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]]>In this hands-on Traeger Pro 780 review, we’ll explore all the features, specs, pros, cons, and everything in between to see how this pellet grill might fit into your lifestyle.
For a quick answer on if the Traeger Pro 780 is worth your investment…YES, we believe this pellet grill will meet the needs (plus some cool nice to haves) of most people in the market for a pellet grill or smoker.
Key Takeaways:
- Ease of Use: The Traeger Pro 780 takes the hassle out of BBQing, offering straightforward controls and an intuitive interface.
- Versatility: Whether you’re smoking ribs or grilling burgers, this grill can do it all.
- Temperature Precision: Achieving and maintaining the perfect grill temperature is effortless, ensuring your meals are cooked to perfection every time.
- Convenience & Connectivity: With the Traeger app, monitoring your cook from anywhere becomes a reality, adding a layer of convenience.
Why the Traeger Pro 780?
The Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill is one of the best-selling, most recommended pellet grills on the market.
Along with it’s sibling in the Traeger Pro Series (Traeger Pro 575), this pellet grill is on or near the top of lots of “best of” lists.
But does it really live up to the hype? We think it does…
Pros and Cons of the Traeger Pro 780
There’s a lot to love and some things that could be improved.
Pros:
- Great temp control & wifi monitoring
- Cooking space for large meals
- Good fuel capacity
- Pellet clean-out is a nice touch
Cons:
- Higher cost than other grill or smoker types
- Wish front shelf was standard
- For the price, I’d like 2 temp probes vs 1
Traeger 780 Pellet Grill: The features
Pellet grills are like the ultimate Swiss Army knife of grills, and we’re absolutely hooked.
I’ve learned through owning and reviewing multiple pellet grills, certain features separate a descent pellet grill from an awesome pellet grill.
The Traeger Pro 780 has come features which place it into the awesome category…
D2 Controller – Precision Temperature Control
The ability to set-and-forget the temperature on a grill is fantastic! I’ve cooked on regular charcoal grills, kamado grills, and various smokers…let me tell you first hand, nothing will ruin your bbq quicker than huge temperature swings.
All pellet grills claim you can set and forget, but I’ve seen temperatures randomly fluctuate on other pellet grill brands. Not on Traeger!
The Traeger 780 allows you to set the temperature you want (between 180 and 500°F), walk away, and know it’s gonna get to that temp and stay there.
WiFire (WiFi Connectivity via Traeger App)
The Traeger Pro 780’s WiFire technology changes the game by offering a high-tech twist to traditional smoking and grilling.
WiFire allows remote temperature monitoring and control from your phone…ensuring precise cooking for a range of dishes, from pork to chicken, without needing to be constantly by the grill.
I use WiFire for all of my cooks on the Traeger and haven’t had a single issue. I like to up temps later in long cooks (i.e. the last couple hours of a pork butt or brisket) and am able to do this easily using WiFire.
This feature is a key component of this particular Traeger Grill, marrying technology with traditional cooking methods to offer a next-level grilling or smoking experience.
Great amount of Cooking Space
This pellet grill has a ton of capacity. The main shelf and smaller, secondary shelf combine for 780 square inches of grill capacity.
Traeger states the grill can fit 34 burgers, six rib racks, or six chickens. I cooked 24 hot dogs one day and still had plenty of room for more!
Pellet Hopper with good capacity and cleanout
With an 18lb capacity to store wood pellets, this Traeger Grill can cook for hours and hours without having to refill.
Expect pellet consumption of around 2 pounds per hour at high heat and just ½ pound per hour during smoking.
At the lowest settings, you can cook/smoke for up to 36 hours*!
The hopper cleanout allows you to easily empty the hopper. You may want to swap pellet flavors or just run out the pellets to store your grill. Either way, the feature is VERY convenient and not offered by some brands.
Using the Traeger 780
I’ve really enjoyed using the Traeger 780. It’s the 4th pellet grill I’ve owned and the first from Traeger.
The features I’ve highlighted are a breeze to use. Especially monitoring and controlling via WiFi.
Start the grill by setting the desired temp, press “Ignite” button, then sit back and wait. It only takes about 10 minutes to reach a lower temp for smoking (200-250°F); slightly longer for higher temps.
Once the grill reaches the desired temp, it’s pretty much going to stay there…except when you open the lid.
Opening the lid can cause the temp to drop 25-50°F. However, once you close the lid, the target temp will usually recover within a few minutes.
