Smoker/grill/barbecue?

[Grumpy_one]

Is there a good combo unit or should I get separate barbecue smoker? I'm looking to get a new barbecue, and was thinking of a good combo unit that wont cost me a mortgage or two. I went to Target, Sears, Hometown Hearth & Grill, and Home Depot. The barbecue I liked the most was the Charmglow 36,000 btu unit at Homedepot. What about these Traeger smokers for an ungoddly amount of money? Thanks

[Bill Monroe]

I'm about take the Traeger dive because a friend says it's the best cooking (and smoking) device he's ever seen.

[fish_on]

Trager for a combo, Weber for a stand alone BBQ (I have a propane one you can have if you want it) smokey mountain smoker for a stand alone smoker.

[HOGGEMIN]

Treger hands down there is no better ...........

[Fish'nDude]

I have recently just went through the same process looking for a unit as you.
After checking with others that have them, I decided to spend the money on the Trager, you won't regret it. Can't burn anything, everything taste fantastic that comes out of it and you also have the combo barbecue/smoker you want.
Built local, Mt Angel Oregon,(not China). Excellent quality, service and 3 yr. warranty. As with alot of things, you get what you pay for.
Just my 02.

[lentz]

I know alot of people that like the Trager. I went with the Weber because of the type of BBQ'ing that i do. The Weber's have a good warranty. The outer case has a 20 year warranty. Some of the other things a about 2 or 3 years. One word of advice is to get one with the stainless steel cooking grates. I paid 475.00 last year for mine.

[Grumpy_one]

One word of advice is to get one with the stainless steel cooking grates. I paid 475.00 last year for mine.

Thats what I like about the Charmglow at HD. It's one of the only ones with a ss grate under 600.00 at 349.00. My neighbor has a Traeger and loves it. I just couldn't see spending over 600.00 on a grill. But as I'm learning, it's a helleva smoker. I spent 50.00 on my last weber that cooked my steak's to perfection (coal). I really want to get away from gas. I had a cheap smoker also, cooked my Thanksgiving turkey to perfection as well (all day event). Search goes on....thanks

[fishboys]

Treager, hands down the best

[Tilla]

Traeger will change your life!

[lentz]

Since i never looked into the workings of the Treager i don't know much about how they work, but don't they take alot of time to get to the proper tempurature since they use pellets. Do most people use them as a smoker rather than just a BBQ. Just thought that i would ask. I'm sure that you Treager guys will set me straght, thanks.

[Thumper]

I'm sure that you Treager guys will set me straght, thanks.

Traeger does it all. Takes maybe 20% longer to BBQ since there are no flames.

Ever notice that nobody who has a Traeger ever says they are switching back to propane or charcoal?

[PapaHog]

Since i never looked into the workings of the Treager i don't know much about how they work, but don't they take alot of time to get to the proper tempurature since they use pellets. Do most people use them as a smoker rather than just a BBQ. Just thought that i would ask. I'm sure that you Treager guys will set me straght, thanks.

:lurk:

[PDXSteelhead]

for a grill/bbq i'd go with a offset firebox. I bought one at Home Depot last year for around $150 and it works great (it's my second one, the first I had to buy in Texas). I can have a fire in the firebox and get some nice smoke around 225 degrees or put charcoal in the main chamber and grill burgers (not at the same time, of course).



Slow/Cold smoking is hard to beat the Big or Little Chief.

We have to define the words used, because some people get BBQ and Grilling mixed up:

Grill - cooked w/ high/direct heat (>350 degrees)
BBQ - slow smoked w/ low/indirect heat (between 200 and 250)
Smoked - really low tempurature smoking (<200)


I'd go with the offset, you can buy a Big Chief too and it'll still be less than the Traeger. Plus, no special pellets to buy. I've used prunning from my neighbors cherry orchard before to cook, and it was great.

Just my

[Mrduckman]

Traeger, 2nd to none!!!

[MetalHead]

for a grill/bbq i'd go with a offset firebox. I bought one at Home Depot last year for around $150 and it works great. I can have a fire in the firebox and get some nice smoke around 225 degrees or put charcoal in the main chamber and grill burgers (not at the same time, of course).


thats a great grill nothing beats charcoal/wood for BBQ cast iron grates seasoned right dont stick and are easy to clean and maintain.
Use a Smokey Mountian propane smoker you can get both for alot less than a trager
Slow/Cold smoking is hard to beat the Big or Little Chief.

[freespool]

I'd go with the offset, you can buy a Big Chief too and it'll still be less than the Traeger. Plus, no special pellets to buy.

Traeger pellets work better in the Big%Little Chief smokers, than the dust that Luhr Jensen recommends.
Plus they come in many flavors.
They also work with my Webber Smokey Mtn. BBQ



salmon hugger

[chromer]

Traeger is a very nice unit. I have been using one for about a year now and love it. If you like to barbeque slow, with low heat, this is THE unit for you. I have upgraded mine to include a digital thermostat to control heat so its just like using an oven. Just set the temperature and a timer, then crack a cold one.

The ribs that come off of this thing are absolutely amazing! And, my family can't get enough of salmon babequed on the Treager. It adds just enough of a smoke flavor, with no planks or added mess of pans or chips.

