Considering Pellet grill

Traegers, Green Mountain, Smokin Tex and all other Pellet and Wood Chip Smokers

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Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Sun Jul 02, 2017 11:06 am

Hey Guys,
I was on here quite a bit a few years ago, but now cant remember my old user name and password so all my old stuff is no longer available to me unless I stumble upon it. Anyway, I am going to add a pellet grill to my arsenal. I have my wifes approval to spend 1000.00 out the door so I am looking for the experts opinion. I have a Bayou Classic ceramic smoker (like a xl Big Green Egg), A Johnsons Compact Ultimate Patio reverse flow stick burner, and a PK Grill for steaks and such. I want a set it and forget it option like the Yoder, Rec Tec, or Green Mountain pellet grill. With a $1000 I'm afraid I can't get the Yoder unless I find used. Would anyone care to advise? What, and Why. I would like it to have at least the capacity for a couple 12-14 lb briskets and a couple slabs of St. Louis. Thanks
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby OldUsedParts » Sun Jul 02, 2017 11:20 am

Welcome back, Outlaw, maybe another Deputy can help you with finding your former log-in stuff but I am not qualified to go looking. Now, you mentioned getting a Pellet Pooper - - - great idea and, thanks to Bobcat, this topic has been discussed recently on this thread viewtopic.php?f=71&t=29396

Chasdev, also has a good thread on choosing one at this thread.
viewtopic.php?p=244223#p244223

All of these are recent and talk about the recent equipment also :tup:
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby bobcat1 » Sun Jul 02, 2017 12:22 pm

2nd cook is going now. I did a lot of research and could not justify the Yoder or the Mak 1. I bought the Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill. It's a bigun! I have 2 chickens cut in half 2 racks of ribs a pork tenderloin and a brisket cooking now. I ordered the jerky rack to get a bigger second shelf. They are pretty flimsy and will do but I know I will eventually have one made that will fit the brackets where the shelf I use goes. Another 2nd thought is the controller. I will probably order a PID controller next. Another $175. I ordered the Lava tape to seal it better around the lid. I needed this big cooker to feed my 4 boys, their wives and 10 grandkids. Could have bout a stick burner but I sure like sitting in the AC watching my Maverick 733 temperature monitor. Lots of decisions and compromises since the wife put that budget on you. I was not thrilled with the Camp Chef pellets.

Good luck on your decision. Hop on in!
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:02 am

Ok, after reading everything on here and a couple other places I have narrowed my search down to this one. I know it's a few bucks over my $1000 budget with the shipping (169.00) to my house, but I honestly can't find another in this price range with the build quality, PID controller, large hopper, and sear capabilities. I am going to wait till after the forth to order it in hope someone here has this unit and can give me some feedback. All the reviews seem great, and another bonus is it is in stock. Let me know what you think guys.

http://www.rectecgrills.com/rec-tec-woo ... ll-rt-680/
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby Okie Sawbones » Mon Jul 03, 2017 11:18 am

Rec Tec makes an excellent grill.
KCBS - CBJ
PNWBA - CBJ
Jambo Clone, Primo Oval XL, Blaz'n Grills Pellet Stove, Weber 22.5", Lynx SS Grill, The Big Easy
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby bondobill » Mon Jul 03, 2017 12:33 pm

I have had the RecTec 680 for better then a year now. Has ran flawlessly. Temp holds within a degree or two of set temp. Also like the 5 degrees increments of temp settings.
Great customer service.
Big grilling area. I've done as many as 6 11lb pork butts at one time. Last Tday I did a 23 turkey spatchcocked and still had room to spare.
I made my own upper rack for mine. Works fantastic for brisket with a water pan placed directly below it on the lower grille.

Good luck and good choice.
BTW
One down side is its puny wheels. I replaced mine with larger ones.
Bill
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:09 pm

bondobill wrote:I have had the RecTec 680 for better then a year now. Has ran flawlessly. Temp holds within a degree or two of set temp. Also like the 5 degrees increments of temp settings.
Great customer service.
Big grilling area. I've done as many as 6 11lb pork butts at one time. Last Tday I did a 23 turkey spatchcocked and still had room to spare.
I made my own upper rack for mine. Works fantastic for brisket with a water pan placed directly below it on the lower grille.

Good luck and good choice.
BTW
One down side is its puny wheels. I replaced mine with larger ones.
Bill


Could you perhaps share a pic of your upper rack and the upgraded wheels? I rarely move anything around once it is in place, but worth considering. Thanks
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby OldUsedParts » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:04 pm

Dang you, Wild Bill, when you mentioned that upper rack my :idea: came on and now I have ordered me a cast iron rack that will fit my Pit Boss el Cheapo and all I'll have to do is add some Redneck Legs. It's not something I'll use a lot but, since I have a small unit and two racks of bonz are max it just may come in handy later on. :tup: :salut: Sorry Outlaw, I'll s'hup now :whiteflag:
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby bondobill » Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:29 pm

Yoo outlaw
The upr rack I made out of some spare grilles I had laying around. They where 13" x 21". I shortened one and welded them together using 1/4" round stock steel bars as the base and the legs. The legs set on the existing factory ledge for the grilles.
I only changed out the rear wheels. They are 1 1/2" higher overall and a bunch wider. Front wheels are factory I just drilled the front mount brackets higher on the bracket to keep the grille level.
If you ain't planning on moving your grille over the lawn the stock wheels are more then suffice for moving it around on your wood or concrete deck.
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg


Upper grille dimensions are 32 1/2" x 13"

Haven't dared use it yet in the RecTec but one day I was bored and built a redneck rib rack out of stainless commercial oven racks. It'll hold 14 racks of oink bones
image.jpeg




