New Pellet Smoker on Order - September 2020

 

Sheltering in place has meant more cooking at home. Although we have visited our local restaurants for take-away, our last on-site dining was probably six months ago.  

For the last nine months, I've been smoking meat and vegetables on a Traeger Jr Elite pellet grill. The grill was a gift and well enjoyed. For the most part, the grilling results have been very good. The few issues have been variance from the set temperature (25-60F), difficultly maintaining lower temperatures (200-225F) and smaller smoking capacity. I found the Jr Elite requires more hands-on monitoring rather than a "set and forget" attitude. We've enjoyed using the Traeger for chicken, salmon, tri-tip, pork ribs, potatoes, roasted vegetables and, yes, even candied bacon. The Jr Elite is about 65 pounds, can hold 8 pounds of pellets and offers 300 square inches of grill space.

In a few weeks, we should receive a RECTEQ RT-590 grill. While only one size up from the smallest RECTEQ pellet grill, the RT-590 pellet smoker, as pictured above with a competition cart, is close to 220 pounds. The pellet hopper has a 30 pound (about 30 hour) capacity. Stainless steel construction is primarily responsible for the greater weight. The RT-590 is uses 304 stainless steel for the smoking chamber, heat deflector, drip pan and grates The grill also offers 592 square inches of grill space. In addition, the competition cart base adds heft as well as durability and easier maneuverability. One of the features that attracted me to this pellet grill is the PID temperature controller which can help to reduce wide temperature swings. Nonetheless, this is not an electric oven and cooking with wood and fire always brings some temperature fluctuations. The key is how quick the chamber temperature can return to the original setting. While I tend to monitor my grills - whether pellet or gas - the RT-590 includes remote WiFi control.

Stay tuned for updates on our fall pellet smoker grilling. I'm thinking about a spatchcock chicken for my first grill use.