Which pellet smoker to buy for my dad's retirement?

[Kabuki Jo]

So my dad is finally gonna retire and I am gonna buy him a smoker so he can finally take up the greatest of all hobbies... smokin meat and bbq-ing.

I have a Traeger, and I have been very happy with it. I know there are a lot of different kinds out there and a lot of you have them.

I'm looking to spend about $400-800 on one. Which will be the best way to go? I need help because I am not up to date on all the new models and changes etc. etc. from the past.

Thanks Brethren!

EDIT* - Looking for a minimum of 400 sq. in. cooking capacity, does not need a direct flame, probes and wifi would be nice but not necessary

[Joshw]

What size grill are you wanting, and what features? That will make a big determination of brand for that price.

[Kabuki Jo]

What size grill are you wanting, and what features? That will make a big determination of brand for that price.

I would say I am looking for a quality product that is sturdy, has a minimum of 400 square inches of cooking capacity, and isn't too complex to use. My old man would prefer the "set it and forget it" type unlike some smokers out there. As far as high tech cool new features... makes no difference there.

[rwalters]

Yep, more details would probably return better recommendations :)

By the way, what a nice gesture towards your dad! Well done!!

With that said, for the average backyard guy, I think it would be hard to beat the Grilla Grills Silverbac if you are after a decent sized smoker. Just note that the Grilla Grills do not offer any direct flame option if that is important to you.

Here’s a helpful video from a guy who did his research, and went with the Grilla:

https://youtu.be/2MggypibvIs

And his thoughts a year later:

https://youtu.be/h_UVCVRbOSA

I think they have the older model that was in this video on sale right now. You’d have to check out their site.

If direct flame were a necessity, based on all that I have read, I am almost certain I’d go with a Camp Chef that offers this ability.

It’s kinda stressful when shopping at your price point... to many options now... lol.

[Kabuki Jo]

Yep, more details would probably return better recommendations :)

By the way, what a nice gesture towards your dad! Well done!!

With that said, for the average backyard guy, I think it would be hard to beat the Grilla Grills Silverbac if you are after a decent sized smoker. Just note that the Grilla Grills do not offer any direct flame option if that is important to you.

Here’s a helpful video from a guy who did his research, and went with the Grilla:

https://youtu.be/2MggypibvIs

And his thoughts a year later:

https://youtu.be/h_UVCVRbOSA

I think they have the older model that was in this video on sale right now. You’d have to check out their site.

If direct flame were a necessity, based on all that I have read, I am almost certain I’d go with a Camp Chef that offers this ability.

It’s kinda stressful when shopping at your price point... to many options now... lol.


Thanks for the input. Yes it is kinda stressful haha. The answer to one of your questions, is no, he will not need the direct flame option. He has a little weber q he loves to do his steaks on for a good sear etc. This grill will be used primarily as a smoker and he will not need an open flame.

[rwalters]

Thanks for the input. Yes it is kinda stressful haha. The answer to one of your questions, is no, he will not need the direct flame option. He has a little weber q he loves to do his steaks on for a good sear etc. This grill will be used primarily as a smoker and he will not need an open flame.
Gotcha! From all that I have read, and from the testimonials that I have seen, I personally think it's gonna be hard to beat the bang for buck of the Grilla Grills Silverbac. I think they have done a great job of putting the heavier gauged metals/stainless/double walled construction in all the right places. Plus, they seem to just be a great company.

I still think my second choice would be a Camp Chef.

I am sure others will be along shortly with other great suggestions! :)

I do not envy your task...lol.

[SmittyJonz]

Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro.

[SmittyJonz]

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262241


https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265973


https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4085431

[pjtexas1]

The Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro is just like your Traeger but with upgrades for basically the same price. In my research i found it to be the best bang for the buck. Better hopper and controller. Thicker metal in the heat diverter and drip pan. Plus you can customize it with all kinds of accessories and upgrades. I think the smallest model will be perfect and it weighs about 40 pounds more than the same size Traeger. Well within the budget.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Joshw]

Gotcha! From all that I have read, and from the testimonials that I have seen, I personally think it's gonna be hard to beat the bang for buck of the Grilla Grills Silverbac. I think they have done a great job of putting the heavier gauged metals/stainless/double walled construction in all the right places. Plus, they seem to just be a great company.

I still think my second choice would be a Camp Chef.

I am sure others will be along shortly with other great suggestions! :)

I do not envy your task...lol.
^^^
In your price range, these two options would certainly be on my short list. Considering reviews, they are probably the best bang for your buck.

Smoke Daddy, is another option. I have only heard about them recently, but they look like a good value. I would probably go ahead and pay up for the Grilla though. Also this time of year, you can get some really good deals on Pit Boss grills. They are certainly not the best, but you can probably pick one up for $300.

[retfr8flyr]

I second the Silverback from Grilla Grills. This is one of the easiest to operate for your father, the controller doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some of the others, it just does the job. The grill is very well built, from quality parts and they have some fantastic customer service. I don't think you could do better without spending lot's more money. The grill owners also have a very active group on Facebook you could check out.

[Kabuki Jo]

Thanks for all the help and the info!

I do see that Green Mountain Grills has a pretty big black Friday deal where they have $200 off on some. Anyone know anything about these grills??

Thanks Brethren

[miked125]

Green mountain Grills are on sale... I have one and thoroughly enjoy it. Someone else has a thread going on the GMG also, http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=266770

[pjtexas1]

I wish i would have taken a harder look at Grilla before. Really nice accessories for a basic model. I didn't care much for the look but that Pro Cart is awesome.

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[electron_si]

Based on price I would say green mountain just because of the bang for your buck. I’ve seen the grills grill reviews go both ways.

[Chaparral]

Take a look at Pit Boss. I picked up the Austin XL from walmart for under 500. It has over 1000 square inches of cooking area. Best part is they now come with a 5 year warranty.

https://pitboss-grills.com/Shop-Pit-Boss/Grills/wood-pellet/austin-xl-wood-pellet-grill-walmart-exclusive

[Joshw]

Dick's Sporting Goods has 25% off and free shipping today. So you can get some pretty good deals on the Camp Chefs, and Pitt Boss.

[BisonGT]

I have had a GMG Daniel Boone (non-WiFi) for a year now and couldn’t be more satisfied. Have done ribs, pork shoulders and salmon many times and all have turned out great. With the Black Friday price of $399, you can’t go wrong.