another brethren falls victim......

[smoke ninja]

.........to the pellet pooper craze.

I stopped at home depot for a new weed whip, I went with Echo. I'm sick of buying throwaways. anyway like all of us I first checked out the grill area for anything interesting. I found a traeger marked down 75% @ $175.....from $699!

It had been used. missing a wheel and grease bucket. tag said it was an eastwood. the guy said they used it as a demo once and i could return it within 30 days if i wanted. I quickly loaded up the grill and a bag of pellets and I was off.

well my excitement waned some when I got home and researched what I got. I have no idea what's what with pellet grills and it turns out i bought the Tailgater not the Eastwood. the tailgaters is 20 inches and costs about $450. with 75 percent off it was a difference of about $60. I decided to see if they'd do anything about the decrepency as the tag said 75 percent off but had the wrong item listed.

it took forever but while the manager agreed with my logic for whatever reason she couldn't reduce the item. she spent way more time then necessary but couldn't make it happen. the MOD came up with a reasonable solution. she gave me store credit for the difference so I could stock up on pellets. I could live with that, heck if they told me that sticker was as is I still would have kept the grill.

http://i.imgur.com/QnYriyPh.jpg (http://imgur.com/QnYriyP)

got it home and cleaned it up and tightened all the loose parts. I shimmed the leg where the wheel is missing. the legs fold up as its suppose to be "portable" so I'm thinking of putting it in a cart.

http://i.imgur.com/WfhAEBJh.jpg (http://imgur.com/WfhAEBJ)

rigged up a temporary grease pail


http://i.imgur.com/x8iFeylh.jpg (http://imgur.com/x8iFeyl)

and threw some ribs on to test her out

http://i.imgur.com/lx8fRVGh.jpg (http://imgur.com/lx8fRVG)

the moment I closed the lid out of nowhere came a rogue rain cloud. Came down heavy for about 5 minutes


http://i.imgur.com/rTedopeh.jpg (http://imgur.com/rTedope)

I'm a solid hour into the cook I started at 225 for a bit but hunger has moved us up to 275.

[PatAttack]

That's a pretty good deal.


When that weed eater fails, buy yourself a Stihl and never look back.

[Free Mr. Tony]

Nice! I'd take it for that, and the bonus credit is just icing on the cake. It's funny that the big hitters on this site have just recently got people to take the pellet cookers seriously. I like all types of cookers, but pellets have been part of my life since 2010 or so. I still think they make the best ribs...

[Big George's BBQ]

Congrats and enjoy. How is it going

[Clay-b-que]

Heck yeah! Can’t wait to see the results!

[food4thot]

Sweet!

Too bad you couldn't swing a deal to exchange the throwaway Echo for a real weed whacker because HD doesn't sell Stihl :tape: ;^)

[Czarbecue]

So max two slabs?

[smoke ninja]

That's a pretty good deal.


When that weed eater fails, buy yourself a Stihl and never look back.

Sweet!

Too bad you couldn't swing a deal to exchange the throwaway Echo for a real weed whacker because HD doesn't sell Stihl :tape: ;^)


Geez, are they that bad? my brother said they use them at work but then again this boss is a cheapskate.

whats the stihl cost, I paid about $200 for the echo, its way nicer looking than the cheaper ones. it's just for home use but I do have a large yard.


ribs about two hours in, tigers lost....again

http://i.imgur.com/nd25vTBh.jpg (http://imgur.com/nd25vTB)

[IamMadMan]

Awesome deal...... And awesome ribs...... win-win situation.

[smoke ninja]

So max two slabs?

I could squeeze 3 flat with some trimming. rib racks 5 or 6?

2 pork butts, a small brisket, a few chickens.....meatloaf, sides, slow cook a steak or roast for reverse sear. it could be handy.

temps are all over the place, about as good as my oven. maintaining an acceptable for me temperature range. but I could see how some wouldn't like it. it goes from a nice pleasing thin smoke to clean exhaust and the fan provides good airflow.

[kingjman]

Congrats on the new PP. .... I see grease buckets at Wally for pit boss ..think they're all the same.

Traeger insists you use their pellets, don't.

[mikemci]

No opinion on the smoker, but you will love the Echo!!!

[16Adams]

I'm really enjoying my small pellet cooker. Have fun.

[Smoking Cajun]

Great deal you worked out. Buying something like this is a good way to try pellet smoking without breaking the bank and then finding out you don't like it.

