Let's Talk BBQ
General => General Discussion & Topics => Product Reviews => Topic started by: ASEPguy on June 15, 2014, 11:44:21 AM
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Happy Fathers Day to all the dads!
I've been looking at different pellet grill options for the last few weeks and now I see the Bradley Vertical 6-shelf Digital Electric Smoker (whew - that's a mouthful) which can be had for about 1/3rd the price of a pellet grill. I searched on here for "Bradley" and didn't come up with anything so that was my first red flag. Actually it may the the 2nd...the first red flag was that I found the Bradley on the Home Depot website when I went to look up a replacement valve for one of my toilets ???
Amazon has some good reviews of the Bradley, but only about 150 total reviews. However on the Amazon page for this smoker it shows similar products including one from Masterbuilt which has over 1400 reviews with an overall 4 out of 5 stars. http://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-20070910-30-Inch-Electric-Smokehouse/dp/B00104WRCY/ref=psdc44_t1_B000FJZ150_B00104WRCY
(http://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-20070910-30-Inch-Electric-Smokehouse/dp/B00104WRCY/ref=psdc44_t1_B000FJZ150_B00104WRCY)
So I'm just wondering if anyone has used this type of smoker and what you think about them?
I realize that they are smokers only and I won't be able to grill burgers/steaks, etc...
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Josh, lots of ways to smoke & get a good product.
The electric vertical smokers are easy to use , major learning curve is to not OVERSMOKE !
The Bradley is a little more idiot proof.
You will need a second outdoor cooker with one.
A pellet grill can be your only cooker , more room, easier to cook ribs without cutting & briskets.
Much higher cost ???
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A bradley was my first smoker, guess they are good if you live someplace warm. It only has a 500 watt element so it takes a lot to get to temp. I modded mine to make it more efficient. It now has two elements and a small fan to help get rid of the hot spots. If I wa going to do it over again I would not buy another one or recommend them. Now there are others who just love them. Their customer service is top notch but with all the problems I have seen posting about them I guess it would have to be to help stop all the negativity.
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Much higher cost ???
That's what prompted me to ask about the vertical smokers...I know that 99% of the time you get what you pay for but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask!
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If I was going to do it over again I would not buy another one or recommend them.
Thanks! That's exactly the type of info I was looking for.
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Here is a link to the Bradley Forum - http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/
I have owned a Bradley since 2009 and I like it a lot. with that said, what are you looking to do with it?
A Bradley is good for low and slow cooking. It is also good for smoking sausage - some say you have to buy a controller to get the tight temp control for sausage but many bradley owners use as is and are satisfied.
The Bradley runs on a 500 watt heating element. This can be slightly underpowered if you are trying to cook 4 large butts. It will get the job done, but take a while. Many have modified theirs and added a second element. Others have not made any mods and are completely satisfied.
Summary - it is a good unit for low and slow cooking. I can't say how it is unmodified because I added a PID controller and 2nd element from the beginning. With those mods I like it a lot.
I haven't used the masterbuilt but I assume that it also has its pros and cons.
I have not used a pellet cooker, but I think it has more flexibility - low and slow, higher heat cooking, and grilling.
I know I didn't answer your question in total, but you may get more info on the Bradley forum.
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I don't know anyone who owns a pellet grill and there don't seem to be any dealers (of any brand) close by so I'm having to do 100% of my research online. Everything I find keeps pointing to Blaz'n Grill Works as my #1 and Rec Tec close behind in #2 position.
But I'm tight and it takes me a while to talk myself into spending that kind of $$$$! :'(
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I have owned a Bradley since 2009 and I like it a lot. with that said, what are you looking to do with it?
My old gasser finally lost the rust war and I need something new...stumbled across pellet grills by accident and like the idea of being able to smoke ribs/chicken/brisket/shoulder/etc... and also cook burgers, steaks, and veggies. The cost of the pellet grills made me wonder if I could get two cookers for a lower price and still be happy. Maybe a Bradley type smoker and a Weber charcoal grill for example.
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Another option is the Big Easy SRG. You can grill, smoke, and roast with it. It makes the juiciest poultry (cook my Thanksgiving turkeys on it). You can do butts, chicken, grill steaks. Great for corn on the cob, baked potatoes. They are on sale now for about $165 delivered.
If I was going the Bradley/ weber charcoal route, I may think about the SRG/ Weber route instead.
