The Texas BBQ Forum

Which pit?
I would go for about 650 sq in on the main rack. That is the size of the original model "T" that I have and I find it about ideal for a backyard cooker.
The second model "T" that I bought (and gave to my son) I made my own removable second rack so it wasn't in the way until I wanted it. Made a nice setup. Understand I am not promoting Traeger here only the size and setup. I do believe Traeger has fallen behind in features.

That makes sense. Most are 500 or less. I'll keep looking.........

Opinions on this one Camp Chef Woodwind with Sear Box https://www.campchef.com/woodwind/woodw ... r-box.html

bobcat1 wrote:Opinions on this one Camp Chef Woodwind with Sear Box https://www.campchef.com/woodwind/woodw ... r-box.html

Too Small main grate 429 sq in......

It's similar to my dlx model, but. Don't have the sear box. I really like it, especially at the price point. Very easy to use and clean. I fit a brisket,, pork butt and rack of St. Louis spares on mine at once. It was tight but it fit.

Memorial Day sale at Academy Sports they have the Pit Boss 820 for $399, that is a heck of a deal.
Pit Boss is made by Danson a long time pellet machine manufacturer, I'm sure that it is actually made in China but those of us that own them love them.

820 sq in (total both grates) timer is good with smoke & shut down cycle.

I've had mine a couple years I guess the only mods are a latch on the pellet lid to keep it closed in wind and raccoons and the cast griddle on top the flame deflector I mentioned earlier.
If I'm doing a simple cook like ribs or brisket it is my go to cooker even though I have the Fast Eddy and Traeger.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/pit-bos ... id=4099156

That's very tempting Papa T.

I went and looked at the Pit Boss at Academy and it is not big enough for what I cook for family gatherings. I'll have to keep looking. Thanks though.

It's much more expensive (though it's on sale right now), but you may want to take a look at the RecTec RT680. It has options for the front shelf, and a second interior shelf that would boost cooking surface over 1,000 sq. in.

http://www.rectecgrills.com/rec-tec-woo ... ll-rt-680/

I've used their pellets with success, but cannot comment on their cookers.

I wish I would have never seen the Yoder 640. Don't think I will be satisfied until I own it.

^^^^ Just wait until you own it: I predict you will be greatly satisfied.

I drove 75 miles to see a Yoder 640 with competition cart. I would have bought it but a guy beat me to it this morning before I got there. It was still there so I got to look it over. It was really nice. They had a bigger one and a smaller one there but the 640 my wife and I both think is just right. Guess I will need to take the plunge and order one. It would never get here before the 1st of August according to the dealer.

Still haven't pulled the trigger. Just want to make the right decision. I have made plenty of boneheaded decisions before. How about this one guys? https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-SmokePro-Pellet-Grill/dp/B00UMCXJFY?SubscriptionId=AKIAJ7VMODKUTIUWFY2Q&tag=smokingmeatforum-pro-mct-lo-t-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00UMCXJFY

That's the bigger version of what I have. I love mine. As a matter of fact, I have some cheese out there right now.

Done and Done Ordered the Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill. Now the wait.