I am thinking of buying a traeger grill and i would like to know if
this grill will give good smoke rings like i can get on my briskets
and ribs. I emailed the company with some other questions and they
gave my tn to a Md guy who sells them and i think i may go over to his
house in the next few weeks to check them out. He may also be able to
answer my question too, but i thought i'd post it here. I'd also
like to know how durable the electric starter is and how high a temp
you may have measured in the smoker.

And any other thoughts or advice about your traeger would also be
appreciated.

Hdtvman(AT)verizon.net

Thanks in advance,
Howard

Howard Lee wrote:
I am thinking of buying a traeger grill and i would like to know if
this grill will give good smoke rings like i can get on my briskets
and ribs. I emailed the company with some other questions and they
gave my tn to a Md guy who sells them and i think i may go over to his
house in the next few weeks to check them out. He may also be able to
answer my question too, but i thought i'd post it here. I'd also
like to know how durable the electric starter is and how high a temp
you may have measured in the smoker.

And any other thoughts or advice about your traeger would also be
appreciated.

Hdtvman(AT)verizon.net

Thanks in advance,
Howard

I've owned the 070 model for several years and I'm quite pleased with
it. I've always gotten a good smoke ring on any meat I've cooked in it.
I also purchased the optional residential thermostat and have found it
works just fine, keeping the temps withing about 10 or 15 degrees of the
indicator. It's a good deal easier than having to tend a conventional
smoker. Although, I do understand that for some people the tending is
part of the fun.

The only down side I can see is the initial cost of the smoker and the
cost of the pellets. Since you've got a dealer close to you, you should
be able to cut a deal on at least the price of the pellets. I would
think he could sell you a smoker for a bit less than buying direct from
Traeger, as well. There's a guy near me who sells their pellets and I
made him a deal for 10-40lb bags at $20 per. They've lasted me a couple
of years now.

--
Stan

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 07:59:00 -0400, "Stan (the Man)"
wrote:



Howard Lee wrote:
I am thinking of buying a traeger grill and i would like to know if
this grill will give good smoke rings like i can get on my briskets
and ribs. I emailed the company with some other questions and they
gave my tn to a Md guy who sells them and i think i may go over to his
house in the next few weeks to check them out. He may also be able to
answer my question too, but i thought i'd post it here. I'd also
like to know how durable the electric starter is and how high a temp
you may have measured in the smoker.

And any other thoughts or advice about your traeger would also be
appreciated.

Hdtvman(AT)verizon.net

Thanks in advance,
Howard

I've owned the 070 model for several years and I'm quite pleased with
it. I've always gotten a good smoke ring on any meat I've cooked in it.
I also purchased the optional residential thermostat and have found it
works just fine, keeping the temps withing about 10 or 15 degrees of the
indicator. It's a good deal easier than having to tend a conventional
smoker. Although, I do understand that for some people the tending is
part of the fun.

The only down side I can see is the initial cost of the smoker and the
cost of the pellets. Since you've got a dealer close to you, you should
be able to cut a deal on at least the price of the pellets. I would
think he could sell you a smoker for a bit less than buying direct from
Traeger, as well. There's a guy near me who sells their pellets and I
made him a deal for 10-40lb bags at $20 per. They've lasted me a couple
of years now.

Thanks for the quick response.

I would also buy the thermostat, and i,m looking at the new 100 or
075. He too said he would sell the smoker for less than traeger and
would sell the 40lb bags of pellets for 25, i may try to make a deal
similar to yours for a lower price. I'll also save on shipping by
picking it up at his house.
Howard

Howard Lee wrote:
On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 07:59:00 -0400, "Stan (the Man)"
wrote:



Howard Lee wrote:

I am thinking of buying a traeger grill and i would like to know if
this grill will give good smoke rings like i can get on my briskets
and ribs. I emailed the company with some other questions and they
gave my tn to a Md guy who sells them and i think i may go over to his
house in the next few weeks to check them out. He may also be able to
answer my question too, but i thought i'd post it here. I'd also
like to know how durable the electric starter is and how high a temp
you may have measured in the smoker.

And any other thoughts or advice about your traeger would also be
appreciated.

Hdtvman(AT)verizon.net

Thanks in advance,
Howard

I've owned the 070 model for several years and I'm quite pleased with
it. I've always gotten a good smoke ring on any meat I've cooked in it.
I also purchased the optional residential thermostat and have found it
works just fine, keeping the temps withing about 10 or 15 degrees of the
indicator. It's a good deal easier than having to tend a conventional
smoker. Although, I do understand that for some people the tending is
part of the fun.