I have a Weber gasser - used to grill steaks, etc; Bradley - low and slow smoker; SRG - poultry , corn, potatoes.
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If you want to see a pellet grill (actually, several different ones) Hub (Lincolnton) has a Memphis and a Traeger, I (Morganton) have a MAK, Tim (Brevard area) has a MAK and a REC TEC. Another way to see and get to cook on one is to join us at the Fall Gathering in Augusta, GA toward the end of September. We usually borrow a REC TEC competition trailer with 3 REC TEC's on it. A good time to met and greet a forum members and ask lots of questions.
Art
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I have a Traeger pellet smoker, a Bradley 6 rack modified w/ a PID and 900w element, and an SRG. They all serve there purpose and are used frequently for making everything from jerky to bacon to wings to pizza etc. if I could only have 1 of these it would be my Traeger. It can cook everything from steaks to pulled pork to pizza. It can also go low enough to smoke bacon but that would be about the bottom end on temp range. If I ever buy another pellet smoker for more capacity it would be a REC-TEC, Traeger, or Green Mountain in that orders
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I have a Masterbuilt (actually two of them) and love it. I like setting it and not having to mess with anything. If you have an Academy Sports near you go and look at them there. There are three types: a 30", 40", and a big double door which I'll buy if I ever have to replace what I have.
What I'd recommend is getting a Masterbuilt (or Cajun Injector since they are the same unit) and a Char Broil SRG and you then have everything covered and covered very, very well. The cost of operation is low also in that you don't have to buy as much wood or pellets.
If you want to spend the money the RecTec pellet is an outstanding pellet grill. Perhaps the best on the market---but you will get some disagreement. We have four of them provided by RecTec when we have the Fall Gathering in September and everyone loves cooking on them and the results. RecTec maybe the most economical as far as pellets burned per cook.
Good luck.
Dee
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Ok I own a Modified Bradley 4 rack and a Memphis Pellet grill http://memphisgrills.com
Don't own a Masterbuilt however.
First here is a link to my Bradley cabinet setup that I just recently built since my old setup did not survive the move...
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=9404.msg125666#msg125666
I use my Bradley mainly for cold smoking and making jerky, Lox, etc. The Bradley uses pressed wood puck to generate smoke using a small heating element. Does a great job at smoking and each puck lasts 20 minutes so you can easily control the amount of smoke by how many pucks you add to the generator feed tube. The cabinet is insulated but it only comes with a 500W heating element. People who live in cold climates might find issues getting up to temp due to the small element. Mine is upgraded to 900W so I have no problems. I also added a convection fan to mine for dehydrating and even temps.
My Bradley also has a PID hooked up to it. I can get precision control on the temps with it. Like when smoking Salmon it is important to bring up the temp slowly so it does not "fat out". You can program the PID to slowly bring up the temp over time to get perfectly smoked salmon. My pellet grill can not keep temps below 160F so this is where the Bradley excels IMHO.
My pellet grill is not a cheap model but it is all stainless, American made, and one of the best out there. Uses very little pellets so something to consider. Even though it is more expensive over time it will pay for itself in pellet cost savings. It cooks from 160F to 600F so it can grill and slow & low smoke.
The most versatile cooker out there IMHO is a pellet grill. If I only was able to keep one piece of cooking equipment of my arsenal it would be my Memphis ;)
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I have been a faithful Brafley user for years. Mostly used for sausage.
Went thru 4 MES POJ.
IMHO Why dont you look at TSM 30Lb digital. Has a digi temp prob and PID. Yeah a bit pricey. Its going to be my new smoker.
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WOW! :) I'm getting some GREAT info from you all on this forum - THANKS! I have a confession to make - I almost didn't respond to the "activation e-mail" to join the forum because I was skeptical. I'm sure glad I did it though - this a great forum!
BAM1 I love your avatar/pic, is that all your gear?
I've heard several folks mention the gathering (does that make anyone else think of the old Highlander Movies?) in GA...Are the opportunities to buy gear at that? I sure would love to meet some of you in person for a $200 hotel room rather than spending $200 on shipping for a grill!!!!
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I don't know anyone who owns a pellet grill and there don't seem to be any dealers (of any brand) close by so I'm having to do 100% of my research online. Everything I find keeps pointing to Blaz'n Grill Works as my #1 and Rec Tec close behind in #2 position.