We’ve cooked a bunch of stuff thus far and have loved this grill! All the food I’ve smoked or grilled has had a good smoky flavor, but not in an overpowering way as charcoal or wood smokers can sometimes do.
The Traeger app
Using the Traeger App is like having a grill whisperer in your pocket!
Once it’s connected to your grill, it can send you notifications about the cook time, temperature, and even when it’s time to flip your food.
Plus, it’s loaded with recipes that’ll make you wanna grill every day.
*You will have to grant the app permission to access your local WiFi network.
Pro Series – Two sizes, Same Grill
The Traeger Pro Series has two models: The Traeger Pro 575 and 780. As stated earlier, you’ll find these pellet grills on or near the top of lots of “best of” lists.
They both have all the same features. The only difference is cooking space and price. The Pro 780 retails for $999 while the Pro 575 is $200 cheaper, coming with a $799 price tag.
Check out our article comparing the Pro 575 vs 780.
More Pellet Grill Resources from New Creation Food…
- Best Smoker for a Beginner
- Best Grill Smoker Combos (for beginners)
- Can you use a pellet grill in the garage?
- How a pellet grill works
- How long do pellet grills last
- How long do pellets last in a pellet grill
Conclusion — Awesome Pellet Smoker!
This Traeger pellet grill is a solid entry into our arsenal. With its generous grill space, the brilliance of WiFire and the Traeger app, we’re creating BBQ deliciousness with ease.
If you’re hesitating, take this as your cue to dive in. Get ready for some epic grilling!
FAQ
How hot does the Traeger Pro 780 get?
The maximum temp is 500 degrees F.
When did the Traeger Pro 780 come out?
The Traeger Pro 780 made its grand debut in 2019 and has quickly become one of the best selling pellet grills on the market.
Can you grill on a Traeger Pro 780?
Yes. You can grill your food, smoke, bake, roast or anything in between.
Does Traeger Pro 780 have super smoke?
Traeger’s Super Smoke setting comes on their Ironwood and Timberline series and some Costco models (Silverton & Redland).
However, remember that as a general rule, smoking at lower temperatures will naturally lead to more smoky flavor.
How long is Traeger Warranty?
The Pro 780 comes with a 3-year warranty. That means for a full three years, you’re covered on all parts.
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]]>I’ve been hooked on BBQ for over 20 years. I LOVE to load up the smoker and feed a bunch of hungry people. However, sometimes you just don’t have the time to go low and slow, or you just desire the amazing char flavor that only a high-heat grill can provide. The ability to smoke and grill in one product is a convenience you need in your life!
Quick picks for Best Smoker Grill Combo:
Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Grill
RecTeq Flagship RT-1100 Pellet Smoker
Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill
New Creation Food is a reader-support site. We may receive a small commission for purchased items at no extra cost to you.
Best Smoker Grill Combos of 2024
Based on 20 years of smoking and grilling expertise, we’ve rounded up the best combos to buy if you want to have flexibility to smoke and grill.
Best Overall — Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill
The coveted top spot for overall best goes to a kamado-style cooker. Smoker grill combos tend to do a descent job at both grilling and smoking, but not great at either.
However, the Kamado Joe Classic II bucks the norm and is excellent at grilling AND smoking. With Kamado-style cookers in general, you can sear steaks at 750°F or smoke pork butt low and slow at 225°F with ease.
Ceramic charcoal grills provide great heat retention due to its thick ceramic construction. You can pretty much walk away for hours once you’ve got the temperature dialed in. I’ve smoked many times overnight with my kamado and barely had to make any adjustments.
Compared to a typical charcoal grill, Kamado’s don’t use much charcoal either…which is another byproduct of superior insulation of ceramic grills.
The Kamado Joe Classic II comes with the patented “Divide and Conquer” cooking system which just makes life easier. It’s basically a split-rack grate system that allows you to cook items on different levels at various temperatures. You can sear on one side and slow smoke on the other. This is a great system that is fairly unique in the kamado grilling world.
Big Green Egg is another kamado brand, but we like the pricing and versatility of Kamado Joe’s offereings better.
Best for Ease of Use — RecTeq Flagship RT-1100
Pellet grills are second to none when it comes to ease of use, due primarily to their built-in temperature controls. Most pellet grills allow the user to set and forget the temperature…which is AWESOME!
