Let's Talk BBQ
Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Pellet Grills and Smokers => Topic started by: mikeharold on August 29, 2016, 09:31:11 PM
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So' I've been king at new cookers and think I'm going to go with a pellet pooper. I have been leaning towards the Blazin grills grand slam and talked to Tim this morning. Love that you actually talk to the owner directly and he was very nice. Was quoted $1436 shipped out to Cali. Says right now he's throwing in the lid insulation kit for free as he feels the unit just performs better with it and a bag of pellets of my choice. Told him I would sleep on it and get back. I do need a new cooker in about 5 weeks for something I have coming up but he said shouldn't be a problem so long as I don't waffle for too long!
Then for kicks I went to Rec Tec as I haven't really looked at them. Well the have the RT-680 on sale right now for $998. Puts it about $1200 shipped out here. Haven't inquired about lead time but don't think it should be an issue. Now, It's a bigger grill and a couple hundred less. But, I really don't care for the horn handles and not hot on red. I know, vain complaints. It also doesn't come with a shelf or second rack so those would be an extra $160 so we are now about $1360, so actually only about $75 less all said.
So, what would you do if you were in this situation? Anyone use both grills that can give feedback? It seems everyone seems to love both units that have one and talk about em here. I really like the double wall construction on the grand slam, if for nothing more than the life of the finish on the grill. Firm believer that more insulation is never really a bad thing either even though I don't live in a cold climate. Also just found that a local patio store carries Memphis grills and stopped by today. Thier lower end unit is about $1400(can't remember the model right off my head) and they had a higher end model but was $3400! Haven't researched them yet. The more I research the more unsure I become!
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There is no such thing as a "low end" Memphis Grill. They are quality through and through.
I product tested a Rec Tec around three years ago and it is a solid performer.
Many here love their Recs and many here love their Blazin's
You won't go wrong with either of them........but research Memphis Grills a bit before you go for your gun ;)
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Can't go wrong either way. The Rec Tec does have a better warranty if that is important to you. I own a 680 and wouldnt trade it but that's me. Highonsmoke owns a Blazin Grill so he would really know more about that grill than me
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I think you have 3 good choices in the ones you named. But - I highly recommend that you also include the MAK 1 Star in your research. It - like the Memphis and the Blazin' are made here in the USA - if that matters to you....
But MAK will not even buy a screw form China. And - the controller they offer is the most capable available. 3 meat probe ports. WiFi capable - so you can manage a cook from anywhere in the world that you have internet. And the list of accessories from MAK is credible. Check them out. I think they are in the price range - and they are in Dallas Oregon...Your time zone ;) ;D.
T
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I had looked at MAK briefly at one point, but must have had the 2 star price stuck in my head! 1 star isn't too much more than what I'm looking at and I do know they are the top dog. Still a bit more than what I really have but may be an option. I have been on more of an American made kick lately and feel it's as important as ever to support American made products and companies. Getting tired of cheap crap that's disposable and if we can get back to truly making quality products I think it needs to be supported. Great! more to look at and think about!
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I will double what Tee said. As a happy MAK 1 Star owner I can attest to the quality of both their grills and their customer support,which is second to none!
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Out of the options that you have on the table, I am only familiar with what I have...a MAK 1 Star. I absolutely love my 1 Star! With that said, will this be your only cooker? What type(s) of cooking do you plan on using a pellet pooper for? Low n slow only? Or do you plan on using it for grilling too?
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The Rec Tec and the Memphis have the same very high quality controller, arguably the most important single component of a pellet cooker. The Memphis line are all insulated with the amount going up with the model price. Memphis is made in USA. Rec Tec is a hybrid of sorts. Both are very good and will produce great chow if you learn how to use them.
To help you learn and to perhaps help you figure out what is most important to you concerning a pellet cooker:
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2641.0
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=2647.0
Hub
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To add a little to what Hub said about the controllers. The Blazn Grill Works also uses the same controller. I own the larger one the Grid Iron. It is American made and
I totally love it. But, if something ever happens to it I will be buying a Mak. I also did a review of the Grid Iron here (http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=7160.0). I debated on whether or not to buy it or the Grand Slam. I opted for the extra space of the Grid Iron.
