Replace a large gas grill with a Traeger?

[unclebilly]

Our gas grill is 13 years old. The burner tubes have been replaced once and some are already shot again. The deflectors are still ok but the pieces that support some of them are rusted away. The cast iron grill is getting pretty thin in spots too.

I also have a BGE knock off.

I’m considering replacing the gas grill with a Traeger.

What says the brain trust? Dare I try to conjure up Tabs?

[fanaudical]

I don't have a Traeger (or similar pellet stove). When i was looking for a gas grill replacement I eventually selected a big kamado grill (like a BGE). I researched a bunch and found Traegers (at the time) wouldn't really get to hot grill temperature. Maybe that's changed. The kamado can hit 750F to sear or smoke all day at 225F. My brother's Traeger is great at low/slow; not so good for steaks...

[onewhippedpuppy]

My FIL and BIL both have pellet grills and like them, but both have commented that compared to propane it takes a LOT longer to reach cooking temperature. So it’s not a quick “let’s throw some burgers on the grill” situation. Also they aren’t as good at smoking as a dedicated smoker, which my BIL invested in separately. Based on their feedback I’m planning to keep my Weber Genesis and also invest in a dedicated smoker whenever I can stomach paying $1k+ for one.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I have a Weber Peformer and only use hardwood lump charcoal like FOGO. 15 minutes in a chimney yields insanely hot coals, google says 1000ºF in the chimney, 700 in the grill. Bringing my temp gun home next time doing steaks. Grill gets hot in minutes. I have to use nomex gloves.

As a purest, I can't do a gas grille. Hardwood charcoal and putting some chunks of fresh dry oak on top of the coals adds a je ne sais quoi "outdoor in the forest, on the range" flavor to steaks that can't be achieved any other way. Salmon gets an amazing smokey flavor too.

[billybek]

I have an Egg and a Tejas stick burner and would actually like to have a pellet pooper too.
I would still have to have a gas grill around for quick and easy stuff.

[rfuerst911sc]

UB is there a reason you won't use your " bge knockoff " as the primary grille ? If the reasons are it takes too long to heat up or you don't want to mess with charcoal I think you won't be happy with a Traeger.

To be fair/transparent I have a large BGE and a large 2 burner Weber Q gas grille . For quick/easy cooking the Weber works great . For more dedicated cooking/smoking the BGE is tough to beat . But generally it is just my wife and I so smaller meals . Your situation may be totally different .

[greglepore]

I'm in the pass on the gas crowd. A Trager is "ok" and actually great for "cold" smoking but its not a stick burner when it comes to bbq. And for grilling? NFW. Like Shaun says, charcoal in a chimney comes up to temp more quickly. I have a walmart knockoff Weber kettle (its identical to the big Webber- https://www.walmart.com/ip/KEYO-GRILL-21-in-Kettle-Charcoal-Grill-with-Foldable-Side-Table-Removable-Ash-Catcher-Thermometer-Black/20096124147?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1800) for grilling and a smoker for bbq. Gas grills are quick and all, but don't really add more flavor than I can get on a cast iron griddle on the cooktop (granted, I have a hood...).

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I'm in the pass on the gas crowd. A Trager is "ok" and actually great for "cold" smoking but its not a stick burner when it comes to bbq. And for grilling? NFW. Like Shaun says, charcoal in a chimney comes up to temp more quickly. I have a walmart knockoff Weber kettle (its identical to the big Webber- https://www.walmart.com/ip/KEYO-GRILL-21-in-Kettle-Charcoal-Grill-with-Foldable-Side-Table-Removable-Ash-Catcher-Thermometer-Black/20096124147?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1800) for grilling and a smoker for bbq. Gas grills are quick and all, but don't really add more flavor than I can get on a cast iron griddle on the cooktop (granted, I have a hood...).

Thanks for posting the grill, I'm going to get one for work.

[osidak]

just bought a weber searwood 600 - first pellet grill

haven't made a single thing on it yet that I haven't loved. Great smoke flavor when I lower the temps and cook longer - been using lumberjack pellets

will get up to 500 degrees in 10 minutes or less and maxes out around the 600-650 range so you can even get a nice sear.

the grill box is solid aluminum and the firebox is heavy stainless

[unclebilly]

The gas grill is mainly used by my wife and son, when I’m cooking I tend to use the BGE.

I want something safe and convenient hence the gas grill and potential to replace it with a Traeger… I did forget how slow they are though.

[onewhippedpuppy]

While I understand the purist perspective on charcoal and wood, I’ve never had a filet better than what my wife cooks on our propane Weber. And I’ve eaten in some pretty high end steak places around the country, typically with someone else paying the bill for work (so I’m not skimping).

[billybek]

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[Roswell]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

The gas grill is mainly used by my wife and son...

With these parameters, stick with a gas grill replacement. Or maybe a Blackstone griddle...

[E Sully]

I enjoy having a Traeger and a gas grill. If I could only have one it would be a gas grill. The low and slow smoker is great for many foods and they come out tender and flavorful, but there are some foods that I prefer the gas grill for. There are also a few drawbacks to the smokers. On windy days if it is not in a sheltered location it will not do well. I also BBQ in the cold northeast and the smoker is not going to get to heat, only gas will. Just had great baby back ribs last night.
In the off season I have found the smoker needs to have the pellets emptied. I run it till they are gone and clean it out to store in the winter. If left in for extended periods, the auger tube will get clogged by swollen pellets from dampness needing a bit of disassembly and cleaning which is a chore.

[911 Rod]

I live alone and cook on the BBQ almost every night after work.
Not sure how you guys manage your time with anything but a turn on and light gas unit.
The searing station on mine makes the perfect rare steak in 3 minutes.

[JavaBrewer]

Have had many gas grills and one Traeger. Loved it but steaks and pork are a no go on the Traeger. Now fish, chicken, veggies absolutely, amazing results and easy. I now have a Weber Genesis 3 burner grill which does everything direct fire or indirect heat.