Hi there - I'm seriously considering the PG500 Fast Eddy for my next pellet smoker, but I've never actually seen one in person. I've checked with cook shack and they do not have a dealer in Houston and/or any on display anywhere in Texas. Anyone in the Houston area that would be willing to let me have a look at yours and ask a few questions? Cheers Conrad
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Conrad - If no luck with the members, there is always youtube plus CS has their own videos. That might be as close as you can get.
Thanks OldSarge. I've watched them all and you're right - that was as close I could get, so thought I'd check here! I just want to give it a good look and get a feel for how what I'm getting myself into!
If you read through the posts on CS regarding the pellet grill/smoker you will find most folks love it. There are a few who complain about the amount of smoke it produces. Visit smoking meat forums, lets talk bbq (site has been down for a few days so be patient) smoked meat,http://http://www.smoked-meat.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=65-meat.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=65 and Amazing Ribs ( https://amazingribs.com/grill-...ll_fuel_type=pellets)
You can get a good feel for pros and cons. Some folks need constant, somewhat heavy smoke so they use a device from this company to augment what the pellet grill produces:
https://https://www.facebook.com/AMAZENSMOKE//AMAZENSMOKE/
You are going to find die hard fans and those those who whine. Some makes of pellet grills have the auger in the back, mounted dead center. for more even heat(?). Most have it at one end or the other.
Good luck!
Conrad: I just bought my PG 1000. Like you it was site unseen. I have 3 other Cookshack smokers and know them to be well built and long lasting. I also know that they are made in the US and customer support is great. So far I am liking my PG 1000. The smoke profile is a little light but for me it isn't a big deal breaker. The direct searing area is rather small at 18" long and 10" wide but most of my cooking is for just 2 people. Like any new smoker there is a learning curve to using them and I am just on the bottom steps of the curve with 3 cooks in so far.
Cookshack always had a 30 day no question asked return policy. Make sure that is still true and try one for a month. That's the ultimate demo!
HOWEVER! I believe the buyer pays for return shipping in the original boxes/crates. Quite heavy! As will some electric smokers that owners wished produced more smoke, something like the Bella Cold Smoker or Smoke Daddy can be attached to the Fast Eddy. Drilling through stainless steel is tough going, and could conceivably void your warranty. Youtube has videos on both the Bella and Smoke Daddy. There are other options if a stronger smoke profile is an absolute must but most posts I have read here and elsewhere indicate that users are generally happy with their stock pellet grilll/smoker and the profile is fine. Just do your research!
Thanks y'all for the feedback. I'm on my second Traeger in 15 years and even though I have loved my Traegers, there's a part of me that believes I have outgrown them. I've looked at Weber Smoke Fire, Pit Boss, Traeger and locally with Gator Pits and Spitts and Pitts etc for the new smoker.
It may sound a little pompus and I'm sure it is, but I don't want a smoker that anyone can just go down to Lowes or HomeDepot and buy on a whim. It's one of the main drivers that is steering me towards the FE PG500 - it looks awesome and no one around here in my BBQ circle has one. Kind of a "One Upper" if you will. I had a Traeger before Traegers were the in-thing. I'm looking for that next wow factor to help maintain my "BBQ king of the neighbourhood" status - as ridiculous as that may sound! Do you feel that the FE PG500 has that wow factor?
Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
You are on your own on this one. Good luck and enjoy!