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I will double what Tee said. As a happy MAK 1 Star owner I can attest to the quality of both their grills and their customer support,which is second to none!
X2
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I own a Memphis and wouldn't trade it for anything. They are insulated(double wall) and made from high quality stainless steel. The Memphis has one of the lowest pellet consumption ratings of any pellet grill. That means that using less pellets per cook saves you money. The more expensive pellets cost you the more you save.
Mine has a temp range of 150F to 600F so it can go low and slow or grill like a champ. The insulation helps it hit grilling temps with ease!
There is a short throw auger and a front loading hopper. The igniter is not located in the firepot. It is just outside of the firepot so it is not exposed as directly to soot and ash as other grills. Also I have never had a burn back through my auger because the pellets are ejected and slide down into the burn pot from a chute. The multi speed fan blows air into the burn pot directly. At lower temps the fire is bellowed occasionally to regulate temps, stimulate smoke, and reduce pellet consumption greatly while keeping temps with a degree or two. Crank her up and that fan wakes up the flame and the short throw auger dumps pellets like a champ for grilling temps.
The new models are coming out this year with totally new controllers that have several probes built-in and wifi control.
And they are made in Minnesota. Just putting mine together when I bought it I was amazed at how well they are made. And they are just a beautiful looking grill... Well if your into that :P
To me a Memphis is worth every penny.
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So after a bunch of thinking, reading, and researching I'm leaning more towards a MAK 1star now. I want a versatile cooker, but am mostly looking to smoke with it and I have seen several comment that the MAK gives the most smoke flavor of the pellet grills that people have used and I do like smoke flavor! Haven't pulled the trigger just yet but very close.
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So after a bunch of thinking, reading, and researching I'm leaning more towards a MAK 1star now. I want a versatile cooker, but am mostly looking to smoke with it and I have seen several comment that the MAK gives the most smoke flavor of the pellet grills that people have used and I do like smoke flavor! Haven't pulled the trigger just yet but very close.
Can't go wrong with a MAK thats for sure
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So after a bunch of thinking, reading, and researching I'm leaning more towards a MAK 1star now. I want a versatile cooker, but am mostly looking to smoke with it and I have seen several comment that the MAK gives the most smoke flavor of the pellet grills that people have used and I do like smoke flavor! Haven't pulled the trigger just yet but very close.
There are other ways to achieve smoke profile - as in the use of an Amazen Smoker Tube ( See our Site Sponsors Section for their info...) BUT....you are correct about eh MAK being a fantastic smoke producer. It is their controller design. And - now with the new ignitor that is not in the firepot - It ignites 2-3 times as fast. Tenthunter posted a video about that....
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I have not cooked on the Rec Tec but had the same issue you have. I don't want a red grill with horns on it. I did buy the Blazin Grand Slam and could not be happier. My Bro-In-Law and another friend ordered the Grand Slam after seeing mine and both are 100% happy as well. My favorite feature of the Grand Slam (aside from American made - a must for me) is the slide-out burn pot - SO nice to be able to clean out the burn pot without removing the racks, drip pan and heat deflector. It is a heavy grill - built like a tank. It was the choice for me and I have never looked back. I do like the controller on the Grand Slam as it has performed perfectly for me and maintains solid steady temps.
The one feature I really like on the MAC that I have not seen elsewhere is the trap door to drain pellets. I have actually changed pellets more than I thought I would. I think that would be a solid feature to have as well.
Regardless of what you choose from the options listed - you will be thrilled. All good choices. Good luck and enjoy your new pellet grill.
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Just placed my order for the 1 star from big poppa smokers! Sounds like I should see the unit in about 1 1/2 weeks +/-, can't wait! Quick pellet question. Not much selection, only one or 2 places I can find at all in the area that sell pellets. What's your preferred online source? Sounds like people seem to like cooking pellets brand and can get them from Amazon for cheaper than cookingpellets.com.
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Just placed my order for the 1 star from big poppa smokers! Sounds like I should see the unit in about 1 1/2 weeks +/-, can't wait! Quick pellet question. Not much selection, only one or 2 places I can find at all in the area that sell pellets. What's your preferred online source? Sounds like people seem to like cooking pellets brand and can get them from Amazon for cheaper than cookingpellets.com.
