With so many different smoker manufacturers
these days, it is hard to decide which one makes the best products. But, Camp
Chef is one of the names that truly stands out. The company is based in Utah
and they have been producing outdoor cookware for 30 years. What many buyers
love about Camp Chef is that they offer high-quality products at very
reasonable prices.
What makes Camp Chef smokers stand out is the
ash cleanout system. When it comes to many other smokers, you have to use the
vacuum to clean out the ashes. But, Camp Chef smokers feature a lever that,
once pulled, simply releases the ashes from the firebox. In addition, the
smokers also come with a meat probe and the internal meat temperature can be
seen on the digital display.
In addition, smokers come with many other advanced features. Keep reading to find out more about the best Camp Chef smokers available on the market.
Top Picks
Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill with Sear Box
Camp Chef Woodwind is one of those pellet
grills that have everything. The grill was designed to be user-friendly; it
lights easily and instantly and also features computerized temperature control,
Smart Smoke Technology, easy ash cleanout, and convection heating.
What many users love about this grill is the
ease of use. Thanks to Smart Smoke Technology, you can adjust the temperature
easily, put the food in, and let the grill do all the rest. While you’re
waiting for the food to cook, you can spend time with your friends and family.
One unique feature of this grill is the
attached sear box. It is made out of cast iron, powered by propane, and
features amazing firepower. The highest temperature the sear box can reach is
900°F. This way, you practically get two grills in one – a feature that other
pellet grills don’t have.
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining the
grill, the manufacturer tried to make it as easy as possible. Camp Chef
Woodwind features a patented ash cleanout system that makes cleaning up a
breeze. All you have to do is pull a lever and any ash remains will be cleaned out.
This feature is especially convenient if you plan to use the grill frequently.
Masterbuilt is not the oldest manufacturer of
smoker grills, but the company dates back to 1973. So, you can say that they
are one of those longer-standing brands in the smoking industry. The company
started as Dawson McLemore’s backyard project and it eventually blossomed into
a thriving business.
The greatest thing about Masterbuilt is that their products come in a lot of styles and are made to fit everyone’s budget. You can go for appliances that use wood chips and pellets or choose electric smokers that don’t require any type of additional fuel. And, when it comes to the price, most of the Masterbuilt products won’t break the bank. For example, when it comes to their electric smokers, the base units average a cost of between $100 and $400.
The reason why Masterbuilt grills are
relatively affordable is that they are made overseas. If you’re fond of buying
American-made products, then you should also consider this point. When it comes
to quality, these grills should last you a long time. They are a perfect choice for average-sized
families who love BBQs and smoked food.
If you’re considering buying a smoker grill,
then you should definitely take a look at the most popular Masterbuilt grills
available on the market.
Investing in a smoker is an excellent idea if you’re fond of smoking meat and fish regularly. However, the tricky part might be choosing a smoker that is perfect for your needs. Smoking food isn’t easy; however, using an electric smoker is much more convenient than using charcoal or wood smokers. When compared to pellet smokers or charcoal smokers, we think electric smokers are the perfect choice for beginners who don’t feel like constantly controlling the temperature of their smoker and would rather spend time with their guests and family. Smoke Hollow makes some excellent entry-level smokers for those that want a convenient, low maintenance way to smoke meat.
The story of Green Mountain Grills (GMG)
started with a man who had a pellet grill and he knew that he can make it much
better. So, GMG was founded in 2008 and it took the company a few years until
they perfected their grills. The brand became a true contender in 2014 once
they decided to lower their prices.
What made GMG very popular are their attractive
products that have many desirable features, including a Wi-Fi option. It can be
said that the company is partially responsible for the spread of Wi-Fi pellet
grills. Thanks to their high tech and well-built pellet grills, the company has
gained a loyal following. However, finding their products online is not an easy
task since GMG focuses on its dealer network.
Buying a pellet grill is a serious investment.
Even the most inexpensive pellet grills can cost about several hundred dollars.
So, since you are already planning to invest money in a pellet grill, we advise
you to primarily take construction and performance into consideration. It is
better to buy a well-built pellet grill with a great controller rather than an
average pellet grill with plenty of accessories for one simple reason – the
first grill will cook better and last longer. Buying such a grill might cost a
bit more initially, but, in the long run, you’ll be saving money since you
won’t have to deal with replacing igniters, probes, rusted parts, or even the
entire grill.
The greatest thing about Green Mountain pellet grills is that they combine quality build and all the bells and whistles at an affordable price. Keep reading to find out more about Green Mountain pellet grills and how they compare to the competitors.
