Time to get a smoker...

[twitchyfinger]

Not to take away from the Traeger, but I feel there are better pellet grills/smokers for the money. You might look into a Green Mountain Grill or Louisiana Grill. Both are capable of low temp smoking and also hitting high temps for grilling/searing that the Traeger can't. Essentially a wood fired grill and smoker.

Thanks Jmetz that was the piece of info/advice I needed to make my decision. Buy once dry once but probably ended up saving in the long run. Did some research and ended up with a GMG Daniel Boone! Did get to compare it side by side to the comparable Louisiana grill and while I liked the heavier gauge metal on the LG I did not like the rheostat type temp control nor the fact that it operates at a temp between 180-600 degrees and the GMG operates between 150-500 which I prefer due to some delicate fish and veggie dishes that I need closer to the 150 range. I also really like the auto detect "turbo" fan for cold temps and high wind. Can't wait to try it out and now i can start dreaming about someday being able to afford a fast Eddy cook shack!

[Jmetz]

Congrats! I'm after a GMG as well.

[Dave]

So I went ahead and grabbed one. Free shipping on orders over $100. I'm thinking about a wireless thermometer as the reviews on most cheaper smokers' temp gauge have been crap. Probably get the Grill Right one since it has better reviews over the net.

[Gman]

Made a whole brisket and 6 racks of pork loin ribs over the weekend on the Traeger. I even have leftovers.

[BigDee]

So I went ahead and grabbed one. Free shipping on orders over $100. I'm thinking about a wireless thermometer as the reviews on most cheaper smokers' temp gauge have been crap. Probably get the Grill Right one since it has better reviews over the net.

I've got 5 different wireless thermometers and I have not had any luck with the wireless monitor on any of them. One of them is a Maverick which is supposed to be the best of the best and I don't use it at all because its a POS.

I've now gotten to the point that I have a pretty good idea of how much time it takes to cook something depending the meat and its weight so I just use one of these when I think it might be done http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001U5...sr=1-7&pi=SL75

I know a lot of folks that swear by the thermapen but they cost $80+ the thermometer above gives you a solid temp in 10 seconds or less.

[Dave]

I already have probe thermometers, I am looking for one to monitor the air temp inside more accurately.

[Scogin]

Damn, looks like I am ordering an MES and the AMNPS when I get paid next week. I really wanted to get a Big Green Egg and the DigiQ fan setup but for the price that will have to wait. Is anyone using a wired meat thermometer and air thermometer and running the wire through the door seal. The DigiQ (http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/bbq-guru/) regulates the temp of the Egg with an air probe and fan and monitors the temp of the meat to tell you when it is done and lower the temp. I would be looking to get as close to this with the MES as well. Also, does anyone have an awesome recipe for smoking a pork butt for pulled pork. I studied the first season of BBQ Pitmasters and have some ideas as far as rubs and injecting with apple juice but will be experimenting to get it right.

[Scogin]

Looks like the MES is $200 at Sportmans and they are running a $20 off online coupon right now. Just ordered it.

[twitchyfinger]

A good write up on thermometers although after reading BigDee's post i'm not sure I want to trust any wireless thermometer.

http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyer...ing_guide.html

[CO Hugh]

Costco Park Meadows has their imitation Big Green Egg Style smoker marked down to $399. Not sure how many there are, looked like 2, or if at other locations.

Here is the link it has good reviews: Vision Grills Classic Kamado Charcoal Grill http://www.costco.com/.product.11760...uctsInCategory

Also put it in Buyer Intel