I have first-hand experience with only two pellet pits, an early vintage Traeger that’s no linger made, and a Cookshack Fast Eddy PG500. I’ll comment on your answers based on what the PG500 offers.
Others with broader or different experience may suggest other brands.
Are you looking for the ability to direct grill, or just low and slow? Most of my cooking is low and slow, but would be nice to do the whole cook on the pellet girl instead of firing up the gaser to sear a steak.
The Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 have a dedicated zone above the burn pot. Many users say it grills the best steaks ever. Cookshack uses this design to build popular larger grills for the restaurant industry. My family prefers charcoal grilling, so I rarely used it.
Reverse searing a beef tenderloin.
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What did you dislike that you want to change? I would like a pit that imparts more a smoke flavor on the food, one that I can grill with if need, one that can hold more pellets, one with tighter temp control across the gril.
The Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 will make copious smoke at high or low temperatures.
The Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 hoppers will hold enough pellets to smoke all night while you sleep.
The Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 heat distribution is absolutely even across the smoke/roast zone.An evenly baked pizza in a PG500 without the need to spin it.
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What features do you need in a controller (i.e., meat probes or remote control)? WiFi would be nice to have, but not a necessity. I have all sorts of meet probes I can use if needed.
I don’t think that the current Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 line includes probes or smartphone connectivity.------
How many people will you normally cook for? Typically just the family and for immediate family and friends for bday parties, holidays, etc...
I’m guessing that means 7 or 8 people. If you’re smoking and reverse searing steaks you’ll be okay by cooking in two shifts and using the warming drawer to keep the first ones hot.------
What is the largest number of people you would need to cook for? Probably 20-30.
You can do about five butts at once on a Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 but you’ll need to pay attention to their temperatures. (I can elaborate on that in a PM if you like.)------
Do you have another grill that you will be keeping as overflow? I would like to get rid of the GMG, i have a Webber gasser and SRG I will keep
Both of these will be convenient for reverse searing, so you may not need a pit with a direct flame component (unless you want to grill over a wood fire).
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How important is it to you for it to be made in U.S.A? Would be nice, but doesn't have to be.
The Cookshack line is made in the USA.------
Do you want to buy from a dealer or direct from manufacturer? I am thinking direct, but either is okay.
Cookshack doesn’t have a large dealer network. You can do either one when dealing with them.
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Do you need an insulated pit? I don't think, so live in PNW, so doesn't get too cold normally.
The primary difference between the Fast Eddy PG500 and 1000 is that the 1000 is insulated.
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Do you need to be able to move the pit once you have it (take to comps, etc.)? Woudl be nice to take to family's houses to cook, but not a necessity.
T
he Fast Eddy PG500 and 1000 are extremely heavy. You can roll them around on fairly smooth surfaces but you don’t want to regularly transport them.
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Does the size of the hopper matter? Woudl be nice to have a hopper I can load up for a long cook and not worry about checking it.
The Fast Eddy PG500 or 1000 hoppers will hold enough pellets to smoke all night while you sleep.
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Are you concerned about rusting (stainless steel)? stainless steel definitely preferred, the GMG is starting to rust.
The Fast Eddy PG500 and 1000 are stainless steel. The downside of shiny SS is that all exterior cooking stains are obvious.
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Have you been able to physically see or eat food from any of the pits you are considering? No, unfortunately i have not
Some dealers do demonstration cooks of simple foods on weekends. I know of one that conducts classes where food is prepared. Most have a seasoned pit on hand. Ask if you can bring a steak. See what you can work out.
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What is your preferred upper cost limit? $1,000
What is the absolute upper cost limit? $1,500
The Fast Eddy PG500 is $1,800. Deal breaker.
As I wrote earlier, members here are always willing to share their thoughts on your kinds of questions. They’ll probably offer their suggestions.
Good luck on your search.