If you’re reading this article, then it’s quite
likely that you’ve done some research about pellet grills and you’re ready to
invest in one. Also, you’re probably hoping to find the one that is perfect for
your backyard and that has a reasonable price. If that’s the case, then Traeger
pellet grills are an excellent choice for you.
Joe Traeger came up with this type of grill in
1986. Ever since then, Traeger has been the top-selling pellet grill. Their
products are not only known for their high-quality and durability, but also for
that signature smoky flavor you can achieve only when using wood pellets.
Whether you plan to sear, bake, barbecue, smoke, or roast your food, Traeger
has special wood pellets that will bring out the best taste there is.
But, choosing a Traeger grill can be a bit difficult with so many different models and versions available. Long story short, the manufacturer produces four main lines of grills – Traeger Pro, Traeger Ironwood, Traeger Timberline, and Traeger Tailgater. In addition, there are also a handful of other popular models such as the Junior Elite, Renegade Elite, and Bronson.
We’ve decided to come up with a detailed guide
and review the best Traeger pellet grills available on the market, explain the
differences between the models, and see how they stack up against their
competition. We also compared newer models to the older ones so you can easily
decide whether you need all the latest bells and whistles or if the slightly
outdated version will do the trick for you. Keep reading to find the perfect
Traeger grill for your needs.
Rec Tec entered the pellet grill market with the intent to create products that are different. The founders of the company stated that their main aim was to conquer the temperature control process. That is why they came up with Smart Grill Technology™. This technology allows users to control a real wood fire and also helps to produce accurate temperatures.
The founders also wanted to make their products last for many years. Both of them used to own the so-called stainless steel grills. However, they realized that most of these grills are prone to rust. That is why they decided to make all the Rec Tec pellet grills out of a heavy gauge stainless steel that can last for an entire lifetime.
Rec Tec is a relatively new company and the two founders started out selling their first grills out of a garage. However, it didn’t take them long to become popular. Now, Rec Tec is manufacturing high-quality products that won’t break the bank. They hold a product line of 5 smoker grills in different size and price range, so they must have one that will fit your needs. And, something that all these grills have in common is high-quality materials, precision engineering, and amazing customer service. Continue reading “Rec Tec Grill Reviews”
Have you ever seen those large, bulky, egg-shaped grills? If you are a BBQ amateur, then you probably don’t know much about them. But, if you’re experienced at grilling, then you know that we are talking about Kamado grills.
Just like all the other grills, Kamado grills can be used for grilling and smoking, but also for baking pizza, roasting meat, or even cooking food tandoori-style. The design of these grills was inspired by the earthenware ovens that were used in China and India centuries ago. Kamado grills feature a thick exterior and that is why they require less fuel. Some users claim that a single batch of charcoal can last up to 14 hours. If you don’t intend to use the grill that long, then simply leave the unburned charcoal for your next grilling session.
If you’re thinking about going Kamado, then make sure to check out our list of the best Kamado grills available on the market. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that includes the reviews of the most popular models and tips for choosing the perfect Kamado grill for your needs. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will know which grill is the one for you.
Louisiana Grills, along with Traeger, is one of the first manufacturers that entered the pellet smoker market. The company is a well-known brand with some history. Headquartered in Alberta, Canada, Louisiana Grills products are available in the USA online as well as in some hearth and patio stores.
For years, the company has experimented with different designs and features to improve the quality of their products. Their most famous grills are the Country Smokers, Colonial Smokers, and the Estate line. The Country Smokers are the typical horizontal smokers made out of powder-coated steel. The Colonial Smokers look like gas grills and they feature enclosed carts and side shelves. When it comes to the Estate line, it consists of drop-in smoker heads which are meant to be permanently installed. According to the manufacturer, the Colonial and Estate products are still to be upgraded.
Louisiana Grills are one of the most versatile grills available on the market. If you’re looking for a grill that you can use for smoking, grilling, and baking, then make sure to check out our top 3 Louisiana Grills.
Top Pick – Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100
Top Pick - Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100
As you may get the hint from the model number, Louisiana Grills LG1100 is a quite large pellet grill. You get 1,100 square inches of cooking surface. The main surface is 750 square inches large and you also get a 350-square inch upper cooking rack which is removable. If you love hosting large social gatherings, then this grill is a must-have for you. In addition, it features cast-iron surface meaning that it was built to last.
As with every other pellet grill, the LG1100 the natural hardwood pellets give your food an authentic smoky flavor and ensure the ultimate BBQ experience. Whether you want to grill burgers, smoke ribs, bake pizza, or sear or charbroil a steak, this grill can do it all. The Flame Broiler accessory allows you to cook your food over an open flame.
