I have been trying to decide which one of your videos to add this comment to. I think this one would help others the most. I have a high-end pellet smoker with the ability to expose the firebox and use GrillGrates for simulated open-fire cooking. I was very happy with it, but your videos created an itch… I scratched the itch by buying Kamado Joe Jr. with the idea that I would use it for grilling and the smoker for smoking. I have used some wood chunks for some cooks (e.g., spatchcock chicken) and the smoke flavor is “on point” as you would say. Your point in this video about how involved you get with charcoal and fire is also on point. I have had more pure fun cooking on my Joe Jr. than I had on my big smoker. Cutting to the chase - I sold my smoker (I haven’t used it in the two months that I’ve had the Joe Jr.) and I have a Big Joe III on the way. Your video that ranked the Joes convinced me. I don’t NEED the space of the Big Joe but when I do need it, it will be there. I foresee using the Joe Jr. for quick weeknight cooks and the Big Joe for the more creative longer cooks for the weekend. Anyone considering a smoker should consider a Classic III or Big Joe III. FWIW, I find that the maintenance is about the same either way. I have commented before that most people don’t put the extra pennies they would have saved not using pellets in a jar and bought something fancy in five years. That con isn’t on point IMHO. Fun, flavor, and versatility beat out “set it and forget it”. And as always, thank you for the rich education and entertainment your channel provides.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

thanks so much, feel the same way

@freedomchaser151

Жыл бұрын

Great comment, I’m sold

I love how you're just standing there, smiling like the friendliest person in the world, while ruthlessly bitchslapping gas grills. Great guy.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

hahaha cheers

@AFA111

3 жыл бұрын

For searing nothing beats Gas grills.

Love this very honest review James!!! Your honesty is very valuable, this is going to help many grillers make an informed decision when they buy a new grill! 👏🔥

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks guys

Really like your comparison videos and head to head competition makes it even better. Big fan of your work.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

I almost bought a pellet grill, but at the end I got a Kamado. Your videos are helped a lot to decide.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

@steveisaak4320

3 жыл бұрын

Which video(s) would you suggest?

@heathpalmer4283

8 ай бұрын

All of them, SDBBQ has information and well made videos.

Love your vids, amigo. Really appreciate your evidence-based approach to opinion formation while still wrapping your arms around how you feel. You are a pro.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I had the Traeger Timberline 850 for 2 years plus a Komodo and I agree with EVERY THING said in this video! Spot on!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks 🙏

Great video. Great comparison and breakdown

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I sold 4 bbqs including my Traeger 575pro and a weber performer to buy a kamado Joe big joe 3 so happy not looking back. Best purchase ever

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

💯 agree. congrats

Another great review! Thank you. We smoked a pork butt yesterday and have a tri tip ready for today. Looking forward to your next video!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

enjoy the cook. cheers

Having both a Big Joe and a Yoder pellet grill I find myself rarely using the Yoder since becoming more comfortable with my Joe. The flavor and versatility is unmatched! Awesome video!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Kurt. I knew we’d win you over to the dark side lol 😂

Thank you for your honest thoughts regarding Pellet smokers. I have had one for 3 years and believe its more like a convection oven than a real smoker ,All the pellet flavor's I tried taste and smell the same to me....My drum smoker and Weber Kettle are the real deals

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! 100% agree

Great video, James. The main reason I got rid of my pellet grill was the maintenance! The second reason, I found cooking boring. You nailed it.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Right on

Hi James. My son just asked me what he should get, I have sent this video to him to help him decide. Thanks for,you good work.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help

Just went thru the “cost per hour to run” drill right before I saw this video. Good to see I came up with the same conclusion. Found it worthwhile your confirmation on various facts. Video well done!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Right on. thanks

Love this experiment and honest perspective between these two grills. The fuel issue is one reason I never accepted a pellet grill plus I like having the real wood fire flavor with charcoal.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

100% agree

Oh yeah forgot to say I loved the video. Great job as always

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Great comparison and review!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Amazing video really well done and great points to consider I’m a KJ big joe 3 owner and don’t see having a pellet grill in my line up. Keep the great videos coming!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Really good video. I appreciated the pros and cons and honest discussion. I have the Jr. and am in the market for either a really nice pellet or a Big Joe. This video really helped me make a decision. Thank you.