The RecTeq Flagship adds another level of convenience with its Wi-Fi controller which allows you to fire up the smoker, or monitor the cook, or make adjustments…from anywhere.
I’ve owned a Recteq pellet grill smoker for several years now and cooked countless meals on it. I’ve packed it full of pork butts, brisket, ribs, and just about any other kind of BBQ. Wi-Fi controls were an absolute game changer in my BBQ journey! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve smoked overnight, or monitored a cook while I left the house.
Considering the RecTeq Flagship’s precision temperature controls, large cooking space, and reliability and this smoker takes away the excuse “I just don’t have time to smoke something for X hours”.
Multiple friends and family have purchased Recteq’s for themselves after witnessing my experience with it; and of course tasting some of the awesome grub!
Best from a Popular Brand — Traeger Pro Series 575
The Traeger Pro Series 575 is very easy to use and has ample cooking area to feed your family.
The WiFIRE technology gives you precise temperature control using Wi-Fi, giving you the freedom to control from anywhere using the Traeger app. This feature allows you to adjust temperatures, monitor your cook, or even add some smoke, all from the comfort of your couch or while running errands.
The ‘set it and forget it’ temperature control system keeps heat consistent, ensuring your food cooks evenly. It lets you focus less on the temperature and more on the flavors that make your BBQ a hit. The ample cooking space of 575 sq. in. is ideal for large BBQ parties, allowing you to smoke a whole chicken, six racks of ribs, or 20 burgers at once!
Best Budget Charcoal — Weber Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill
The Weber Kettle Premium 22″ is the best bang for your buck if you are looking for an affordable grill, providing unmatched versatility at the price point.
This classic kettle grill is excellent at grilling (that’s what it’s designed for) and good at smoking as long as you monitor it closely. It won’t smoke quite as easily as a Weber Smokey Mountain, but will definitely come close with flavor.
While it’s considered a charcoal grill, it’s not JUST a charcoal grill. You can master live fire grilling/smoking using wood, lump charcoal, or charcoal briquettes.
This particular Weber grill isn’t designed to smoke low and slow, but you can definitely use it as a charcoal smoker with some simple techniques (2-zone cooking setup is easiest and cheapest).
When smoking, it will require more attention to monitor and maintain temperatures than some other smokers on this list.
The Weber Kettle Premium 22″ boasts top-notch components, including a porcelain enameled body and lid. It features a convenient hinged 22″ cooking rack for effortless charcoal or wood additions.
The lid comes with a built-in thermometer and a damper for precise control of airflow and temperature.
Food for thought: Weber stands as one of the leading brands in the world of grilling. Renowned for their exceptional quality and durability, they have achieved decades of sales.
Best Budget Pellet — RecTeq Bullseye
Multi-purpose products often fail to excel in any particular task. The Recteq Bullseye (RT-380) goes against this stereotype and is an incredibly versatile outdoor cooker, excelling at both grilling and smoking.
Similar to other pellet grills on this list, the RecTeq Bullseye excels at grilling and smoking. However, this pellet grill can reach a scorching 700°F, separating it from other pellet grills in the pack.
Another major advantage of the Recteq Bullseye is its compatibility with most accessories designed for other 22″ round grills. The Weber Kettle grill, a time-tested bestseller and included in this specific list, boasts a wide range of accessories. Many are also compatible with the Recteq Bullseye.
Best Tabletop or Small Spaces — Ninja Woodfire Pro 7-in-1 Grill & Smoker
The Ninja Woodfire Pro is a revelation if you’re short on space or need a portable option. This compact electric grill lets you grill, smoke, roast, bake, dehydrate, and sear.
With its built-in thermometer, you’ve got precise control over your cooking…similar to some of the pellet options on this list.
You really can’t beat the portability of this grill smoker. The Ninja Woodfire Pro is a solid option if you are working with a small space or need something for traveling, tailgating, camping, etc.
The tradeoff is of course, cooking area. There isn’t a whole lot of room. However, this might be a solution for a small family as it can be used at home or anywhere.
Best for Grilling (but can sort of Smoke) — Weber Spirit II E-310 Propane Grill
The Weber Spirit II propane grill is marketed as a grill and it truly excels. Weber propane grills are easy to start and heat up quickly letting you cook faster than other grill fuels; which is generally why you want a propane grill in the first place.
