Smoke flavor from a pellet grill

[Subvet]

After reading Smokes review of the Pit Boss Smoker/Grill 700FB again, I've really gotten interested in getting one of these. I'm a little reluctant because of reading other comments on various online sources and how so many mention the lack of 'real' smoke flavor from a pooper compared to wood or charcoal smokers. Some say they even put in an amazen tube for a long cook so they can get a real smoke flavor.

I'm not a fan of a heavy smoke taste but do want a mild-medium flavor. Could you give me some opinions on what to expect from a pellet smoker?  Heavy vs mild is probably in the eyes of the beholder. 

Thanks....Ron

[hikerman]

First each brand has it's own plusses and minuses. But in all, the lower your grid temp, the more smoke produced. Usually 150F to 250F or so. The higher the temp the less smoke produced. You can add a tube of pellets at a higher cook or add a few hours at low temp before upping the temp. for your cook. When I have time I prefer to do butts and ribs at 225 - 250F for the whole cook. No need for extra smoke doing it this way.

[teesquare]

If you look for a pellet grill that has a controller with a smoke setting you will probably be happier.
In specific....the MAK product line has a smoke setting that I would challenge any other manufacturer to match. It really produces great smoke both in quality and quantity.

The better the controller.... The more in general the cost of the cooker. There will be other "better" features as well. Quality of construction at least. You do get what you pay for in terms durability and reliabilty. Several good brands out there. I only have experionce with 5.

[smoker pete]

If you look for a pellet grill that has a controller with a smoke setting you will probably be happier.
In specific....the MAK product line has a smoke setting that I would challenge any other manufacturer to match. It really produces great smoke both in quality and quantity.

The better the controller.... The more in general the cost of the coomer. There will be other "better" features as well. Quality of construction at least. You do get what you pay for in terms durability and reliabilty. Several good brands out there. I only have experionce with 5.

I concur T ... Hard to beat the smoke output you get with a MAK

[HighOnSmoke]

I definitely agree with the remarks about the lower temperatures for more smoke and the Mak grill. I don't own a Mak but once I tweaked the controller settings on my Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron I now have the medium type smoke that we like. As Tee said the better the controller the more expensive the unit. So many good pellet grills out there to chose from so take your time and do some serious research on what you are looking for and ask lots of questions.

[RG]

I will say that I think my Traeger works well for my needs. It has a "clean" smoke taste, not overpowering like the charcoal fog smoke. I get a very nice smoke ring on my ribs when I smoke them on the Traeger (which is always, lol). I smoke my homemade sausages and bacon on it too as it does have a smoke setting. I am not saying that it is as good as a MAK but I can say that it's good enough to try and see if you like Pellet Grills and if so you can always buy a more expensive one if you like.

[teesquare]

I will say that I think my Traeger works well for my needs. It has a "clean" smoke taste, not overpowering like the charcoal fog smoke. I get a very nice smoke ring on my ribs when I smoke them on the Traeger (which is always, lol). I smoke my homemade sausages and bacon on it too as it does have a smoke setting. I am not saying that it is as good as a MAK but I can say that it's good enough to try and see if you like Pellet Grills and if so you can always buy a more expensive one if you like.

And - you bring up a good point RG...Traeger does have a smoke setting. There is a bit of a learning curve to operate the Traeger controller to the satisfaction most - but it does work well once you are comfortable with it.
AND....There are after market controllers  - such as the Savannah Stoker that can be installed on the Traeger - to give the operator even more options for control.

One more thought about "smoke"....it is a very, very, VERY subjective aspect of BBQ. Most folks have their own idea of the "perfect" amount of smoke. Some like more - others less....

[smokeasaurus]

I feel the smokestack outlets on most "barrel" style pellet grills are mounted too high. Downdraft hoods are good mods so the smoke and heat are directed down towards the cooking grate.

 The Pit Boss 700FB does not have a smokestack. It has a series of 5 holes along the top back of the barrel which causes the heat and smoke to "swirl" inside the smoking chamber. The Pit Boss also has temp swings which causes a good amount of smoke during the cook.

To me "temp swings mean smoke"  "smoke means flavor"

Also, the brand of pellet can contribute greatly to flavor as well.

If you are venturing into the world of pellet grilling smoking for the first time, the Pit Boss is a great affordable way to go. 6 months of heavy use and it has not let me down yet........................

[Savannahsmoker]

I definitely agree with the remarks about the lower temperatures for more smoke and the Mak grill. I don't own a Mak but once I tweaked the controller settings on my Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron I now have the medium type smoke that we like. As Tee said the better the controller the more expensive the unit. So many good pellet grills out there to chose from so take your time and do some serious research on what you are looking for and ask lots of questions.

Glad to hear that is working well for you Mike.

[Subvet]

Thanks to all for the replies.  Still doing research, however I like the idea of dipping a toe in the water instead of diving into the deep end right off the bat. Getting into pellet cooking for under $400 for the Pit Boss 700FB is the way I'm leaning. Yes tee, some Aggies are cheap. Lol

The Mak is an incredible product from every thing I've found to read. If I like pellet cooking that is a top target to look at on down the road.

[teesquare]

And - there is nothing wrong with your approach. Look, I have been the beneficiary of some killer deals offered me on equipment. SO...frugality is next to Godliness for me personally
To wit - be sure to check out your local Craigslist to see if anyone is selling a pellet grill. It is the time to buy outdoor gear!

[TentHunteR]

Without a doubt, yes, you will get a better smoke flavor with a MAK. 

Our MAK puts the amount of smoke flavor that I always strove for, even when cooking with charcoal.  It's a good clean smoke flavor that you get with that light blueish-gray smoke, not that nasty over-smoked flavor you get if you don't control your fire properly (you know the kind that has you burping smoke rings).

For homemade smoked sausage, homemade bacon and the like, I get plenty of smoke flavor running in "Smoke Mode" (which is a hot smoke)  when I want it, and a slightly lighter smoke for pulled pork, etc. and a lighter smoke for grilling temps.

[smokeasaurus]

another selling point of the Pit Boss series of pellet grills is that the flame broiler is included........you can sear with the best with this set-up...............

.............and yes.....someday I will have a MAK.............................someday...................

[muebe]

My Memphis has a standard "smoke" mode from 160F to 300F

The controller slows the fan down and will speed up for a few seconds to stoke the pellets then back down to low speed. Provides a nice smoke profile while regulating temps.

Then anything over 300F the fan goes full speed.

It is tough to get a lot of smoke and keep precison temps due to smoke is made from incomplete combustion.

But a simple smoke tube can provide extra smoke flavor to suit your taste

[Hub]

Lots of good advice here with only one thing missing.  HOW you cook on your pellet cooker will have a much larger impact that what brand of cooker it is 

Transitioning to a pellet cooker from other fuels means re-addressing the age-old concept often referred to a KNOWING YOUR PIT.  Your recipes and cooking approaches will need some modification and you'll even enjoy making them if you know you'll make progress toward success by learning your new pit.  It's fun!

Here are two articles you should read if you are serious about your pellet thoughts:

http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2641.0
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2647.0

Hub