Traeger shopping -- Questions

[MaytagMan]

So, I am new here and am hoping that a few questions are okay...

I have done a little bit of reading, and want to get some input from a few experts... I am looking at picking up a Traeger in the next couple of weeks. (The best part is that my wife is behind the idea 100%!)

I was looking at both the BBQ07E and the BBQ075. About $200 difference between the two, and I want to figure out which I would need. It is hard to calculate actual food capacity with only square inch figures to look at, so I guess the first question is how much would actually comfortably fit on the 418 sq in of the 07E versus the 646 sq in of the 075? (How much Brisket, racks of spares, chicken, butts, etc?)

My second question is that I had read that they went from a 180* controller to a 250* controller - are the current models back to shipping with the 180* controller, or am I going to have to purchase the 180* unit and swap them out?

I am making a list of "other stuff" I need to pick up at the same time so that I will be good to go - aside from the following list, what else should I pick up (and do you have any specific recommendations for the items I've listed?)

- Pellets

- Thermometer

- Gloves

- Cooler (one for me to use for BBQ only)

- Injector of some kind (should I?)

- Cover for Traeger


Anything else?


Thanks for getting this newb up and running!

[BBQ Grail]

Call Tim at Green Leaf BBQ in Livermore. He's a Traeger dealer, a BBQ Brethren member and he offers a 10% discount to forum members.

He will answer your questions and hook you up right.

[MaytagMan]

I'll definitely look him up - thanks for the info! That is just a short trip over the hill for me, and I have a couple of weeks off for Christmas break coming up... perfect timing.

[Johnny_Crunch]

Looks like a solid list. I would add a few small essentials to my checklist.

Wide roll of aluminum foil.

Aluminum throw away pans

BBQ Rubs

Box of latex throw away gloves (I love having these on hand) literally

[BBQ Grail]

Originally Posted by MaytagMan

I'll definitely look him up - thanks for the info! That is just a short trip over the hill for me, and I have a couple of weeks off for Christmas break coming up... perfect timing.

Call first, he's only open weekends.

[PDXsmoker]

Did you also check http://www.greenmountaingrills.com/contact.html or http://www.makgrills.com/ ? The MAK is made near me, and the GM is USA made as well.

[BBQ Grail]

Tim also sells the Green Mountain and should have the MAK soon too!

The MAK is amazing. Green Mountain...not impressed with.

[Smokin Mike]

I have a traeger 124, and when I used to use it allot, I made a second shelf with a wire shelf and some bolts from the hardware store to make ajustable legs. I like using "throw away" horse needles from a tractor and supply, reason, a dirty needle will stain your meat, and its so cost effective to just toss away when done. and on gloves, I like using the cheap brown gloves over latex gloves, it works well.

[Rookie'48]

The 075 will hold 2 packer briskies or 3 good sized butts. Hope this helps.

[rowdycowboy]

I owned a Texas and loved it but there is just two of us so filling it all the way up was something I didn't do alot. If you are just cooking for 2 or 4 people I would recommend the lil tex elite if you like the texas style but want something a little smaller. If you are going to be cooking alot of meat and several big items at one time you might want to go with the texas style. I actually sold my texas and went with the new Deluxe. It is the same cooking size as the lil texas just has the shelves and the storage under the cooker also the hopper is inside. If you hadn't looked at the deluxe yet if I would you I would take a look at it might be another option for you it is a nice looking grill. Also I had the 250 controller and this new one has the 180 doesn't seem to me to be a big diffrence to me that I can tell yet.

[bandityo]

I can put 8 butts on my CS 680 which is 680 square inches..

david

[Sweet Breathe BBQ]

We have a Lil Tex and a Junior. On the Lil Tex during competition we'll cook two butts and a brisket on there. The Junior is good for a single brisket or a couple butts.
I would second the recommendation for a roll of heavy duty foil. Changing the foil on the grease tray each cook helps prevent bitter flavoring and makes for easy cleanup.
Also if you get a temp probe, try to find one that has a magnet on the back of the display unit. You can then just stick it to the pellet hopper. Sears sells one for $14.99.

[Chef Country]

i have a bbq 125 its the same size as the texas (075) and i have had 3 briskets and 4 buts on it at one time, I used a rib rack for the briskets and teh butts were 8 lbs each. I like the bigger cook space bc i cook everything on it, meat, potatoes, beans, and bread all at the same time. the bad thing is i have a $1200 smoker/grill but I would rather cook on my drum

[MaytagMan]

Sounds good - thanks for the advice and words of wisdom! :)

I know that I will get the biggest that the budget will allow, and there is a special event coming up near me the week of the 16th, so I will be anxious to check out the pricing.

Realistically, we would probably be fine with either as it is just two of us (plus one on the way), and even if we entertain, it should still work great. That being said, I will still try to get the 075 if I can just in case I want to feed the neighborhood... :D