The Official Pellet Grill Smoker thread.

[Sooner21]

With the full upper shelf, I did 4 at a time for a friend's daughter's graduation party. We cooked ten butts total. Had we split the first batch butts in half, we could have done two runs of 5 butts each, but we did 4 whole butts the first round, and 4 butts cut in half the second time, and then two. Live and learn. Could possibly find room for 6 butts, but that would limit airflow and probably not be a great cook.



This is a pic of the 2nd batch where we did 4 butts, cut in half. Plenty of room:

Not sure how many briskets but I could see room for 4, with them oriented opposite each other (point toward stack, point of another toward hopper, repeated on each set of shelves). But, you'd need to rotate since the hopper side is hotter, and the upper shelf is cooler than the bottom shelf. They'd all need to be in the 12-14 lb range for that to work as well, I'd think.

The upper grate runs cooler? At what level is the exhaust? I'm used to the top being hotter in every smoker I've owned.


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[Rib Rub]

Ok.. I have to post this so I can feel special about being apart of an appreciation thread.

Here's some items I cooked yesterday on the Grilla Grillz Silverbac! If your looking to pull the trigger and interested with them I wouldn't hesitate from my experience so far.

Some good looking Q right there!

 

[Knute]

After reading through all 3,282 posts throughout 219 pages, and other threads, I have thoroughly researched EVERY pellet smoker mentioned in this thread and then some.

To answer rwalter's questions from post #905, here's what it boils down to...
1- What does your current cooking arsenal look like? Whatcha got?
a: I previously had an electric barrel smoker that I wore out. I also have a Kamado Joe Jr. and a Weber Genesis.
2- How many people do you cook for on a regular basis?
a: My family of 4-8, depending on who is visiting that weekend.
3- Do you enjoy entertaining? If yes, what might be the largest number of people that you'd find yourself cooking for?
a: Occasional dinner parties of up to 15-20.
4- When looking for a pellet smoker, are you only interested in the low-n-slow/roasting aspects of this type of cooker, or does it need to be able to grill well?
a: Primarily low and slow, though a reverse sear would be nice (I don't mind buying searing grates).
5- What does a "large cook" look like for you? When doing a large cook, what types of meat do you typically cook, along with the quantities?
a: largest would be 4-6 pork butts, 2-3 briskets, 2 15 lb turkeys.
6- What is your MAX budget?
a: Preferring under $1500.
7- What's more important to you... price/overall good quality/bang for buck OR top quality/little consideration for price?
a: Quality of food, value for money spent, quality product that will last a very long time.
8- Is WiFi an absolute necessity?
a: WiFi would probably be used at some point, but isn't mandatory.

Here's what I have narrowed it down to...
Assassin 36" Pellet Smoker
Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro 1190 (currently on sale and, as I saw on another post, soon to be discontinued)

Obviously you're all partial to Mak. Which is great. And I don't mind splurging a bit to go for the Mak. The problem I have is that I've never had the pleasure of seeing one in person, and I have a hard time spending that much money on a grill I have never seen and never tasted food from. I hoped to get in on the group buy a couple weeks back, but missed it by a couple days (which kinda left a bad taste in my mouth about Mak, if I'm being completely honest).

So as flavor profile is my primary concern and I do like a good smoke flavor, I'm really hoping to hear from some people that have actually cooked on and tasted food from multiple grills between the Assassin, Pellet Pro, and yes, the Mak and can, therefore, compare the differences directly.

Any insight you guys can help with would be awesome!

 

[Knute]

I'm looking for a pellet grill. I've read through this thread and the entire 3k+ posts and a few others. I've thoroughly researched every single grill that has been mentioned.

With that research, my primary list consists of the Assassin 36" and the Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro 1190. Has anyone used these that can compare the quality of the cook?

For background reference, I primarily cook low and slow and prefer a good amount of smoke.

Yes, I know you all love the Mak grills, but it's gonna be tough for me to spend that much. Has anyone that owns a Mak also used an Assassin or a Pellet Pro? Does the food come out THAT much better?

Any help in this process is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[4ever3]

Look at a Green Mountain Grill, we cooked a ton of food on our Daniel Boone!

 

[Knute]

Look at a Green Mountain Grill, we cooked a ton of food on our Daniel Boone!

I have... actually almost bought one. Kinda wish I had so I at least had something to cook on throughout this long process.

This has been a full year of research, driving around to different dealers, reading forums, watching YouTube reviews, and so much more.