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

glad you liked it!

Finally.... Watching your videos as I use my Big Joe for fajitas. Thank you for all of your videos

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Rock on!

Good in-depth overview.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks 🙏

Hey James, huge fan! We have a hobby farm just a bit east of Toronto and I wanted to get a smoker/charcoal grill to cook our meat. Thanks to your videos we chose a kamado joe classic II and we are super pumped on it. Also exciting to find out you’re Canadian! Keep up the great work, your videos have been super helpful

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

That is awesome! cheers neighbour

James love the videos. Every video you put out is 🔥

@SmokingDadBBQ

10 ай бұрын

thanks

I have the Kamado Joe Classic 2, which I have owned for 3 years now. I have done a ton of cooks on it and do enjoy it and can quickly get it going and dial-in. But i been thinking about switching to a pellet smoker since I see them everywhere and hear a lot of hype about them. Your video is outstanding and after watching this I am going to keep my Joe and not research pellet smokers. I would miss my 700 seers on steaks and the versatility. Outstanding honest review and wish all real reviews were done this well. I don't like the idea of having wifi on a grill. Most of the electronics are made in china - most of those don't get updated that often and provide remote access into your home network - and just a matter of time before the device renders a vulnerability and some unauthorized folks end up on your network through your grill internet of things device.

Great video, with pellet grills I always recommend using a 100% hardwood such as hickory or mesquite with no fillers or oils. It actually makes a big difference. The kamado will still win out but you get a nice smoke profile when using a quality brand and 100% hardwood.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Great point!

Nice video. Learned a lot about pelletgrills. Greetings from the Netherlands.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! cheers

James- This is one of my favorite videos you’ve done. I’ve owned a Big KJ for years and also added a Treager because some friends wouldn’t stop talking about it. Needless to say I sold the Treager about 2 months later because in my mind it fell way short of what their marketing material stated. I’ve cooked competition before with an offset and there’s a place for those too, but when it comes to ease of use and versatility the KJ is in a league of its own (in my opinion). Thanks for the great content buddy keep it up. Shout out from Western Georgia, US...

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks so much. cheers Michael

@faceplantakaraybowman3501

3 жыл бұрын

Look at Masterbuilt 1150

Very thorough and helpful comparison, James (as always). I've cooked on a lot of different types of grills, and I 100% subscribe to the notion, "different tools for different jobs". For example, my Rec Teq Bull is killer for all things poultry (wings, spatchcock, etc.). I also have a bullseye, which is probably the only pellet grill that can claim true high heat cooking (unless you're including a camp chef woodwind with a side sear box, but that's cheating, because it's propane-fueled). With that said, I'm still firing up my KJ Classic III for steak and most high heat cooks. I'll usually do the low part of my reverse sear on the Bull and then sear off on the KJ.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

right on

I wanted to change my monolith kamado for a pellet smoker, youre video changed my mind , thanks.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

they each have their pro's and cons but all in all i think thats the best choice too

James, I'm actually adding a pellet grill to my outdoor kitchen build to go with my Kamado Joe Big Joe 3. I've done a lot of research and for what I'm about to spend, I'm going to go high end on the pellet grill; just like I did when I bought my BJ3 last February. So the pellet grill that I am incorporating is the Coyote 36 inch pellet grill. it can sear at 700 degrees but also do the low and slow. What I liked about it was that I got the performance of a Memphis or Twin Eagles but basically at about the cost of my KJ as a built in. Can't wait to do my own test like you just did as I think it was definitely about the equipment. A "$500" grill is not going to be the same as a $2500 KJ. Cheers.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that sounds like a slick grill

Great video! The Weber Summit Kamado in now available in US and Canada, please do a comparison video with the Big Joe 3!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

need to see if I can borrow one to give it a fair shake

I really like your cement pond! 👍

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

haha thanks

Still eyeing the soapstone for the Jr. I did a 7.5 lb pork butt today and a large pork butt on the Grilla Grills Silverback. They were both really good. I've decided to up my charcoal quality, so I ordered some Jealous Devil from your link. Great comparison video. I like pellets and Kamado cooking depending on my mood. I'm a fan for life. Your videos are always informative and interesting.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks 🙏

