Does a Traeger Grill grill?

You might try going to pelletheads.com. They have a lot of Traeger owners that are members.

Hi Tom,

I have owned a Traeger Lil Tex for over 3 years. I recently purchased an FEC-100, but am keeping the Traeger as well. I think it is a great grill, and it has served me well. I needed more capacity, though.

I have all three, Smokette, pellet grill and a gasser.

The food cooked on a pellet grill will taste great!

Not sure you will save a lot of time as you will need to load pellets, light and wait for the grill to heat up and when it's all over you need to remove the grate(s) and clean out the ashes.

quote:

Originally posted by BBQTom:
... does the Traeger Grill grill? Will it serve me as a good alternative to a charcoal grill for steaks and burgers?

So, what's YOUR definition of a grill?

I'm not trying to be silly, but different people have different definitions.

For me, grilling is direct heat.

It will do that.

Is there a temp max you're looking for? Charcoal & lump will certainly get hotter than a Traeger, but you can get the Traeger over 400 degrees, so not sure if you want higher temps than that.

Is there a Flavor difference between the Traeger and Charcoal?

That's a good question. I've seen that debated, and I'm certain that it's a personal preference. For me, the "taste" difference is more noticable at lower temps, but for high temp grilling, you're cooking with 100% wood in a Trager vs Charcoal/lump.

The traeger is certainly a great machine, you cook over 100% wood (same controler in the grills in the original FE100's) and it will do a lot. Pellets aren't a problem, you'll just have to order/ship those as most placed don't have them readily available.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all who have responded with your advice/opinions.

MountainMan - you bring up a great point. With a Weber grill, it may not take much more time than the Traeger takes. I'll have to think about this.

Smokin - My definition of a grill is exactly the same as yours except that I probably would like to get higher than 400 degrees. I like to sear my steaks/burgers/etc and then turn the heat down until the internal temps are what I'm looking for. Sometimes, that may only be a minute or two! My gas grill gets to 700 degrees but, like I said, I'd like to get the charcoal taste back.

Thanx again for your responses. I have a few more things to consider now.

BBQTom,
Good luck!
Let us know what you end up doing.......

Keep in mind that you do NOT have to remove the grates and clean out ashes every time you cook with a Traeger. It is definitely not like a charcoal grill in that respect. I clean out ashes every couple months. It is really low maintenance.

what about the new cookshack pellet grill are they available yet?

quote:

Originally posted by DMassey:
what about the new cookshack pellet grill are they available yet?

It's isn't being made by cookshack.

It's over at:
http://www.pelletcooker.com/

I have one on the way soon, and I'll be able to report, one thing it definitely can cook hot, like over 600 for searing

Thank you again for the comments and advice! I really do appreciate it.

Yellow-03 - Thanx for pointing that out. Low maintenance is what I'm looking for.

DMassey - I do see what Cookshack calls a charbroiler that they are now selling but I'm not sure I can justify the cost. The prices are $2895 - $3695, depending on the size.

SmokinOkie - Thanx for the link. This grill may be exactly what I'm looking for although it is a bit expensive too. But, according to the website, the grills will get up to 800 degrees and that sounds perfect for searing steaks, burgers, chops, etc. I will be VERY interested in hearing of your experiences with this grill after you have had a chance to try it out.

Again, thanx to all of you for your help. I love what I've been learning almost as much as I love what I've been eating!

I got to see Cookshack's new charbroiler up close at the NRA show a few weeks ago. It looks to be a very nice, high quality unit... but do note it is an indoor unit and does not have a cover over the cooking area like a pellet grill. Seems like it is really intended to replace restaurant charbroilers which use other sources of fuel to provide the consistent temps and taste provided by burning pellets.

quote:

Originally posted by BBQTom:
...I will be VERY interested in hearing of your experiences with this grill after you have had a chance to try it out.

Yes, will do. I know a lot of people want to see it, a # of people have been cooking on it, so I'll report in when I get it.

Something to ponder kiddies. Traegers are now made in China. Despite what it says on their Youtube video. I don't think the made in China thing was put on the box as a selling feature.

Traeger is indeed being made in China today but there is a new US made pellet smoker/grill. I think the Charcoal Store has them. I have an older large Trager that does a good job of grilling if you let it heat up for 30 minutes or so with the door closed. (Mine has the rollup type door). The slanted plate under the grates heats up nicely (mine is covered with foil) and as the steak or burger cooks, the dripping fat sizzles and makes a very nice tasting smoke. At high temps, you don't seem to get much wood smoke flavor as the fire pot is alway burning hot. Also, it is important to keep the door shut while cooking to retain heat. My Weber kettle is easier to use as a grill, but the flavor from the little fat bombs on the Trager is better. No worry about flare ups either. For long and slow smiking, nothing beats my Amerique.

I am a proud owner of a Smokette 08. Great Unit.
I love the wood/smoke taste.
I also have a Weber Chasrcoal & a Kenmore gas grill
I'll soon be replacing the four burner gasser & my Weber with a made in America, pellet burning MAK grill.
It won't replace my Cookshack. Each one has its place.

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinOkie:

quote:

Originally posted by DMassey:
what about the new cookshack pellet grill are they available yet?

It's isn't being made by cookshack.

It's over at:
http://www.pelletcooker.com/

I have one on the way soon, and I'll be able to report, one thing it definitely can cook hot, like over 600 for searing

From reading pelletheads.com, it seems cookshack will be making it soon?