On the other hand, if you like it and do well, you have to convince the missus that you need to spend more on a better one. She will come back with the comment that you cook great with the one you have!

Ask me how I know!

[smoke ninja]

3 hours in. about an hour left. just cooking straight up for the first run.

http://i.imgur.com/1X6IlPNh.jpg (http://imgur.com/1X6IlPN)

didn't fill the hopper all the way with hickory pellets but looks like I'll make it 5 hrs at least. I hope a full load last at least seven.

http://i.imgur.com/6TjhnSHh.jpg (http://imgur.com/6TjhnSH)

[Joshw]

Echo is not crap, I actually know people that run an echo speed feed head on their stihl. I would rather have a Stihl though. I got so tired of buying a new weed eater every year or two, and bought an FS-90. After my Dr Trimmer, it is the best weed eater I have ever owned. It was double the price though. Sthil does sell models in that price range. What I like about Stihl, to sell one, you have to be a certified repair shop. Makes warranty issues very easy to resolve.

[Smoking Piney]

https://i.imgflip.com/2fq1gs.jpg (https://imgflip.com/i/2fq1gs)via Imgflip Meme Generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)

[SmittyJonz]

:shock:

[smoke ninja]

:shock:

I know a stick burner purist has turned to the dark side....

......speaking of the old OK Joe I haven't used her. this is my mea culpa. I'm considering selling the thing as crazy as my life is these days it seems to make sense.

it may be a sign but my first cook with the stick burner and a crazy downpour came out of nowhere just like today's inaugural cook.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/smokeninjabbq/20140624_154952_zpskjvljflc.jpg (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/smokeninjabbq/media/20140624_154952_zpskjvljflc.jpg.html)

http://i.imgur.com/rTedopeh.jpg (http://imgur.com/rTedope)

[V1VRV2]

Congrats on the new pellet smoker. I've had a Stihl and Echo weedeater and I liked the Echo better

[smoke ninja]

homemade grease bucket fail. should have went with the HD foil

http://i.imgur.com/73uUk2Zh.jpg (http://imgur.com/73uUk2Z)

[food4thot]

Geez, are they that bad? my brother said they use them at work but then again this boss is a cheapskate.

whats the stihl cost, I paid about $200 for the echo, its way nicer looking than the cheaper ones. it's just for home use but I do have a large yard.


ribs about two hours in, tigers lost....againPullin' your chain on the Echo. First heard of the brand just a few years ago and know nothing about their engineering, performance, or longevity.

I can attest to Stihl, though. Had already destroyed a few Weed Eater brand 2-stroke lawn gadgets. Bought a Stihl string trimmer (FS45) and blower (BG55) in 2004 for about $130 each...not sure what their current comparable versions cost, mostly because I haven't had to think about it.

Sorta crazy. Two 2-strokes, both over 14 years old that have never been to the shop for service. They both still have their original spark plug.

Only issue I've noticed is the blower now needs to be run at half choke for full power.

[TravelingJ]

Trade it for a Milwaukee weed eater ( = If you are going pellets, might as well go battery powered as well!

[tom b]

first Sako now Ninja what you waiting for Smitty?

[qnbiker]

Crazy deal even without the store credit.

[smoke ninja]

Trade it for a Milwaukee weed eater ( = If you are going pellets, might as well go battery powered as well!

my yard is just under an acre with lots of perimeter, tried battery and it don't cut it (bad pun). if we keep this up this thread may get moved to the woodpile, here's some on topic :wink:

ribs are done tho. just over 4.5 hours but lots of looking and playing with the new toy. this was a lousy rack of spares to start. couple of shiners, never see that at Meijer. I went with the st Louis cut but honestly they could have been trimmed some, there was a large bite of brisket left on. I like rib tips but prefer to cook separately.

http://i.imgur.com/Otsjnszh.jpg (http://imgur.com/Otsjnsz)

http://i.imgur.com/mMiuqkQh.jpg (http://imgur.com/mMiuqkQ)

all and all a good cook. I'm happy so far....one problem, I forgot to trim the lawn

[Low Down]

Traeger is cheap chit to begin with.... you did them a favor for buying it! Hahaha!!

