Time to get a smoker...

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Originally Posted by Ah Pook

After reading this thread, yesterday, I started googling different smokers.

THANX GREY!!! [Rant2]

I've always wanted to build my own but since I still don't have one, this might be a sign that it's time to look at production smokers. A $1000 plus smoker is not in the near future.

The Char-Griller Smokin' Outlaw Charcoal Grill looks interesting. Comes in at under $300. Ample grill surface and a large fire box. Adding some propane burners to the left side would take care of the everyday grilling.

For those who can't leave well enough alone, here is a 20 page thread of mods to the smoker.
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/5...h-firebox-mods

http://static2.ivgstores.com/prodima...0-Bcr-1224.jpg

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A bit late to the party buuuuuut.......we have the CharGriller Duo, very similar to the above but on the left is an additional section that is the gas grill. Great combination. Before I put the side firebox on smoking meat was a pain, I had to use 1/2 a roll of foil to try and channel the smoke. Temps were anywhere from 200-350-a mess.
Added the firebox, got some hi temp silicon and sealed it up. Smoked ribs and brisket for the 4th, temps stayed right at 225.

My MES and AMNPS showed up yesterday. I ran them through the cleaning process and am now ready to start smoking. Not sure what I am going to start with. Maybe some ribs. I really want to cook up a pork butt for pulled pork too. Guess it's time to start experimenting.

Test number one. Attachment 31701

Dont know why that pic came out sideways on my phone.

Found a traeger jr for $350 including shipping. Do I? Or do I not?

No. Go to Ruffs BBQ in Lakewood. The drive will be worth it. He will match Costco pricing at $300 and throw in some freebies as well. He also registers it and gives you all kinds of service if you get it from him. Will even come out to the house and service it in an emergency. He is the BBQ/smoker genius. Also a great guy.
Tell him you were looking to purchase at Costco but want to deal with a local business if possible. I actually returned my Costco purchased traeger and got one from Ruffs because of his price and service.

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Originally Posted by colorider

No. Go to Ruffs BBQ in Lakewood. The drive will be worth it. He will match Costco pricing at $300 and throw in some freebies as well. He also registers it and gives you all kinds of service if you get it from him. Will even come out to the house and service it in an emergency. He is the BBQ/smoker genius. Also a great guy.
Tell him you were looking to purchase at Costco but want to deal with a local business if possible. I actually returned my Costco purchased traeger and got one from Ruffs because of his price and service.

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Also worth mentioning that the Jr. Doesn't come with a digital thermostat, one must be purchased separately for around $80.

I just got a Traeger Lil Texas Elite from my mom, was curious if it would be worth trading up to Texas Grill for $175 more. 1/3 more cooking space but almost twice the BTU. 20,0000 vs 38,0000 for the Tx Grill.
Thoughts?

I guess it depends on how often you're cooking for a small army. I have the optional rack and have easily done 6 racks of pork loin ribs in my Lil Tex Elite. Feeding 15 folks with grilled chicken is no problem, either. More BTU = More Fuel, so consider that as well.

Curious why the BTU increase were so much greater vs the size. Does it get hotter or greater range of temps or ????? Sounds like you are more than happy with your Elite and its been reliable which is a good sign. I heard Traeger was a great brand.

The larger grill would require more BTUs to give similar BTUs per cubic inch.

Love my Traeger.