please convince me to spend the money for a fast eddy 500. Can’t seem to make up my mind. I know it’s made in America. But it doesn’t come with any probes or WiFi. Help me out and Thanks.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
@Drains - Some of the factors that led me to choose the FEPG over the many other units I researched:
- Stainless steel heavy duty (but light) construction - I want this to be a lifetime purchase
- Versatility - literally zero changeover req'd to go from direct char grilling to low temp smoking
- Made in USA
The closest contender was the Yoder smoker. I think price was pretty similar. It didn't like how dang heavy it was. At the time, there was some special steps that you had to take to switch from grill mode to smoke mode and I didn't want to screw with that.
I've owned my PG500 for 2 1/2 yrs and have no regrets.
If you have any specific sticking points other than price, I would be happy to discuss.
Thanks. Anything you don’t like or worry about? There doesn’t seem to be much room for several items to smoke on the indirect side. How is the fire control and temp control? Does it hold temps good? There a guy not far from me with a 2014 model for sale for 1000 dollars. Looks good in pics. Thanks again.
I wish the control system was more modernized. Over the past couple of years, I have learned the tricks, but in this day and age you shouldn't have to monkey with things like that IMO... Setpoints 300 and above will hold all day long, but smoking around 225, I have to play with the parameters to account for ambient conditions otherwise I get pretty wild swings. It's not difficult, just something to be aware of and plan for.
Yes, I wish the direct grill side was a bit larger, but I'm usually just cooking for 2 so it is not a big deal. Also, it takes a VERY short time to get a good sear on a thick steak and then you can move over to the indirect side to finish it off, so it all usually works out good.
I wish I would have sprung the extra cash for the insulated PG1000, but I've rigged up some cheap DIY blankies so it's all good.
All that being said, I am overall happy and would buy it all over again.
How would you rate the smoke flavor of the food? Have you smoked any brisket or ribs? We’re they going? Do you get a smoke ring? Thank I appreciate your help.
@Drains - Definitely get good smoke penetration/smoke ring. Smoke flavor is very well balanced. It is definitely present without being overpowering. I've done plenty of full packer briskets, large pork shoulders, etc. that have been in for overnight 18ish hour cooks all the way down to 3 hr. chicken cooks and get good smoke flavor with all of it.
Just to be a picky nit, I don't think a smoke ring means anything. I can't taste it. It only occurs if you are smoking predominately with wood or charcoal Some electric smoker cooks will add a chunk of charcoal to get it, but why? Sorry to be a contrarian.
Do you happen to know the grade of stainless used on the pg500? Is it 304? I can’t find anyone around here who carries the Cookshack brand. I’d sure like to see one up close before investing that much money. Thanks
I have never seen or heard of a retailer selling CS smokers. A couple of other online stores that they allow, that's it.
On the stainless alloy, I doubt it is 304. That is highly corrosion resistant but difficult to weld, and the CS smokers are heavily welded.
Bbq guys online has them. They are the same price as cook shacks website but bbqguys is free shipping. Decision decisions.
Right, I meant brick-and-mortar retailers where you could inspect one. I bought my SM066 from FireCraft in 2013. Same deal on shipping and I think I saved $100 or so on price, but it looks like they went out of business a couple of years ago.
@drains - I got mine at a local pool and patio type store. I definitely wouldn't have made an investment like that w/o touching/feeling it. Not sure how I figured out that they carried that product line. I wonder if you contacted Cookshack if they would point you towards local dealers.
I may call. When I checked online nothing came up. I know I’ve never seen or heard of anyone selling Cookshack around here. Just a lot of big box store flimsy made problems just waiting to happen. Thanks
I also wanted to see one before purchase. I had a work trip last week in Tulsa and went to the factory and I tell you what I was sold....what a great company and smokers are there business. The grills are 2nd to none and going in thinking 500 I came out thinking 1000. Yes more money but double wall stainless is hard to pass up. Karen helped me she is a 36 year veteran of the company. I also looked at Yoder and Pitts. This is by far the best built and yes may be missing WiFi but no biggie for me