Using this grill is as easy as using an oven. It features electric ignition which ensures easy startup and fan-forced convection which ensures even cooking temperature. The digital control center allows you to set the temperature from 170°F to 600°F and it also provides precise temperature control. The grill also features a programmable meat probe interface, which allows you to cook with even greater precision.
According to some users, the only downside of this grill would be the hopper. The grill comes with a 14-lb. hopper and this means that you will have to refill it every few hours. But, let’s face it, since the grill does all the job for you, refilling the hopper is not that demanding. You still get to enjoy spending time outdoors without having to babysit your grill. In addition, the manufacturer offers a hopper extension that can make this problem go away as well.
Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100 Features
Set It and Forget It
One of the greatest advantages of this grill is that you don’t have to check on it all the time. The grill automatically starts up, and, once you’re done with it, automatically cools down. The digital control center allows you to choose the desired temperature (between 170°F and 600°F). Once you do so, the grill will maintain the temperature on its own. In addition, the full programmable meat probe ensures the “set it and forget it” cooking experience.
Programmable Meat Probe
What does having a programmable meat probe mean exactly? As you know, a meat probe is used for measuring the temperature of your food. The probe will display the internal temperature of your meat on the LED display.
The “programmable” part means that you won’t have to check on your food at all. Once you choose the desired internal meat temperature, the grill will automatically adjust the heat so that the desired temperature is maintained.
Open Flame Grilling
Flame Broiler is a neat accessory that comes with this grill. It is a slide-plate which allows you to go for the direct or indirect open flame grilling. With the help of this accessory, you will finally be able to grill your steaks and burgers to perfection. And, the proprietary exhaust system will ensure that all your food is cooked evenly.
Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100 Pros
The grill features rugged 14-gauge powder-coated steel construction.
Large cooking surface – 1100 square inches.
Digital control center maintains a consistent temperature.
Temperature range is between 170°F and 600°F.
Flame Broiler allows you to grill over an open flame.
Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100 Cons
Hopper capacity is 14 pounds.
Some users complain that the grill is prone to rust.
First Runner Up – Louisiana Grills 60700-LG700
First Runner Up - Louisiana Grills 60700-LG700
Louisiana Grills LG700 is one of the sturdiest grills you will come across. Made out of heavy-duty 14 gauge steel, the grill boasts 700 square inches of cooking surface. Both the main surface, which is 497 square inches large and the upper cooking rack (210 square inches) are porcelain coated. Having this in mind, it is safe to say that this pellet grill covers all your grilling needs.
With the LG700 not only can you grill but also bake, smoke, slow roast, and chair broil your food to perfection, every time. In addition, using different pellet options will give your food the authentic smoky flavor. The temperature can be adjusted from 170°F and 600°F, which is slightly higher than the average pellet grill.
One of the greatest features of this grill is the ease of use. The LG700 takes the hassle out of watching your food. You can set the temperature using the push button controls and the grill will do the rest all by itself – start up, cook, and automatically shut off once it’s done. This reduces the chances of burning your food and ensures even cooking whether you have 30 minutes or the entire day to cook your food.
In addition, you won’t have to wait long for the grill to reach high temperatures. Thanks to the burner and exhaust system which circulates the air, reaching high temperatures have never been faster. The LG700 also uses a convection method of cooking which ensures evenly cooked meals every time.
Louisiana Grills 60700-LG700 Features
Easy to Use
Using the LG700 is incredibly easy thanks to the digital controller. The controller resembles an oven’s control panel and it makes adjusting the temperature very easy. In addition, it provides digital temperature readout.
One of the unique features of this grill is the “Prime” button. Holding this button down will feed more pellets to the burn grate and help the user maintain a steady heat when opening the grill lid. In addition, the controller also includes a programmable meat probe.
Large Cooking Space
With 700 square inches of cooking space, you will never have to worry about feeding a small crowd again. The lower rack features 497 square inches of grilling space and the upper rack 210 square inches of rack space. The upper rack can be easily removed.
Large Pellet Hooper
Some users aren’t satisfied with the 14-pound pellet hopper that comes with this grill. In general, an average pellet grill consumes between 1/2 lbs and 2 lbs of pellets per hour meaning that this hopper can ensure about seven hours of continuous grilling. And, if that is not enough for you, you can get the 20-pound pellet grill hopper extension.
Louisiana Grills 60700-LG700 Pros
The grill is built out of sturdy materials.
Porcelain-coated large cooking surface.
14-pound pellet hopper ensures hours of continuous grilling.
The grill features a digital control center and a programmable meat probe.
Louisiana Grills 60700-LG700 Cons
Some parts of the grill feel cheap.
