Let's Talk BBQ
Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Pellet Grills and Smokers => Topic started by: catinatree on June 23, 2014, 06:56:26 PM
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I don't know, I'm used to smoking an hour, maybe two on the old Sierra. Now I feel like I'm in grade school with the DB.
What is up with little to no smoke at 150 ? not to mention any higher ?
This rack of BB's at 150 for 2 hours
200 for 2, perfect doneness ................. NO SMOKE !
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0259_zps9bb9c2cb.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0259_zps9bb9c2cb.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0266_zps8bd79c1f.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0266_zps8bd79c1f.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0269_zps004da2af.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0269_zps004da2af.jpg.html)
That is not smoke ring by the way, love the FS & B, because if this is normal for this unit, heck, I'll go back to my Sierra.
I do know if anyone can tell me what is wrong, this is the place ;)
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Let's just say it is not the smoke you are used to.
Pellet grills have a cleaner burn and do not produce as much smoke as a standard smoker. You can use an additional smoking device like an A-maze-n pellet tube smoker. This can add smoke flavor by lighting the tube filled with pellets. Makes great smoke and can be used for cold smoking too.
Also pellets can have an effect. Some burn cleaner than others. Some are flavored with oils.
And of course the controller is also the reason. It is a tough thing to create lots of smoke and also keep stable temps. Some pellet grills can do it better than others.
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Ditto with Mike
And the ribs look great
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The bones look great. ;)
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Thanks guys, they were very good ...... except that one very important ingredient.
What pellet grills "do it better" I'm not above dumping this one, and going another direction, however I will try the tube Mike mentioned before jumping the GMG ship !
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Thanks guys, they were very good ...... except that one very important ingredient.
What pellet grills "do it better" I'm not above dumping this one, and going another direction, however I will try the tube Mike mentioned before jumping the GMG ship !
Mike has steered you good.... Grab an Amazen Smoke Tube - and you will have all of the smoke you want to supplement - or to cold smoke nuts, cheese, chez mix, salmon....you name it. And - what kind of pellets are you using?
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The type of pellets available from Traeger was one of the attractions for me to pellet grills. Being an Arborist, and having availability to a lot of fruit woods, I still decided switch to a pellet grill.
I was using 50% Cherry 50% Apple for this little rack.
Smoke Tube, here I come ! Thank you !
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I don't know, I'm used to smoking an hour, maybe two on the old Sierra. Now I feel like I'm in grade school with the DB.
What is up with little to no smoke at 150 ? not to mention any higher ?
This rack of BB's at 150 for 2 hours
200 for 2, perfect doneness ................. NO SMOKE !
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0259_zps9bb9c2cb.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0259_zps9bb9c2cb.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0266_zps8bd79c1f.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0266_zps8bd79c1f.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0269_zps004da2af.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dave%20Grieves%20iMac/iPhoto%20Library%20-%201/DSC_0269_zps004da2af.jpg.html)
That is not smoke ring by the way, love the FS & B, because if this is normal for this unit, heck, I'll go back to my Sierra.
I do know if anyone can tell me what is wrong, this is the place ;)
I have really been eyeing those pellet grills. I can't pull the trigger on one, because I am afraid I might not be satisfied with one .I can get plenty of smoke from my SRG and it didn't cost near as much to buy and operate. Maybe it will work out for you after the amazin smoker tubes.
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Great!
Just one additional thought, and muebe touched on it....The Traeger pellets are not real flavor wood mixed with oak - which is the "standard" across the country. It is the standard partially due to the commonality of oak - but also because oak burns at a higher BTU, thus giving you more heat and less ash ( in theory ).
Traeger's pellets are made of Alder - which is common in the Pacific Northwest. And - they use "flavor oils" for any pellets other than just Alder. Many feel that the flavor oils are an unknown impact in our cooking...so most prefer the real wood in the pellet.
We have a couple of Site Sponsors which are vendors that sell pellets. You may want to explore some of the other brands available. I highly recommend buying an oak based pellet.
Hope this gets you smoking' up a storm! ( O.K. - I know you are in CO....but I did not mean THAT kind of smoke.... ;D ;D ;D)
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Well silly me, I guess I need to read the label from now on !
