@@grateandgatherbbq, I haven’t made a video in 4 months, but I appreciate it. I have been really busy with work and the holidays. I’m looking at the P&S 850…I’m really considering buying it!! Take care, brother!
Have you tried smoking something hot to completion on the side smoker. I know it runs cooler but I am assuming you could get better smoke on the upright smoker if you run it hotter. It will go through more pellets but I am curious if it gets as smoky as a regular offset.
Honestly there’s not really a comparison. Well, they both are pellet smokers with PID controllers. That’s about it. They really are in 2 different categories. I like them both, I’ve owned a rt700(bull) before this, and it was great. But no comparison to this beast. I do like how the WiFi is built in on rec tec. I paid $225 extra to add it on Pitts and spitts unfortunately If you care about American made then you can’t go wrong with the Pitts. Rec tecs are great grills too. I mean I could have bought 2 BFGs for what this cost. Some would say they would rather have that vs an American made one. So all in what you want.
I just got mine yesterday. Did you notice any metal fragments/shavings coming off your shelves?? I’ve cleaned mine 3 times, and I wipe my hands over and still see tiny shavings. Is this normal?
Honestly it’s been so long since that first couple times using it I can’t remember, but I believe I did have some fragments for at least a couple times. Enjoy and smoke on!
It will a tad, but gets redirected through the smoke box/upright. Since it’s hand made it doesn’t have the gaps a overseas one that comes assembled has. My old rec tec bull had smoke coming out of the lid like crazy because the gaps weren’t tight like these.
Yes! I haven’t necessarily done it for meat yet. But you absolutely could. The main chamber now can go down to 140 degrees(there was an update on the controller. So you could even hold meat there too.
Anything you don't like about it now that you've had it a bit? It has been on my wishlist for a couple years now.. They're actually local to me but I haven't gotten over to see one in person yet.
Honestly it’s amazing. If there was one thing I was to say I didn’t like necessarily, is how you have to line up the heat deflector by eye ball over the fire pot, my other smokers have a set spot so there’s no guess work. If you are off center you will have fluctuating temps on the sides. I actually got it center and drilled small dimples(not very deep holes where it’s center so it makes it easier. Other than that I’d say so far it’s great. Being so large it takes a good half hour if not longer to heat to temp. But it’s because the steel is so thick, so not a bad thing, just something different than I was used too. Hope that helps!
@@grateandgatherbbq The reason the heat deflector doesn't have grooves to mount it in place (like Traeger and others) is that you need to slide the heat deflector over to one side when you use the trap door drip pan for direct grilling.
@@grateandgatherbbq I'm deciding between the 2000 and the 1250 and whether to add the tower. I'm concerned about consistent temperature from left to right and bottom to top. Can you be more specific about temp fluctuation? Also concerned about good air/smoke flow since the air flows out of the bottom of the main cooking chamber into the tower. What are your thoughts?
It took me a while to figure out where exactly to put the heat deflector, but I’d say it’s with in 10ish degrees from left to right and top to bottom. It’s been good! As far as the good air flow, it works great pushing right up through the upright. I haven’t had any issues.
I hope you video cooking on it. And is 180 as low as it will go? I like using 165 for the first 6 hours. Also the 180 temperature on the PID is it at the main chamber? I am guessing that is where the prove is?
Yes the probe was in the main chamber. When I first bought it 180 was lowest, but they recently have done an update on the controller and the main chamber could be tuned all the way down to 140. On a cooler day if you set the main chamber at 140-150 the cold smoke box was about 70 degrees. I did some cheese and veggies on it. I recently have sold this smoker, it was a great smoker for me for a couple years!
i was looking to get the 1250. does the all stainless retain heat better or is it just the reassurance that it will not rust? also how is that smoke box working for you now?
I’m not sure about the heat retention. I’ve heard that in some of the fb comments, but can’t confirm it. I bought it more just because I’m so close to the ocean and didn’t want to be repainting if it started to rust. And I’m loving the smoke box, can’t say I’ve used it more than just keeping things warm, but for that alone it’s been so nice. I did try to smoke some bacon in it, but my cure was wrong so it didn’t turn out unfortunately.