The Genesis II E310 gas grill comes with porcelain-enameled, cast iron grill grates providing 529 square inches of cooking space. A lot of gas grills don’t have even heat distribution, not so with this bad boy as Weber’s flavorizer bars help minimize hot spots.
How to smoke on Weber Genesis II E-130 Propane Grill?
In order to smoke food on this grill, you will need to get a little creative. I recommend a 2 zone setup (1 side low heat and the other side no heat) with the food you want to smoke on the cold side.
As a rule of thumb, BBQ is smoked around 225 degrees F. Generate heat by turning on 1 of the burners on a low setting. Use a thermometer to monitor smoking temperature.
Create smoke by placing wood chips in some water inside a universal smoke box or into a pan you have laying around. Place this pan over the heat which will heat the water and wood chunks creating simple smoke.
Place meat to smoke on the other side which should be the non-heated side.
Check out Weber’s on guidance on how to smoke on a gas grill.
Best Gas and Pellet Combo — Pit Boss Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill
The Pitboss PB1230SP Wood Pellet and Gas Combo is the only smoker grill on the list to offer the ability to grill and smoke at the same time.
The unit basically has a gas grill and a pellet smoker that operate independently from each other. Each has it’s own grill grate and controls. There’s a huge combined cooking area of over 1,200 square inches.
Having a dedicated grill and separate smoker is quite useful for reverse searing; where you first cook the meat on a lower heat setting and then finish it off with a high heat sear.
Pit Boss grills have been around for years which is a good sign.
Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill Gen 2
The Weber SmokeFire Pellet Grill offers all the conveniences we love about pellet smokers. With it’s ability to smoke low and slow or grill at higher temps, it shines as a combo.
The SmokeFire EX4 can reach up to 600°F which is fairly uncommon for a pellet grill at places it amongst the most versatile grills.
The Weber SmokeFire EX4 offers flavorizer bars instead of a large tray underneath the grill grates for grease management.
While I am a fan of Weber’s famous flavorizer bars on their gas grills, I believe the traditional large pan/grease catcher design works better for pellet grills.
Buyer’s Guide when selecting Best Grill Smoker Combo:
There’s a lot to think about when you are getting ready to spend your hard-earned money. Here are a few things to consider.
| Key Feature | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Temperature Control | The ability to monitor and control temperature is crucial. The less you have to monitor and adjust your equipment, the more time you can spend with your family. |
| Fuel Source or Type | Not only does fuel impact flavor, but ease of use is impacted too. Pellet grills and charcoal offer max versatility. |
| Build Quality | A solidly build smoker/grill can last a lifetime! Durable, thick-walled materials can make all the difference. |
| Cooking Space | Determines how many people you can cook for and ultimately how much food you can cook at a time. |
Temperature Control – The Most Important Factor
How easy is the combo to use? When it comes to keeping your life simple, ease of use is the name of the game. In my opinion, the biggest contributing factor to ease of use is very simple: precision temperature control.
I’ve smoked a lot of food on a lot of different smokers and few things suck worse than walking away from you smoker (or grill) and the temp swings in either direction.
You need to be able to set your equipment to the desired temperature and it needs to maintain that temp. Set and forget. Sounds simple enough, right? You’d be amazed how difficult and evasive this task is on some smokers or grills!
Fuel Source or Type
Grill smoker combos come in several different types and fuel sources. Here are the basics:
- Pellet Grills — uses wood pellets as fuel; consistent temperature control
- Charcoal — uses either charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal; fantastic flavor
- Propane/Gas — uses propane or natural gas; usually need wood chips to add smoke flavor
- Electric — powered by electricity; ideal for indoor or small outdoor spaces where open flames are not allowed
- Kettle Grills — classic design featuring a domed lid and a circular cooking grate
- Kamado Style Cooker — Usually made of ceramic; known for excellent heat retention and control
Build Quality
No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on something just to have it fall apart, right? We want equipment that will last for years and years. I tend to trust brands who have been around for a while (Traeger, Weber, etc) or at least products with good warranties (RecTeq).
Build quality and insulation tend to go hand in hand too. A high quality, thick-walled smoker will help with temperature control and greatly impact ease of use.
While insulation is not super important when grilling, better insulation can make a world of difference when smoking for hours and hours (especially in cold weather!).
Cooking Space
Simply put, cooking space determines how much food you can cook at one time. Estimate how many people you will generally be cooking for and the types of food you will cook.
- Will you be grilling/smoking for a family of 4? 10? Just 2?
