What are your requirements in a pellet grill?
-Low n slow only, or will you be grilling?
I would love for it to be able to do everything. But the whole 600* isn't necessary, but definitely wouldn't be a negative.
-How cold do the winter months get in your neck of the woods?
most of the time for 2 months may be in the 30's or low 40's so not super cold.
-What types of proteins do you think you'll be cooking most often?
Ribs, chicken, burgers, pork chops,Boston Butts (although it's hard to beat butts on my WSM) and occasional brisket.
-How many people do you feed on a regular basis, and do you enjoy entertaining? What's the highest head count you think you'd be feeding at one time from this cooker?
Normally 3-8 but could get as high as 12 or so (love entertaining and may would do more once I build a house right now we still live in my old single wide former bachelor pad. I also, may would consider taking it from time to time to cook in some competitions.
-When you say that you want something "as easy to clean as possible"... exactly how clean are you talking? Scrape down the drip pan and vacuum out the ash on a regular basis... with the occasional scrape/wipe down of the interior walls? Or are you talking showroom clean after every cook?
I'm not and OCD clean freak by any means, but the whole vacuuming ash out seems to be a headache. I understand if I have to do it, but as little clean up as positive would definitely be a positive.
Let's start there and see where it leads...