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Does not mean that Traeger pellets are "bad"...it only means that there are other choices out there that are very popular in the pellet grill community for ...some reason..? ;) ;D
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bear mountain, bbq's delight and our own sponser cookingpellets are all very good pellets to use in your DB.
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Green Mountain has two very good blends of pellets as well. Gold and Fruit. I used to only use the Gold blend.
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I love my pellet smoker and usually satisfied with just the kiss of smoke it gives the food. I use only Traeger oak pellets most of the time, because of availability without paying shipping, but have used cooking pellets 100% hickory and love that stuff. I do use the amazin tube smoker when I want extra smoke.
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I purchased the Blazin Grill Works Grand Slam and could not be happier. I am getting great smoke flavor and solid smoke rings on ribs and brisket and pulled pork. I will say I liked the BBQers delight pellets better than the Traeger pellets for a couple of reasons. 1) less dust they seemed to be cleaner 2) the pellets are shorter and don't squeak going through the auger feed. I have tried the Hickory in BD pellets and in Traeger have tried Apple, Mesquite, Hickory
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bear mountain, bbq's delight and our own sponser cookingpellets are all very good pellets to use in your DB.
These are the brands I use to. Mostly BBQ Delight and Cookin Pellets. Green Mountain Gold is another good one. I have personally
found that the Perfect Mix from Cookin Pellets gives me the best smoke flavor, WITHOUT using my Amazen tube. I do use the
tube when we want extra smoke flavor. If I want it real smokey then I use my WSM.
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I also use Cookin pellets perfect mix and really like them. Bear mountain also makes a good pellet ;)
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I've had my GMG D. Boone for about a year now and have not had any smoke issues. Like all new "tools" there is a learning curve to get through to learn how best to use your new "tool" to your personal satisfaction. In saying that, the pellets I've used without issue are Lumberjack, Perfect Mix by Cookin Pellets, and GMG Pellets. All pellets are not created equal! I also use on occasion a 6" A-Maze-N tube for times when I need a lot more smoke flavor or when cold-smoking. I generally start at 150F for an hour before turning up the heat. Play around and in a short while you will find your sweet spot! Good luck Cat!
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OK, this is where I am with the GMG DB .... (hey Low n Slow, this may help you too !)
I never mentioned that I had the lid/door replaced due to a 1/2" gap, the new lid had only a 1/4" gap to begin with, now it's at about 1/2" again.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg.html)
I've added the pellet tube smoker and a downdraft hood, which I figured I'd add anyway, and has added smoke, good mods .... still not enough though, too much smoke escapes through the gap, so now I see the final solution is closing that gap.
I'm considering buying fiberglass 1/8"x1" wide gasket with the addition of 1/4" or 3/8" rope to fill the gap.
http://www.stovegaskets.com/#!gaskets-by-the-foot
The other thought is to add a latch .... as always, I appreciate all input and suggestions !!!
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I would suggest adding the gasket.
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OK, this is where I am with the GMG DB .... (hey Low n Slow, this may help you too !)
I never mentioned that I had the lid/door replaced due to a 1/2" gap, the new lid had only a 1/4" gap to begin with, now it's at about 1/2" again.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg.html)
I've added the pellet tube smoker and a downdraft hood, which I figured I'd add anyway, and has added smoke, good mods .... still not enough though, too much smoke escapes through the gap, so now I see the final solution is closing that gap.
I'm considering buying fiberglass 1/8"x1" wide gasket with the addition of 1/4" or 3/8" rope to fill the gap.
http://www.stovegaskets.com/#!gaskets-by-the-foot
The other thought is to add a latch .... as always, I appreciate all input and suggestions !!!
Cat, check this out.
www.amazon.com search for Nomex gasket for smoker/grill
I have not used this product, (which comes in different sizes) but a few guys on here have with good results. I'm thinking of adding to mine. It certainly can't hurt. I have about a 1/4" gap at the bend, up towards the hinges.
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Thanks guys, that's the direction I was going also. I can always tear it off and start over if I want.
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is it new? have you called them and told them you are having issues with the top not fitting?