I've also looked at Rec Tec, Yoder, Pit Boss, Fast Eddy, Traeger, Pitts & Spitts, Smokin' Brothers, Memphis, Grilla, etc, etc, etc... Literally, every single manufacturer I've come across.

I've narrowed it down Assassin and Pellet Pro because I feel like they offer the most value for the money.

I don't mind spending more for good quality, but I have to see the value in it. Mak is only on my list because everyone raves about them, but since I've never seen them in person, cooked with them, or actually tasted food, it's tough to drop that much coin.


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[rwalters]

I'm looking for a pellet grill. I've read through this thread and the entire 3k+ posts and a few others. I've thoroughly researched every single grill that has been mentioned.

With that research, my primary list consists of the Assassin 36" and the Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro 1190. Has anyone used these that can compare the quality of the cook?

For background reference, I primarily cook low and slow and prefer a good amount of smoke.

Yes, I know you all love the Mak grills, but it's gonna be tough for me to spend that much. Has anyone that owns a Mak also used an Assassin or a Pellet Pro? Does the food come out THAT much better?

Any help in this process is appreciated. Thanks!

Can’t really answer your questions re: the 2 cookers in question. That said, rumor has it that Smoke Daddy is exiting the standard pellet grill business and focusing on accessories and vertical pellet grills. Rumor also has it that you can score a nice deal on the 1190 model right now if they still have them in stock. Rumor also has it that Smoke Daddy will also continue to provide parts as time goes on. May want to verify everything I have said as you know where rumors can lead... lol.

Personally, I have a hunch both options on the table would be solid.

 

[rwalters]

I have... actually almost bought one. Kinda wish I had so I at least had something to cook on throughout this long process.

This has been a full year of research, driving around to different dealers, reading forums, watching YouTube reviews, and so much more.

I've also looked at Rec Tec, Yoder, Pit Boss, Fast Eddy, Traeger, Pitts & Spitts, Smokin' Brothers, Memphis, Grilla, etc, etc, etc... Literally, every single manufacturer I've come across.

I've narrowed it down Assassin and Pellet Pro because I feel like they offer the most value for the money.

I don't mind spending more for good quality, but I have to see the value in it. Mak is only on my list because everyone raves about them, but since I've never seen them in person, cooked with them, or actually tasted food, it's tough to drop that much coin.


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To me, MAK’s need to be looked at as more of an investment than a “purchase”. They are truly built to be a lifetime cooker... and as you have probably read here on the Brethren, they lay down serious amounts of smoke! Doesn’t mean other cookers are not excellent... but I would simply put MAK in a category of its own. Just my opinions

 

[Fishwater2002]

I have... actually almost bought one. Kinda wish I had so I at least had something to cook on throughout this long process.

This has been a full year of research, driving around to different dealers, reading forums, watching YouTube reviews, and so much more.

I've also looked at Rec Tec, Yoder, Pit Boss, Fast Eddy, Traeger, Pitts & Spitts, Smokin' Brothers, Memphis, Grilla, etc, etc, etc... Literally, every single manufacturer I've come across.

I've narrowed it down Assassin and Pellet Pro because I feel like they offer the most value for the money.

I don't mind spending more for good quality, but I have to see the value in it. Mak is only on my list because everyone raves about them, but since I've never seen them in person, cooked with them, or actually tasted food, it's tough to drop that much coin.


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To confuse you further I'd suggest taking a look at Camp Chef, I've had mine for 3-4 years now, added the searbox when it first came out 2 years ago & it has been flawless for me. Zero issues ever, no grease fires, miss-feeds or flameouts. I just cleaned it out this weekend after sitting outside under cover for a few months unused & fired up a half pork loin that I smoked at 275 until internal temp hit 130* then seared on the sear box. As much as I'd love a Mak it's hard to justify the money when the Camp Chef does what it does. I'm looking to upgrade my pellet cooker currently & it's hard to not consider the 36" version since it's been such a good cooker.

 

[tom b]

I had a Timberline, loved that thing too. I had never seen a MAK or tasted food from one either. Then I had the opportunity to get a well cared for Mak 2* at a great price and jumped on it. Ran some side by side testing and quickly found out how much better the MAK is, sold the timberline for near what I paid for it and have not looked back. Best grill acquisition I have made to date. FWIW

 

[4ever3]

I have... actually almost bought one. Kinda wish I had so I at least had something to cook on throughout this long process.