The only down side I can see is the initial cost of the smoker and the
cost of the pellets. Since you've got a dealer close to you, you should
be able to cut a deal on at least the price of the pellets. I would
think he could sell you a smoker for a bit less than buying direct from
Traeger, as well. There's a guy near me who sells their pellets and I
made him a deal for 10-40lb bags at $20 per. They've lasted me a couple
of years now.


Thanks for the quick response.

I would also buy the thermostat, and i,m looking at the new 100 or
075. He too said he would sell the smoker for less than traeger and
would sell the 40lb bags of pellets for 25, i may try to make a deal
similar to yours for a lower price. I'll also save on shipping by
picking it up at his house.
Howard

I meant to write that I have the 075. And, $25 doesn't sound bad for the
40lb bag. I made my $20 per deal a couple of years ago. You may be able
to still get a $20 price, but make sure you have someplace to store the
bags where it's dry. Moisture will ruin them. Pick bags that have no
tears in them, for the same reason. And, bear in mind that Traeger's
price includes shipping. If you buy the 075 in Oregon, where Traeger's
store is, I think you'd only pay about $500 for the 075.

I forgot to answer your temp question in the last post: I don't think I
could get higher than around 500 degrees. When I want to sear a steak, I
use one of my charcoal grills (I have 2 Webers and my favorite, a $50
no-name from Home Depot).

Good luck. And, enjoy it. It's a good smoker.

--
Stan

Why a Traeger? I don't question your decision but I am a little
curious...

I got to see one in action up close at the local county fair and to be
honest I was not impressed with the build quality. The sheetmetal,
tubing and casters all looked like the cheap $100 throw away gas grill
quality.

For the cost of a low end Traeger ($700). You could get a WSM + BBQ
Guru for smoking and another charcoal or gas grill for grilling and not
be tied down to a limited fuel option. With the BBQ Guru you should be
able to get better temp control than the Traeger. Am I missing
something?

On 16 Sep 2005 09:13:06 -0700, "eelhc" wrote:

Why a Traeger? I don't question your decision but I am a little
curious...

I got to see one in action up close at the local county fair and to be
honest I was not impressed with the build quality. The sheetmetal,
tubing and casters all looked like the cheap $100 throw away gas grill
quality.

For the cost of a low end Traeger ($700). You could get a WSM + BBQ
Guru for smoking and another charcoal or gas grill for grilling and not
be tied down to a limited fuel option. With the BBQ Guru you should be
able to get better temp control than the Traeger. Am I missing
something?


I want the traeger due to it's ability to grill and smoke. I have a
wsm,a kettle grill and a big vermont castings gas grill that i have
not used in over a year, except for using the side grill for lighting
chimneys. I like the idea of using wood for the fire instead of
chips and chunks, if i use a lot of wood on my kettle i would always
have flare ups. I will take my time to decide and look them over at
the guys house first.

I also like the extra grates you can buy. In my wsm i bought 2
smaller round grates (from home depot)and with 3 long bolts some nuts
and washers added 2 extra levels that i stand on top of the 2 wsm
grates , but i have to remove them and try to replace them with smoke
getting in my face while making sure i don't set it on top of the food
, it's too much of a hassle.

I also like the idea of going outside in the dead of winter at 11pm to
start a low and slow cook by just turning a
knob to start my fire and can use an electronic thermostat to set the
temp.

Again, i thank you all for responding.
Howard

I didn't realize you're using wood for fuel on the WSM. Didn't think
it was possible but remember...

chips, chunks + lump = wood
pellets =???

On 16 Sep 2005 17:38:35 -0700, "eelhc" wrote:

I didn't realize you're using wood for fuel on the WSM. Didn't think
it was possible but remember...

chips, chunks + lump = wood
pellets =???


Sorry, let me clarify. I use chips and chunks for flavor with the
charcoal and or lump. With the traeger my fuel and flavor comes from
one source, this will eliminate all the different bags of briquettes
and lump,hickory mesquette,apple,cherry,red & black oak chips and
chunks that i currently use. There will be no more going out to the
patio to add wood or to knock the ash down.
Howard

"Howard Lee" wrote in message
...
On 16 Sep 2005 17:38:35 -0700, "eelhc" wrote:

I didn't realize you're using wood for fuel on the WSM. Didn't think
it was possible but remember...

chips, chunks + lump = wood
pellets =???