Try Craigs list for pellets. You may have some luck
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at our site sponsor section.... www.cookinpellets.com
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at our site sponsor section.... www.cookinpellets.com
There you go 8) Now get a bunch of perfect mix.......great pellets mix for all protiens 8)
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Perfect! Thinking I will grab one each of the perfect mix, hickory and probably and oak as that's what I'm used to BBQ'n with and know and enjoy the flavor.
Now I need to stash away some $ for some accessories! Thinking at least the 3/4 upper grate.....griddle would be nice......sear station.....oh boy, I'm in trouble!
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Perfect! Thinking I will grab one each of the perfect mix, hickory and probably and oak as that's what I'm used to BBQ'n with and know and enjoy the flavor.
Now I need to stash away some $ for some accessories! Thinking at least the 3/4 upper grate.....griddle would be nice......sear station.....oh boy, I'm in trouble!
The great thing about this site is that it gives you somebody else to blame it on! So go ahead I'll take the blame! Just call it BBQ per pressure ! :D
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Perfect! Thinking I will grab one each of the perfect mix, hickory and probably and oak as that's what I'm used to BBQ'n with and know and enjoy the flavor.
Now I need to stash away some $ for some accessories! Thinking at least the 3/4 upper grate.....griddle would be nice......sear station.....oh boy, I'm in trouble!
I'd go with the upper grate first. Not even a close decision for me.
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The great thing about this site is that it gives you somebody else to blame it on! So go ahead I'll take the blame! Just call it BBQ per pressure ! :D
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Wouldn't say you guys are a bad influence, I already had the desire. Rather, everyone was more of an informative consultant. I need no scapegoat, when I get into something I go for it. Problem is getting to be too many hobbies. Wanted to buy quality and American make and just happened to get a few side cash deals that put me into a higher spending bracket than when I started my search so decided to go for it and buy the best perceived quality up front expecting to get a better return on my investment with longevity. Time will tell.
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I'd go with the upper grate first. Not even a close decision for me.
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Which grate(s) do you you have and would you change your choice? They all have a place but aren't cheap for what they are. The 3/4 seems like the best of all three with just a little sacrifice on area. Will have to use it for a bit and get the feel for what works best for me. I just always like hearing others experiences and feelings.
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Congrats on the grill. Your gonna like it I'm sure
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Just received my rec tec. Will be two weeks tomorrow. Also live in California. I ordered it on a Saturday, was shipped the following Monday. Took 8 business days to reach town then another 2 days for freight company to deliver it. Arrived in perfect condition. Freight company wheeled it into the back yard for me. Easy to put together but you'll want an extra set of hands as its a beast. After the initial burn in, I seasoned it with a pound of bacon, drizzled real maple syrup over the bacon, then used the screaming pig rub for seasoning. Made excellent BLT''s. Have always used a side smoker in the past and thought I made pretty darned good ribs but the rec tec ribs were amazing. Perfectly smoked in my opinion. This past Sunday morning I got up at 3am and started a pork butt. 11 hours later had perfect pulled pork sandwiches. Only been two weeks now but I'm very impessed with the 680.
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Just placed my order for the 1 star from big poppa smokers! Sounds like I should see the unit in about 1 1/2 weeks +/-, can't wait! Quick pellet question. Not much selection, only one or 2 places I can find at all in the area that sell pellets. What's your preferred online source?
Cool! You could not have picked a better dealer. The folks over at BPS are top notch to deal with!
When you get a few more pennies saved up, definitely get the MAK Griddle. You'll find it handy for all sorts of food from grilling sandwiches, fajitas, cooking up some hotdog chili, etc. You can even do some shallow frying in it (but keep the pit temp to around 350° or so).
Keep an eye on Amazon for the Cooking Pellets brand, especially if you have a prime account. Every now and then they will run a special on them that's hard to beat! That's where i get my perfect mix.
Your best bet, price wise, is to get some guys together in your area and do a bulk order of Lumberjack pellets. They just started selling directly to the public too, so you no longer have to be a dealer to buy from them!