I'm in the same boat you were. I've never seen one of these up close. Looking for my first pellet smoker. The side box has me intrigued. What kind of temps can you reach in that box? Thanks.
Mine is for sale ;) As for high temps I’m not sure. It’s normally around 100 or so degrees lower. So maybe if you ran it at 400 it would be that 250-300 range
What I mean is have you actually checked the temp difference between the main cooking area and the "warming box"? If it is really about 80-100 degrees difference that would be great.
I’ve never owned a stick burner. I will say I just got a master built gravity charcoal smoker that I throw wood chunks in and obviously there is a much thicker smoke flavor. But as being convenient and still some smoke flavor, it’s hard to beat the pellet smoker!
Thanks man! Im really enjoying this smoker! I actually did not, since I have 2 other smaller pellet grills that can reach 600 plus degrees I figured I didn't need it.
@@grateandgatherbbq Jeff is correct, though there is no such 'official' classification for steel. 304 will last a very long time as long as you don't use it IN the ocean or on a beach.
@@kyorising Most cheap grills rot from the inside out. I had a job where I could check the condition of every BBQ at apt and condo complex's. I called about there 304 and if you put a magnet on it it will not hold.
Hey, Kyle…new sub here! Bro, your Pitts & Spitts is a Beautiful Beast!! All I can say is Holy Moly!! Smoke on, brother! Great videos!!
Thanks for the sub! I subbed back! It’s a beast for sure!
@@grateandgatherbbq, I haven’t made a video in 4 months, but I appreciate it. I have been really busy with work and the holidays. I’m looking at the P&S 850…I’m really considering buying it!! Take care, brother!
I mean I haven’t made a cooking video in that long too! Don’t be discouraged! We will both get back into a better rhythm soon! Smoke on!
Great vid. I was looking at one today.
Have you tried smoking something hot to completion on the side smoker. I know it runs cooler but I am assuming you could get better smoke on the upright smoker if you run it hotter. It will go through more pellets but I am curious if it gets as smoky as a regular offset.
Thanks for the review. Wondering what your thoughts would be regarding P&S versus the Recteq grills you have in the background of the video.
Honestly there’s not really a comparison. Well, they both are pellet smokers with PID controllers. That’s about it. They really are in 2 different categories. I like them both, I’ve owned a rt700(bull) before this, and it was great. But no comparison to this beast. I do like how the WiFi is built in on rec tec. I paid $225 extra to add it on Pitts and spitts unfortunately
If you care about American made then you can’t go wrong with the Pitts. Rec tecs are great grills too. I mean I could have bought 2 BFGs for what this cost. Some would say they would rather have that vs an American made one. So all in what you want.
I just got mine yesterday. Did you notice any metal fragments/shavings coming off your shelves?? I’ve cleaned mine 3 times, and I wipe my hands over and still see tiny shavings. Is this normal?
Honestly it’s been so long since that first couple times using it I can’t remember, but I believe I did have some fragments for at least a couple times. Enjoy and smoke on!
beautiful grill...im looking for something to do competitions with...this may fill that need...thanks
I think it could be a great one!
Great grill!🤠
How does the smoke not come out of the lid?
It will a tad, but gets redirected through the smoke box/upright. Since it’s hand made it doesn’t have the gaps a overseas one that comes assembled has. My old rec tec bull had smoke coming out of the lid like crazy because the gaps weren’t tight like these.
Can you top off the hopper during a smoke without having to turn it off?
Absolutely. I open it sometimes just to push pellets around and make sure none are getting stuck.
Can the side box be used for storing meat once its cooked?
Yes! I haven’t necessarily done it for meat yet. But you absolutely could. The main chamber now can go down to 140 degrees(there was an update on the controller. So you could even hold meat there too.
Anything you don't like about it now that you've had it a bit?
It has been on my wishlist for a couple years now.. They're actually local to me but I haven't gotten over to see one in person yet.
Honestly it’s amazing. If there was one thing I was to say I didn’t like necessarily, is how you have to line up the heat deflector by eye ball over the fire pot, my other smokers have a set spot so there’s no guess work. If you are off center you will have fluctuating temps on the sides. I actually got it center and drilled small dimples(not very deep holes where it’s center so it makes it easier. Other than that I’d say so far it’s great. Being so large it takes a good half hour if not longer to heat to temp. But it’s because the steel is so thick, so not a bad thing, just something different than I was used too. Hope that helps!
