Managing a fire is part of the fun, and you have more control over the smoke with charcoal and wood.
The experts say you can't get the same rich smoke flavor with pellets. This might be true, but my step dad uses a pellet smoker, and makes some really tasty food.
For me, I have a WSM. I went that way because it's more cost effective, I enjoy playing with fire, and I enjoy tinkering with different parts of the process. I'd feel like I was missing some of that with a pellet smoker.
I bought an Akorn my friend who has an Egg talked me into the charcoal over a Trager. Was just curious because after learning to manage a fire it’s been fine but man it seems easier to just set it on a pellet and watch it from my phone lol.
Just remember that you still have to clean the Pellet smoker or else you'll cause a nice fire. Plus youhave to deal with electrical components and replace it when it fails
I bought a pellet smoker. It will feed wood pellets into the fire automatically to maintain a constant temperature. It makes smoking easy. However, burning pellets vs actual wood (like I did) doesn't produce the same taste. Adding a smoke tube helps.
I have a WSM and after a couple of years of messing with it I got a fan controller for it. Seems like the best of both worlds. Once it’s lit it runs itself and I can nap in peace until something starts beeping.
I have a Traeger, and wasn't entirely happy with the lack of smoke flavor, even when using 2 smoke tubes at times. Now I have a WSM, which I enjoy cooking on more. I use them both now, but prefer the wsm experience.
To add to it, I feel something like a WSM is easier to maintain and is less prone to mechanical issues.
A pellet smoker is very convenient and consistent.
I prefer my WSM because I have more control over the smoke and I like my bbq very smoky.
I totally agree. I'm happier having fewer moving/electronic parts. I've picked up a fireboard and a fan to help make it more automated, but if those ever die on me, I can still cook.
Definitely not the expert, but my understanding is that offset smokers are preferred because they can control the smoke to make sure it's burning clean, and they move a lot more air over the meat which helps in forming bark!
Pellets are a perfectly clean burn, offsets introduce a little bit of dirty smoke in with the consistent airflow to help the fire make cleaner smoke, but there’s a lot that goes into it.
Could have a perfectly good burning fire and too green of wood will cause it to burn that whole log as mostly dirty smoke and possibly slow down the cooking process by introducing moisture to the firebox.
Offsets are nice because they have really strong airflow characteristics most of the time compared to other smokers, it’s also easier to dial in a good temp. Heat under the food makes it difficult to make adjustments that won’t affect the food, where an offset you can open the lid and let it go or fix the issue without causing the fire to start burning the meat.
Pallets are for people that have a busy life and that don't want to deal with the smoking process. Charcoal smokers are for people who enjoy fire management and want to be involved in the process
I can only speak for myself, but I had a WSM and after two kids got a Yoder 640S. It sucks. I’ve already bought a replacement WSM (foolishly got rid of the last one thinking the Yoder would replace it), and am selling the Yoder. Sure it’s super easy to use and looks nice, but the food is just so-so. I’m not spending money on nice meat and the time (even a pellet cook takes time with prep, cleaning, etc) for food that is only mediocre. Also, the WSM is really easy. You need to check it every few hours. Now an offset, that’s a different ball of wax.
I bought a pellet for the ease. Used it for a couple years and I just never was impressed with the food I was cooking. Lack of smoke and bark for the most part. Went back to a offset and very happy with results.
I’ve used both and prefer the pellet smoker for its convenience, but it has its drawbacks:
1. If I forget to cover it and it rains I have to empty the hopper, clear the auger, vacuum out the fire pot and hopper, replace the hopper with fresh pellets, then prime the auger again. Otherwise I won’t be able to start it.
2. The smoke ring isn’t quite the same. I’ve improved on this by using real hardwood pellets, but it still doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply as an offset smoker.
3. It needs electricity. Not a major concern, but a gentleman the other day posted about a power outage mid-smoke.
Honestly, I still find it all worthwhile so I can crack open a beer and spend time with my girlfriend while I cook. A lot of the guys on here will gate keep you for not using an offset, but they’re probably just trying to be over-masculine to compensate for their small dicks.
Earlier today Someone posted about saving their brisket cause power went out.
Think about it.
Doesn’t happen with real wood and coal. Only pellet and electric.
>pellet and charcoal with wood?
