Traeger grills???

[mulestar]

I know there was a thread on here not too long ago about these grills, but thought I would just start a new thread. Now I have researched them and really want one, but I have a few questions. My question is to those that have them...

1. How fast does the grill heat up with the wood pellets say to cook burgers, as fast as propane? Slower? Faster than charcoal?
2. Are the pellets expensive and are they easy to get? (No barbecue store here, probably online or when I can get to Billings)
3. How fast does the grill use the pellets, how long will a 40lb bag last?
4. Are they as awesome as I think they are?
5. If you do have one which grill would you recommend?

I can justify getting one of these grills if the pellets are reasonable and you dont run through a bag every time you cook ribs, or anything else.

My old man built a big barbecue on a trailer and love the food that he produces, (ribs!!!). If this thing is really a grill, smoker, oven all in one and with a little push from some of you peeps that have one, I may order this thing today!

Thanks fellas.

 

[yardfarmer]

coyoteman started that old thread, where they hel are ya slayer! ever seen his baby picture, beer in one hand burger flipper in the other!

 

[mulestar]

I searched for the old thread but the search on this site sux! I know I had read something about them awhile ago but cant seem to find it, either way I had some questions that i dont think were on that thread nor on Traeger's site. It's getting warmer out and it's time for my propane grill to the go the way of ol' yeller. Help me out fellas, fat boys gotta eat too!

 

[yardfarmer]

Found it!
http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71353

Coyoteman's brother in law has a Traeger!

 

[yardfarmer]

How bout this

 

[mulestar]

Looks like it will do, not sure if I want to spend $1000 for it though!

I actually found that post too, but I thought there was another one out there with more info, I might be losing it today.

Thanks Yardfarmer

 

[Sturgis Sledder]

I think it was this thread!

 

[Skogen]

Ohh.... I want one!!!

 

[Snoman69]

Your questions are a bit open....

It all depends.... If you smoke a roast for 10hrs you will use alot more pellets then if you grilled up a couple of steaks on the high setting....

After having a traeger, I would never go back to gas grilling... They are the best..... It will be the best grand you ever spent....

Grill heats up fairly quick, I would say ~10min...... Not quick like a gas grill.

Pellets can be gotten at a number of places... You would have to search your area.... We have a bbq supply house that carries them, Ace HW caries them, and the Internet.

Picking the right grill for you will depend... How many people are you cooking for? If not many, maybe get the pink pig

Like I said, you will love one.... THey are the best.... I do recommend getting the digital thermostat, that thing rocks.

Hope these help

 

[bigbone]

It will heat up in about 10-15 min. The pellets are about 15-20$$ for a 20lb bag. Will burn a 1lb a hour on medium. Will burn 2lb a hour on high. Thel are awesome, go buy it. Buy the little tex, but get it with the built in digital thermostat. I got mine for $800 and they threw in a bunch of other stuff.

 

[mulestar]

That's what I wanted to hear! I am pretty excited, I was thinking I was going to get the lil tex anyway, just to start out with. If I really liked them maybe I would be able to move up to a bigger one, but for now I think I will get the tex. Now I just need to find a good deal, so your saying I will need the digital thermostat...

 

[Snoman69]

That's what I wanted to hear! I am pretty excited, I was thinking I was going to get the lil tex anyway, just to start out with. If I really liked them maybe I would be able to move up to a bigger one, but for now I think I will get the tex. Now I just need to find a good deal, so your saying I will need the digital thermostat...

I have the Tex Grill (BBQ075) and love it... It is the perfect size for me... My parents have the Deluxe (BBQ100) and works perfect for them, as they are typically feeding a ch!t load of people.... As big bone said, get the digital themo. While it isn't a necessity, the added convenience is well worth it.....

I still think ya should look at the lil pig, LOL

Lil Pig Traeger

 

[mulestar]

Does she squeal each time you open the hatch? I will buy it if it does, no doubt!

P.S. Found a dealer within 50 miles of me, so I may be grillin me some piggy tomorrow!

 

[coyoteman]

I am back. just picked up my little tex from cabelas.
I stole my neighbors and did a prime rib for easter, THE BEST FRIGGEN PRIME I HAVE EVER EATEN. I used their directions, it turned out perfect. I already have some ribeys thawing out for tomorrow night.

The only thing I see wrong with the little tex is it wont be big enough when yardfarmer brings his tribe over.

 

[HeadLever]

I am back. just picked up my little tex from cabelas.
I stole my neighbors and did a prime rib for easter, THE BEST FRIGGEN PRIME I HAVE EVER EATEN. I used their directions, it turned out perfect. I already have some ribeys thawing out for tomorrow night.

The only thing I see wrong with the little tex is it wont be big enough when yardfarmer brings his tribe over.

The beautiful thing about a Traegar grill is that you can buy a mediocre piece of meat, throw it on the Traegar, and it will turn out like a $50 resturant steak. My dad has been cookin' up tri-tips lately and they are almost as good as prime rib, but for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Sturgis Sledder]

I have a line on a new Lil Tex with the bigger hopper AND the Digital thermostat for $699. Is that a good price?

 

[bigbone]

I gave $800 for mine.

 

[Beels]

Been watching this thread fairly closely. One of my suppliers carries Traeger and I wanted to hear more from people that actually have used them, instead of what a dealer tries to tell you. I figured they'd take too long to heat up, but it doesn't sound like it.

Good thread!

 

[Sturgis Sledder]

I can't wait to get one of these, I've been to Memphis and had their ribs (Rondevouz, Interstate and Corky's, Rondevouz hands down best dry and other 2 AWESOME wet ribs). Watched Food Network Saturday and the show Down Home With the Neeleys, and they showed how they make ribs at home.

Neely's Dry Rub:
1 1/2 cups paprika
3/4 cup sugar
3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder

2 (about 4 pounds each) slabs beef spareribs
2 (about 3 pounds each) slabs pork spareribs
2 cups Neely's BBQ Dry Rub
Neely's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

For the rub:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal.

Use indirect heat (push the coals and chops to one side of the grill).

Place ribs meatier side down on the grill away from the flame. Cook beef 2 hours. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.

For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.

For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ sauce, cut and serve.

Neely's BBQ Sauce

2 cups ketchup
1 cup water
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
5 tablespoons light brown sugar
5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Yield: 3 1/2 cups

Secret for wet ribs is for last 15 minutes of smoking swab ribs with mixture of Vinegar and dry rub.


Made the BBQ sauce today for their chicken strips tonite and YUMMY ! ! ! ! I am going to be a rib smoking fool ! ! !

 

[coyoteman]

I got mine for $500 at cabelas. still need the digital thermostat.
It is great not worrying about burning food. What does everyone like for wood chips?
as far as heating up, it does not take any longer than my old propane grill.