TexasCHLforum.com

carlson1,

Thanks, but you may have created a monster.

SWMBO loves to grill on our propane grill, but if I show her the pellet grill video you provided, she'll probably get one of those really high quality ones.

Heck, right now, she's waiting for dinner time so she can grill.

Yes, I'm the charcoal and wood guy, she's the propane grilling queen, but these pellet grills look rather like set it, put on a timer and wait til the timer goes off...time to eat.

Thank you Sir!

Wow, I'm impressed with all you Chefs!

I know zero about pellet grills.

So, a few questions: I've always loved bbqing on a weber using a small amount of charcoal, after it's burned down to a proper gray ash, add chunks of either Pecan or Oak. Open the damper wide open until the wood catches fire, then closed dampers back enough to keep charcoal going and wooding smoking.

This method works quite well, but yes, it takes fairly constant attention. And, of course, to keep the cooking temperature as consistent as it can be takes a lot of labor. Sometimes assisted with beer...

So question 1. How is a pellet grilling superior to this old fashioned method? And, by the way, I not at all being contentious. I'm truly interested, because if pellet cooking makes not only a great product, but makes it less labor intensive (I'm guessing) it's also fun.

Question 2. I see a lot of advice on temperature controls, as in digital being the best. Is it?

Lastly question 3. Which would ya'll consider the top 3 and how much (ball park) would you guess the weight and cost of one you'd recommend? (I see so many recommendations, I don't which'd be consider the Rolls Royce?

And, thanks!