- Will you plan to cook for large gatherings (10-20 plus)?
- Do you plan to smoke briskets? Or smaller cuts?
Answers to these questions will help you determine how much cooking space you need.
There’s a common saying in BBQ that goes like this, “No one ever says they wish they had got a smaller smoker (or grill)”. Don’t skimp here!!
Features & Technology
If you are after the latest tech features, opt for a pellet style cooker. They come readily available with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control capabilities not available on all grill/smoker types.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to control your equipment manually though. If you want to go that route then pretty much any other smoker type could be for you.
Overall Size & Portability
Grill smoker combos save space by their very nature since you don’t have to have a separate grill and smoker. However, you still likely need to think about how much room you have wherever your new equipment will be stored.
More cooking space tends to lead to larger overall size and footprint (the amount of space it takes up on your patio, deck, etc). Be sure you have enough room wherever you will setup the combo.
Size and weight will also impact portability. Will you need move your new combo around your property? Transport it to different places? These answers will lead you down certain paths.
Price
Of course you will be thinking about cost as you work through the selection process. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to outdoor cooking equipment. I’d recommend shelling out as much money as you can stand to maximize the other factors laid out above.
If you buy the most basic smoker you can find for $150 but you can’t set it up right, control temperatures, or experience a whole host of other bbq nightmares…your desire to smoke with crash on the rocks of inconvenience.
What’s the Difference Between a Grill and a Smoker?
A grill is primarily used for quick, high-heat cooking and gives your food a charred, smoky flavor, perfect for steaks or burgers.
On the other hand, a smoker cooks food at a low temperature over a long period of time, infusing the food with flavors from the smoking wood and creating tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
Why Would You Want a Grill Smoker Combo?
- Versatility: A smoker grill combo offers both smoking and grilling in one unit, giving you more cooking options.
- Space Saving: A combo unit saves space by combining the smoker and grill into one.
- Cost-Effective: Buying a combo unit is often cheaper than purchasing separate smoker and grill units.
When it’s time to think about getting a dedicated smoker
First let me say that dedicated smokers are great. I have multiple pellet smoker/grills and use them primarily as smokers.
I started out with a gas grill though; and used it happily for years. The first time I tasted homemade smoked ribs at a friend’s house, I was hooked on smoke flavor.
If you find yourself using your combo unit to smoke more and more, slow cooking BBQ left and right, it might be time to invest in a dedicated unit.
Is a pellet grill considered a grill smoker combo?
Yes, a pellet grill is indeed considered a grill smoker combo.
Here at New Creation Food, we are huge fans of Pellet smokers and their unmatched ease of use.
I’ve progressed through lot’s of different types of grills and smokers, but at my stage of life with work and kids…it’s hard to pass on the opportunity to smoker or grill fantastic food at the touch of a button or using my phone.
FAQ
Who makes the best grill smoker?
The answer depends on what’s most important to you. We believe ceramic kamado’s are the best overall as recommended in this article.
However, Pellet grill smokers are the easiest to use.
Can you get a smoker and a grill in one?
Yes! Smoker grill combos are pretty easy to find. Pellet grills in particular are widely available and can be considered smoker grill combos.
Can a smoker be used as a grill?
The answer is “it depends”. Most smokers are designed to smoke only and can’t achieve the high temperatures required for grilling.
Which smoker gives the best flavor?
Flavor depends largely on fuel type. A charcoal grill delivers the best flavor but can be more tedious to control temps.
What is the best and easiest smoker to use?
Pellet grills are the easiest to use by far. Most are capable of low and slow cooking and heat high enough to grill. Call them pellet smoker grills if you want 
What is the best pellet grill smoker?
We love RecTeq products and recommend the RecTeq Flagship 1100 as the best pellet smoker.
What kind of smoker should a beginner get?
See our article for the Best Smoker for Beginners.
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]]>If that’s you, I know exactly where you are at. Taking up the art of smoking mouth-watering delicacies has been one of the great journeys in my life!
After dabbling with a propane grills for years, I purchased my first smoker a little over 10 years ago. I started at absolute ground zero…knowing nothing about the art of smoking meat or smokers in general. I’d like to share what I’ve learned along the way; which I hope will be helpful in your journey.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which smoker to buy, particularly if you’re new to the game. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of smokers and key features to look for when finding the best smoker for you!
