I've gotten several questions about my Stoven Pellet Grill, so I thought it'd be easier to answer all the basic questions here in a more detailed review of the Specs, Pros/Cons & personal observations.
Disclaimer: This is a review ONLY. I am in no way affiliated with American Sundancer. the manufacturer of the Stoven.
For more info on how to purchase one visit:
American Sundancer - Stoven® Barbecues Home PageThanks!
Cliff
What is it? The Stoven® is an attachment that converts a 22.5" kettle grill into a true pellet-fired smoker/cooker.
Reference pics:Stoven Attached to my Weber Performer
Hopper Assembly / Pellet & Air shoots, Fire Pot
Diffuser Plate / Controls
Pellets being lit
Grill - Cooking Surface
Specs/Features:• Materials/Finish: Heavy gauge steel with high temp powder coat.
• Pellet Hopper Capacity: 3.5 pounds.
• Temp range: 185° - 450° F
• Cooking Surface Area: 380 Sq. Inches (Weber cooking grid specs).
• Power Hookups: includes two power adapters: a 110-120 volt adapter & a 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter (for tailgating). Optional 12 volt battery attachment is available.
• Pellet Ignition: pellets are lit manually (I use a small propane torch rather than lighter fluid).
• Fan: Single speed fan controlled by a power switch.
• Pellet Feed system/control: pellets are fed by an auger controlled by a variable rheostat setting from 1 to 9 to adjust the pellet feed rate & pit temp.
• Removable Fire Pot for easy cleaning.
• Optional side shelf & Leg stabilizer included for three legged kettle grills.
• Warranty: 30 days.
Pros/Cons/Observations:I've smoked/cooked all types of foods on this thing with some great results. Overall, it's a nice cross between old-school and new school.
Old-school in that you it doesn't maintain a set temp; You do have to do some grill tending.
New School in that it's a lot easier adding pellets than charcoal and you don't have the charcoal or ashes to deal with after cooking. It's also much easier controlling the temp.
• Made in the USA! The only part made oversees is the fan assembly.
• Very Portable. Disassembly is quick from the kettle grill and it fit's easily in the back of my vehicle.
• Pellet consumption seems to be efficient:
1 lb or less/hour for Smoking/BBQ temps - 1.5 - 2+ lbs/hour for Grilling temps.• Small Hopper size: Longer cooks will require refilling the hopper about every 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours, depending on cooking temp. Not geared towards unattended overnight cooks.
• Quick Cool-Down - Turn the dial off (to stop pellet feed), leave the fan on and it's cool and ready to go before you're done eating!
•
Cleaning/Maintainence: Fairly standard. Remove & clean the grate, diffuser plate & fire pot, clean grease & ash from kettle, put back together. As with any grill the Powder coat may need occasional touch-up from bumps/scratches and the mild steel parts need to be kept seasoned.
• Customer Service - So far, my experience with customer service has been outstanding!
Recommendations/Accessories:• If you don't already have a kettle grill, then stick with either a Weber One-Touch Silver, or a Weber Performer. The One-Touch Gold works fine, but has extra features that are not used with the Stoven and the One-Touch Platinum is not suitable due to it's lid design.
• For better portability get a 12 volt Lawn & Garden Tractor Battery & Adapter kit (see post below) .
• A good Analog or Digital Thermometer should be added to accurately monitor pit and food temps.
• GrillGrates - If you like better sear marks -
http://www.grillgrate.com/• Hasty Bake Small Grill Extender - inexpensively add a second tier cooking rack in the center for more cooking room.
Hasty Bake Small Grill Extender - Big Poppa Smokers
More Info:American Sundancer - Stoven® Barbecues Home PageBBQ Central Radio Show - Stoven Interview - Youtube
If you have other questions or if there's something I forgot, let me know.
Thanks!