What pellet pooper, if any, to buy?

Well Im thinking about commiting some money to my bbq hobby, and have been searching around for a good smoker in the $1000-$1500 range. My goal is to make a delicious product that can feed a few or a bunch of people and possibly dabble in a local comp or two. I started with a wsm, built a UDS, and have produced some good food. I was looking into stickburners but stumbled across pellet grills in my price range (I always assumed they were much more costly). After some reading and research I like the idea and ease of use. Yeah its badass to throw logs into your pit every hour but at the end of the day I like the idea of set it and forget it, which is why I went with a wsm as my initial smoker.

So after looking around the popular models are the Traeger Texas and the Country BBQ 680. I found some posts from years back talking about the two but seems the Traeger has advanced a little more since than. It appears the Traeger uses a digital temp control leading me to beleive the feeding system works on actual pit temp not just a constant feed rate? If this is true does the CS-680 still work on a time-based feed system?

All input is greatly appreciated, Id love to hear what owners think. In all my research so far I havent found anyone who owned one and didnt like it.

Thanks!

BBQ Grail said:

If it were my choice again I would save up $500 more and get the MAK Grill.

I have fairly extensive review on my blog. I'll post the link when I get home.

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I searched MAK Grill and found your review, very nice! Though i noticed for a larger price tag it only has 429 sq in cooking space compared to 648/680 of the other models. I like the idea of the "User Programs" and other cool features but honestly, as with buying anything, it started as looking for something $500-1000 range than became 1000-1500. I just dont think I could pull the trigger on a $2000 grill.

That being said, how do you like your traeger with conventional bbq items like your ribs, butts, brisket?

I have found some posotive things about green mountain cookers, Im just afraid of the build quality with them