The grill doesn’t have a drip pan or any shelves or hooks for cooking utensils.
Second Runner Up – Louisiana Grills 60900-LG900
Second Runner Up - Louisiana Grills 60900-LG900
Louisiana Grills LG900 is a barrel-shaped pellet grill which features a computer-controlled pellet fuel system. This is one of the manufacturer’s least expensive models. Even though the unit is stripped down to its basics, it still includes some advanced features. Considering that this is one of the lower-priced pellet grills, this model actually is not a bad choice and it comes with a few innovations that are usually not found within this price range.
The body of this grill is made out of heavy sheet metal and thin powder coated steel. However, the unit is not well insulated and it won’t do a very good job of retaining heat. The good news is that the Louisiana Grills LG900 is light and very easy to move around. Cleaning out the ashes might be a bit problematic, so it would be good to have a shop-vac nearby.
The most distinctive feature of this grill would be the pellet controller. It is a standard 5-degree increment controller with a built-in meat probe. Even though this is not an uncommon feature, you’ll hardly find it in this price range. While the automatic controller is a nice touch, you shouldn’t expect competition-quality performance from this grill. This model is similar to those that you can find in retail stores. But, if you take its price into consideration, it is one hell of a unit then.
Some users stated that the pellet hopper is unusually small. With a 14-pound capacity, the hopper can fuel the grill for up to 7 hours. This is more than enough time for multiple cooking. The manufacturer made sure to think about the long cooks in cold weather conditions which sometimes tend to be problematic. Sure, you can get up and fill the hopper every now and then. But, you can also use the 20-pound hopper extension which can easily be added to the default hopper.
Louisiana Grills 60900-LG900 Features
Temperature and Digital Control
As we already mentioned, this grill comes with a digital control center which allows the user to set the temperature between 170°F and 600°F. This temperature range is superb for grilling all sorts of meats and vegetables.
The built-in digital display comes in handy when you need an accurate temperature reading. This grill also features touch buttons. Setting and reading the temperature of your grill has never been easier and more futuristic as well.
Large Cooking Area
Louisiana Grills LG900 is one of the larger grills on the market. In total, you get about 900 square inches of cooking space; the main surface is 633 square inches large and you also get the 280-square inch upper cooking rack. If you are planning to grill for a big party, you won’t have to worry about grilling multiple sessions anymore. Or, if you need to cook large chunks of meat, simply remove the cooking rack.
Temperature Gauge and Meat Probe
The digital control area allows you to read the burning temperature of the grill. However, if you want to know the temperature inside the cooking chamber, then all you have to do is take a look at the mounted thermometer. Its convenient position on the lid makes reading the internal temperature very easy.
In addition, this grill also includes a meat probe which can be used to measure the inside temperature of the meat. In order to get accurate readings, all you have to do is insert the probe inside the meat and push the readout button.
Porcelain-Coated Cooking Grate
Cooking grates are a very important part of every grill. This Louisiana Grills model features a cooking grate made out of porcelain-coated cast iron. The durable coating makes cleaning of the grate very easy since you won’t have to worry about damaging it. In addition, the upper grid is made out of stainless steel to prevent any rusting.
Louisiana Grills 60900-LG900 Pros
A grill/smoker with large capacity.
Includes a built-in meat probe.
Precise temperature control.
Open flame grilling is possible.
The unit is mobile.
Louisiana Grills 60900-LG900 Cons
This grill is lightweight.
The pellet hopper is quite small.
It is hard to attain the desired temperature.
Honorable Mention – Louisiana Grills Country Smoker 450
Honorable Mention - Louisiana Grills Country Smoker 450
Louisiana Grills CS-450 is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a small smoker. The grill features 450 square inches of cooking surface and porcelain coated steel grates. Just like the other Louisiana Grills, all you have to do is set the desired temperature and wait for your food to cook. The controller will toggle between the set temperature and the meat probe temperature. The thermostat, on the other hand, will maintain the cooking temperature.
To improve safety and ensure perfectly cooked food, you can set the desired temperature of the meat probe. When the internal meat temperature comes within 10⁰F of the target, the controller will automatically drop down the grill temperature. For example, if you’re cooking your food at 225⁰F and looking for an internal meat temperature of 200⁰F, the controller will switch the grill temp to 170⁰F when the meat reaches 190⁰F. This convenient feature prevents overcooking.
The grill features sturdy build yet it is lightweight.
Cooking surface is perfect for small gatherings.
The grill includes a built-in meat probe.
Digital control center ensures perfectly cooked food every time.
Louisiana Grills Country Smoker 450 Cons
The hopper capacity is small (12 pounds).