This has been a full year of research, driving around to different dealers, reading forums, watching YouTube reviews, and so much more.

I've also looked at Rec Tec, Yoder, Pit Boss, Fast Eddy, Traeger, Pitts & Spitts, Smokin' Brothers, Memphis, Grilla, etc, etc, etc... Literally, every single manufacturer I've come across.

I've narrowed it down Assassin and Pellet Pro because I feel like they offer the most value for the money.

I don't mind spending more for good quality, but I have to see the value in it. Mak is only on my list because everyone raves about them, but since I've never seen them in person, cooked with them, or actually tasted food, it's tough to drop that much coin.


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I understand 100% about what your saying about a MAK, I was the same way but after I got it, I wish I’d done it sooner!

I don’t think you can go wrong with any on your list except the rec tec (I just can’t handle the bull horns, shallow, I know.)

 

[electron_si]

I understand 100% about what your saying about a MAK, I was the same way but after I got it, I wish I’d done it sooner!

I don’t think you can go wrong with any on your list except the rec tec (I just can’t handle the bull horns, shallow, I know.)

The bull horns are also a no go for me too. Just looks cheap

 

[rwalters]

I understand 100% about what your saying about a MAK, I was the same way but after I got it, I wish I’d done it sooner!



I don’t think you can go wrong with any on your list except the rec tec (I just can’t handle the bull horns, shallow, I know.)

The bull horns are also a no go for me too. Just looks cheap

A number of years back I was considering the Rec Tec. Biggest thing holding me back was the bullhorns. I actually called asking if there were different handle options. They almost seemed offended that someone didn’t care for the look... lol. Needless to say, the answer was no.

 

[chingador]

The horns don't bother me. I certainly don't consider them a plus though, but not a dealbreaker. Very happy with my RT either way.

 

[rwalters]

The horns don't bother me. I certainly don't consider them a plus though, but not a dealbreaker. Very happy with my RT either way.

Just a personal preference. Apparently lots of people like them, or at least accept them, as Rec-Tec has grown into a pellet grill giant

 

[Knute]

I just said I looked at the Rec-Tec, I'm definitely not considering it! And only in part because of those damn horns! :roll:

Can you tag people on this? I saw previously that WestX has an Assassin... I'd love to get some feedback! I'm on Assassin's Facebook user page, but those guys can be trusted to give me a negative review about Assassin about as much as you guys can be trusted to give me a negative review about Mak! :heh:

 

[Knute]

To confuse you further I'd suggest taking a look at Camp Chef, I've had mine for 3-4 years now, added the searbox when it first came out 2 years ago & it has been flawless for me. Zero issues ever, no grease fires, miss-feeds or flameouts. I just cleaned it out this weekend after sitting outside under cover for a few months unused & fired up a half pork loin that I smoked at 275 until internal temp hit 130* then seared on the sear box. As much as I'd love a Mak it's hard to justify the money when the Camp Chef does what it does. I'm looking to upgrade my pellet cooker currently & it's hard to not consider the 36" version since it's been such a good cooker.

I actually bought a Camp Chef on Black Friday... It was a great deal... I think around $500 with the searing station. When I unboxed it there was a rather large (probably about 1/4") gap between the lid and the body. Probably could have easily been fixed, but I figured if there were that kind of flaws in manufacturing, it probably wasn't that great of a grill, so I returned it. Maybe it is a great grill still, but it dropped off my list for that reason.

 

[JWFokker]

I'm looking for a pellet grill. I've read through this thread and the entire 3k+ posts and a few others. I've thoroughly researched every single grill that has been mentioned.

With that research, my primary list consists of the Assassin 36" and the Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro 1190. Has anyone used these that can compare the quality of the cook?

For background reference, I primarily cook low and slow and prefer a good amount of smoke.

Yes, I know you all love the Mak grills, but it's gonna be tough for me to spend that much. Has anyone that owns a Mak also used an Assassin or a Pellet Pro? Does the food come out THAT much better?

Any help in this process is appreciated. Thanks!

Mak won't make better food than a Pellet Pro, but it will last forever.

 

[4ever3]

WHEW!!! At least I’m not alone!

 

[4ever3]

Mak won't make better food than a Pellet Pro, but it will last forever.

Partly true, I’ll differ with you on the won’t make better food, but last forever I’m right there with you. At the 18 month mark our GMG was going to need some attention to get some more time out of it before we replaced it. The MAK will just be getting broke in in 18 months. We looked at it as a buy once cry once sort of thing.