[food4thot]

my yard is just under an acre with lots of perimeter, tried battery and it don't cut it (bad pun). if we keep this up this thread may get moved to the woodpile, here's some on topic :wink:

ribs are done tho. just over 4.5 hours but lots of looking and playing with the new toy. this was a lousy rack of spares to start. couple of shiners, never see that at Meijer. I went with the st Louis cut but honestly they could have been trimmed some, there was a large bite of brisket left on. I like rib tips but prefer to cook separately.

all and all a good cook. I'm happy so far....one problem, I forgot to trim the lawnCould possibly be a win-win. Take the unused Echo back to HD for a refund then hit Rochester Lawn Equipment (https://www.rochesterlawnequipment.com/) to pick up either of these

Stihl FS 56 C-E (https://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/homeowner-trimmers/fs56ce/)

Stihl FS 70 R (https://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/professional-trimmers/fs70rce/)

[ebijack]

I guess you don't need spits any more. :doh:
If you want to try a Stihl, try mine. I can't stand the POS. I rate is as good as a weedeater brand but costs more than twice as much.
Sil just bought a farmboss. 2 weeks later he is on his third. First 2 would not even run. (chain was to tight). He took it back and told them to fix it. Same bs, he loosened the chain and this one works.

[LloydQ]

I don't think I could have walked by that deal, either. You didn't mention the flavor or smokiness of the ribs. How were they?

BTW, a RedMax weed eater will run circles around all of them!

[CT-Mike]

If you really want to do it up right, get the Stihl Kombi system. I bought the 130 8 years ago, along with several implements of destruction (attachments). Never been to the shop, same spark plug, always starts by the 2nd pull. My motivation was that I was tired of having multiple small engines to service.

I have the string trimmer head, hedge trimmer, and circular saw attachments. They all work great.

https://detroitdiamonddrilling.stihldealer.net/products/multi-task-tools/professional-kombisystem/km131r/?_ga=2.38139424.2030375868.1534072731-1139817791.1534072731

[Czarbecue]

I like my Husqvarnas. I feel like I can weed-eat through bones if I have to.

[smoke ninja]

Traeger is cheap chit to begin with.... you did them a favor for buying it! Hahaha!!

http://i.imgur.com/QLAF3mJh.jpg (http://imgur.com/QLAF3mJ)

I guess you don't need spits any more. :doh:
If you want to try a Stihl, try mine. I can't stand the POS. I rate is as good as a weedeater brand but costs more than twice as much.
Sil just bought a farmboss. 2 weeks later he is on his third. First 2 would not even run. (chain was to tight). He took it back and told them to fix it. Same bs, he loosened the chain and this one works.

I'm not giving up completely on stick burning and still use the 007. as you know I've had some life changing events lately, time and energy are bwing taxed. I'll just keep the Echo. home depot has a stellar return
policy. while I was in line someone returned a used drain snake dripping wet.

btw way, I'll get your table back to you this week. we cleaned up at the yard sale, $2400 in 2 weekends. still have a ton of stuff to get rid of but it's a start.

I don't think I could have walked by that deal, either. You didn't mention the flavor or smokiness of the ribs. How were they?

BTW, a RedMax weed eater will run circles around all of them!

ribs were good. I like a light clean smoke on ribs and that's what I got. smoke ring was there, more time at a lower temp may have got more smoke but like I said good for me. I've seen a bit of food cooked on these pellet grills and the color and texture are always amazing. with the ease of use it's like cheating. this is a cooker that an inexperienced cook can use to make quality bbq for sure. these were seasoned with simply marvelous cherry and cooked until tender. no checking, flipping, turning, wrapping or voodoo needed.

[kingjman]

homemade grease bucket fail. should have went with the HD foil

Home Depot foil? Another brand debate? LoL
A spent citra candle can be repurposed as a grease bucket.

When you go back, just grab some kitty litter for that grease stain, or a bag of oil dri ......OR, use the handful of sawdust off the bottom of that bag of pellets.

Neighbor does small engine repair.... He likes Echo ...not as much as sthil tho.

[Smoke Dawg]

Good luck with the Pooper

I bought a Ryobi weed eater. It is 4 cycle so uses straight gas without mixing the oil.

So far it is working well.

[smoke ninja]

Good luck with the Pooper

I bought a Ryobi weed eater. It is 4 cycle so uses straight gas without mixing the oil.

So far it is working well.

my buddy just bought that one. I seen it there for $100 less. in the end I went with something beefier

[ebijack]

btw way, I'll get your table back to you this week. we cleaned up at the yard sale, $2400 in 2 weekends. still have a ton of stuff to get rid of but it's a start.