Hi James, good morning. when do my baby back ribs I usually do one on the kamdo and the other other weber gas grill for my wife isn't into the smoking. peach and cherry sound awesome ! great video!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Brad. they are a great match for pork

Hi James, Thank you for the informative video. I was wondering if you could do a comparison between Kamado Joe vs some of the new gravity filled charcoal cookers such as Chargriller 980 or Masterbuilt. I would be interested to know the fuel cost/efficiency of charcoal use for low and slow per hour, and the taste difference. Thank you

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

i need to sneak out of the house with a credit card and hope the wife doesn't notice another smoker lol 😊

Great comparison James. I've had Traegers for years and my most recent Traeger is the Timberline 850. Picked up a Kamado Joe Classic 3 last summer and it's all I use now for cooking any meat. The only thing is I regret not getting the Big Joe. I don't have enough room on the classic to cook the entire meal and have to fire up the Traeger for the potatoes and veggies. Likely have a Traeger for sale soon lol.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

agree with you on the size. the big Joe is my favourite

Great video my friend

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Hi! Would it be possible to make a video setting up the big joe using the ikamand and without. It would be nice to see the difference for a slow cook and a hot cook and if it’s worth it. Thanks

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

sure thing, i used it on the low and slow brisket in this video vs. normal - kzread.info/dash/bejne/k4WJzbJ9qMbZoJc.html

Couldn’t have better timing for this video! Cooking 2 racks of baby backs and a small pork butt today and was debating between the Recteq and the Big Joe! Haven’t hardly used the recteq since I got the KJ

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

before you’ve had any wood cooked food there is smoke on the pellet grill. after you’ve had offset or charcoal it’s not enough for my pallet

Hi James! I just bought a slo roller for my big joe. I'm having a rough time trying to do 225f for ribs with it. The fire tries to go out. Should I do 250f or 275f? Love your videos, and find much inspiration from you. Thanks

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

they come out better at 250-270 with the SloRoller. the SloRoller promotes up to 20x more smoke circulation but if the fire is barley running like it is a 225 the benefits are muted. you get more bang for your SloRoller buck at higher temps

I love my Kamado Joe Classic III, but I also love my RECTEQ RT700 pellet grill and my Pizza Oven. I’ve had a Traeger for 8 years, but RECTEC really dominates the pellet grill space.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

what do you love about it? i haven't cooked on one before

Great review/comparison. People always ask me which they should get. I'll direct them here from now on.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks 🙏

@steveisaak4320

3 жыл бұрын

At the hardware store they were pressing me towards the pellet grill. After watching your video I am leading towards the Kamado Joe. But as a single teacher, which one should I be looking at?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

@@steveisaak4320 I would go classic 3 unless you are doing large briskets regularly

@steveisaak4320

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ I don’t know what a briquit is. I would like to do pizzas, steaks, etc. Could you do a roast on the Kamado Joe?

@stevenisaakcoronadohs4256

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ I have been looking in my valley nothing. What should one cost me? It looks like people are charging premiums

Hi James, Great video, I sent you an email the other week about advice getting into charcoal grilling/smoking and if you had any thoughts or advice on the Kamado Joe Kettle Joe vs the Weber Smokey Mountain or Pellet smoker, and this video definitely furthers my findings that pellet just doesn't offer the same smoke.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

awesome. I personally would steer clear of pellets. they just don’t provide the flavour you will want even though they are very simple to use and better than gas

@chriscowie477

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ thanks James. I'm definitely set on charcoal over pellet. But still unsure as entry level with limited budget if the kettle Joe or a series 1 big Joe would be worth the extra money. I definitely like the idea of the jotisserie and dojoe but is the kettle Joe that comes with a slow roller a better first grill to start with and if things go well upgrade to a big Joe with accessories down the line? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

I have a Pro 575 and have now started every cook at 165 for half an hour for the smoke flavour. After that I raise it up to whatever my intended cook temp is. I have just ordered a Big Joe III, but need to wait 2 months for it.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

my neighbour does the same with his ironwood... i was following the meat church method on the traeger app which skips the super smoke for some reason

I’m glad to see this. I’m partial towards charcoal but it seems like in comparisons, pellets defeat charcoal enough to where I am starting to wonder if charcoal is the way to go still. And like you, I also found it frustrating that I’ve spent some time refining my craft only for a pellet user to be able to match what I make in the first try.

