Thread: Grilling

I'm wanting to purchase a Traeger, but a couple questions for you guys. I read owner's biggest cons are 'searing' their steaks, and the auger continuously getting clogged even with routine maintenance/cleaning. So, have you guys had any issues?

Originally Posted by Nomad

I'm wanting to purchase a Traeger, but a couple questions for you guys. I read owner's biggest cons are 'searing' their steaks, and the auger continuously getting clogged even with routine maintenance/cleaning. So, have you guys had any issues?

What is the con with searing the steaks exactly? That they can't do it?

My auger clogged once after not using the grill for a while. I attributed it to living in a humid climate and the pellets absorbing some of the moisture and swelling. I could be wrong. But I cleared it with a screw driver and that was done. I vacuum out the saw dust every other grill or so and use a non-scratch Scotch-Brite pad before I cook to clean the temperature probe off. It's a little more high maintenance than your run of the mill gas grill, but the results are muy incredible.

Originally Posted by SR

What is the con with searing the steaks exactly? That they can't do it?

My auger clogged once after not using the grill for a while. I attributed it to living in a humid climate and the pellets absorbing some of the moisture and swelling. I could be wrong. But I cleared it with a screw driver and that was done. I vacuum out the saw dust every other grill or so and use a non-scratch Scotch-Brite pad before I cook to clean the temperature probe off. It's a little more high maintenance than your run of the mill gas grill, but the results are muy incredible.

Temp doesn't get hot enough.

Originally Posted by Nomad

Temp doesn't get hot enough.

If you want to sear a steak, AND have the ability to do a 20+ hour low and slow smoke, then a Big Green Egg is the way to go!

Sear your steak at 700+.

I've never used a Traeger, but I think that's the biggest con on the "grilling" side. Not enough heat generation to really sear stuff, but great at smoking.

I got a good sear on my steaks with the Traeger using their helpful searing tips:

https://www.traegergrills.com/smoken...pellet-searing

I go to a steak house.

Originally Posted by King87

I go to a steak house.

You also eat at McDonald's. Soooo......

Originally Posted by Nomad

Temp doesn't get hot enough.

It gets plenty hot. I'm not a huge searing fan, but I think I'm in the minority there. Doing it the way I've been doing it with the hour smoke at 180 then 6-8 minutes on high gets the steaks perfect. Mine gets up to around 550 or so on high, but it's also hotter than two rats in a wool sock here so that helps.

Originally Posted by SR

It gets plenty hot. I'm not a huge searing fan, but I think I'm in the minority there. Doing it the way I've been doing it with the hour smoke at 180 then 6-8 minutes on high gets the steaks perfect. Mine gets up to around 550 or so on high, but it's also hotter than two rats in a wool sock here so that helps.

My uncle lets his steaks sit out a couple hours, then sears them in cast iron skillet with butter, then throws them on the bbq pit. Best I've ever tasted. MY FIL wants me to get a Traeger....go figure. I told him he should go buy a Traeger, so I could use it. I'll probably get one this weekend.

I'm going order an Old Smokey for quick bbq's with charcoal.

I know a couple of guys here that use a Pit Boss pellet smoker as well and love it.

Originally Posted by SR

I know a couple of guys here that use a Pit Boss pellet smoker as well and love it.

Every place I've been to has the Traeger brand. I read online some folks endorsing a pellet grill from Cabelas/Bass Pro (I'll have to google it again). I'm not sure if this area has either one.

Originally Posted by Nomad

Every place I've been to has the Traeger brand. I read online some folks endorsing a pellet grill from Cabelas/Bass Pro (I'll have to google it again). I'm not sure if this area has either one.

Traeger is regarded as one of the best. My buddy uses a Pitts And Spitts but that's a little pricey for me. He's also a huge, big time BBQ master type. I've really loved what my Traeger puts out, but some of the other brands have more features, do the same thing, and cost less. The technology behind the smoker isn't really that ground-breaking. With Traeger, you're paying for the name and the resources that come along with it IMO. You could do the same thing on a $300 store-brand Costco pellet smoker.

Originally Posted by SR

Traeger is regarded as one of the best. My buddy uses a Pitts And Spitts but that's a little pricey for me. He's also a huge, big time BBQ master type. I've really loved what my Traeger puts out, but some of the other brands have more features, do the same thing, and cost less. The technology behind the smoker isn't really that ground-breaking. With Traeger, you're paying for the name and the resources that come along with it IMO. You could do the same thing on a $300 store-brand Costco pellet smoker.

That's great that it puts out.

Originally Posted by SR

Traeger is regarded as one of the best. My buddy uses a Pitts And Spitts but that's a little pricey for me. He's also a huge, big time BBQ master type. I've really loved what my Traeger puts out, but some of the other brands have more features, do the same thing, and cost less. The technology behind the smoker isn't really that ground-breaking. With Traeger, you're paying for the name and the resources that come along with it IMO. You could do the same thing on a $300 store-brand Costco pellet smoker.

The 22 series Traeger is on sale at exchanges right now under 400$.

Originally Posted by Davii

You also eat at McDonald's. Soooo......

Many people of culinary talent enjoy fast food, including McDonald's, sir.

You are a ruffian!