Sorry, let me clarify. I use chips and chunks for flavor with the
charcoal and or lump. With the traeger my fuel and flavor comes from
one source, this will eliminate all the different bags of briquettes
and lump,hickory mesquette,apple,cherry,red & black oak chips and
chunks that i currently use. There will be no more going out to the
patio to add wood or to knock the ash down.
Howard

To clarify, the Traeger should not be considered a GRILL in the true sense,
since all heat is indirect. You can get the temp to 350 - 400 internal air
temp but I have never gotten good grill marks like on a Weber.
You will probably end up with "a few" bags of pellets if you want the
flavors you mention.
That said, I agree it is less mess than handling charcoal and briquettes. I
have had excellent results from my 075 and good support from Traeger.

John

Howard Lee wrote:
I am thinking of buying a traeger grill and i would like to know if
this grill will give good smoke rings like i can get on my briskets
and ribs. I emailed the company with some other questions and they
gave my tn to a Md guy who sells them and i think i may go over to
his
house in the next few weeks to check them out. He may also be able
to
answer my question too, but i thought i'd post it here. I'd also
like to know how durable the electric starter is and how high a temp
you may have measured in the smoker.

And any other thoughts or advice about your traeger would also be
appreciated.

Hdtvman(AT)verizon.net

Thanks in advance,
Howard

If *I* were looking for a pellet smoker, *I* would go for the "Fast
Eddie" made by Cookshack.
It appears much better made (to *my* eyes) and also, if you ever need
service, Reg's post "Now that's service" just above this thread is a
perfect example of all *I* have ever heard about Cookshack's service.
BTW, I've sampled excellent brisket, pulled pork and chickens cooked
on a Fast Eddie and was very impressed.

BOB

BOB wrote:

If *I* were looking for a pellet smoker, *I* would go for the "Fast
Eddie" made by Cookshack.
It appears much better made (to *my* eyes) and also, if you ever need
service, Reg's post "Now that's service" just above this thread is a
perfect example of all *I* have ever heard about Cookshack's service.
BTW, I've sampled excellent brisket, pulled pork and chickens cooked
on a Fast Eddie and was very impressed.

Hey Bob, the FE-100 is next on my shopping list. And yes, there's
something to be said about the CEO calling you back within 10
minutes from the golf course when you have a problem.

--
Reg email: RegForte (at) (that free MS email service) (dot) com

On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 08:27:51 GMT, Reg wrote:

BOB wrote:

If *I* were looking for a pellet smoker, *I* would go for the "Fast
Eddie" made by Cookshack.
It appears much better made (to *my* eyes) and also, if you ever need
service, Reg's post "Now that's service" just above this thread is a
perfect example of all *I* have ever heard about Cookshack's service.
BTW, I've sampled excellent brisket, pulled pork and chickens cooked
on a Fast Eddie and was very impressed.

Hey Bob, the FE-100 is next on my shopping list. And yes, there's
something to be said about the CEO calling you back within 10
minutes from the golf course when you have a problem.

Thanks, now i'll look into the cs. The fe100 is a bit pricey, but i
may try to start a business because i have been asked if i cater. I
have always gotten rave reviews for my bbq.

Howard

Howard Lee wrote:

Thanks, now i'll look into the cs. The fe100 is a bit pricey, but i
may try to start a business because i have been asked if i cater. I
have always gotten rave reviews for my bbq.

The FE-100 ain't cheap. But when you hang out your shingle you can
start deducting the equipment cost. That makes for much more and
better equipment. It also makes for a lot more work

--
Reg email: RegForte (at) (that free MS email service) (dot) com

On 16 Sep 2005 17:38:35 -0700, "eelhc" wrote:

I didn't realize you're using wood for fuel on the WSM. Didn't think
it was possible but remember...

chips, chunks + lump = wood
pellets =???

Pellets, at least those sold by Traeger, are hardwood sawdust
compressed under enough pressure to bind. No adhesives, no additives.
Just the wood.

--
-denny-

"I don't like it when a whole state starts
acting like a marital aid."
"John R. Campbell" in a Usenet post.

On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 04:50:05 GMT, wrote:

You will probably end up with "a few" bags of pellets if you want the
flavors you mention.

Traeger has a special going right now--buy four 40lb bags of pellets,
and get a 40lb bag of alder pellets free.

I'm kind of impressed with the variety of woods they have pelleted.

--
-denny-

"I don't like it when a whole state starts
acting like a marital aid."
"John R. Campbell" in a Usenet post.