Pellet Grills
- Thread starter Big_Holla
- Start date
Sgt Fury
Sgt. Spellchecker
I use traeger pellets also. I like the apple when doing pork loins. I’d say pork loins and beer can chicken are my go to’s. I’ve done brisket a couple of times and use cherry or mesquite for that.
I think Traeger pellets are overpriced. I have a Traeger and have maybe run two bags through it in a few years. I use Pit Boss pellets mainly and get it whenever/wherever I see it on sale, usually at Menards, Rural King has decent pellets also. I also have used a brand called Smokehouse Pellets, also at Menards and really like them. The biggest thing you need to do is get a strainer to sift any dust out of the pellets. There are many options available online. Once you open a bag of pellets, be sure to store in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid to help prevent moisture. My go to is cherry, then the competition blend, and I really like the hickory/oak blend from Smokehouse. When I see pellets on sale, I buy at least 6 or more bags, sometimes more if it is a really good price. If you have the storage, pay attention to the stores after the season. I got a dozen bags of Pit Boss pellets at Menards last winter for a stupid price, and I should have bought more LOL.
Also, I have NEVER cleaned out the auger before switching pellets. I just let the leftover pellets in the auger get used up in the start- up process after removing them from the bin. It doesn't make any difference that you will notice. The big key with the pellet grills that I have found is make sure you are cleaning the dust etc. from inside the firepot. I bought a small shop vac that is used exclusively for this. If you are wanting more smoke on whatever you are making, I also use a smoke tube. These pellet grills do not produce the same amount of smoke that the older wood chip smokers did or a offset smokers and sometimes I want more smoke on different meats. The smoke tube is also readily available. I use my Traeger year-round and I use it a lot. I also have a Pit Boss at our place in Florida. If your grill has Wi-Fi, make sure it is hooked up so that you can get updates.
So, there is my 2-cents.
Also, I have NEVER cleaned out the auger before switching pellets. I just let the leftover pellets in the auger get used up in the start- up process after removing them from the bin. It doesn't make any difference that you will notice. The big key with the pellet grills that I have found is make sure you are cleaning the dust etc. from inside the firepot. I bought a small shop vac that is used exclusively for this. If you are wanting more smoke on whatever you are making, I also use a smoke tube. These pellet grills do not produce the same amount of smoke that the older wood chip smokers did or a offset smokers and sometimes I want more smoke on different meats. The smoke tube is also readily available. I use my Traeger year-round and I use it a lot. I also have a Pit Boss at our place in Florida. If your grill has Wi-Fi, make sure it is hooked up so that you can get updates.
So, there is my 2-cents.
Good stuff, Big H. Thanks. I actually ordered a large kitchen sieve this morning for separating dust from pellets. I have stacks of clean 5 gallon buckets with good lids with seals in them and already put the one bag of pellets I have in one. 
Plenty of storage, too. I hoard everything else, I'll start hoarding pellets too, I guess, lol. I already have a pellet maze that I am going to try to make work if I need more robust smoke. If I cannot make that work I'll get a tube. The model I got is Wi-Fi capable, although I have not downloaded the app. I have come to prefer Cherry for most of my smoking, so that is on my list for sure.
Plenty of storage, too. I hoard everything else, I'll start hoarding pellets too, I guess, lol. I already have a pellet maze that I am going to try to make work if I need more robust smoke. If I cannot make that work I'll get a tube. The model I got is Wi-Fi capable, although I have not downloaded the app. I have come to prefer Cherry for most of my smoking, so that is on my list for sure.
Jamie, depending on where your smoker is a WiFi booster might be needed. We had to use one. My smoker sits in the garage when not in use, and roll it out to the driveway when using it. The WiFi booster maintains a good signal.Good stuff, Big H. Thanks. I actually ordered a large kitchen sieve this morning for separating dust from pellets. I have stacks of clean 5 gallon buckets with good lids with seals in them and already put the one bag of pellets I have in one.
Competition or hardwood blend pellets for me. Usually Traeger brand because they’re typically the easiest for me to get my hands on.
For doing large cuts of meat, or anything you want to have that typical smoker flavor, a smoke tube (or 2) is an absolute must.