Green Mountain makes a pizza oven attachment that fits most Traegers. You can cook at 700° in there easily! I typically cooked at 550-600 and had perfect results in 6 minutes. On a Traeger you can't sear, but my Yoder YS640s can do a live fire 700° sear! It has a removable door to sear right over the fire pot. Also check out Pitmasters Choice Pellets. Made in Grand Valley Ontario and they offer free shipping all over the GTA. Much cheaper than Traeger brand pellets, and the quality is a lot better! I've I've a KJ Classic 3 and a Yoder YS640s as my main grills. Both serve different purposes for me, both are amazing! Love your videos James, you're the one who sold me on a KJ last year!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I will check those pellets out. thanks

James you mentioned the IKamand, I see that takes care of the bottom control. When using the IKamand what do you set the top airflow control at? full open, notch 1 or 2? Just wondering where the top vent is at.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

you set it 25-50f lower than you want so that the fan can stabilize and control more smoothly. if its basically shut the fan will have to work overtime to keep the fire going, and if the top breaths too easily the temps will spike and it will shut the air flow and wait until it drops but often the fire goes out and sometimes can have a hard time re-stoking the fire and blows ash around inside. i found it works best to plan for 25-50f below where you should set it for the temp you want. often this is about 1/4"

Glad I landed here. Was starting to consider a pellet grill. By the way what kind of tree do you have in the background? It was beautiful.

Hi James, sorry but my question is about the meater block which you endorse. I have the meater + but I’m think about upgrading to the meater block.. 4 probes. I’ve looked everwhere I can think of but I can’t find an answer to this simple question: How do you differentiate among the probes? Are they marked #1, #2, #3, and #4? What if I use all 4 and mix them up after cleaning? I can see that they aren’t color-coded by the pictures on the Meater website... so how do you know which probe is which during, and after, a cook? 😬

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha good question. they have numbers stamped on them

Hi James iv got a junior Kamado love it I do low and slow to pizza. But family don't like the smoke taste in chicken etc. So thinking maybe add a treager and the junior for searing and pizza might be a good combo?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I would try different coal, remove smoke wood and cook at a hotter temp. try Fogo charcoal and burn 400+f … my family prefers the smoke signature ( or lack thereof) of Fogo over the Starbucks dark roast of charcoals like JD or KJ

I would like to know which barbecue consumes less for the same hours and temperature of use. For example for cooking a brisket in low&slow

Question for anyone with a Kamado: Can I place a Kamado close to vinyl siding or should I keep it away? My grill melted parts of my siding due to the heat.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

so long as you can open it without touching the siding you should be fine. I have had one beside my house in a table with no problems.

Hi James another great video full of information. I am a proud owner of a KJ classic 1. Looking to add another grill and was leaning toward a pellet but you brought up a lot of cons so I think I need to keep looking. Any suggestions? Your thoughts on a barrel grill ( UDS) but one that is not so ugly. Lol.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I would do an UDS before a pellet as I prefer the flavour. plus it’s portable and doesn’t need power which is great for tailgating

@jamesc1495

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks appreciate your feedback. Keep up the informed videos they are great.

How does the new traeger ironwood / timberline stack up with the kamado Joe with all the new improvements?

Good vid, James. Recently acquired a KJ3 Classic. Have done several cooks but yesterday tried to sear and cook some maninated chicken breasts. I had been doing these on the gasser. Wow! What a difference in flavor. Charcoal/wood is the ONLY way to cook, as you are always saying. Now I believe. Also, I had a Traeger for 10 years and always thought the meat was a little bitter tasting. I sold it when I moved from the Midwest to FL. My gasser will be relegated to a backyard bun warmer. My only beef (pun) with the KJ3 is that I wish I had gotten a Big Joe. Hey, does it ever stop raining and snowing in Canada?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha what a crazy spring we’ve had lol

Can you compare either the Chargriller or Masterbuilt Gravity series charcoal grills to the Kamado.Joe? I think the comparison would be much closer. Anyway, i have more fun cooking with charcoal, usually on a WSM or kettle. Someday I may be able to get.a Kamado Joe though!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

i agree that would be a good one to do.. .will see if i can find one to borrow vs. buying another grill lol

I love my Traegar AND my KJ. I find my Traegar shines most, however, with low and sloooooow, and using super smoke. Both are my babies.