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I bought a nomex gasket from Ebay that works good. It is says it's for the Traeger, but it fits
good on my Grid Iron. No smoke leakage from the lid area.
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Check out bbqgaskets dot com, they carry the Nomex gasket material in a self stick and different thickness and width. I have it on my Yoder. I also have the AMNTS tube smokers in 6" and 12". I bought a half pallet of BBQ Delight Apple. When I did brisket I put hickory in the tube smoker, works out fine.
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Not a smokering? Killer looking ribs none the less. How was the flavor?
On my old offset, I would get smoke only with fresh laid in wood over existing coals. At least, visible smoke, and mostly very light. My ribs turned out looking very much like those you have posted. And that appearance is the one thing I miss with the electric. But the flavor is good. What has been said earlier about cleaner burning in a pellet cooker is certainly true. If I were getting good tender smokey ribs, but just did not see much if any smoke, I might be concerned as well. But the end result is really what counts.
You might be able to place a foil packet of chips with a couple of holes on a grate above the burner pot and see if you can produce smoke that way. I am not familiar with the DB (and most pellet rigs) to be able to say that it will work or if there is even a place to place additional chips.
Let us know.
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I ordered an A-maze-n tube at the same time I ordered my Rec Tec. I have used the tube for each smoke but the RT seems to put out a lot of smoke on its own between 180 and 230. I would venture to say that smoke is a product of the pellets more than the smoker. So far I have only used the Pellets supplied with the RT when I bought it
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OK, this is where I am with the GMG DB .... (hey Low n Slow, this may help you too !)
I never mentioned that I had the lid/door replaced due to a 1/2" gap, the new lid had only a 1/4" gap to begin with, now it's at about 1/2" again.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/DSC_0003_zps8556efa4.jpg.html)
I've added the pellet tube smoker and a downdraft hood, which I figured I'd add anyway, and has added smoke, good mods .... still not enough though, too much smoke escapes through the gap, so now I see the final solution is closing that gap.
I'm considering buying fiberglass 1/8"x1" wide gasket with the addition of 1/4" or 3/8" rope to fill the gap.
http://www.stovegaskets.com/#!gaskets-by-the-foot
The other thought is to add a latch .... as always, I appreciate all input and suggestions !!!
Cat, check this out.
www.amazon.com search for Nomex gasket for smoker/grill
I have not used this product, (which comes in different sizes) but a few guys on here have with good results. I'm thinking of adding to mine. It certainly can't hurt. I have about a 1/4" gap at the bend, up towards the hinges.
Well, this is 1/8" Nomex self adhesive, this side was the worse, so I put 5 layers on this side .....
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Rock/DSC_0002_zps5db3ded9.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Rock/DSC_0002_zps5db3ded9.jpg.html)
4 layers on this side .....
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Rock/DSC_0001_zps959d75fa.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Rock/DSC_0001_zps959d75fa.jpg.html)
And one across the top laterally ...
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff202/perfectcircleservices/Rock/DSC_0003_zpsff8dde75.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/perfectcircleservices/media/Rock/DSC_0003_zpsff8dde75.jpg.html)
Besides retaining more smoky goodness, I'm expecting it to also keep more heat in for such things as grilled mac n cheese that I plan on doing tomorrow ;D
Thanks everyone, great input ! I'll keep you posted !!!
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Looks like the gaskets filled the gaps.
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Just wondering...Did you contact Green Mountain...and send the pics of your warped door? I would have thought they would replace it if the fit was that bad....
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Just an observation on my part but isn't that lid so thin that it is bound to warp with high heat?
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Careful muebe...This thread is going in the direction of one that got the Green Mountain Fan Boys Mafia ( otherwise known as Pelletheads.... :D) P.O.'ed at me for asking the same kind of questions - and without any slighting GMG in any way! :D :D :D :D They just did not want to hear anything that might be mis-construed as criticism of the "house brand" it think! ;D :D ;D
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Just wondering...Did you contact Green Mountain...and send the pics of your warped door? I would have thought they would replace it if the fit was that bad....