:thumb:

Did you sell the Acorn also?

[Smoke Dawg]

I see it in the picture of the Treager in the rain. I have one that I bought used and have never used :crazy:

[smoke ninja]

:thumb:

Did you sell the Acorn also?

no but its on the list of things being purged. my possessions have become a burden. guess bringing home another cooker didn't help. it needs a good cleaning but I should be able to get close to what you charged me for it.

one negative about the new whip is pants and shoes are a must. I had a battery powered whip and I don't think it could break skin

[food4thot]

I guess you don't need spits any more. :doh:
If you want to try a Stihl, try mine. I can't stand the POS. I rate is as good as a weedeater brand but costs more than twice as much.
Sil just bought a farmboss. 2 weeks later he is on his third. First 2 would not even run. (chain was to tight). He took it back and told them to fix it. Same bs, he loosened the chain and this one works.Have read some negative Stihl reviews but figured they were posted by their competition. Your "POS" is the first I've heard from anyone personally or on a message board and has me very curious.

What model? What year? Where did you buy it? What issue(s) cause you to call it a POS?

[jermoQ]

Nice cook! Glad you got to see te usefulness of a pellet grill!

[Richard_]

I own 2 Traegers and Stihl Combi , trimmer , pole saw and a chain saw , you got one hell of a deal on that Traeger , look at replacing their crap controller for an ORTECH for $70.00 or a Savannah Stoker for $175.00 , I've got both controllers and prefer the ORTECH !

[Happy Hapgood]

I don't have a dog in this hunt but have you ever considered extended a lean to or a metal (or shingled) roof with weather treated wood support? Sure makes life easier to pursue our hobby. You sure have the knowledge and access to materials. Just a thought Brother.


http://i49.tinypic.com/2qd73ib.jpg

[Bob C Cue]

Congrats. A part of me just died by the way.

[Whitewookie]

Wait I’m confused... did this all of a sudden become a landscaping forum???


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[smoke ninja]

I own 2 Traegers and Stihl Combi , trimmer , pole saw and a chain saw , you got one hell of a deal on that Traeger , look at replacing their crap controller for an ORTECH for $70.00 or a Savannah Stoker for $175.00 , I've got both controllers and prefer the ORTECH !

I'll consider it but the fluctuations won't kill me, the average temp seems to be on, remember I'm a stick burner at heart so 25+ degree swings are nothing new. $175 is what I paid for the traeger with 4 bags of pellets.

I don't have a dog in this hunt but have you ever considered extended a lean to or a metal (or shingled) roof with weather treated wood support? Sure makes life easier to pursue our hobby. You sure have the knowledge and access to materials. Just a thought Brother.


http://i49.tinypic.com/2qd73ib.jpg

we are new home owners. I've got alot of ideas but a little money. right now I'm trying to keep up with maintenance. over 5 grand this year for a new combi hvac unit, repair to the sewer drain, and redoing half of the privacy fence.

the plan is to extend the garage out 10 ft back for outdoor equipment storage and then continue the roofline into a covered patio.

[ssv3]

Congrats Steve! Nice bones. I even get fluctuations on my new to me Yoder. Not significant and it manages the average set point very well.

[BillN]

Congratulations on the new cooker Steve, the ribs look outstanding.

[Low Down]

http://i.imgur.com/QLAF3mJh.jpg (http://imgur.com/QLAF3mJ)



.

https://media.giphy.com/media/l46C7mhCDsqrHrIhW/giphy.gif


Hahaha! Just ribbin' you mang.... Hope it works out for ya.

[Rusty Kettle]

Nice cooker. I could kick myself for selling my junior elite. Traeger is top notch imo. Never had any issues while I had mine. It is not a comp cooker but great week night cooker.

[mattmountz94]

I have a stihl and echo sitting in my shed. I reach for the echo everytime.

[Robert]

Congrats on the new cooker. Ribs looked great. Nice pull back on the bones. A word of advice for the new Traeger owner: If the pellets get wet or draw moisture, they swell and when dried they lock up your auger. Traeger always suggest emptying the hopper and running the auger out of pellets. Heed this warning. I know from experience.



Good luck and happy cooking.