In a Hurry? Quick recommendations for your first smoker:
RecTeq Flagship 1100
Masterbuilt 30″ Digital
Weber Smokey Mountain 22″
Affiliate notice: We may receive a small commission for recommended items.
Reviews of Best smokers for beginners:
Please consider these recommendations based on years of experience smoking…
Best Overall — Recteq Flagship 1100
I’ve owned a Recteq pellet grill/smoker for several years now and cooked countless meals on it. I’ve packed it full of pork butts, brisket, ribs, and just about any other kind of BBQ smoky goodness.
While I will admit the results taste slightly different than smoking via charcoal or wood, this smoker still produces excellent results that are a sucker for compliments.
The Flagship features a Wi-Fi controller which allows you to fire up the smoker, or monitor the cook, or make adjustments…from anywhere. It was an absolute game changer in my BBQ journey!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve smoked overnight, or monitored a cook while I left the house. This feature, along with the Flagship’s precision temperature controls, has really taken away the excuse most would be smokers use of “I just don’t have time to smoke something for X hours”.
Multiple friends and family have purchased Recteq’s for themselves after witnessing my experience with it; and of course tasting some of the awesome grub!
Best Budget Electric — Masterbuilt 30″ Digital
The Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker is a good starter rig to dip your toe in the world of smoking with. The smoker comes standard with 4 racks for cooking, digital temperature controller, removable wood chip compartment, and a water pan among other features.
In my opinion, one of the biggest benefits of an electric smoker is the easy startup and overall cooking space. At the price point (approximately $250 at the time of this post), you’d be hard pressed to find an easier smoker to operate.
However, some customers have complained of temperature fluctuations and issues obtaining significant smoke flavor. Again, at the price point, it’s hard to expect perfection…but this smoke is a good value for the money.
Best Charcoal — Weber Smokey Mountain 22″
The Weber Smokey Mountain 22″ is well-built charcoal smoker that’s designed for one thing; smoking low and slow! The top end temperature rating is 275 degrees; which means smoking is your only option on this bad boy. You might consider this smoker a one-trick-pony, but it does that one trick at exceptional levels.
The smoker comes with top notch quality components, including porcelain enameled body parts, 2 cooking racks, built in lid thermometer, water pan, and even a charcoal chamber which helps consolidate fuel for an efficient burn.
Overall, it’s one of the best smokers for beginners if you want to smoke with charcoal and wood. As discussed elsewhere in this post, I recommend pellet smokers due to their ease of use when starting out.
However, I’ve owned a Weber Smokey Mountain in the past and wouldn’t trade my experiences and learnings from using it. Once you get the hang of adjusting the dampers and compensating for weather conditions, you can easily produce some quality smoky goodness…just not quite as easily as from a pellet smoker.
Food for thought: Weber is one of the premier names in all of grilling. They’ve built a reputation for good quality and staying power, with decades of sales for some of their core models (Kettle charcoal grill and Genesis gas grill).
Best budget — Recteq Bullseye
Multi-purpose products, as the name implies, tend to do multiple things. However, these products usually don’t excel at any one task. The Recteq Bullseye (RT-380) breaks that stereotype!
The Recteq Bullseye (RT-380) is highly versatile as an outdoor cooker, with almost endless possibilities. You can smoke a pork butt at 225 degrees for 12 hours, smoke/bake a pizza at 400 degrees, or sear a steak at over 700 degrees! Whether smoking, grilling, searing, baking or even dehydrating, the Bullseye does all of these things well!
A major benefit of the Recteq Bullseye is that most accessories made for other 22″ round grills will work in the Bullseye. The Weber Kettle grill is one of the best selling grills of all time and has A LOT of accessories available on the market (various grates, racks, etc). A significant amount of accessories designed to fit the Weber Kettle 22″ grill will also work for the Recteq Bullseye.
Best super cheap — Weber Kettle Premium 22″
Weber Kettles have been around a long time; evidenced by a 70 year anniversary model Weber sells on their website. I don’t think any list of best smokers for a beginner would be complete without some sort of nod to Weber Kettles; especially when it comes to smoking or grilling with charcoal.
The Weber Kettle Premium 22″ is the best bang for your buck if you are on a tight budget and really want to tinker with a live fire smoking (wood, lump charcoal, or charcoal briquettes). The grill is not designed to smoke low and slow; it’s more of a grill you can rig up to smoke (2-zone cooking setup is easiest and cheapest). As such, it requires more attention to monitor and maintain temperatures than other smokers on this list.