Because you can dial the heat, smoking is quite easy. Traeger also makes racks to add capacity. It only takes about 4 hours as opposed to the 6 - 8 of a Big Chief. I have used a Big Chief for years and IMO the Treager does just as good of a job. Not quite the capacity and maybe a little lighter smoke flavor, but I don't like an over powering smoke any way.

Fire up time - trip the switch and in 5 - 10 minutes its at 400 degrees.

Treager also has an excellent line of shakes, rubs and sauces. Even if you don't buy one of their barbeques I highly recommend trying a slab of Springer with their Salmon Shake and apricot barbeque sauce. EXCELLENT!!!

The Traeger does take a little getting used to. It uses pellets and requires electricity which is not available at all locations so I have kept the old Weber around for those occasions. Their pellets are available at several locations in the Portland area, but I would think they could be hard to find outside of the metro area.

So my one gripe, the paint is starting to peal off of mine. Its stored on a covered patio and under a Treager cover. Its never been subjected to rain or any inclement weather. I've contacted Treager and they say just bring it in (glad I live in western Oregon) and they'll repaint it. Just kind of a pain when you lay down $700 for a barbeque. My wife likes to point out the $300 Weber is ten years old and the paint is fine!

Overall I am very pleased with the Treager and it can do it all. Hot and fast for steaks, medium-low with good smoke for ribs, and low with lots of smoke for smoking fish, hams, and turkeys.

I would characterize it as an outstanding barbeque that you can smoke with. Mine gets a lot of use and I really do enjoy how easy it is to use, the flavor, and no flames or flare-ups.

Oh yeah, I need directions to Mt. Angel! JK! ;-)

[El-Kabong]

all can be summaried in three words

Traeger, Traeger, Traeger

More expensive them some true, but worth every penny. And what other grill can you have a 3 yr old light for you?

Check them out, you will be glad you did.

EK

[brshooter]

Sometimes a picture says it all!

[flyfish101]

Costco has some mighty nice BBQs and smokers right now. Might be worth a look.

[El-Kabong]

brshooter,

excellent choice! we have the same model, simply the best

[Thumper]

Wow --- All political persuasions choose Traeger!

[yankemnbankem]

Im getting a Traeger. Our bbq blew off the deck in the last heavy windstorm and my wife wanted to just go out and get another bbq and I said nope......gotta be a Traeger. Just happens my mother in law can get traegers at dealer cost. Now, which one should I buy....mmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Grumpy_one]

Just happens my mother in law can get traegers at dealer cost. Now, which one should I buy....mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Without asking to get dealer cost for me, but what is the dealer cost?

[El-Kabong]

Thumper,

quality eating transcends partisan politics! Stated another way, you can barbecue with us or against us.

[Gus Orviston]

Can traegers grill ok? And what I mean is 550 degree searing of a steak for salmon filet, and tuna. That is type of grilling I like to do, and then of course low and slow for ribs. Clearly it does the low and slow, but can it get real hot?

gus

[Thumper]

Can traegers grill ok? And what I mean is 550 degree searing of a steak for salmon filet, and tuna.

Nope.

[boxofrain]

I am TEXAN and my mouth is watering, stop this thread before I die from water loss!
I wish I could afford the big boys but I am very happy with my small BRINKMAN smokin' grill. I can roast, bake, smoke, grill,BBQ with or without water for moisture.
I start the day with charcoal to get the fire going but only add wood chips from there on out.
It is small compared to some but with the wife and I only it's just right.

[Geemo]

Traeger is our choice.

We have a BBQ-100. It has a powercoat finish not paint. The finish is not coming off, it's just fine. We have had this one for about three years and use it all the time.

Spend the bucks and go Treager! You'll be glad you did.

Geemo

[PDXSteelhead]

Depending on what you want to spend, I'd find a way to get this one from New Braunfels Smoker Company.

[Jobu]

I own the "Executive" model bbq-125. i love this beast and use it all the time. That said i am also having paint issues with it. Traeger sent me some touch up spray paint, but for 2k the paint should be of better quality. still love it, and would never use anything else.

[MacFish]

If I had to do it again, I would probably look harder at the Treager, but I bought a Weber a few years ago and have loved it. The three burners allow for indirect heat and an added benefit is that the side burner is the perfect temp for frying razor clams and getting the grease and smoke out of the house

[Tilla]

Can traegers grill ok? And what I mean is 550 degree searing of a steak for salmon filet, and tuna.

Searing?

Warmup for 15 minutes...8 minutes a side!


Thumper and I can only stand each other in the same boat due to our mutual admiration of Traeger! Whatta guy!

[Thumper]

Thumper and I can only stand each other in the same boat due to our mutual admiration of Traeger! Whatta guy!

AND the fact that I showed him all my secret spots on the NF Lewis, which he then studied for years, got better than me, and now hogs the whole danged river with his creepy Oregon friends in his giant Big Bazooba Boat. But am I upset? Noooooo. Not me! Not a bit. Does he ever drop off a fish? Nooooo. Owwwww. Gotta headache now.

