Question What is the best pellet smoker?

[Neal]

The way the legs fold up it makes a good carry/lift handle and if there are two of you then it's even easier, grab each end and it's a non-issue. There is a lift handle on one side (pellet box) and the chimney (good handle) on the other. It fits in my slideout bay with no problem. I suggest keep your eyes peeled at your CG visits and if you see one go check it out. It is heavy per se as is the awkward 22in blackstone griddle but you struggle for 1 minute tops and you're done, no struggle if you have help. The cook is worth it. And no mess, just vacuum out the burner box a few times a year, I use my dyson handheld. It's also nice (GMG Davey Crockett) in that it comes with 12V battery alligator clips so you can take it to any other destination too and use for tailgating, etc. which is what it's designed for.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Look for one that has stainless burner box, My next one will have one.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Hey y’all. Glad to hear the positive comments on the GMG and their WiFi app. Thank you; I was contracted by GMG years ago to design the first version to send to the programmers and love to see it grow and gain popularity! They are one FANTASTIC COMPANY!!

The issue with the Davey Crockett can be the height and weight. It’s a bit unwieldy for one person.

Instead, I’ve been carrying the Camp Chef Pursuit, which fits PERFECTLY sideways in my half bay next to the tool bay! It has folding “lambs legs”, I call them, kinda like a gurney. The handles on each END make it MUCH easier to lift with two people. What’s great with the Pursuit is that you DO NOT have to extend the legs to use it; just set it on a table or ground. The ash pot dump is INGENIOUS and can be done with a pull of a lever...not taking the grill apart to vacuum out!!! The grill and hopper lids are secured with travel latches...brilliant! As to the grilling features, it does an excellent job. The sliding shield for Direct Flame is a good feature that sets it apart.

Only thing with these baby smokers, is they won’t get to super high temps, ie 500+. But, I’ve seared and cooked everything in them beautifully.

If you need a great resource, I highly recommend my great friend and fellow RV-er @Ericrowley18. He is the quintessential Grill Geek and, so much so, he started a business In 2012 called TheBBQHQ and now carries dozen of lines and grills and supplies. He’s killing it now!

There isn’t a grill Eric hasn’t used and is a wealth of information!!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Instead, I’ve been carrying the Camp Chef Pursuit, which fits PERFECTLY sideways in my half bay

But, again, it weighs in at 82 pounds! That's fine for two capable people to handle, but when you have an older couple, one with two artificial knees and the other a bad back, this kind of weight becomes problematic.

TJ

 

[CaptainGizmo]

But, again, it weighs in at 82 pounds! That's fine for two capable people to handle, but when you have an older couple, one with two artificial knees and the other a bad back, this kind of weight becomes problematic.

TJ

Correct TJ. Trust me, it’s easier to pick up than the DC. Frankly, there isn’t a lightweight pellet grill suitable for carrying in an RV.
For this reason, Eric is going to start carrying a PK Grill in his trailer. He loves the ease of use and it’s SO light to carry and move. But, it’s still charcoal, and doesn’t have the computer controlled “set it and forget it” that people have come to enjoy with the pellet grills.

Eric and I have toyed with developing a pellet grill on a slide out which would never have to be removed. Unfortunately, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome; from space to weight to enough clearance so your rig won’t get smoked up.

So, we continue to lift the 80 pound Pursuit which is not that bad for us right now. What’s so nice about our community, is that there always seems to be a kind person to help you out. Just toss them a rib or two for thanks. ?

 

[whereRVapp]

I carry a Traeger Ranger in our Bay Star. It works incredibly well and couldn’t be easier to use. The upside is all that is hyped with the Traeger line. The downside is cooking real estate. It has limited space so multiple racks of ribs are a non-starter. Same with a hole turkey. But it does well for grilling over “wood” fire or smoking pork butts, whole chickens, or a rack of ribs.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I carry a Traeger Ranger in our Bay Star. It works incredibly well and couldn’t be easier to use. The upside is all that is hyped with the Traeger line. The downside is cooking real estate. It has limited space so multiple racks of ribs are a non-starter. Same with a hole turkey. But it does well for grilling over “wood” fire or smoking pork butts, whole chickens, or a rack of ribs.

Can it do a whole brisket? Or, at least a whole "flat."

TJ

 

[whereRVapp]

Can it do a whole brisket? Or, at least a whole "flat."

TJ

TJ,

We have cooked a 3+ pound brisket and there was room to spare. Probably not a whole lot of room but it was big enough for four people with leftovers. I’m amateur enough to not know enough smoking jargon to know the size of a whole flat. Since we are a gasser I can’t go bigger but it works very well.

Bill

 

[murphysranch]

I love my used tailgater Traeger. I bought it at a campsite. Last night I marinated some Columbia River steelhead trout in a small amount of Italian Dressing. Then smoked for 40 min and cooked for another 10. Also sliced up some homegrown yellow squash, partially precooked and then on the smoker with the steelhead. Heavenly dinner! I buy the Traeger pellets at Costco.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

TJ,

We have cooked a 3+ pound brisket and there was room to spare. Probably not a whole lot of room but it was big enough for four people with leftovers. I’m amateur enough to not know enough smoking jargon to know the size of a whole flat. Since we are a gasser I can’t go bigger but it works very well.

Bill

Thanks, Bill. That would be enough for a nice brisket sandwich for me; LadyDi might have to have toasted cheese though. Yes, I do love my brisket!

Just for information, the whole brisket is made up of two parts; the "flat" (generally, the larger part) and the "point," a muscle section that lays on top of the flat until separated. Most folks prefer the "flat" if not cooking a full brisket. And, the "flat" is more commonly found in the meat section of supermarkets. Dedicated butcher shops will probably have a full brisket, if preferred.

TJ

 

[NWIP]

@TJ&LadyDi I have done a whole brisket on my GMG DC Cutting the flat off at the point. I have a rack insert by GMG and use, which allows me to rotate the sections which works great since the point is thinner.

I always have Lisa help moving the grill but is easily done. Lisa gets the handle on the end of the hopper and I use the handle. If stored in the basement on a slide I think it would be something you and Lady Di could handle.

 

[whereRVapp]

Thanks, Bill. That would be enough for a nice brisket sandwich for me; LadyDi might have to have toasted cheese though. Yes, I do love my brisket!

Just for information, the whole brisket is made up of two parts; the "flat" (generally, the larger part) and the "point," a muscle section that lays on top of the flat until separated. Most folks prefer the "flat" if not cooking a full brisket. And, the "flat" is more commonly found in the meat section of supermarkets. Dedicated butcher shops will probably have a full brisket, if preferred.

TJ

Thanks for my lesson! I love good brisket but haven’t got to the point of doing as well as BBQ joints.

 

[redbaron]

The ranger lists heavier than the scout. The difference is the included skillet. This has a lot of weight to it. Removing the skillet, the unit is much lighter, and easier moved. Far easier than the tailgater.

 

[whereRVapp]

The ranger lists heavier than the scout. The difference is the included skillet. This has a lot of weight to it. Removing the skillet, the unit is much lighter, and easier moved. Far easier than the tailgater.

I forgot about the griddle. It is definitely added weight. I don’t use it since I carry a Blackstone.

 

[Gizmo]

I have the Traeger at home and the GM in the coach and both are WIFI. I like the GM better because I can build my profile to my liking. I do Ribs at 411 which I built my custom profile of 4 hours at 225 then alarm - wrap with brown sugar, butter, and agave back on the grill for another hour at 275 - then unwrap with BBQ sauce at 325 then set to keep warm. I have not found a way to build a custom profile with the Treager.