Similar to the previously mentioned Weber Smokey Mountain, the Weber Kettle Premium 22″ comes with high quality components. You’ll get a porcelain enameled body and lid, one 22″ cooking rack that’s hinged to allow for easily adding charcoal or wood during a cook, nice thermometer built into lid, and a damper on the lid for adjusting air flow and temperature.
Base model Weber Kettles have a small tray underneath to catch ashes with no protection from the elements. Wind can easily wreak havoc and spread these ashes all over the place. The Weber Kettle Premium One-Touch cleaning system solves this issue. The ash catcher is pretty much enclosed, providing protection from wind which adds a huge convenience factor over base-models.
Food for thought: Weber is one of the premier names in all of grilling. They’ve built a reputation for good quality and staying power, with decades of sales for some of their core models (Kettle charcoal grill and Genesis gas grill).
Factors to consider:
What’s your budget?
When friends ask me for recommendations, this is the first question I ask. Whether you have a couple hundred dollars or thousands to spend, one thing is for sure, the amount of money you decide to spend on a smoker will greatly impact the features you are able to obtain.
Very similar to a vehicle, you can get a bare bones version that get’s you from point A to B. Or you can spend almost unlimited money for all sorts of bells, whistles, and conveniences.
Years ago, I spent $40 on what I would have called my first “smoker”. To call it a smoker is a bit of a misnomer. It was the really just the cheapest little square charcoal grill I could find at my local big box store; which I thought meant it was a smoker! I didn’t understand anything about smokers, temperature controls, indirect heat, etc.
My recommendation is to spend as much as you can afford! Just to get in the game at a basic level you need to get your head around spending $250 – $300 minimum for the smoker only; not to mention all the smoking/grilling accessories you are sure to set your sights on!
Key features to make things easier:
| Key Feature | Why is it important for beginners? |
|---|---|
| Temperature Control | The ability to control and monitor the temperature is crucial to achieving perfect smoking results. The less you have to monitor and adjust your smoker, the better. |
| Build Quality and Material | A solidly build smoker can last a lifetime! Look for durable materials that can withstand both high and low temperatures. |
| Size and Capacity | Consider the amount of food you will be smoking and the space you have available to store the smoker. There’s a common saying in BBQ that goes like this, “No one ever says they wish they had got a smaller smoker (or grill)”. Don’t skimp here!! |
| Ease of Use and Cleaning | Choose a smoker that is easy to use and clean, with detachable parts for easy access and maintenance. |
Types of Smokers:
There are five main types of smokers for beginners to choose from; electric, charcoal, pellet, propane and offset smokers. There are more “types” of smokers (Kamado Grills, Kettle Grills, etc) but those are really sub-categories…
Electric Smokers
These are descent smokers for beginners. They eliminate the guesswork out of smoking, as they maintain the temperature and take care of the cooking for you. They’re also very easy to use and require minimal attention. Some electric smokers also have digital thermometers and timers that will allow you to monitor the temperature of the meat as it’s being smoked. Many electric smokers don’t require wood or charcoal, which can also make your experience less messy.
Charcoal Smokers
These smokers are often the most affordable and beginner-friendly of all the smokers. They use a straightforward cooking system, which involves the use of wood and charcoal, followed by slow-cooking the meat over several hours. They’re relatively easy to use, but it may take some experimentation to get the hang of temperature control. That said, nothing beats the authentic flavor of wood and charcoal.
Pellet Smokers
Pellet smokers (also referred to as Pellet Grills) are a step up from electric smokers but are an excellent choice for beginners. These smokers use wood pellets to generate the smoke and maintain the temperature throughout the cooking process. The pellet hopper also holds enough pellets to smoke for hours, making it easier to attend to other things.
Propane Smokers
Propane smokers are relatively easy to use and inexpensive compared to wood or charcoal smokers. They work by heating the propane to produce the smoke, which will cook the meat low and slow. They’re perfect for people who don’t want to commit to wood or charcoal but want to achieve that smoky flavor and texture.
Offset Smokers
Offset smokers are basically a sub-category of charcoal smokers, as they require the use of charcoal and/or wood. They may be a bit more challenging for beginners to use since they’re harder to control temperature.
However, if you want that outdoorsy smoking experience and don’t mind the extra effort, this smoker might be a good choice for you.