But I'm tight and it takes me a while to talk myself into spending that kind of $$$$! :'(
It took me two years to finally pull the trigger on a pellet grill. I love my Grand Slam. I would even go so far as to say that if I had purchased the pellet grill before the Weber Summit I likely would not have purchased the Weber gasser. The Blazin Grill is, in my opinion an incredible pellet grill. With a set of grill grates you would not need a gasser (again - my opinion). I could not be happier than I am with the quality and performance of the Grand Slam and I am sure the Grid Iron would be awesome too - I just did not have the space or need for a grill that big because of the Summit.
My two cents - good luck - I am certain that you will love whatever you buy
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I've heard several folks mention the gathering (does that make anyone else think of the old Highlander Movies?) in GA...Are the opportunities to buy gear at that? I sure would love to meet some of you in person for a $200 hotel room rather than spending $200 on shipping for a grill!!!!
If you stay at camp ground, there is no charge. Plenty of bunks and mattresses. Bring your own sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, teddy bear, whatever. It can be a relatively inexpensive couple of days. Check out the posts on the Fall Gathering. All the info is there.
Art
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I have been looking closely at electric smokers to supplement my cookers for large cooks. I will most likely get a Masterbuillt, like Dee's. I have a friend who has one as well and really likes it.
But there is no way I would own one as my only smoker. They are just not versatile enough for my use.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about Bradley smokers is the operating cost, because the pucks are kind of pricey.
I don't know anyone who owns a pellet grill and there don't seem to be any dealers (of any brand) close by so I'm having to do 100% of my research online. Everything I find keeps pointing to Blaz'n Grill Works as my #1 and Rec Tec close behind in #2 position.
But I'm tight and it takes me a while to talk myself into spending that kind of $$$$! :'(
I can relate closely to that. I cannot stand wasting money unnecessarily. I researched for a year before settling on a MAK grill. Yes it cost a bit more, but I am absolutely convinced it was worth every single penny. If I had it to do over again I would not hesitate to do it again!
MAK offers some features and accessories that no-one else has, including full sized upper racks that double their capacity.
One big reason for the price difference, that isn't immediately apparent, is the metal used in a MAK. All critical parts in MAKs, including the firepot, heat diffuser, drip pans, and all grates are made of 304 grade Stainless steel. The rest is aluminized steel with a 1200° powder coat finish. They will virtually never rust.
MAK's PelletBoss controller is well known as the best on the market and have these unique features: It's programmable, offers WiFi capability, and accepts three food temperature probes.
No one matches MAK's versatility with accessories. MAKs are also certified "Made in the U.S.A."
One hidden cost in most brands (when comparing price) is shipping. MAK includes shipping in the price.
But, make no mistake; you will pay a few more $$$.
I sure would love to meet some of you in person for a $200 hotel room rather than spending $200 on shipping for a grill!!!!
I used to live in the Burlington area and work in Greensboro. The Gathering is not that far away for you and, like Art (ACW3) said, it cost nothing to stay there. It's a great time and you will get to see a few different pellet grills in action! :)
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I have a Masterbuilt cabinet smoker and a Traeger pellet grill and if I had to choose only one I would choose the pellet grill. The pellet grill is so much more versatile over a cabinet smoker. As for brands I would seriously look at the MAK or the Rec-Tec, the only reason I went with the Traeger is because I wanted a smaller grill that can be used as my backyard grill and easily loaded up into my RV to take on road trips.
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The cost of a room at the gathering is $ 0!
Actually you can give a donation but not required!
You can cook on pellet cookers, Lectric cookers & wood/charcoal & get your ear bent by advocates of each!
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Yep they're all my toys. My Bradley is in my garage permanently vented out so I can make sausage in the winter months. I've also added a Big Joe Kamodo that is the same size as a Big Green Egg XL.
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When I was in your spot I would have paid to have the opportunity to watch an experienced user cook on the units I was considering. So I think attending the gathering may have merit for you. I also think that you have (sort of) an invitation to stop by some members' decks. Provide the meat and some sweet tea (or whatever) and cook/taste.
Get as much exposure to various smokers and pellet pits as you possibly can before you invest. Be sure to evaluate if you are getting the smoke flavor you want. Neither too little nor too much. Your first-hand experience will be more valuable than others' opinions.