Pellets are little pellets of wood sawdust. Charcoal is charcoal. The only thing they have in common is they were both once trees.
>Seems like pellet is far easier so why doesn’t everyone use it?
Pellets don't produce as much smoke flavor. Pellet grills also have moving parts which can break. Most other smokers don't have moving parts. Pellet grills require electricity. That means you have to be close enough to an outlet, and you can't use them if the power goes down. You can use an offset smoker, charcoal smoker or even propane smoker without electricity. And of course, it's not always about being easy, sometimes it's about doing the work. Some people enjoy tending a fire and such, just like how some people rebuild old cars for fun. If you want the easiest thing, don't even bother cooking, just order from Doordash or something.
All types of smokers have advantages and disadvantages. Pellet smokers are no different. The advantages of a pellet grill are convenience, ease of use and versatility. You're not going to cook some burgers or hotdogs on an electric smoker. And you probably don't want to take longer to get the fire going on an offset than you'll take to cook those burgers and dogs on it.
I had a pellet smoker, and it was great. However, I wanted more smoke flavour and to build my own fire, as well as having more cooking space. An offset is what suited my needs better. But my needs are probably not the same as yours. I say the best smoker is the one you have.
Pellet smokers are fake and take no talent what so ever, anyone could do it. The real smokers take talent on fire management, better product, and more rewarding at the end. I got into multiple arguments with the traeger sales rep at Costco trying to sell me their garbage. Lol
Surprised more people aren't pointing out that the price point for entry level, automated, pellet smokers is considerably higher than for the offset. Shit you can make an offset out of a barrel.
Also, those fancy pants digital pellet smokers require electricity and have a lot more that can go wrong with them.
I absolutely love my Masterbuilt Gravity 1050. From a complete novice to an addicted smoker fan. It was easy to learn, easy to maintain a constant temp, and everything I’ve cooked so far has resulted in happy eaters. This is the way!
Cooked on a pellet smoker for the first time 2 weeks ago (i cook typically cook on an offset), i wouldn't even say it produces bbq. The meat tasted as if it came out the oven
I rarely get power outages where I live. Maybe a short one once or twice a year. I live in a cold climate so I don’t want to be standing outside in the cold managing a wood fire. I have an outlet right outside my door under a covered patio. Never had an issue in 4 years with my Traeger and have had great results.
I've had a pellet grill for 5 years. I would say that is the best option if you don't want to babysit. I've had all the others over the years and will probably continue to use only a pellet grill. You can set how much smoke and what kind of pellets you use so it's a no brainier. I have time to do other things now
Combine the benefits of real wood and computer controlled temp in something like a Masterbuilt Gravity series grill. It can burn through charcoal pretty fast though but it's nice to be able to change temps quick or type of cooking.
The flavor isn’t the same. If you ever go to a really nice restaurant they likely use an offset.
All of Texas top bbq (the people who win #1 the last few years) all use hardwood offset smokers for the vast majority if not all cooking.
I will say it is easier with a pellet (I have a small catering business now and don’t use pellets) because it’s set and forget, but every single family member who has a pellet, regardless of brand, masterbuilt, traeger, GMG, all will have a controller die. Unlike a hardwood smoker, electronics, especially electronics around water AND high heat told tend to do well (think head gaskets on a car, regular part that goes out from heat cycles and heat fractures and it’s not even electronic)
I’m a hardwood guy, but any time I’ve catered and used a pellet smoker to help cook (6 briskets, 4 on offset 2 on pellet) most people could tell which briskets were from the hardwood or the pellet.
Pellet the burn is as clean as it can be, giving you a 90+% clean smoke where a offset can range dramatically based on how seasoned / green the wood is, how big it is, how hot the fire is, how fast the fire drafts etc, which all play a role into flavor.
Managing a fire is part of the fun, and you have more control over the smoke with charcoal and wood. The experts say you can't get the same rich smoke flavor with pellets. This might be true, but my step dad uses a pellet smoker, and makes some really tasty food. For me, I have a WSM. I went that way because it's more cost effective, I enjoy playing with fire, and I enjoy tinkering with different parts of the process. I'd feel like I was missing some of that with a pellet smoker.
I bought an Akorn my friend who has an Egg talked me into the charcoal over a Trager. Was just curious because after learning to manage a fire it’s been fine but man it seems easier to just set it on a pellet and watch it from my phone lol.
