area is rusting through so it's time for something new. My dad bought a Big Green Egg a few years ago and it's an impressive cooker. I was leaning that direction until I walked into the local Costco where Traeger was set up with a road tour. They have the large cooker for $799, but the reviews I've seen online make me skeptical.
I love the idea behind the pellet cookers of "set it and forget it." My dad has done one or two slow cooks with his egg, but he has to get up in the middle of the night to add fuel and check the temp etc... The Blazn Grill Works site explains how they have improved upon many of the "flaws" found with traditional pellet cookers. The one that bothers me the most is the claim that the auger will jam and strip the gears in the motor. Has anyone experienced this with a pellet cooker? They also talk about the flame going out during cooks and the need to access the burn pot to clean and restart the fire. If that only happened once I'd be glad to have the pull our burn pot of the Blazn Grill Works cooker... So what are your thoughts? What features would be best for a cooker/grill combo? What should I avoid?
Another feature that really attracted me to the Rec-Tec or Blazn Grill Works Gridiron is the larger pellet hoppers (40lb on the Rec Tec or 30lb on the Gridiron). I also like the location of the hopper on the Rec Tec being behind the cooker so that refilling doesn't interfere with the side table being usable.
Are the improvements of this (Gridiron) cooker as significant as the marketing makes them out to be? Is it worth twice the cost of something like a Rec Tec or Traeger?
I see where the price now has gone to $1499. This must be because of the new controller, which is basically the same one on the Memphis and I believe Rec Tec. I only paid $89 shipping to have it shipped here in Georgia. I looked at many many pellet cookers and I narrowed it down to this one, the Rec Tec and the Yoder 640. For me the extra money was worth it. But only you can decide how much you want to spend and what you are looking for it to do. I own a Traeger Junior that I upgraded the controller and it is a fantastic chicken cooker and tail gate smoker. I do like the pullout burn pot and it makes it real easy to clean. Another good thing is that it comes standard with a front shelf and a half upper 2nd shelf. I do wish they made a full upper shelf, but I can live with the one I got. I have had mine almost a year now and I would buy it again. The Rec Tec is a great smoker. I cooked on a couple of them at our fall Gathering last year and they do a great job. My main wish is that Blaz'n would advertise more and have their own forum or something like that. Another pellet grill forum has quite a few members who own either the Grid Iron or the Grand Slam. I wish you the best of luck in finding the one that fits your needs. Any help that I or one of the other pellet cooker owners can give you please ask.
Mike
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I hope it is OK to revived this old thread but I have a couple of questions becasue of my need for another pellet smoker to supplement or maybe even replace my Royall RG2000. Just sold three grills and now I am down to one.
Does the new Pro controller modulate the fan?
What is the dimension from the Grid Iron grill grate to the inside top?
What is the dimension of the Grid Iron drip pan / grease pan?
Thanks
art
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I enjoyed the HighOnSmoke review also.
Now, a year and a half later, do you have anything to add regarding maintenance, performance, food quality, or whatever? No shortcomings?
Or would you say that it is still probably the best unit on the market for the general price?
I'm in Georgia also (Atlanta) and was quoted $1449 for everything with the Pro controller, better auger and shelf. $69 for the color choice and $176 for shipping along with a discount for buying more than one (my neighbor is thinking of also getting one).
I like some of the engineering choices that the unit has like the easier ash cleaner and 2nd shelf. I know Rec Tec is a little less but the color is offensive (to me, a Gator :-D). The Yoder and Louisiana Grill are very similar also.
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When you say "better" auger, have they had a re-design change? When it comes to Yoder and Louisiana Grills being very similar, let me tell ya, the Yoder is a beast weighing in over 300 lbs. The Louisiana grill might be closer to the Rec Tec when it comes to size and weight.
The Blaz'n looks similar to the Yoder but with a way better controller and more standard features 8)
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I think it was changed to a more rugged auger motor. And I thought there was a mention in the video about a different screw that prevents jams.
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It is nice to know that Blazin is not resting on their laurels and are making improvements :)