For doing large cuts of meat, or anything you want to have that typical smoker flavor, a smoke tube (or 2) is an absolute must.
any of you tried the Kirkland brand pellets? They are only $12.99 for 40lbs. Oak, Hickory, Maple, Cherry blend. I noticed when I cooked those two chickens on Sunday that there was a ridiculous amount of smoke pouring out around the lid. As a little experiment I hung about 20lb weight on the handle and it barely letting any smoke (and heat, probably) except from the chimney. I'm getting some Nomex tape like MoonLab to remedy this issue as I'm going to try a packer brisket this weekend. Have a rack and a half of baby backs on there right now.
My two favorite things on the smoker, ribs and reverse seared steaks…..any of you tried the Kirkland brand pellets? They are only $12.99 for 40lbs. Oak, Hickory, Maple, Cherry blend. I noticed when I cooked those two chickens on Sunday that there was a ridiculous amount of smoke pouring out around the lid. As a little experiment I hung about 20lb weight on the handle and it barely letting any smoke (and heat, probably) except from the chimney. I'm getting some Nomex tape like MoonLab to remedy this issue as I'm going to try a packer brisket this weekend. Have a rack and a half of baby backs on there right now.
Picked up 4 bags today. Just threw them in the trash can I keep them in under the covered porch. Also did the annual vacuuming of the unit. I've never screened my pellets and I for damn sure don't shop vac it out every time. We use it like a grill and don't do big smokes on it very often. You guys make it look like work
. This one's blown the lid off and is getting close to rusting out. Still has lasted better than any gas grill we've ever owned. I guess if I was smoking expensive meats I would take better care of it. Not much to burning steaks, burgers, dogs and chicken wings. Gets used at least 4 times a week this time of year. Have some guest coming at 6 for burgers that will likely start a fire in it
. This one's blown the lid off and is getting close to rusting out. Still has lasted better than any gas grill we've ever owned. I guess if I was smoking expensive meats I would take better care of it. Not much to burning steaks, burgers, dogs and chicken wings. Gets used at least 4 times a week this time of year. Have some guest coming at 6 for burgers that will likely start a fire in itWent from this to that! I tried something new and it was banging!
Gearing up for an all-nighter
Should be a 16-20 hour cook. I’m excited.
Should be a 16-20 hour cook. I’m excited.
Definitely check the pellet level at some point through the night.
So far this cook is going exactly as planned. 11 hours in at 6:30 am IT sitting at 154*, solid bark, great color, meat sweating.
Wrapped, bumped temp up to 250* for the duration, which ought to be 7-8 hours to reach 200* IT.
Wrapped, bumped temp up to 250* for the duration, which ought to be 7-8 hours to reach 200* IT.
OO2
Well-Known Member
Looks great Jamie!
I have the cheaper Traeger without the WiFi and it has been giving us all sorts of fits. Either throws the HEr / LEr code at some point into a cook causing restarts and inconsistent cook times.
I have been cleaning out the ash after every attempt but it still doesn’t seem to help. Anyone else having these issues?
I have the cheaper Traeger without the WiFi and it has been giving us all sorts of fits. Either throws the HEr / LEr code at some point into a cook causing restarts and inconsistent cook times.
I have been cleaning out the ash after every attempt but it still doesn’t seem to help. Anyone else having these issues?
The used model I have is a year old, and apparently did not become wifi capable until the 2024 model year. So, I don't have that ability, but I've been doing this for 25 years without using a smart phone to control my smoker, and I don't really need it now. So far, this Zgrill has run perfectly for me. The PID controller in this unit is the real deal. I'm impressed with how well it maintains the set temperature, and the addition of the Nomex tape seal to the lid has made a huge difference on the smoke flow. Now, 90% of the smoke goes out the chimney and grease chute, before it was only about half with the rest coming out around the lid. I expect it is less drafty inside now, too, but there was enough air moving to keep my pellet maze burning for 12 hours straight. I used the Kirkland brand pellets for this cook and they seem to burn really well and produce plenty of really nice smoke. Between the maze and the smoker fire pot, I was making a ton of smoke. As much as anyone could really want.