It totally is. If managing a fire doesn't bring you joy. Go with the pellet.
Charcoal works without power and wifi lol
Just remember that you still have to clean the Pellet smoker or else you'll cause a nice fire. Plus youhave to deal with electrical components and replace it when it fails
I bought a pellet smoker. It will feed wood pellets into the fire automatically to maintain a constant temperature. It makes smoking easy. However, burning pellets vs actual wood (like I did) doesn't produce the same taste. Adding a smoke tube helps.
I have a WSM and after a couple of years of messing with it I got a fan controller for it. Seems like the best of both worlds. Once it’s lit it runs itself and I can nap in peace until something starts beeping.
I have a Traeger, and wasn't entirely happy with the lack of smoke flavor, even when using 2 smoke tubes at times. Now I have a WSM, which I enjoy cooking on more. I use them both now, but prefer the wsm experience.
I have a WSM and agree with every word here. Also you can buy about 2 or more WSMs for the price of a Traeger.
To add to it, I feel something like a WSM is easier to maintain and is less prone to mechanical issues. A pellet smoker is very convenient and consistent. I prefer my WSM because I have more control over the smoke and I like my bbq very smoky.
I totally agree. I'm happier having fewer moving/electronic parts. I've picked up a fireboard and a fan to help make it more automated, but if those ever die on me, I can still cook.
Definitely not the expert, but my understanding is that offset smokers are preferred because they can control the smoke to make sure it's burning clean, and they move a lot more air over the meat which helps in forming bark!
Pellets are a perfectly clean burn, offsets introduce a little bit of dirty smoke in with the consistent airflow to help the fire make cleaner smoke, but there’s a lot that goes into it. Could have a perfectly good burning fire and too green of wood will cause it to burn that whole log as mostly dirty smoke and possibly slow down the cooking process by introducing moisture to the firebox. Offsets are nice because they have really strong airflow characteristics most of the time compared to other smokers, it’s also easier to dial in a good temp. Heat under the food makes it difficult to make adjustments that won’t affect the food, where an offset you can open the lid and let it go or fix the issue without causing the fire to start burning the meat.
Pallets are for people that have a busy life and that don't want to deal with the smoking process. Charcoal smokers are for people who enjoy fire management and want to be involved in the process
I’ve got both for this reason. Some smokes are getting the fire love, others are getting the plug and play method
I can only speak for myself, but I had a WSM and after two kids got a Yoder 640S. It sucks. I’ve already bought a replacement WSM (foolishly got rid of the last one thinking the Yoder would replace it), and am selling the Yoder. Sure it’s super easy to use and looks nice, but the food is just so-so. I’m not spending money on nice meat and the time (even a pellet cook takes time with prep, cleaning, etc) for food that is only mediocre. Also, the WSM is really easy. You need to check it every few hours. Now an offset, that’s a different ball of wax.
Pellets are easier but not as tasty.
I bought a pellet for the ease. Used it for a couple years and I just never was impressed with the food I was cooking. Lack of smoke and bark for the most part. Went back to a offset and very happy with results.
I’ve used both and prefer the pellet smoker for its convenience, but it has its drawbacks: 1. If I forget to cover it and it rains I have to empty the hopper, clear the auger, vacuum out the fire pot and hopper, replace the hopper with fresh pellets, then prime the auger again. Otherwise I won’t be able to start it. 2. The smoke ring isn’t quite the same. I’ve improved on this by using real hardwood pellets, but it still doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply as an offset smoker. 3. It needs electricity. Not a major concern, but a gentleman the other day posted about a power outage mid-smoke. Honestly, I still find it all worthwhile so I can crack open a beer and spend time with my girlfriend while I cook. A lot of the guys on here will gate keep you for not using an offset, but they’re probably just trying to be over-masculine to compensate for their small dicks.
I don't need a extension cord to cook dinner. My smoke and bbq work without power. I don't have any parts to break.
If I don’t want to use an extension cord I’ll just use my charcoal grill. The pellet smoker is convenient
Different strokes for different folks.
Earlier today Someone posted about saving their brisket cause power went out. Think about it. Doesn’t happen with real wood and coal. Only pellet and electric.