Some users state that the grill has problems maintaining the set temperature.
Honorable Mention – LG700 Pellet Grill with Flame Boiler and Smoke Cabinet
Honorable Mention - LG700 Pellet Grill with Flame Boiler and Smoke Cabinet
We already mentioned the LG700, the sturdy grill that utilizes 700 square inches of cooking surface. The grill is easy to use and the digital control center steadily maintains the set temperature. The temperature range is from 170°F to 600°F. In addition, the grill comes with the Flame Broiler, an accessory that allows you to go for open flame grilling. It seems that this grill is the perfect choice for all BBQ enthusiasts. If only it had larger cooking surface…
Good news is that you can buy this very same grill but with one upgrade – a dedicated smoke cabinet. The cabinet has 1396 square inches of the smoking surface and 5 stainless steel cooking racks. The cabinet is great for full-on smoking or simply keeping your food warm once it’s done. The cabinet comes with neat glow-in-the-dark temperature gauges so you could monitor the temperature easily.
G700 Pellet Grill with Flame Boiler and Smoke Cabinet Overview
LG700 Pellet Grill with Flame Boiler and Smoke Cabinet Pros
The upgraded version of the LG700 grill.
The cabinet adds 1396 sq. in. of the smoking surface.
It includes 5 stainless steel cooking racks.
The cabinet can be used for smoking or keeping the food warm.
LG700 Pellet Grill with Flame Boiler and Smoke Cabinet Cons
The pellet hopper capacity is 14 pounds.
Some parts of the grill feel flimsy.
Honorable Mention – Louisiana Grills Country Super Hog Smoker
Honorable Mention - Louisiana Grills Country Super Hog
So, what if you like the features that all the Louisiana Grills have, but none of these are large enough for you? Well, we saved the best for last. LG Super Hog smoker is one of the largest pellet smokers on the market. This grill consists out of two smokers that are joined with two fire pots and two hoppers. In total, you get 2400 square inches of cooking surface. This model received some significant upgrades in 2014.
Every Louisiana Grills smoker has a digital control center and a programmable meat probe. But, since this grill has two smokers, you also get two meat probes and two digital controlled centers. Thanks to the amazing size of this grill you can roast chickens on the one side and slow smoke briskets on the other. If you remove the middle partition, you’ll free up the entire cooking surface and be able to smoke a whole hog.
Louisiana Grills Country Super Hog Smoker Overview
Louisiana Grills Country Super Hog Smoker Pros
Enormous cooking surface (2400 square inches).
The grill consists of two joined smokers.
Two digital control centers, two meat probes, and two hoppers are included.
The grill comes with an upper cooking rack
Industrial grade wheels make it easier to move the grill around
Louisiana Grills Country Super Hog Smoker Cons
The hopper size is small for some users.
Conclusion
Louisiana Grills is one of the oldest pellet smoker manufacturers. It is a well-known brand which manufactures some of the best pellet grills available on the market. You can choose from three lines – Colonial, Country, and Estate smokers. Even though every smoker has different features, there are a few things all Louisiana Grills have in common.
All of these grills feature an advanced digital control center that maintains a steady temperature and cooks your food to perfection every time. The temperature range of all Louisiana Grills is from 170°F to 600°F. For even greater cooking precision, every grill comes with a programmable meat probe. Majority of smokers come with a 14-pound pellet hopper which can be upgraded.
Do you like Louisiana Grills smokers but feel like you might be missing out on something? Check out our list of thebest pellet smokers currently available and see if any of them can top the Louisiana Grills smokers.
If you are a true fan of outdoor cooking, then you must have been caught up in an inevitable debate – which is better, gas or charcoal? When it comes to flavor, nothing can beat the smoky flavor charcoal grills produce. They are also more affordable. Charcoal grills take a while to set up and heat up and it is pretty hard to use them on cold days. In addition, some skill is required to use these grills. Gas grills, on the other hand, can get going with a push of a button. They are simple to use, quick to start, and easy to clean. But they lack the “authentic” barbecue flavor of cooking with charcoal. Now you can get the best of both worlds with a Hybrid grill, also known as a combo grill.
There are very few things that make life more enjoyable than a good slice of perfectly smoked meat. Smoking is a traditional technique that has long been practiced to add flavor to meats and preserve it for longer periods. While the process seems fairly easy, beginner smokers are often confused abouthow smoking wood is categorized and which type goes best with a certain variety of meat or fish. With varying opinions from pit masters, choosing the best wood may seem challenging at the beginning but there is no need to fret. We have narrowed it all down and simplified the decision-making process so you can dive into making your own smoked dish by the end of this article.
