Getting burnt out on using my UDS and looking for something a little more self sustaining. Purchasing from HD due to some gift cards I've collected, so I'm locked on the retailer. Wanting to get a grill that will hold up well and be worth the investment, also not looking for a reverse mortgage for a smoker. This is my first pellet grill so I have no brand loyalty. I've picked out some options that I feel like are good fits, but I'm having a harder time narrowing down past that point. This list is not exhaustive, and I'm open to other options. These options pretty much express my price range, although lower price is always better, without sacrificing quality.
Broil King Regal 400 Pellet Grill in Black
I found Broil King from this sub, and really like their product. Pros: Build quality, insulation. Cons: ?
It's Weber, seems unfair to not include them in the list. Don't know much about their pellet grills. Pros: EX6 is larger and same price other smaller grills I've selected. Negative: No insulation.
Another brand that is new to me. Favorite feature here is the new smoker box. Coming from lump/chunk smoking, I fear that lack of smoke on a pellet grill will be an issue. Pro: Smoke box, insulated, downdraft ventilation. Cons: ?
Another OG brand. Unfair to not include. Pros: Downdraft. Cons: Not insulated.
Unsure of much about Z Grills. Pros: Price, insulated. Cons: ?
by demitrixrd
3 Comments
Look at the Oklahoma Joe’s DLX 900
I have a Z Grills (different model) and have been generally happy with it.
I would avoid the Weber as they are discontinuing the Smokefire and releasing a new pellet grill called the Searwood.
The Smokefire had a lot of issues, I owned a second gen EX4 and gave it away after a year due to unreliability. Compared to other pellet grills, it needed far more maintenance and babysitting, especially on long cooks.
I can go into more detail if you like, but it’s a long list.
For disclosure, I’ve owned several different pellet grills (Camp Chef, Recteq, and Weber). The Camp Chef I owned was reliable, but never provided the smoke flavor I was hoping for. I had the DLX SmokePro, though. The Woodwind Pro is quite a step up and the smoke box on it is supposed to be a game changer for bringing smoke flavor.