Yes, and this is the replacement door. This new door once I replaced it, had only ~ 1/4" gap, and then after use it went back up to 1/2" + on the one side. The dealer is ~ 100 yards from our office, and did not hesitate ordering me a new door. I really don't understand why the problem, but this is a good & cheap fix. And now it has to cure, or I'd be using right now !
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Just an observation on my part but isn't that lid so thin that it is bound to warp with high heat?
Well, yes, when I said I don't understand the problem ... that's my take, in a kind and gentle way of saying that it must be warping with the heat.
I have sent a link of this thread to the dealer ...
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Good!
GMG and their dealers support their product but this problem and the warping drip pans have been sort of an issue they have been trying to correct for some time. My guess is that they will help you out via a solution or replacement until it is right.
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For what it's worth, I've had a D. Boone for about a year. I had heard of warpage issues with grease pan and lid fit. I discussed with my dealer and I was assured ANY problem would be taken care of. Now I've been fortunate in that knock on wood I've been spared problems except out of the gate my low-pellet alarm failed and was replaced in 3 days. I have no warpage on grease pan, but I've always used the wind deflectors. My lid, yes it's thin, but it has not changed since it was new. There is maybe 1/4" gap at the hinges, but snug everywhere else. I've used this grill plenty at high heat, pulling out pizzas, bread , and the occasional steak seared on Grill Grates. The controller is exceptionally good and no issues there. So my two cents is the fact this grill is made in China, means it has Chinese-made steel. Which varies in quality on a daily basis, much like the stock market varies. I lucked out I guess, my steel was a good batch....maybe? :-\
If I had to do it all over, I'm not sure I'd rebuy this Boone, but I am happy with it's performance to date. No beefs there. But it was not built to last a lifetime, and it won't.
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I was dissappointed to see that it was made in China, and considered not buying it because of that.
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For what it's worth, I've had a D. Boone for about a year. I had heard of warpage issues with grease pan and lid fit. I discussed with my dealer and I was assured ANY problem would be taken care of. Now I've been fortunate in that knock on wood I've been spared problems except out of the gate my low-pellet alarm failed and was replaced in 3 days. I have no warpage on grease pan, but I've always used the wind deflectors. My lid, yes it's thin, but it has not changed since it was new. There is maybe 1/4" gap at the hinges, but snug everywhere else. I've used this grill plenty at high heat, pulling out pizzas, bread , and the occasional steak seared on Grill Grates. The controller is exceptionally good and no issues there. So my two cents is the fact this grill is made in China, means it has Chinese-made steel. Which varies in quality on a daily basis, much like the stock market varies. I lucked out I guess, my steel was a good batch....maybe? :-\
If I had to do it all over, I'm not sure I'd rebuy this Boone, but I am happy with it's performance to date. No beefs there. But it was not built to last a lifetime, and it won't.
Sounds like a fair assessment to me...Just like many of us have some Char-Broil products. And - we know that they are not the best built, heaviest made...but they are also feature rich for the money spent. It is a trade off. And - usually favors the consumer. GMG offers a lot of "bang for the buck" in features. But the trade off may be in gage of metal I suppose....
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For what it's worth, I've had a D. Boone for about a year. I had heard of warpage issues with grease pan and lid fit. I discussed with my dealer and I was assured ANY problem would be taken care of. Now I've been fortunate in that knock on wood I've been spared problems except out of the gate my low-pellet alarm failed and was replaced in 3 days. I have no warpage on grease pan, but I've always used the wind deflectors. My lid, yes it's thin, but it has not changed since it was new. There is maybe 1/4" gap at the hinges, but snug everywhere else. I've used this grill plenty at high heat, pulling out pizzas, bread , and the occasional steak seared on Grill Grates. The controller is exceptionally good and no issues there. So my two cents is the fact this grill is made in China, means it has Chinese-made steel. Which varies in quality on a daily basis, much like the stock market varies. I lucked out I guess, my steel was a good batch....maybe? :-\
If I had to do it all over, I'm not sure I'd rebuy this Boone, but I am happy with it's performance to date. No beefs there. But it was not built to last a lifetime, and it won't.
Sounds like a fair assessment to me...Just like many of us have some Char-Broil products. And - we know that they are not the best built, heaviest made...but they are also feature rich for the money spent. It is a trade off. And - usually favors the consumer. GMG offers a lot of "bang for the buck" in features. But the trade off may be in gage of metal I suppose....