[SeaSparrow]

Why not have the best of all worlds! We have a Big chief for smoking fish only, a Weber bullet for mammals/avian species and a gas grill for everyday burgers and such. Works well for less than the price of a Traeger. My only concern about the Traeger is if you smoke fish in it, will subsequent burgers and such taste 'fishy'. How easy is it to clean out the accumulation of smoked smells or is there an accumulation? (I think of apparentgenius's smoker that used to be a WHITE refrigerator! :blush: )

[Thumper]

How easy is it to clean out the accumulation of smoked smells or is there an accumulation?

To clean the Traeger, remove the grill and set aside. I never clean the grill. It burns clean and only needs an occasional brushing. Remove the large splash plate between burner and grill. Remove the heavy duty aluminum foil that covers the plate. Replace the foil. Re-assemble. Takes about 5 minutes.

No lingering odors.

[Jobu]

you MUST line the drip tray with foil. it makes cleanup a snap. Love thy Traeger and thou shalt be rewarded.

[DucterJim]

Another vote for Trager, I have had mine for 10years. It is great on anything cooked on indirect heat. But I find it not very good for steaks and use a gas grill for those. Easy clean up, no lingering odors, no flare ups and like it for smoking better than my expensive Bradley smoker. What I can't beleive is that not more of these are sold, not the best marketers and price can be a barrier. Its worth the drive to Mt. Angel to deal direct and see all the models and the pellets should be cheaper there.

[Tilla]

They don't sell units/pellets any longer out of Mt Angel. But they service and do rebuilds there.
Saw them taking in a real oldie for rebuild. Now maybe some would not be impressed with taking their BBQ down to be fixed or rebuilt, but service is what I look for these days.A $100 bucks one way or another doesn't mean much as far as cost of the BBQ. Value to me means something more than price.(just like Amerman eggs)

[Tilla]

AND the fact that I showed him all my secret spots on the NF Lewis, which he then studied for years, got better than me, and now hogs the whole danged river with his creepy Oregon friends in his giant Big Bazooba Boat. But am I upset? Noooooo. Not me! Not a bit. Does he ever drop off a fish? Nooooo. Owwwww. Gotta headache now.

Someone had to show Thumper you just can't float Helter Shelter down the crick and expect to get limits before noon. There is a science involved. But it's nice to see like the last time I saw him that he is still taking lessons at his age.

[Bill Monroe]

Someone had to show Thumper you just can't float Helter Shelter down the crick and expect to get limits before noon. There is a science involved. But it's nice to see like the last time I saw him that he is still taking lessons at his age.

HELLOOOooo, you two...
I bought a Traeger....
I'd like to fish the NF Lewis...
For some reason, no one will show me any secret spots.

[Troutinator]

So many options, so little time...

I judge BBQ contests. I have judged product from every conceivable cooking device from 55 gallon drums to $30K pits that are trailered all over the nation following the bbq trail. I LOVE BBQ!
Here's one guys opinion...

Traeger makes a heck of a nice BBQ/Smoker. I don't consider it a grill since grilling is defined as cooking over direct coals/fire. There are more and more Tragers and other pellet burners being used in contests every year. They can turn out some winning product in the right hands. One thing of note... none of the top teams use Trager pellets. There are better, cleaner, purer and as it happens...cheaper pellets out there for the BBQ gourmet. To keep the cost of a Traeger in perspective, look up "FE100" on the web. These Fast Eddie cookers are AMAZING... A whole different level of pellet burner and probably the fastest growing cooker I have observed at contests.

The texas offset pit is a great choice. You can grill, bbq or smoke. I have two of them. They are NOT flip a switch easy... But I think the tending of a stick burner as they are called is part of the fun. You will NOT get the excellent temperature regulation of a pellet burner.. but that is part of the challenge!

Perhaps the single most versatile and easy to use combo unit is a Weber Smokey Mountain. I would venture to say more awards have been handed out for product coming off a WSM than any other device. Walk the contestant area at any BBQ contest and start counting WSM's. It's incredible. And the price is VERY attractive... look for them on sale for right around $200. And... because they are so popular with bbq pro's, there are many many sites dedicated to the use of the WSM.

Personally... I have never found the perfect combo unit. But that's just me. So I have two New Braunfel's Black Diamonds, one WSM and one big honkin' gas grill just for steaks and burgers.

Best of luck to you and try to attend one of the premier BBQ events in Oregon this year. It's a blast!

The above is just my opinion. If you don't agree, feel free to tell me all about it but don't flame me for it!

[7066]

Hope your neighbors pruning did not include the insecticides and other spraying.

[flapbreaker]

If you find it difficult to get a consistant product off a grill like myself you will love a treager. Seriously, you don't have to "manage" the BBQ. I put steaks on and set a timer for a certain number of minutes per side. I never have to check to make sure they aren't on fire.

For those that live on the west side of the portland area and would like to try one out you should give "home town hearth and grill" a call. they have a traeger that they use. You might be able to take your steak out there and cook it just to see if it's up to your standards.


One thing to consider is they all use the same firebox so if you buy a larger unit it will take longer to reach temperature and of course it will use more pellets. You can actually fit a lot of food in their smallest unit.