Robert

[smoke ninja]

I was at Walmart the other day buying charcoal and pellets and saw some pellet cookers on clearance, love a good yellow tag.

pit boss classic marked down to $300. I returned today to see if was still there. I got an offer of $225 on the tailgater with some pellets so I figured it was a cheap upgrade.

as I passed an employee I noticed she dropped something, she was probably distracted by my amazing beard. it was cash. looked to be a decent amount, at least $100. she was ecstatic that I told her.

instant karma

the grill scanned for $200

700 sq ft of cooking surface, 21 lbs hopper and a searzone :whoo:

http://i.imgur.com/0XWBpF2h.jpg (http://imgur.com/0XWBpF2)

[Joshw]

Looks like a good upgrade, for a good price. Hopefully this one will stay lit.

[PatAttack]

And it comes with two wheels!!:laugh:


Score! Good Karma goes a long way.


Let us know how it cooks.

[tom b]

Put it to work Ninja, report back too...

[smoke ninja]

Put it to work Ninja, report back too...

oh you know it. took that savings and went to Costco. Friday is steak night. picked up a nearly 3 lbs bone in ribeye, prime graded. found a nice packer brisket for the fight next weekend.

http://i.imgur.com/z3h6k4kh.jpg (http://imgur.com/z3h6k4k)

the searzone works great

http://i.imgur.com/KvattSph.jpg (http://imgur.com/KvattSp)

http://i.imgur.com/Ktec7TUh.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ktec7TU)

we let bruno chew on the bone some

http://i.imgur.com/BYmYjw1h.jpg (http://imgur.com/BYmYjw1)

so far so good. temps were pretty tight and the searzone worked better I expected

[Sid Post]

Sweet!

Too bad you couldn't swing a deal to exchange the throwaway Echo for a real weed whacker because HD doesn't sell Stihl :tape: ;^)

I'm a Stihl guy myself but, I'd give up my Stihl weed whackers for more Echo 2620's! Weigh less, easier to put new line in, smoother running, and did I say LIGHTER WEIGHT! That magnesium motor sure is a strong one too!

[Sid Post]

Have read some negative Stihl reviews but figured they were posted by their competition. Your "POS" is the first I've heard from anyone personally or on a message board and has me very curious.

What model? What year? Where did you buy it? What issue(s) cause you to call it a POS?

HEAVY! Clumsy to handle (FS-250 with bicycle handle). Runs like a champ and has a ton of power but, HEAVY! The line trimmer head sucks big time compared to an Echo speedfeed head. The Echo 2620 weighs less than some even smaller weed whackers, it has a lot of power (twice similar class weed whackers) and, is easy on my back, shoulders, and arms.

The Stihl is better with the hard blade and cutting heavy woody weeds. For around the house, Echo all the way!

[Sid Post]

Looks like a good score on a pellet pooper! Nice cooks too!

[pjtexas1]

I guess your hooked on these things. Great deal!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Joshw]

HEAVY! Clumsy to handle (FS-250 with bicycle handle). Runs like a champ and has a ton of power but, HEAVY! The line trimmer head sucks big time compared to an Echo speedfeed head. The Echo 2620 weighs less than some even smaller weed whackers, it has a lot of power (twice similar class weed whackers) and, is easy on my back, shoulders, and arms.

The Stihl is better with the hard blade and cutting heavy woody weeds. For around the house, Echo all the way!

In fairness, that is like comparing a dump truck to a sports car. The FS-250 is designed for heavy hard work. The FS-250 has a 37.7cc engine, designed for cutting heavy brush, the echo you mentioned is 25cc, so of course it is lighter. Stihl also sells smaller, lighter models.

You are right on the head though. If you like autofeeds, the echo head is better. I put a durocut head on my stihl, and love it. Just carry precut pieces of line in your pocket, and replace as needed. You can use a lot heavier line.

[Lawnguy]

https://www.amazon.com/Stens-385-288-Speed-Feed-Trimmer/dp/B008G4GMOU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1538238397&sr=8-14&keywords=stihl+speed+feed+head

[KingRanch450]

You will enjoy it. Pellet poppers have a place in the BBQ Arsenal

[Mikhail]

I will likely get one. I do like the idea of set it and forget it.

Are there still problems with the pellets getting through the augur?

[BMar]

Guess I'm gonna have to resurrect the broken Traeger my dad gifted to me! His was damaged in shipping, so I've just got the barrel and pellet box sitting in the garage, but I think this post convinced me that it has a place in the yard. Ribs look great!

[Woody1911a1]

I will likely get one. I do like the idea of set it and forget it.