What type of smoker should a beginner get?
If you ask 10 different folks who love to smoke food, you will probably receive 10 different answers to this question! While there are a lot of biases, I personally recommend a Pellet Smoker to anyone who will listen.
I’ve smoked a ton on Weber charcoal smokers and Kamado/Ceramic smokers. Once I discovered Pellet Smokers, it completely changed the game for me! It’s the closest thing to “set and forget” you will come across that still delivers intense, delicious smoky goodness.
Accessories and Tools for Beginner Smokers
The key to an enjoyable smoking experience is having all the necessary accessories and tools at your disposal. Having these items can help you hone your skills as a smoker, while guaranteeing that every time you ignite it up, the results will meet expectations.
Thermometers
Monitoring the internal temperature of your food and smoker is critical for any smoker, making a reliable thermometer an essential tool.
There are multiple types are available including analogue BBQ thermometers, wireless meat probes (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), instant-read digital devices or infrared sensors, each having its own pros and cons.
I personally use, and highly recommend, the Thermapen One by Thermoworks. I’ve been through multiple cheaper thermometers and had bad experiences. The Thermapen is 100% worth the money.
Tongs and Grilling Tools
A good set of smoking tools is essential to successful grilling and one must-have tool are tongs. Examples of great options for smokers include the OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs and Weber 18″ Grill Tongs, which should both be comfortable as well as made from sturdy materials so they can stand up against regular use over time.
Not only do these tools help you avoid accidental burns or messes when flipping, turning, or moving food items in a smoker (alongside other grill utensils like spatulas and forks) but using them also promotes safe handling practices overall!
Smoking Racks and Trays
Maximizing cooking space efficiency involves selecting the right smoking racks and trays for your smoker. These accessories are made from a sturdy material, such as stainless steel. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different types of food.
Among them we have rib racks that can hold multiple batches at once, while more substantial meat cuts should be smoked on specially designed smoke racks ideal also for transporting or resting it afterwards. Smaller items like vegetables or fish could go into trays tailored exactly with those needs in mind .
By choosing suitable components you get much better results depending on what kind of products you want to cook using your smoker device.
Conclusion for Best Smoker for a Beginner:
Smoking is an exciting cooking method that enhances flavor, even for beginners. Choosing the best smoker for you as a beginner is about finding the right balance between ease of use, affordability, and authentic smoky flavor.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all smoker for everyone, the choices above are undoubtedly some of the best smokers on the market. Remember, get the smoker that fits your cooking style and needs.
With the proper tools, experimentation, patience, and a little bit of creativity, you’ll be having delicious and mouth-watering food in no time that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and start your smoking journey today!
More great resources from New Creation Food:
Don’t have a smoker? — Check out these guides for choosing the Best Smokers for a Beginner or Best Smoker Grill Combos
Recipes & Guides
- How do Pellet Grills Work?
- How Long do Pellets last in a Pellet Grill?
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends on a Pellet Smoker
- Traeger Pellet Smoked Brisket
- Is Brisket Beef or Pork?
- Smoked Tri-Tip – Traeger Grill
- Pulled pork on a Traeger
- Pulled pork – 190 vs 205 degrees?
- Smokey Queso Dip
- How Long to Smoke Brisket at 225
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pellet or electric smoker better?
Those who crave a robust, intense taste should opt for pellet grills. Electric smokers are perfect if you’re seeking out that subtle smoky flavor. Both types of cooking appliances have their advantages and it is important to consider which one fits your needs best.
What type of smoker gives the best flavor?
For the best taste, wood smokers are recommended by experts as the ideal choice. Charcoal also has its place for smoking food but it is Agreed upon that wood gives off a more flavorful
What is the easiest type of smoker for beginners to use?
Electric smokers are perfect for those just starting out, providing simple and precise temperature control that allows you to set the desired heat level and leave it without worrying about any Adjustment.
How do I choose the right wood chips for my smoker?
When it comes to using wood chips for smoking, the type of food being cooked and flavor desired are factors to consider. Hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry or oak can be used depending on preference as these all provide distinct notes when added during cooking processes.
What is the most important factor in maintaining a consistent temperature while smoking?
In order to ensure consistent smoking temperatures, the ability to accurately regulate temperature and adjust air circulation is paramount. A trustworthy thermometer becomes indispensable in achieving this goal.
Monitoring these elements regularly will help guarantee a smooth experience every time you light up!
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