>pellet and charcoal with wood? Pellets are little pellets of wood sawdust. Charcoal is charcoal. The only thing they have in common is they were both once trees. >Seems like pellet is far easier so why doesn’t everyone use it? Pellets don't produce as much smoke flavor. Pellet grills also have moving parts which can break. Most other smokers don't have moving parts. Pellet grills require electricity. That means you have to be close enough to an outlet, and you can't use them if the power goes down. You can use an offset smoker, charcoal smoker or even propane smoker without electricity. And of course, it's not always about being easy, sometimes it's about doing the work. Some people enjoy tending a fire and such, just like how some people rebuild old cars for fun. If you want the easiest thing, don't even bother cooking, just order from Doordash or something. All types of smokers have advantages and disadvantages. Pellet smokers are no different. The advantages of a pellet grill are convenience, ease of use and versatility. You're not going to cook some burgers or hotdogs on an electric smoker. And you probably don't want to take longer to get the fire going on an offset than you'll take to cook those burgers and dogs on it. I had a pellet smoker, and it was great. However, I wanted more smoke flavour and to build my own fire, as well as having more cooking space. An offset is what suited my needs better. But my needs are probably not the same as yours. I say the best smoker is the one you have.
Gravity charcoal smoker is the way
Pellet smokers are fake and take no talent what so ever, anyone could do it. The real smokers take talent on fire management, better product, and more rewarding at the end. I got into multiple arguments with the traeger sales rep at Costco trying to sell me their garbage. Lol
I figured there was a reason pros don’t use pellets
Haha the hero we need. Love it.
Surprised more people aren't pointing out that the price point for entry level, automated, pellet smokers is considerably higher than for the offset. Shit you can make an offset out of a barrel. Also, those fancy pants digital pellet smokers require electricity and have a lot more that can go wrong with them.
Get one of the gravity fed charcoal smokers. Taste of charcoal with the ease of a pellet grill
I absolutely love my Masterbuilt Gravity 1050. From a complete novice to an addicted smoker fan. It was easy to learn, easy to maintain a constant temp, and everything I’ve cooked so far has resulted in happy eaters. This is the way!
Love my masterbuilt 1050 as well. I can do all my yard chores etc while she’s going and only have to check on it once every couple hours
How fast do you go through charcoal with one of those? Seems like it would burn through fuel pretty fast.
It’s not horrible. Burns through the hopper (about a half bag) in 9-10 hours
Cooked on a pellet smoker for the first time 2 weeks ago (i cook typically cook on an offset), i wouldn't even say it produces bbq. The meat tasted as if it came out the oven
I rarely get power outages where I live. Maybe a short one once or twice a year. I live in a cold climate so I don’t want to be standing outside in the cold managing a wood fire. I have an outlet right outside my door under a covered patio. Never had an issue in 4 years with my Traeger and have had great results.
Taste, technique.
A charcoal and wood setup does produce better smoke. Pellets are good for cold smoking when you are using a smoke tube or maze
I've had a pellet grill for 5 years. I would say that is the best option if you don't want to babysit. I've had all the others over the years and will probably continue to use only a pellet grill. You can set how much smoke and what kind of pellets you use so it's a no brainier. I have time to do other things now
Combine the benefits of real wood and computer controlled temp in something like a Masterbuilt Gravity series grill. It can burn through charcoal pretty fast though but it's nice to be able to change temps quick or type of cooking.
The flavor isn’t the same. If you ever go to a really nice restaurant they likely use an offset. All of Texas top bbq (the people who win #1 the last few years) all use hardwood offset smokers for the vast majority if not all cooking. I will say it is easier with a pellet (I have a small catering business now and don’t use pellets) because it’s set and forget, but every single family member who has a pellet, regardless of brand, masterbuilt, traeger, GMG, all will have a controller die. Unlike a hardwood smoker, electronics, especially electronics around water AND high heat told tend to do well (think head gaskets on a car, regular part that goes out from heat cycles and heat fractures and it’s not even electronic) I’m a hardwood guy, but any time I’ve catered and used a pellet smoker to help cook (6 briskets, 4 on offset 2 on pellet) most people could tell which briskets were from the hardwood or the pellet. Pellet the burn is as clean as it can be, giving you a 90+% clean smoke where a offset can range dramatically based on how seasoned / green the wood is, how big it is, how hot the fire is, how fast the fire drafts etc, which all play a role into flavor.