Are there still problems with the pellets getting through the augur?

WOW the misinformation on these wonderful machines never ceases to amaze me .

[McSpazatron]

I’ve got a Menards special Yardman 4 stroke trimmer thats been trouble free for at least 6 or 7 years. Have a 3/4 acre yard, but a fair amount of brick border landscaping that makes it earn its keep. For 150ish, not bad.

There was a time I believed only steam powered/coal fire trimmers were the only legit way to maintain my yard. But I guess Ive moved on...

Nice pellet pooper!

[Eujamfh]

Wow - thats a deal. I want to add a pellet cooker to the arsenal but I don't want to pay the price...at that price I would definitely get it to play with another smoking toy.

Ribs look great!

[Hoss]

:decision:

[smoke ninja]

I guess your hooked on these things. Great deal!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

depending on what I sell the traeger for I'm into this whole experience for $200, including pellets. pellet cookers actually fit my cooking theory quite well. I like all wood which pellets are, a clean fire and I am a fan of air flow that the fan provides. I could still get out for close to what I'm in for down the line but I wont. to me this is like the average Joe's gasser. quick and easy. I only use a gas grill when I'm at my parents place. I dont mind it but I dont enjoy it either. I find instead of fitting my style I'm working around the limitations of propane. this will give me ease of use without the compromise of workarounds

I will likely get one. I do like the idea of set it and forget it.

Are there still problems with the pellets getting through the augur?

my little traeger flamed out a few times. probably wasn't the auge. I believe it was the traeger brand pellets. after I switched it operated better. there are a lot of good brands, the best are not sold at big box stores.

Wow - thats a deal. I want to add a pellet cooker to the arsenal but I don't want to pay the price...at that price I would definitely get it to play with another smoking toy.

Ribs look great!


check Walmart for some sales. the pitboss was tagged for $300 but rang up for 200.

alot of folks here use brickseek to find deals, I know I'm not the only one to find one for this price. it's late in bbq clearance season but you can still get lucky

[Czarbecue]

Is there any risk of the pooper going out in the middle of a cook? I hate that about my gasser. I used it this week for an overnight session for a work pot luck. Came out to check on it after 3 hours and it was out, chamber temp at 195. Not sure how long it was sitting with no fire. My guess was a gust of wind blew out the burner. Ended up throwing all the rib tips into a pan and tossed it into the oven to finish.

[smoke ninja]

Is there any risk of the pooper going out in the middle of a cook? I hate that about my gasser. I used it this week for an overnight session for a work pot luck. Came out to check on it after 3 hours and it was out, chamber temp at 195. Not sure how long it was sitting with no fire. My guess was a gust of wind blew out the burner. Ended up throwing all the rib tips into a pan and tossed it into the oven to finish.

to be honest yes. there's a multitude of things that can go wrong during a cook to cause the fire to go out on a pellet cooker. power outages, tunneling, flameouts, blown fuses, mechanical malfunctions. quite frankly I'd sleep better running a naturally aspirated uds than pellets. unattended cooks definitely need a remote thermometer with an alarm. I gave my Mavericks away for lack of need, good excuse to try out the smoke.

the relight process for a flameout is rather a pain in the arse. the food grates and diffuser need to be removed, the firepot cleaned out and the cooker relit. failure to clear the pot can result in a backfire.

[Czarbecue]

the relight process for a flameout is rather a pain in the arse. the food grates and diffuser need to be removed, the firepot cleaned out and the cooker relit. failure to clear the pot can result in a backfire.


Well FARK that.

[dadsr4]

to be honest yes. there's a multitude of things that can go wrong during a cook to cause the fire to go out on a pellet cooker. power outages, tunneling, flameouts, blown fuses, mechanical malfunctions. quite frankly I'd sleep better running a naturally aspirated uds than pellets. unattended cooks definitely need a remote thermometer with an alarm. I gave my Mavericks away for lack of need, good excuse to try out the smoke.

the relight process for a flameout is rather a pain in the arse. the food grates and diffuser need to be removed, the firepot cleaned out and the cooker relit. failure to clear the pot can result in a backfire.
Makes pouring in more lit charcoal sound a better option. But gadgets are fun to play with.

[retfr8flyr]

If you get a quality cooker with a PID controller, it's really pretty much set and forget. Flameouts are a rare occurrence, as are the other pellet related problems, with a PID controller.