My limited experience—
1. I made some darn good smoked meals on my Original Bradley Smoker (OBS). I used a dual probe Auber Instruments PID (cabinet and meat probes) for exceptionally tight temperature control. I rarely opened the smoker door during a cook, though. The 500W heater is waaaay too slow at recovering the heat loss from door openings. But you can set the smoker, go to bed and wake up in the morning to perfectly smoked meat. I think the OBS with a PID is a better unit than the Digital Bradley.
Oddly, the Bradley doesn't make a smoke ring. It may just be cosmetic but I like seeing it.
2. I bought a pellet pit for winter smoking and haven't used the OBS since. I may, one day, use the OBS for very low temperature smokes but if I had only one unit it would be the pellet unit.
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I guess I will add to the confusion :D :
I think the very reason for pellet grills being the fastest growing technology in the outdoor cooking industry is at the heart of your quest. They use wood as the fuel. Most of us prefer wood or charcoal over gas for taste. And - if you add a set of GrillGrates to a pellet grill - you can easily sear in similar fashion to what a very hot gas grill can give you in terms of sear marks, and fast cooking. And - if you add an Amazen Smoker - you can use the cooking chamber for cold smoking or low temp hot smoking as well. Of course the middle temp cooks will be no problem either.
So - in short answer to your question. Pellet grill. Most universal. Widest usable/effective temperature range, and with the 2 accessories mentioned above - it really is the newest generation of Swiss Army Knives for the cook...Or maybe even a Leatherman pocket tool ;) ;D.
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I own and have owned several Weber Grills and smoker, Charbroil gasser that finally died and a Masterbuilt smoker. I liked the Masterbuilt
but wasn't getting the amount of smoke flavor we wanted. So I bought a Weber Smokey Mountain. I also own 2 pellet grills the Grid
Iron and a Traeger junior. I ended up giving the Masterbuilt to my son who used it for 2 years before burning out the element. He really
love it as it was basically set it and forget it for him. Yes, please try and make it to the fall Gathering. You will get a chance to cook on
several different grills/smokers and get to know some of us "crazies"! ;) It will be a fun time and the only thing you need to bring (besides
sleeping stuff) is a BIG appetite. If you don't get enough to eat it will be on you! ;)
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While everyone who has posted here has pretty much covered the topic, there is a point I think not yet made, so I'll put my 2 cents in.
I have owned a Bradley Original 4-shelf for a number of years. It was my intro into smoking as I’ll wager it was for many others here. The first thing you do with a Bradley is modify the heck out of it trying to get more from the unit. The second thing you’ll do is fix things on it which isn’t so bad because it’s a very simple smoker, but things do fail. I have replaced temperature sensors (2), removed the failed thermal fuse, and repaired the puck feeder twice. It can, at times, make you swear. And I used to smoke everything in it until I saw a photo of one engulfed in a grease fire. I have since purchased a Weber Smokey Mountain and a MAK pellet grill so the Bradley gets used for mussels, salmon, cheese and jerky only now. But even though it can be a PITA, I would not be without one. It simply fills the low temperature niche beautifully. I think you'll find that most who started with one will still have it years later.
For your everyday smoking of chicken, pork, beef, etc. you’ll be happier with something other than electric.
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But even though it [Bradley] can be a PITA, I would not be without one. It simply fills the low temperature niche beautifully. I think you'll find that most who started with one will still have it years later.
For your everyday smoking of chicken, pork, beef, etc. you’ll be happier with something other than electric.
+1
BTW, I put it in the back yard, not on the deck, when it's unattended.
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I replaced my Bradley with a Smokin' Tex. Got very tired of the issues, and - really did not want to spend a lot of money modifying a marginally insulated box. The cost was a wash.
It is not that Bradleys are '''"bad"...and I think it is an admirable - yet extraordinarily difficult thing they try to do....Give us a lot of features, pretty LED's and moving parts for the amount of money they charge. It is a real challenge. Some folks never have a problem with them...others - well...... ;D
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I'm just a backyard jack, but I have a few cookers in my arsenal including the 40" MES from Sam's Club (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/electric-smoker/prod7080346.ip?searchTerm=masterbuilt)
I like the way I can set the time and the temp and let it go. That's for the days when i am too busy to poke and tend a fire. It is big enuff to smoke all the meat I'll ever eat PLUS I can use it to make 4 big racks of jerky.
that's all...
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I own a Bradley 4 rack and really like it a lot. But it does have it drawbacks and heat recovery seems to be the biggest issue for me. Now I own many grills and smokers including a homebuilt pellet pooper. All have there place at my house, my Bradley is mostly used for jerky and (soon to be ) for smoking sausage but if I need butts cooked I reach for mu SRG's or pellet pooper.