@@grateandgatherbbq The reason the heat deflector doesn't have grooves to mount it in place (like Traeger and others) is that you need to slide the heat deflector over to one side when you use the trap door drip pan for direct grilling.
@@grateandgatherbbq I'm deciding between the 2000 and the 1250 and whether to add the tower. I'm concerned about consistent temperature from left to right and bottom to top. Can you be more specific about temp fluctuation? Also concerned about good air/smoke flow since the air flows out of the bottom of the main cooking chamber into the tower. What are your thoughts?
It took me a while to figure out where exactly to put the heat deflector, but I’d say it’s with in 10ish degrees from left to right and top to bottom. It’s been good! As far as the good air flow, it works great pushing right up through the upright. I haven’t had any issues.
I hope you video cooking on it. And is 180 as low as it will go? I like using 165 for the first 6 hours. Also the 180 temperature on the PID is it at the main chamber? I am guessing that is where the prove is?
Yes the probe was in the main chamber. When I first bought it 180 was lowest, but they recently have done an update on the controller and the main chamber could be tuned all the way down to 140. On a cooler day if you set the main chamber at 140-150 the cold smoke box was about 70 degrees. I did some cheese and veggies on it.
I recently have sold this smoker, it was a great smoker for me for a couple years!
@@grateandgatherbbq thank you for the information.
i was looking to get the 1250. does the all stainless retain heat better or is it just the reassurance that it will not rust? also how is that smoke box working for you now?
I’m not sure about the heat retention. I’ve heard that in some of the fb comments, but can’t confirm it. I bought it more just because I’m so close to the ocean and didn’t want to be repainting if it started to rust. And I’m loving the smoke box, can’t say I’ve used it more than just keeping things warm, but for that alone it’s been so nice. I did try to smoke some bacon in it, but my cure was wrong so it didn’t turn out unfortunately.
I'm in the same boat you were. I've never seen one of these up close. Looking for my first pellet smoker. The side box has me intrigued. What kind of temps can you reach in that box? Thanks.
Mine is for sale ;)
As for high temps I’m not sure. It’s normally around 100 or so degrees lower. So maybe if you ran it at 400 it would be that 250-300 range
What I mean is have you actually checked the temp difference between the main cooking area and the "warming box"? If it is really about 80-100 degrees difference that would be great.
Oh yeah, I cold cold smoked cheese this year and the box was 72 degrees. Main chamber I think I had at 160 it was great.
@@grateandgatherbbq Cash price?
$5500. Not a cent under. It’s 8000 plus from Pitts right now.
Just FYI 304 is not considered marine grade and is affected by salt-316 ss is marine grade for what it’s worth.
Let’s hear more about those other fantastic smokers on either side of that beast! 😁
Oh you'll see them in a video later this week!
Is everything inside the grill - like grates, burn pot, etc...........all SS ?
Yep! All SS
I think not.
What smoke flavor on meats; compared to stick smoker?
I’ve never owned a stick burner. I will say I just got a master built gravity charcoal smoker that I throw wood chunks in and obviously there is a much thicker smoke flavor. But as being convenient and still some smoke flavor, it’s hard to beat the pellet smoker!
Great review, nicely done. Did you get it with the sear kit? If so, how do you like it?
Thanks man! Im really enjoying this smoker! I actually did not, since I have 2 other smaller pellet grills that can reach 600 plus degrees I figured I didn't need it.
thanks for the video
Nice vid thanks
304 is not marine grade stainless steel. Marine grade is 316. Thanks for the overview.
Thanks for the info! I just know this should last a very long time!
@@grateandgatherbbq Jeff is correct, though there is no such 'official' classification for steel.
304 will last a very long time as long as you don't use it IN the ocean or on a beach.
@@kyorising Most cheap grills rot from the inside out. I had a job where I could check the condition of every BBQ at apt and condo complex's. I called about there 304 and if you put a magnet on it it will not hold.
A magnet will not stick to any of this steel. And so far it’s been solid!