Traeger vs Vertical Pit Boss Smoker

[MrAhmerGamer]

I was all set to jump in on an Ironwood 800 series Traeger. My number one item that I want to cook is brisket. I came to the realization that I’m keeping my direct heat grill for quick cooks and searing. A buddy said to hold up on the Traeger and really check out the Pit Boss vertical smokers. He said that’s where you’ll get real smoke taste.

I’m shook. But then you read threads here and it seems true that Traegers lack in really smoking meat. Would a vertical smoker be any different? Both use pellets. I’m lost. Thanks

 

[CMTiger]

What was the draw to the pit boss? The smoke flavor? Idk but I wouldn’t think you’d get much more if any out of a upright that burns the same fuel

 

[HotSpringsBBQ]

Personally, I am disappointed with the Traeger's smoke and Q, even with the smoke tubes, like 4 of them, its just not right... Its almost like an outdoor oven that makes you think you are BBQing but really you are just dialing in a very high tech outdoor oven. Not sure if the Traeger meats taste better than a propane grill, that would be a good experiment, as both need smoke tubes for flavor. I spent $1400, so i have to pretend to like it for awhile for my wife's sake, lol....I miss my stick burner and Egg for sure, the smoke quality is not even close... Its not something i would buy again, the way i see the Traeger, is its one step up from a gas bbq grill, totally designed for convenience, not outcome, just being real from my experience.. ..

 

[MrAhmerGamer]

What was the draw to the pit boss? The smoke flavor? Idk but I wouldn’t think you’d get much more if any out of a upright that burns the same fuel

Yeah. The more of an easy, set and forget smoker with smoke flavor compared to the Traeger.

 

[miguelb]

I do agree that most pellet smokers are actually an outdoor convention oven but they are definitely better. Personally, my family aren't much into smoke favor food so ironwood 885 works for me since I love to smoke pork butts, chicken, ribs, and brisket with convenience. It definitely a choice.

My advice is to see if you have friends or family that have any of these type of grills and perhaps bring some meat over and do a smoke. You will get feel this way.

 

[MrAhmerGamer]

I do agree that most pellet smokers are actually an outdoor convention oven but they are definitely better. Personally, my family aren't much into smoke favor food so ironwood 885 works for me since I love to smoke pork butts, chicken, ribs, and brisket with convenience. It definitely a choice.

My advice is to see if you have friends or family that have any of these type of grills and perhaps bring some meat over and do a smoke. You will get feel this way.

This is a good call. Thanks