Let's Talk BBQ
Welcome Center => New Member Introductions => Topic started by: Preich on April 26, 2017, 01:59:17 PM
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Novice bbqer who has found the WSM to be a PITA and am in the market for a pellet smoker. And thoroughly confused about which to get!. As soon as I get close to a decision I hear about a problem someone's had and I learn about yet another brand! Rec Tec? Grillworks? Timberline?
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
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Welcome from Wisconsin! You'll get plenty of friendly help on this site :)
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Welcome from SE Georgia!
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Welcome from Texas
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Welcome from Alabama
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
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For me, the MAK is one of the finest cookers I have ever cooked on...and I have cooked on a lot of different cookers. I have a large family (9 daughters and wife) and we love to entertain. If you wanna straight grill for a large group, yes, it is a bit small. For my family of 10, I have no problem with the grate size. If I need to grill a mess of food, I have (and LOVE) my Blackstone griddle. Its a great tag team partner for my MAK. For low n a slow cooks, with a full 2nd rack, I can easily cook for an army on the MAK!
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Greetings from North Texas.
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
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For me, the MAK is one of the finest cookers I have ever cooked on...and I have cooked on a lot of different cookers. I have a large family (9 daughters and wife) and we love to entertain. If you wanna straight grill for a large group, yes, it is a bit small. For my family of 10, I have no problem with the grate size. If I need to grill a mess of food, I have (and LOVE) my Blackstone griddle. Its a great tag team partner for my MAK. For low n a slow cooks, with a full 2nd rack, I can easily cook for an army on the MAK!
Wow, I'm surprised you found the time to post with such a large crowd! Thanks very much! Although you've now made my decision even harder! ; )
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
For me, the MAK is one of the finest cookers I have ever cooked on...and I have cooked on a lot of different cookers. I have a large family (9 daughters and wife) and we love to entertain. If you wanna straight grill for a large group, yes, it is a bit small. For my family of 10, I have no problem with the grate size. If I need to grill a mess of food, I have (and LOVE) my Blackstone griddle. Its a great tag team partner for my MAK. For low n a slow cooks, with a full 2nd rack, I can easily cook for an army on the MAK!
Wow, I'm surprised you found the time to post with such a large crowd! Thanks very much! Although you've now made my decision even harder! ; )
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Yep, I'm hiding in the bathroom as I type this...LOL!!!
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
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I own the Blazn Grillworks Gridiron and it is a tank! Well built with an excellent controller. I have cooked on the Rec Tec and the Mak. You can't go wrong with any of those choices in my opinion. I don't know about the Timberline since there still isn't a lot of information available on it.
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No advice......just a welcome from the Southern Tier of New York.
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Welcome from Manitoba, Canada ;D
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
First, welcome to the forum!
As a MAK 1 Star owner I can tell you it's anything but small for the price. Do NOT be fooled by it's apparent small footprint. With the full upper rack doubles its capacity and it holds a lot of food.
Check out this post I made of last year's Marching Band cookout I did using my 2014 model 1 Star, which is not even as big as the 2017 models. Four whole pork shoulders (4 butts + 4 picnics); enough for 140 hungry band kids, staff & volunteers: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=18114.msg239166;topicseen#msg239166
I am in the process of reviewing the latest model 1 star here: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=20208.0
One thing to keep in mind when comparing prices is that shipping is already included in the price of a MAK.
Hopefully, I just made your decision even harder! :P :D
Cliff
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Welcome from Minnesota and a Mak owner
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Welcome from a low serial number MAK owner in North Carolina. If I had it to do over again, I would get the new MAK One Star. Great quality and service.
Art
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
First, welcome to the forum!
As a MAK 1 Star owner I can tell you it's anything but small for the price. Do NOT be fooled by it's apparent small footprint. With the full upper rack doubles its capacity and it holds a lot of food.
Check out this post I made of last year's Marching Band cookout I did using my 2014 model 1 Star, which is not even as big as the 2017 models. Four whole pork shoulders (4 butts + 4 picnics); enough for 140 hungry band kids, staff & volunteers: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=18114.msg239166;topicseen#msg239166
I am in the process of reviewing the latest model 1 star here: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=20208.0
One thing to keep in mind when comparing prices is that shipping is already included in the price of a MAK.
Hopefully, I just made your decision even harder! :P :D
Cliff
You sure did, thanks for your very informative response, review and pics!
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I own the Blazn Grillworks Gridiron and it is a tank! Well built with an excellent controller. I have cooked on the Rec Tec and the Mak. You can't go wrong with any of those choices in my opinion. I don't know about the Timberline since there still isn't a lot of information available on it.
Thanks, I think right now I am deciding between gridiron and MAK 1. I like that they are both made in America vs Rec Tec. Customer reviews are very positive about GWorks, but I have read a few stray complaints about interior paint burning, warped grease pan, and lid, and haven't seen clear information about resolution. I know if you read customer reviews long enough, you will find this, but was wondering if you had any insight on that?
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No advice......just a welcome from the Southern Tier of New York.
Thanks, from a fellow NYer!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I own the Blazn Grillworks Gridiron and it is a tank! Well built with an excellent controller. I have cooked on the Rec Tec and the Mak. You can't go wrong with any of those choices in my opinion. I don't know about the Timberline since there still isn't a lot of information available on it.