@SmokingDadBBQ

4 ай бұрын

I do agree the newer generations do a better job with super smoke

As an owner of an offset that I love there's something to be said to set it and forget it operation. Once I get a pellet smoker I won't be getting rid of my offset and propane grill , rather I will use to supplement my arsenal. If I have time and feel like playing offset . Want to smoke but short on time pellet . Quick burgers the propane gets the nod

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

they really do take the guess work / stress out of fire management thats for sure

Would be nice to test the new pellets smoker with open fire for searing, Louisiana grills founders series.

I’m not too impressed with the flavor of pellet grills. What I want to know is there a flavor difference when using a Komado style vs a gravity charcoal smoker? I’m looking at the newer chargriller 980.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that would be a good comparison

i'm new to smoking. You said 270 degree, is that 270C? So I will have to convert to F if i need to set on my pro 575? (i use F as temp unit)

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

that was in F

I started out smoking on a pit boss pellet smoker and then started smoking on my Kamado. And now I use my offset 100% for smoke. My pellet grill just sits in the shed & I use my Kamado for searing almost exclusively.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

right on

I love that you chose a cook to create a fair comparison. You know we favor charcoal!🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

heck yes

I have a KJ and Traeger I’ve honestly gotten my best ribs from the traeger but I definitely use a different method than you did and I have a ton of time with ribs on the traeger.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Matt from meat church recommends 275 like what I did here but I agree with you that the Traeger is happier with 6 hour ribs than it is with 3 hour ribs

Do you have any experience with the Weber Summit Kamado? I am really leaning towards buying that this summer to handle all my grilling and smoking cooking and wondered what your thoughts were on it versus a traditional ceramic kamado?

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

since this is an older video and people aren't likely to see this.... I have one in my garage that just came for some tests this spring to find out ... act surprised when they come out lol jk

@cindykee3719

Жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Nice! I look forward to seeing it!

I have used both and I like both. When all my family comes over I am cooking 6 racks of ribs at once I can't do that on the Kamado. Plus I have other meats and veg running on other grills. Can't beat the treager for the easy of use. Also meat church cooks on a offset smoker on a treager you should be 225 to 250 max.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

the meat church recipe on the Traeger site calls for 270 FYI kzread.info/dash/bejne/pXylrLGwiLnVoMo.html but agree it’s very easy for large groups with little distraction from hosting your guests

I’ve noticed used Kamado Joes are nicely discounted. Given that there are no electronics like the Traeger grill, is there anything I need to look out for when buying used?

@SmokingDadBBQ

9 ай бұрын

Got a video on the pros and cons - kzread.info/dash/bejne/nJar0diHpryZdKQ.htmlsi=UcJ6_Bjprv7CrYYm If it’s cheap enough it’s a good deal. If it’s barley below new forget it

I bought a Traeger during the pandemic but very rarely use it. To me the biggest downside is the cleanup, esp the bbq grates. You don't need to vacuum it every time you use it - probably every 4-5 times is enough. I am interested in buying a Kamado Joe now to try something new.

Love your videos. I would not have (three) Kamado Joe grills now without you (KJ Classic III, Pellet Joe, and a Joe Jr). Prior to discovering KJ, I was mostly a Traeger dude when I didn't have time for cooking with charcoal and had used various Traeger grills dating back to when they first came out. I've got hundreds of cooks on a Traeger. After cooking on the Classic III and now the Pellet Joe, KJ has Traeger beat, hands down. The Pellet Joe is the best pellet grill available anywhere if for no other reason than the fact I can easily get it up to searing temps (>600 degrees). However, one comment I wanted to make re:Traegers to be fair - I don't think its necessary to vacuum out the ash and fire box and clean out the grease drippings before every cook. I would only go to this trouble every couple of months or so (maybe 20-30 cooks) and I never had any issues with grease fires or noticed any issues with my results or max temps.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

fair enough. I find it blows ash if I don’t do it so I just compressed the manuals every 2 cooks down to every time