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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:42 pm

bondobill wrote:Yoo outlaw
The upr rack I made out of some spare grilles I had laying around. They where 13" x 21". I shortened one and welded them together using 1/4" round stock steel bars as the base and the legs. The legs set on the existing factory ledge for the grilles.
I only changed out the rear wheels. They are 1 1/2" higher overall and a bunch wider. Front wheels are factory I just drilled the front mount brackets higher on the bracket to keep the grille level.
If you ain't planning on moving your grille over the lawn the stock wheels are more then suffice for moving it around on your wood or concrete deck.
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg


Upper grille dimensions are 32 1/2" x 13"

Haven't dared use it yet in the RecTec but one day I was bored and built a redneck rib rack out of stainless commercial oven racks. It'll hold 14 racks of oink bones
image.jpeg




Bill


I agree, I think I can get away without the wheel upgrade, just have to build it on the deck. My stick burner only had small wheels and it weighed 790lbs and was a b***h to move on the yard. LOL I'm assuming this will come in boxes and I can open in the garage and carry components to the deck. I hope so.
I have some commercial rib racks from other smokers that will give me about 8 slabs, and I rarely do that many ribs. I do like to smoke stuffed jalapenos and mac and cheese though so that is what I was thinking about the second rack for. Thanks for all your help Sir.
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby OldUsedParts » Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:43 pm

A free standing unit is just what I'm thinking of, Wild Bill. I found and ordered one from Lowe's that is the perfect size and that I'll put four legs on. I'll probably make the legs from long bolts, nuts and washers so I can adjust the height until I get it just right for my little unit.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Griller-R ... te/4076274
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:46 pm

OldUsedParts wrote:A free standing unit is just what I'm thinking of, Wild Bill. I found and ordered one from Lowe's that is the perfect size and that I'll put four legs on. I'll probably make the legs from long bolts, nuts and washers so I can adjust the height until I get it just right for my little unit.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Griller-R ... te/4076274


I was just about to say you were going to have some issues with that being cast iron and coated for welding, but your idea of bolts (or maybe all thread) should do nicely.
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby OldUsedParts » Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:04 pm

all thread is definitely a consideration - - - especially since I already have a stick :D
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby outlaw » Fri Jul 07, 2017 8:02 am

outlaw wrote:
bondobill wrote:I have had the RecTec 680 for better then a year now. Has ran flawlessly. Temp holds within a degree or two of set temp. Also like the 5 degrees increments of temp settings.
Great customer service.
Big grilling area. I've done as many as 6 11lb pork butts at one time. Last Tday I did a 23 turkey spatchcocked and still had room to spare.
I made my own upper rack for mine. Works fantastic for brisket with a water pan placed directly below it on the lower grille.

Good luck and good choice.
BTW
One down side is its puny wheels. I replaced mine with larger ones.
Bill


Could you perhaps share a pic of your upper rack and the upgraded wheels? I rarely move anything around once it is in place, but worth considering. Thanks


I'm expecting my grill first of next week. I have read the owners manual, but was curious if you did, or recommend, anything further. I noticed in some of your pics there was foil on some surfaces. Also, on my stick burner when I seasoned it the first time I sprayed veg oil liberally over all inside surfaces and allowed that to cook in. Took what would have been a few months worth of seasoning job down to a couple hrs. Any hints you can share would be very grateful.
Bayou Classic Ceramic
PK (Portable Kitchen) Grill
Johnsons Ultimate Compact Patio Smoker
Yoder YS640 Pellet Grill
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Re: Considering Pellet grill

Postby bondobill » Fri Jul 07, 2017 10:10 am

outlaw wrote:
outlaw wrote:
bondobill wrote:I have had the RecTec 680 for better then a year now. Has ran flawlessly. Temp holds within a degree or two of set temp. Also like the 5 degrees increments of temp settings.
Great customer service.
Big grilling area. I've done as many as 6 11lb pork butts at one time. Last Tday I did a 23 turkey spatchcocked and still had room to spare.
I made my own upper rack for mine. Works fantastic for brisket with a water pan placed directly below it on the lower grille.

Good luck and good choice.
BTW
One down side is its puny wheels. I replaced mine with larger ones.
Bill


Could you perhaps share a pic of your upper rack and the upgraded wheels? I rarely move anything around once it is in place, but worth considering. Thanks


I'm expecting my grill first of next week. I have read the owners manual, but was curious if you did, or recommend, anything further. I noticed in some of your pics there was foil on some surfaces. Also, on my stick burner when I seasoned it the first time I sprayed veg oil liberally over all inside surfaces and allowed that to cook in. Took what would have been a few months worth of seasoning job down to a couple hrs. Any hints you can share would be very grateful.


As far as seasoning the smoker I just followed the instruction. Didn't use any oil on the inside if I remember right.
I foil the drip pan and change that out after every cook.
I did recently seal the lid. Really don't know if it has helped much tho. Smoker maintained a even temp without the seal. With the seal I'm not loosing smoke and heat out of the top of the lid anymore
Do a test run to see if the actual temp is the same as what you have the smoker temp set at.Mine was off bout 20 degress when I got it. I called tech support on the issue and they walked me thru setting the controller to another program. Took about 5 minutes on the phone and ever since then the controller temp is spot on with the actual temp.There reasoning for the temp difference is cause they set them at thier factory in Georgia and depending on where you are located they may need to be put on a different setting for your area.
For additional smoke devices I use the Amazin smoker 12" tubes. Take up less room then the square ones and I have 3 of the tubes and I just change them out when one burns out.
The large mojo bricks work great also. I'll place one or two of them on the heat deflector plate. I buy them by the 10 lb box from the manufacture .

Assembly goes pretty easy. I did mine by myself but it would have gone much faster with another person. Installing the legs on the barrel was a pain by myself, trying to maneuver
that beast ain't fun.

:cheers:

Bill

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