FE vs. Traeger

In terms of mechanical problems, Traeger and FE's are the same operating guts. The FE-100 fits in between all of the "backyard" Traeger models and the commercial models. Although I'm not very familar with commercial Traegers, the big difference is the insulation in the FE's, which translates to fuel efficiency, especially during extreme weather operation. Also, from what I've seen, your shelf space/capacity is greater with the FE (until you get to the commercial units).

The FE would be my choice for your application. As your "small food service operation" grows, you can grow into the FE-2000.

Rod

ok here's my take
drove to tallahassee saturday picked up my honda eu3000is.
went to storage site and seasoned in both my sm150 and fec100 today (sunday).
followed all instructions for 300 for 1 hour and then cranked it!!!! went to 450 in steps put in wings. bad mistake. but figured eddy wouldn't mind me opening the door to vent heat. dropped temp to smoke and let that go for 2 hours.
unit will get some taking used to as it holds heat so well. but this is the best part
my wife locked all the trailer keys in the trailer as i was burning off the few remaining pellets.
drove home about 15 miles and she called locksmith
he came out and she gave him wings and he loved them!!!!!
not bad for a unit that was only seasoned 1 hour before doing the wings!!!! plus he gave a discount. as a chef for a small operation i have nothing but praise for an fec100
jack
ps the small operation is mine and peggy's

I guess it depends on how much meat you cook at one time. I have a Traeger and just love it. If you got the Excutive model with the optional rib racks and 3 shelves, you could cook a ton of food at the same time and save a few bucks.

Having grown up in Alaska, I have learned that overkill is good. That said, take a look at your weather in NC and if it gets even a bit cool, go with the fec because as Rodney said, it's got some great insulating qualities. The Traegers are nicely built for the area but Fast Eddie went a couple moves past that with stainless and insulation. Also, always get a larger unit than you think you will need if it's in the budget. I am already saving for the 2000 as my 100 is working overtime.
My .02
Joe

Well I have five traegers. Starting from the 200 to the 100's. I will not be buying any others. I have had some trouble with the new 100's the design would not feed all the pellets in the hopper so the fire went out on me twice. Traeger is great on fixing the problems I have to say they have been a great company to deal with. If you are looking for a nicer cooker fit and finish then go with the FE100. You can not go wrong with the cookshacks. I have not been happy with the fit and finish on the traegers. Save your money and go with the FE.

Craig
FireHouseBBQ.US

I'm not sure about the traegers, but the FEC's are NSF listed, something some health depts want to see on electric items used in a kitchen.

Smokin'

I can testify that the FE really holds temp. I got back into the trailer after the locksmith opened the door for me, (this was a few hours after we shut off cooking). The outside of the smoker was just the same warmth that it was throughout the little experiment. The inside was still very warm. I was very impressed with the wings and the locksmith seemed to find them exceptionally tasty. We won't talk about the lesson I learned about not putting all the keys on one keyring!

Peggy