@michaelyork5617

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ I've found pellet grills (even the pellet joe) will blow ash around during cooks, even when the ash is vacuumed out before the cook. It might not be quite as bad if you vacuum before hand, but it doesn't take long for ash to accumulate and start blowing around during cooks. I recently invested in a portable Dewalt, rechargeable shop vac (runs off their 20V batteries, same batteries that power their drills) and this works well to keep the ash in check without the inconvenience of hefting around a full size shop vac. I'm using it every 4-5 cooks. Also helps to clean ash out of the Classic III.

Pro 575 owner here and although I enjoyed your video, there are some things I disagree with. There is no need to clean after each cook so set-up time vs charcoal is significantly less. Also, smoking at 180 for even an hour makes a world of difference in the amount of smoke flavour. With that said, you are right about the amount of smoke at higher temp which is less - which is what I personally like about it. I had a WSM previously and often over-smoked with it. I find the 575 just about perfect every time but, everyone is different.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I only clean as I find it blows ash around the next time which I am not a fan of. agree with the 180f for better smoke

3:00 ahhh the snow/short sleeves combo!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha rain thankfully

@JesseDeya

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely snow :) Gotta love Canadian optimism.

Lowe’s has a KJ classic 1 for 650. Should I buy or save up and get the series 3?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that’s a great deal. the 3 is better for brisket/ low and slow but you can do everything really well on this grill

did you update your Traeger Pro 575 it can heat up to 500F for months now

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

not when I did the sear video and it was stuck at 450. didn’t really notice the 50f making a discernible improvement in the sear afterwards but good point about software updates

My nuanced opion on a pelletsmoker. I use my Traeger for larger crowds. I think the problem comes when you consider the pellet grill as a full bbq. It just isn't. It's more of a wood fired oven. I use the Traeger often with regular cooking when I don't necessarily need to "bbq". I come home from work, I've had the meat in the fridge, put on the Traeger for reverse sear (I actually sear in a pan inside) or chicken, prepare my veggies and stuff, just like I'd use an oven. However with the pelletsmoker I get the smokeflavour I wouldn't get with my regular oven. It's absolutely useless when grilling, it's not hot enough. It kinda works if you use a CI griddle tho. Just leave it in there for a while on max temp. It's not perfect tho. So when you want to enjoy the bbq experience the Traeger isn't what you want. I simply use it to cook, for my family after work, you just turn it on and use it. You get the food sensation you're looking for, but not the enjoyment when it's not the time for it. I also must say that the app is optional, I like it in this modern world, but you don't have to use it. Also, power outages here in the Netherlands are so rare that you don't really have to factor them in. For all other bbq experiences kamado's are great obviously! All I'm saying is pelletsmokers do have their place in this world. However I would advice one as an extra, as your main bbq go for a kamado that can do it all. But then, I'm getting a 4th bbq now and I've got a 5th and 6th one in mind. Might have to get rid of at least one...getting a bit full here.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

agree with all that

Hey! Dicksons and a power outage from weather (on Saturday?). Are you in north Toronto?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Just about 45min West

16:42 Hellmann's mayonnaise, is this the Canadian version of squirt bottle margarine? I've got to try this! :D

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha gotta love mayo that’s ready to play in a moments notice lol

Love your videos. I have a KJ BJ iii and love it. But I would say this isn’t a good comparison. The traeger timberline 850 would be equivalent to the classic I guess and the 1300 would be like the BJ.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Fair enough but one can’t have them all and moving my neighbours timberline 850 here for a video didn’t seem to make sense when the ribs to our pallets taste the same

What would be interesting was to pit the KJ against a good offset. Yeah the offset is so much more work but does it getter better results? Can you taste it?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I’d like to do that. there is a big range within offsets and the high volume ones produce better flavours than most backyard ones so the answer can vary on that as well

@anttikettunen8601

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ exactly! That's why it would be very interesting and I guess not in the least to you. What do you think, could you taste the difference? And on top of that, you'd first need to get familiar with the offset and so on and so on. Lots of work but I'd be very interested in the outcome.

