Community Forums

reubenray · 08-30-2013, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogdriver

Like others said I carry the Traeger Junior. I bought it at Costco for about $300. I just threw away the legs and sit it on 4 bricks I carry on the picnic table. I have had about 6 smokers up to competition/trailer size and this is the easiest quick and lightest smoker that is not a huge mess to carry and will still smoke 4 racks of baby backs or 2-3 chickens. It is also very quick (<10 mins) to heat up and cook steaks or burgers with that smoky flavor. It will heat from 200-450F.

This is exactly what I want to do. I would have to put it in the one compartment that is not under my slides. It is going to be tough enough getting in and out anyway without having to do it under the slide.

I have a piece of fireproof plywood that I have used for another grill that would work under this. This would be just about the same size of usable space in my small stick smoker. The end toward the firebox gets to hot to smoke anything "slow and low".

Once I get my "rocking chair" money coming in I will get one.

reubenray · 09-05-2013, 05:56 AM

After struggling with my stick smoker over the weekend the Traeger is looking better and better.

How long will a 20 pound bag of pellets last? I need to figure out how much I would need for a 6 hour smoke plus a few time grilling stuff.

FlyingDiver · 09-05-2013, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

After struggling with my stick smoker over the weekend the Traeger is looking better and better.

How long will a 20 pound bag of pellets last? I need to figure out how much I would need for a 6 hour smoke plus a few time grilling stuff.

For low temp (Smoke setting), I think it's about 1lb/hr. Maybe 1.5lb. More for higher temps, of course, so grilling will burn more. When you figure your initial purchase, allow for the 1hr high temp burn in that the manual specifies.

joe

hogdriver · 09-05-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

For low temp (Smoke setting), I think it's about 1lb/hr. Maybe 1.5lb. More for higher temps, of course, so grilling will burn more. When you figure your initial purchase, allow for the 1hr high temp burn in that the manual specifies.

joe

I think about 1 lb/ hr sounds right. A bag is 20lbs and costs about $20, so figure $1/hr which is as cheap as any smoker I've used except the wood you cut on your own property. ACE hardware sells the pellets nationwide, or at least at most of the ACE stores I have visited in FL, MS, TN, MO. I think I have also seen them at Sportman's Warehouse. Some Walmarts and Cabelas.

FlyingDiver · 09-05-2013, 02:05 PM

Traeger sells theirs direct at 20lb for $18.99, free shipping, minimum two bags. And pretty fast delivery, considering the weight of the box. I think FedEx drivers must hate them.

Amazon has some brands too, at lower price per pound, but high shipping fees. There's another source I want to try sometime, but their rates are very high too - https://www.cookinpellets.com.

FlyingDiver · 09-05-2013, 02:07 PM

BTW - for any of you pitmasters who are Mac users, check out StokerX.

Dubsat · 09-05-2013, 02:31 PM

Here is what I use. A mini-wsm... Pretty small to cary anywhere...

Elf · 09-07-2013, 03:55 PM

Went to the fair yesterday and Traeger had a booth. I had been thinking about it for a while and finally decided to give it a try. Got a Junior Elite so I have the digital controller. Looking forward to the delivery and to trying it out.

At home I use a Big Green Egg which is great but not much of an option in the MH. The mini is just to small. Looking for great things from the Traeger.

reubenray · 09-07-2013, 05:17 PM

The Junior has a "folding leg kit" now. I received an email today concerning it. Below is the link.

Junior Folding Leg Kit Product Details - Traeger Online Store

I have not found a spot to look at a Junior yet.

FlyingDiver · 09-07-2013, 06:13 PM

Yeah, I got that email too. I had already bought the tailgator kit, and was thinking about trying to swap them. But I don't think the folding legs gives you the extra insulation that comes with the tailgator. I think it's meant for carrying around with the legs folded, but only using it with them extended. I want to run mine while it's sitting in the basement tray, so I'll stick with the kit I have.

reubenray · 09-09-2013, 03:15 PM

My SIL called me today to see if I would be willing to smoke some ribs, pork loin and pork shoulder while we are up at Eureka Springs for my niece's wedding. This would be only for everyone that will be staying with them. I cannot take my smoker being it is to heavy and not towable. They said they could borrow this model from a neighbor.

Academy - Outdoor Gourmet Triton DLX Smoker

This one does not look very good and has bad reviews. I am trying to talk the DW into letting me get the Traeger Junior and take it with us. It would fit in the back of the Equinox we have. We do not plan on taking the MH on this trip. But she is concerned about when we are coming back with it and the smoke smell will get into the Equinox. It is a 2 day trip.

FlyingDiver · 09-09-2013, 03:23 PM

I doubt you could get all that in the Junior, not in one session.

Don't know anything about that other smoker. But I would never commit to doing something for a wedding on a smoker I was not familiar with. Last year I did 5 pork butts at once in my WSM for my Dad's 80th birthday party.

reubenray · 09-10-2013, 04:26 AM

It will be several different cooks. I will mainly be doing the cooking outside to feed the immediate family. This frees up the women-folk doing their wedding things!!!

Do the pellets from cookinpellets work OK with the Traeger without voiding the warranty?

FlyingDiver · 09-10-2013, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

Do the pellets from cookinpellets work OK with the Traeger without voiding the warranty?

According the the other BBQ forums I read (mostly pelletheads.com), they work fine. Any 100% hardwood pellets intended for cooking (not heating) should be fine.