Time to get a smoker...

[SouthPaw]

Anyone have experience with GMG Davy Crockett or Traeger Tailgater? We are looking at getting a smoker because are tired of using our George Foreman in the house for mediocre results and having the house stink for days. The GMG seems to be more bang for the buck and that on sale for $279. We are pretty limited on space and it’s primarily going to be just for us, two people so we don’t need to get anything big. I know they always say get one bigger than you think but we really don’t have the room for much.

[Great-Kazoo]

Anyone have experience with GMG Davy Crockett or Traeger Tailgater? We are looking at getting a smoker because are tired of using our George Foreman in the house for mediocre results and having the house stink for days. The GMG seems to be more bang for the buck and that on sale for $279. We are pretty limited on space and it’s primarily going to be just for us, two people so we don’t need to get anything big. I know they always say get one bigger than you think but we really don’t have the room for much.

Untill you want to do 2 racks of ribs, or spatchcock a turkey.

IMO for the money the GMG DC is the way to go. Primarily for them having a side vent, which you could put a flue cover to adjust temps and smoke during colder months.
While the traeger is a little over priced. They have slots cut in the back of the grill for vents. So there's no way to control smoke & temp.
You'll be happier with the GMG.

FYI: pellets in 20lb + bags are cheaper @ SW, walmart, lowes and or HD and of all places (out here) safeway.

[Mtneer]

We are pretty limited on space and it’s primarily going to be just for us, two people so we don’t need to get anything big. I know they always say get one bigger than you think but we really don’t have the room for much.

Do you have a grill now? Reason I ask is you may be able to get rid of it if you get a smoker with a sear burner attachment. The one for the CampChef has been perfect for all the grilling for two of us and occasional guests. So you could possibly have a smoker and grill combo in the same amount of space.

[SouthPaw]

Untill you want to do 2 racks of ribs, or spatchcock a turkey.

IMO for the money the GMG DC is the way to go. Primarily for them having a side vent, which you could put a flue cover to adjust temps and smoke during colder months.
While the traeger is a little over priced. They have slots cut in the back of the grill for vents. So there's no way to control smoke & temp.
You'll be happier with the GMG.

FYI: pellets in 20lb + bags are cheaper @ SW, walmart, lowes and or HD and of all places (out here) safeway.

The GMG definitely looks better on paper. Little bigger hopper, WiFi, 5 degree temp adjustments vs 25* on the traeger, max temp of 500* vs 450* on the traeger and an outlet for the included thermometer. It does say it has a capacity of (2) racks of ribs, (4-6) steaks or (12) burgers which is more than we need. Both have a little footprint which is important. Sportsman’s does have them on sale for $279 and I think a bag of pellets were $14.99.

Do you have a grill now? Reason I ask is you may be able to get rid of it if you get a smoker with a sear burner attachment. The one for the CampChef has been perfect for all the grilling for two of us and occasional guests. So you could possibly have a smoker and grill combo in the same amount of space.

Pretty un-American of me to say but right now, we don’t have anything but a tiny George Foreman type of ‘grill.’ It barely fits two burgers lol. I’ve been looking at reverse searing and it looks like that would be the ticket.

[Gman]

The Traeger Tailgater appears to be what was the Traeger Junior Elite, but with collapsible legs for portability. As GK said, the slotted venting is not optimal. We bought Traeger Junior Elites for my parents and the wife's dad one year. My folks have had a number of issues with theirs. I know from experience that it's difficult to fit a turkey in there. A couple of racks of baby backs wouldn't be a problem. The 3rd one wouldn't have a home unless you used some type of vertical rack inside the grill. The shallow pellet hopper is more prone to feeding issues, especially if you live in a humid area.

If you don't need something portable, I'd find something that's not purpose built to be portable. There are probably better options with a similar footprint that are meant to stay in one place.

ETA: Between those 2 options, I'd go with the GMG DC.

For about 7" more in width than the GMG DC, I compared my Lil Tex Elite 22 dimensions and you get almost double the cooking surface. It's plenty for a brisket, maybe 2 if they weren't huge. 3 racks of baby backs laid out isn't a problem at all. It's enough for the 2 of us.

If it were me, I'd find the total amount of space that I had for the grill and then find as much grill as I could get to fit in that space. You'll likely find that it's difficult to have 'too much grill', especially once you get into it. It's so convenient and easy, you'll probably use it quite a bit.

[SouthPaw]

The Traeger Tailgater appears to be what was the Traeger Junior Elite, but with collapsible legs for portability. As GK said, the slotted venting is not optimal. We bought Traeger Junior Elites for my parents and the wife's dad one year. My folks have had a number of issues with theirs. I know from experience that it's difficult to fit a turkey in there. A couple of racks of baby backs wouldn't be a problem. The 3rd one wouldn't have a home unless you used some type of vertical rack inside the grill. The shallow pellet hopper is more prone to feeding issues, especially if you live in a humid area.

If you don't need something portable, I'd find something that's not purpose built to be portable. There are probably better options with a similar footprint that are meant to stay in one place.

ETA: Between those 2 options, I'd go with the GMG DC.

I agree, it sounds like the GMG is the way to go. I don't necessarily need full portable but it will have to be moved in and out of the garage for each use. I like the idea that the legs fold so I can toss it up on one of the shelves in the garage when we aren't using it.

[Colorado0321]

Got a WSM couple weeks back. Only done baby backs so far

[00tec]

For any rookies to pellet grills, keep that drip tray clean. If you get a fire going in one of those things, they get to roaring pretty quick.

[ray1970]

For any rookies to pellet grills, keep that drip tray clean. If you get a fire going in one of those things, they get to roaring pretty quick.

I assume you are speaking from personal experience?

[00tec]

I assume you are speaking from personal experience?

WTF... tried to post this earlier

Personal experience, yes, but not my grill.

Someone (whose house you have been at) had a fire start in his. Looked like a steel forge. Flames coming out every potential place by at least a foot. No bueno. Paint bubbled, etc