Had a pellet grill at first but not too long after I picked up a KJ. Never used the pellet grill again and sold it.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that’s what happened to my gasser lol

I’ve been pondering back and forth between the two. Here is my situation. I live in Arizona where the temp gets up to 120 in the summer. I want to be able to use my cooker as an oven. Does the Kamado Joe add too much smoke flavor at temps above 300 F? I want the ability to keep the flavors mellow without the smokiness. On the flip side, when I do pulled pork, ribs, etc, I would like the smoke. I’ve had smoked food off a Traeger and I think it lacks depth. Thanks for posting great videos. It’s a joy to watch.

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Smoke disappears at high temps. We do chicken at 400 and there is next to no smoke. Pizza at 700 same You can also add more or less smoke based on the charcoal. My family likes less smoke so we use Fogo most often

@paulnovakowski8358

Жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ thanks for the follow up. I am about ready to pull the trigger on the Kamado Joe. I am on the fence between the ii & iii. It seems like if you get the latest version, you are pretty well set. Keep posting videos. I enjoy watching them all.

The traeger even with super smoke needs extra. I added smoked daddy on mine for jerky runs or anything else however I prefer my BJ2

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Patrick. completely agree

What's your opinion on the Pit Boss brand of pellet grills with manual sear grates?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not found a significant difference in pellets outside of burn time but I tend to stick to pure hardwood only so maybe that’s why there isn’t much difference between them

@davidn.3369

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks

Just bought a Traeger Ironwood and love it - but all your points are excellent ones. Well done.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

You can't extrapolate your experience with pellet grills to all of them on the market. The pellet grill I have uses less than one pound per hour when smoking so that less than 0.75 an hour to run. When I use it for pizza or high heat cooking it uses a little more than one pound per hour which is about $1.00 per hour. The temperature control on my pellet grill is 5 degrees. I've done 16-hour cooks on it and it just didn't change temperature. I can get temperatures close to 600F for grilling, about equal to my gas grill. BTW I don't worry about power outages, I also have a whole house, standby generator...

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

fair enough if you’ve got power issues covered. my pellet Joe reads about 650f on the grates and I still don’t prefer the sear to charcoal but that’s personal preference… my consumption tests were done at a temp of 59f and 70f and averaged between the two

Hi, just to note a potential pro for each. The pellet smoker can go down to 150deg (at least it can on my GMG) where the kamado’s fire is hard to keep lit below 200deg. On the high end temps it is oppose. Pellet smoker only goes to around 500deg. But, KJ hits 900deg no problem.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

very true. good point

@crazyjoedavola8266

3 жыл бұрын

Gmg pizza oven can cook pizzas at 800f and be use to sear with the stone removed. Nothing beats charcoal though

@joshuaapodaca8335

3 жыл бұрын

@@crazyjoedavola8266 true, but it doesn’t come standard and there isn’t a way to get high temps like that straight out of the box. Don’t get me wrong, I love the pizza accessories. And actually, on either grill if you want to expand your cooking capabilities that would be a fun accessory to get.

james I did an 9 hour brisket on my joe and the temp was difficult to keep flat.... can you do more in depth on temp settings

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

will do

I’m waiting to get my Komodo for the thanksgiving specials, but I was in costco yesterday and this Traeger sales rep made me a presentation and as soon as he got into all the app and automatic stuff, I replied “i like my sports cars manual” End of presentation 😂

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

lol

I am thinking to get a pellet grill, but since I have a Kamado Joe III classic and besides it a large natural as grill...I'll pass. For my Motorhome I have a Blackstone griddle replacing my Webber 1200 since some camps places do not allow wood /charcoal grilling.

I have and love both types of grills, but this was a very biased challenge. First and foremost the pellet grill was handicapped by not cooking at 225. Secondly accessories were added to the kamado that aided the results when none were allowed on the pellet.