Would I recommend a Bradley? Yes, if you live in the south and do not cook a lot of meat at one time or you need a good smoker for jerky/sausage
But if you need a lot of room for butts and ribs go for a pellet grill or write me I'll learn you the ways of the SRG!!! ;) ;) ;)
OK going back to my little corner of the internet :)
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I own a digital 4 rack Bradley, 7 years old, modified only with a kit so that it will hold 8 racks rather than 4. The element in it is the original 7 year old element that came with it. I also own a MAK 2 Star General pellet grill, #829. At one time I owned #27 which if I recall was the second MAK ever sold to the general public. Also, in all fairness and full disclosure, I am a Moderator on the Bradley Smoker Forum. To try to compare a Bradley or Masterbuilt to a pellet grill is unfair. It is like trying to compare a Yugo to a Rolls Royce. They both will take you where you want to go but in vastly different ways. I still use my Bradley but if I am smoking large quantities, I am going to the MAK. If I want to cure and smoke bacon or sausages, I'm going to the Bradley. Cheese and gravlax are going in the Bradley. Grilling is obviously going to the MAK.
Someone mentioned that a Bradley won't produce a smoke ring. That's correct it won't because the compressed wood pucks do not contain any natural wood impurities such as bark. Won't pretend to bore you with the science behind it. Conversely, a pellet grill will produce a smoke ring because the pellets do contain wood impurities. A smoke ring provides nothing to the meat other than the ability to say "Oooo, look at the smoke ring!'
Someone also mentioned that Bradley doesn't have a specific section on the LTBBQ forum. That's because they have their own website and Forum and choose not to be a sponsor on other websites.
Bottom line, if I can only choose between a Bradley/Masterbuilt or a pellet grill, I am going to choose the pellet fired one every time but then I would have to decide on which pellet grill as there are some out there I wouldn't tote home. I learned that lesson the hard and costly way too.
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" To try to compare a Bradley or Masterbuilt to a pellet grill is absurd."
We do not believe on LTBBQ that there are "absurd" questions asked - especially by folks that are new to outdoor cooking with these kinds of appliances - such as the OP may be. And - I think Larry's intent is to say that the word "unfair" could be substituted for absurd here - to state that it is very difficult to pick one - vs - the other when they are so different.....
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I would have to decide on which pellet grill as there are some out there I wouldn't tote home. I learned that lesson the hard and costly way too.
Would you be willing to share a bit more about your experience (hard lesson)?
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" To try to compare a Bradley or Masterbuilt to a pellet grill is absurd."
We do not believe on LTBBQ that there are "absurd" questions asked - especially by folks that are new to outdoor cooking with these kinds of appliances - such as the OP may be. And - I think Larry's intent is to say that the word "unfair" could be substituted for absurd here - to state that it is very difficult to pick one - vs - the other when they are so different.....
I completely understand; my interpretation of this statement was exactly as you stated here and I did not take any offense whatsoever. I also understand the culture of respect in this forum and will do my best to honor it in my posts.
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I have modified my original post, replacing the word absurd with the word unfair.
As for sharing my experience with specific pellets grills that I learned a lesson about, I would rather not as I don't want to alienate some folks about the pellet grill that they paid good money for and like. Trash talking a guy's pellet grill is about as bad as trash talking his dog, gun or favorite car or truck. ;D
Folks here have given you good advice on pellet grills. Let me urge you to follow their advice.
I've done enough damage here. I'll slink back over to my corner and read from afar. ;)
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Like KyNola I have owned my Bradley for about 7 years and from my interactions with KyNola, Nepas, and a multitude of others I bought a MAK 2 Star General Wood Pellet BBQ Smoker-Grill. Then a SRG, a Traeger PTG, and now a GMG Davy Crockett. Many of us have known each other for years on different forums and have migrated to LTBBQ. Each unit has their positives but after all is said and done over the last 7 years I have settled down to using my pellet smoker-grill for 95% of all my smokes/cooks.
Most of your questions were expertly answered by a wealth of members and the only thing I would add is that you should not sell yourself short. There are good reasons why the higher end pellet grills cost are higher! We all need to stay within our budgets but I would recommend you lean towards a quality pellet grill and controller.
Course I would recommend a MAK but there are many other manufacturers that are USA made and produce a quality product. Good luck on your decision.