Thanks for the warm welcome teesquare and rwalters. I appreciate that. You know as I mentioned in my opening post I had just finished rebuilding my 20 year old Ducane, so that's where it all started. I began looking for a new gasser thinking I had to replace my Ducane, however as I started looking and considering another gas grill that would last me 20 years, I found so many choices and got interested in the pellet grill market. The more I watched YouTube video's the more I decided to fix my old gasser and make it as good as new, and get me a new pellet grill. Well, as I researched, I realized it wasn't going to be that easy with all the different styles and types of pellet grills. Very interesting market. My priority with a pellet grill (at first when I saw how some are making them be an end all grill) I was wow'ed and wanted it all, all the bells and whistles. It started when my local lawn equipment store started carrying the Yoders. I was impressed and said I'm saving up for one of those. Then I kept looking and thinking I need to calm down and really think this thing through. I think I will be more inclined to low and slow, and incorporate my gasser to finish off with the searing duties. My Kamado Joe is great but I would like to have something that didn't need as much oversight when I have 100 things to do while I'm trying to cook. I wouldn't mind having one that could do some higher temp grilling if I change my mind but it's not the primary want or need at this point. I think I am in the $1500-$1800 range but I have also considered an entry level portable like the GMG Davey Crockett to see if I really like it and use it camping after I experiment at home with it. I usually cook for my family of 4 with a couple of guests. Not a big crowd but I do see an occasional cook for maybe 15 or so. While my list of finalist is still large, I need your advice and experience to help guide me through this maze. I'm looking at the Yoder ys480, Blaz'n Grill Gradn Slam, Mak 1 Star, Fast Eddie PG500, Firecraft Q450, and the Assassin 36" Pellet Grill. Looking forward to more dialog and learning from you guys.
Well, the pellet grills you have mentioned are all nice units! Personally, I think a nice pellet grill, sitting next to a dedicated grill (gas or charcoal), is the ultimate setup. The ability to have the pellet cooker smoking at lower temps, while the other is screaming hot, is a really hard setup to beat! Yes, you can setup many cookers with 2-zone cooking, or you can remove the meat after the low n slow portion of the cook and then ramp up your temp and return the meat to the cooker for the final sear... but still, it's hard to beat the versatility of side by side cookers. This is how I have myself setup, and I absolutely love it (when needed)! With that said, 95% of my cooks are done on one cooker at a time. I rarely find the need for both cookers to be going at the same time. You will quickly learn the strengths of each cooker, and use them for just that... their strengths.
Ok, so more specific to your question. You mention a budget of $1500-1800. You also mention the thought of starting out with a less expensive pellet grill and getting your feet wet first. Taking those comments into consideration, and putting myself in your shoes, here are the two pellet grills that I'd be looking HARD at.
1) On the lower end of the price spectrum, I'd be looking at the Grilla Grills Silverbac pellet grill. For $699 delivered to your door, I do not think you will find a better built/better performing pellet grill on the market in that price range. And to me, what really sets the Grilla Grills apart is the company itself AND the user community which is more like family. They have a SUPER active FB group that is one of the friendliest I have seen. I do not own a Grilla Grills, nor have I ever cooked on one. I do feel that I pay close attention to what's going on in the "BBQ world", and Grilla Grills has my attention in a very good way!
2) On the upper end of your budget, without question, I would choose the MAK 1 Star. I have cooked on two different pellet cookers (manufacturers) in my lifetime... an older US made Traeger, and more recently a MAK 1 Star, and now a 2 Star. As to the MAK 1 Star, you would be purchasing:
- A cooker that is built to last for many many years to come. What does this mean? Well, all parts are super high quality, and built right here in the US. There is marine grade 304 SS in all the right high wear places. If it not stainless than we are talking aluminized steel with a very high quality high temp powder coat finish. Not sure if you are aware of this... but aluminized steel does not rust. So even if you get a chip or two in the powder coat finish, you'll never see rust form. That's a big deal for longevity and overall aesthetics!
- Unlike Chinese manufactured pellet cookers, you are getting the best of the best in components, both electrical and mechanical.
- A smoking machine. I have never seen a pellet cooker that puts out more smoke than a MAK 1 Star.
- A highly programmable and reliable controller (Pellet Boss). It's arguably the best in the business.
- If you decide that you would like to sometimes use your MAK 1 Star as a grill, you can always add the Funnel Flame Zone. It works as advertised
- When you buy a MAK, you get the entire MAK service team in your corner. They are amazing!
- Much like the Grilla Grills community, the MAK community is also much like a family... a much smaller family, I am assuming due to the higher price point and fewer sales than the Grilla Grills... but still very much a family.
I could say more, but I will refrain...lol.
So there you have it... some of my thoughts and opinions. Please do not think that I am saying that Grilla Grills and MAK are the only 2 pellets cookers that I think are worth the money, because they are not. All I am trying to say is that in my experience, and from everything that I have read and have gathered from actual owners... what I have shared is based on that