So if pellets don't really do something to the flavour of the meat you might aswell buy en electric smoker?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

you gain more versatility with pellets still with some moderate searing ability but its like a sliding scale of flavour

Pre-video: Traegar is going to get curbstomped flavor wise. Only reason to consider one is because they are "set it and forget it," but a kamado with a temperature controller like the Fireboard 2 Drive / BBQ Guru will do basically the same thing while tasting way better. Post-video: BTW, there are pellet grills that make the maintenance way easier by having removable ash pans and drip things etc, like the recently released Lone Star Grillz one. One thing on the fuel cost, on a pellet grill you probably aren't buying wood chunks either, so that might even out a little bit more. Other than that, I can't really disagree with anything you've said. I'd like to have a thousand gallon offset from Lone Star Grillz just so I can say if I'm cooking a brisket, why not find some people who'd like to have briskets and cook a bunch of briskets on one fire for a little extra money? Also, the whole "playing with fire" factor as you said. 😀 Unfortunately I don't have space for one and can't justify the cost at the moment.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

lol you and me both on the lone star

Hi James, I always enjoy your videos, but there are two corrections I need to mention. While the Traeger reaches only 450F, the Weber SmokeFire goes up to 600F, certainly hot enough to sear or reverse sear any meat. Secondly, the Maillard reaction occurs from 140 to 165 °C (280 to 330 °F). Above that temperature, the Maillard reaction stops, and you’re simply charring your food. I’ve noticed you making this error in several videos, and thought it was time for a friendly correction. Incidentally, several pellet grills have a “smoke Boost” option,!allowing you to add more smoke at the beginning of the cook where it really counts. I’ve gotten plenty of smoke flavor and quite the smoke ring in a low and slow cook on my Weber SmokeFire. While I love my BGE, I must admit that the SF is a worthy contender in the field.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I am open to feedback and appreciate the correction... i do appreciate the crust on charcoal and higher temps than what i get on the pellet joe at 600f or the traeger at 500%. This is a combination of heat and fuel source imparting the flavour and the heat of the conduction surface. Thanks for mentioning that

My pellet grill has been relegated to cooking for crowds as I can fit a lot more meat on it, whether it be pork butts or wings/ribs using racks. If I'm cooking just for me or a small group and I really want to get the most out of my meat, it's Joe all the way.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes exactly. it’s nice for large groups to have the space and to be social and not having to worry about anything

James, I enjoy your approach and analysis. I am an experienced Traeger user of about 12 years. Unfortunately, you’ve set the Traeger up for failure in a taste test. I would never “smoke” my ribs at 275! I smoke at 200-225 for at least 3 hours and get a great smoky taste every time! If you smoked at a lower temp, you would have had the smokiness you were looking for. Then with some variability I will do a 3-2-1 approach. As you increase the temps with the Traeger, they become less a smoker and more of a convection oven. I fully agree with you that a Traeger should not to be used to “sear” anything. The company misrepresents itself in trying to do this.

I can sear on my pit boss pellet grill, there is a movable window where you get access to the fire :)

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

🔥

I am a charcoal guy, but you can put foil for easier clean up

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

right on

Okay I am looking for a grill. Should I go pellet grill or charcoal? I am on a teacher’s salary. So suggestions and advice needed

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

check out my pellet consumption test - kzread.info/dash/bejne/op-XutaHg5mZqcY.html The consumables (pellets) cost a lot more to run over time than charcoal, so if you are wanting to keep things on a budget i would consider that

@steveisaak4320

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ for me, on a teacher’s salary, that is a very important consideration. I am thinking about a Kamado Joe

Is it possible to control the smoke flavor on the kamodo? I'd really like to be able to control the smoke flavor on the kamodo.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

yes 100%, i suggest with starting with a more neutral charcoal like fogo (most like a clean burning wood fire out of any charcoal i have used - www.fogocharcoal.com/?ref=SDBBQ ) and then adding some smoking wood to suit your tastes vs. starting with a very strong charcoal / smoke taste which can be too much for even fans of smokey food.

@shawn1869

2 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ thank you very much!

I love your videos man. I have many different grills, from Santa Maria style, to offset stick burner, to Traeger, to weber, and of course my KL Big Joe III. Every one cooks different. They all have a signature flavor. To be honest, I love my KJ the best. Great video.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. you are always compromising something so it comes down to what you’re most comfortable with giving up. I agree, the KJ is an awesome all rounder