Thanks, I think right now I am deciding between gridiron and MAK 1. I like that they are both made in America vs Rec Tec. Customer reviews are very positive about GWorks, but I have read a few stray complaints about interior paint burning, warped grease pan, and lid, and haven't seen clear information about resolution. I know if you read customer reviews long enough, you will find this, but was wondering if you had any insight on that?
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Here is the review (http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=7160.0) I did on the Grid Iron over 3 years ago. I have had no problems with the interior paint burning, warped grease pan and lid. I did add a downdraft hood for more even temps and upgraded the stock at the time controller to their new one. I believe the new controller, which by the way, is also on the Rec Tec, Memphis Grill and a few others. The only other thing I have done and only after it went out of warranty was tweak the controller settings to my specifications and needs. Blazn will tell you not to mess with it and won't give you the settings, but there are ways to do it and make it work. But in saying all that if I ever decide to replace the Grid Iron or it fails I will be purchasing the Mak 1 Star. Their customer service is fantastic and a lot better than Blazn in my opinion. Hope this helps you!
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
Well, subject to my real budget overseer (my wife!), 1k to $2k (stretching it at $2k). Have been leaning toward Rec Tec, lately interested in blazngrillworks grid iron, and also waiting on some hands-on reviews of the new traeger timberline, though I am reluctant to buy into a new model. I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I own the Blazn Grillworks Gridiron and it is a tank! Well built with an excellent controller. I have cooked on the Rec Tec and the Mak. You can't go wrong with any of those choices in my opinion. I don't know about the Timberline since there still isn't a lot of information available on it.
Thanks, I think right now I am deciding between gridiron and MAK 1. I like that they are both made in America vs Rec Tec. Customer reviews are very positive about GWorks, but I have read a few stray complaints about interior paint burning, warped grease pan, and lid, and haven't seen clear information about resolution. I know if you read customer reviews long enough, you will find this, but was wondering if you had any insight on that?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is the review (http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=7160.0) I did on the Grid Iron over 3 years ago. I have had no problems with the interior paint burning, warped grease pan and lid. I did add a downdraft hood for more even temps and upgraded the stock at the time controller to their new one. I believe the new controller, which by the way, is also on the Rec Tec, Memphis Grill and a few others. The only other thing I have done and only after it went out of warranty was tweak the controller settings to my specifications and needs. Blazn will tell you not to mess with it and won't give you the settings, but there are ways to do it and make it work. But in saying all that if I ever decide to replace the Grid Iron or it fails I will be purchasing the Mak 1 Star. Their customer service is fantastic and a lot better than Blazn in my opinion. Hope this helps you!
Very helpful, thank you!
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I love my MAK! What's the budget? Knowing that will help a bunch w/ our recommendations.
I know the MAKs are supposed to be great, but the MAK 1 seems a little small for the price. I take it you like it?
First, welcome to the forum!
As a MAK 1 Star owner I can tell you it's anything but small for the price. Do NOT be fooled by it's apparent small footprint. With the full upper rack doubles its capacity and it holds a lot of food.
Check out this post I made of last year's Marching Band cookout I did using my 2014 model 1 Star, which is not even as big as the 2017 models. Four whole pork shoulders (4 butts + 4 picnics); enough for 140 hungry band kids, staff & volunteers: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=18114.msg239166;topicseen#msg239166
I am in the process of reviewing the latest model 1 star here: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=20208.0
One thing to keep in mind when comparing prices is that shipping is already included in the price of a MAK.
Hopefully, I just made your decision even harder! :P :D
Cliff
One more question: does the controller except only MAK probes, or is it universal I e can I use my maverick probes?
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One more question: does the controller except only MAK probes, or is it universal I e can I use my maverick probes?
Maverick probes will not work with a MAK.
Generally speaking, most probes are not universal. Not even all Maverick models will use the same probes.
F.Y.I. The MAK's come with a probe.
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Thanks!
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Welcome from N. Ontario Canada.
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Welcome from northern Cali. Memphis and mak owner.
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Here's another NC welcome ;D.
The happiest pellet cooker owners aren't necessarily tied to one brand of cooker but are, instead, those who know how to choose the best cooker for their needs and then learn how to use it well. Alas, commercials don't help much. Here's one way to get around the hype:
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2641.0
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2647.0
Hub
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Greetings from Indiana.
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As you can see we all have opinions about the grills we own (and you know what they say about opinions :D).
No one's goal is to "push" one grill or another, but rather to answer your questions and concerns that you've expressed, and to share what our experiences have been.
I personally own two different pellet grills and have cooked on a few others. Each has it's own pros/cons, and there are reasons why they're priced where they are.
So keep asking questions, do your research (including Hub's articles), decide what's most important to you: quality, price, capacity, accessories, where it's made, customer support, etc. Then you'll be better equipped to make the best decision for your wants/needs.
Cliff
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As you can see we all have opinions about the grills we own (and you know what they say about opinions :D).
No one's goal is to "push" one grill or another, but rather to answer your questions and concerns that you've expressed, and to share what our experiences have been.
I personally own two different pellet grills and have cooked on a few others. Each has it's own pros/cons, and there are reasons why they're priced where they are.
So keep asking questions, do your research (including Hub's articles), decide what's most important to you: quality, price, capacity, accessories, where it's made, customer support, etc. Then you'll be better equipped to make the best decision for your wants/needs.
Cliff
Agreed, thanks!
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Welcome from SE Arizona.