I'm already looking forward to a blanket to have "custom" sewn for winter cooking, and maybe even summer if I need to keep the wind from extracting heat. I know they sell one, I'd rather have my own made here in Colorado !
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Hey Cat check out welding blankets. Beware, not all of them are created equal as well. But a pretty good one is still pretty reasonable.
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You
Rock Hikerman, Harbor Freight is close by, are these acceptable ?
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=welding+blankets
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Unfortunately Cat I've heard the fiberglass ones shed fiberglass dust.
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Careful muebe...This thread is going in the direction of one that got the Green Mountain Fan Boys Mafia ( otherwise known as Pelletheads.... :D) P.O.'ed at me for asking the same kind of questions - and without any slighting GMG in any way! :D :D :D :D They just did not want to hear anything that might be mis-construed as criticism of the "house brand" it think! ;D :D ;D
I had my own issues with Pelletheads as you know but there are some really good members there. Just very bad management.
When I left I posted a thread saying goodbye and it was just due to a difference of opinion. Nothing negative or bashing. Did not even post the details of what really transpired. Then all the management minions came into the thread to bash me and arguing with members who were also tired of the way they were treated. Really showed how split and disconnected that forum really is.
The owner is an extremely nice guy. He did contact me and asked me to stay. I told him that I would only come back if there was a change in forum administration. Still the same last time I checked ::)
Too bad because they really have a great group of members and are a hub for pellet grill owners. A lot of knowledge and great information.
Sorry to hijack the thread I just wanted to respond to Tee's comment.
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Careful muebe...This thread is going in the direction of one that got the Green Mountain Fan Boys Mafia ( otherwise known as Pelletheads.... :D) P.O.'ed at me for asking the same kind of questions - and without any slighting GMG in any way! :D :D :D :D They just did not want to hear anything that might be mis-construed as criticism of the "house brand" it think! ;D :D ;D
I had my own issues with Pelletheads as you know but there are some really good members there. Just very bad management.
When I left I posted a thread saying goodbye and it was just due to a difference of opinion. Nothing negative or bashing. Did not even post the details of what really transpired. Then all the management minions came into the thread to bash me and arguing with members who were also tired of the way they were treated. Really showed how split and disconnected that forum really is.
The owner is an extremely nice guy. He did contact me and asked me to stay. I told him that I would only come back if there was a change in forum administration. Still the same last time I checked ::)
Too bad because they really have a great group of members and are a hub for pellet grill owners. A lot of knowledge and great information.
Sorry to hijack the thread I just wanted to respond to Tee's comment.
Not a problem, I bailed recently from a Ferrari Formula one forum, same story, different day.
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Unfortunately Cat I've heard the fiberglass ones shed fiberglass dust.
No kidding, thanks, I didn't t h i n k of that ;D
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Careful muebe...This thread is going in the direction of one that got the Green Mountain Fan Boys Mafia ( otherwise known as Pelletheads.... :D) P.O.'ed at me for asking the same kind of questions - and without any slighting GMG in any way! :D :D :D :D They just did not want to hear anything that might be mis-construed as criticism of the "house brand" it think! ;D :D ;D
I had my own issues with Pelletheads as you know but there are some really good members there. Just very bad management.
When I left I posted a thread saying goodbye and it was just due to a difference of opinion. Nothing negative or bashing. Did not even post the details of what really transpired. Then all the management minions came into the thread to bash me and arguing with members who were also tired of the way they were treated. Really showed how split and disconnected that forum really is.
The owner is an extremely nice guy. He did contact me and asked me to stay. I told him that I would only come back if there was a change in forum administration. Still the same last time I checked ::)
Too bad because they really have a great group of members and are a hub for pellet grill owners. A lot of knowledge and great information.
Sorry to hijack the thread I just wanted to respond to Tee's comment.
My apologies to catinatree...I think I started the hijack ;D....just one comment...HERE the "management" are the members! There is not us vs them.... :D :D :D
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No worries ! .... that's a popular saying here in Boulder ;D