Upgrading Traeger Texas or buying a new Smoker....?

[okie52]

I've been kicking around the idea for the last year of either upgrading my Traeger Texas or buying a new smoker like a Memphis, Yoder 640 or 1500, Blazn Grill Grid Iron, MAC II, or FEC 120.  Definitely all of these grills are outstanding and each have their advantages.  For some reason I'm particularly drawn to the Yoders and Blazn Grill...probably just the appearance of these grills but they are very tempting to me.

But I have a Texas Grill that I've modified quite a bit.  Front shelf, bottom shelf, Big Kahuna smoke generator, SS downdraft hood, Blazn Grill PID, extra interior shelf, cover, etc... and now I've ordered a thermal blanket.  Probably have $1,500-1,800 in this grill right now.  I doubt I could get half of that back if I was to sell it.

So I can continue to upgrade the Traeger by ordering 12 gauge SS parts for the firepot, drip pan and heat deflector which will add another $400 or bite the bullet and order a yoder 640 or Blazn grill Grid Iron or an FEC 120.  Both Yoder and Cookshack are not far from my house in Central OK.

I must say that my traeger performs well.  I really can't complain about the way it cooks at all.  In fact, with the PID it may be closer to hitting the desired temp than what the FEC and Yoder will be. But I keep thinking long term do I want to upgrade now or be satisfied with my highly modified traeger.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.     

[teesquare]

You are delving into the area of ..."wants"...not "needs"...

So, what is it that you want to accomplish with a new cooker? Can you create a list of priorities - in their order of importance to you?

[okie52]

Definitely an area of wants rather than needs. 

I have no "cooking" reason to change.  Just appearance, heavier metal, and possibly longevity.

I just like someone else to point out that I have no real reason to change.   

[Pappymn]

I would look at that unit Bigg is using. Turning out some amazing looking good

[hikerman]

My two cents here, and this is from my perspective not necessarily from yours okie.
At some point along the way of plunking out $$$$ or time fabricating mods I would have decided to keep the smoker you have or sell it. I think that you are correct in that you likely won't get near to what you have invested. But it sounds to me like there isn't much more you could do to it ....short of a rotisserie. At this point you should keep it and treat it like an old friend!

[okie52]

I would look at that unit Bigg is using. Turning out some amazing looking good

Bigg?

[okie52]

My two cents here, and this is from my perspective not necessarily from yours okie.
At some point along the way of plunking out $$$$ or time fabricating mods I would have decided to keep the smoker you have or sell it. I think that you are correct in that you likely won't get near to what you have invested. But it sounds to me like there isn't much more you could do to it ....short of a rotisserie. At this point you should keep it and treat it like an old friend!

I think that's where I'm heading.

[HighOnSmoke]

My two cents here, and this is from my perspective not necessarily from yours okie.
At some point along the way of plunking out $$$$ or time fabricating mods I would have decided to keep the smoker you have or sell it. I think that you are correct in that you likely won't get near to what you have invested. But it sounds to me like there isn't much more you could do to it ....short of a rotisserie. At this point you should keep it and treat it like an old friend!

I agree with Gene. As long as it does what you want it to I would keep it. Who knows what new pellet cookers will be designed in the future.

[Big Dawg]

I'm in there as well.  Even with Fat Boy (WSM 22) I've added so much stuff that the additions far outweigh the original cost of the smoker.

So, without a burning need to cook a different way, a different amount, or a different frequency, I'd (in the inimitable words of Stephen Stills) "Love the one you're with."





BD

[muebe]

Sounds to me like you got that grill working exactly as you want it so why sell it?

Just use it until it burns out then upgrade if you have to...

[teesquare]

I would look at that unit Bigg is using. Turning out some amazing looking good

Bigg?

1Bigg_ER   a member here. Posts a lot of nice cooks. If you can
t find his recent thread about the new wood burner that is a down-draft cooker...you can PM him for it. Awesome cook....

[Smokin Soon]

Upgrades are something most guys focus on. The wifey, just says " show me the food, and we will get it". After dragging her around to several cooks on other Pellet Grills, I give up. I'm stuck with my almost 7 year old Traeger 070 for life! After it gives up the ghost, it's game on for the upgrade!

[Smokin Don]

I am with the keep it and use it, like you say it does a good job and delivers for you. My Traeger 07E is just over 5 yrs. old I upgraded to a Savannah Stoker V3 PID controller and really happy with it. I like to think about a new one but back to Earth and mine does the job and I know my pit. Getting a new one means learning all over! Don

[muralboy]

When you consider all the upgrades/updates you've already made, unless you are looking to Increase cooking capacity, there is little to gain except for bragging rights.

Stick with what you got. Sounds like you know it like the back of your hand.

[okie52]

I would look at that unit Bigg is using. Turning out some amazing looking good

Bigg?

1Bigg_ER   a member here. Posts a lot of nice cooks. If you can
t find his recent thread about the new wood burner that is a down-draft cooker...you can PM him for it. Awesome cook....

Thanks...ill try to look him up.