SI vs Traeger vs Keg - Round One Results are IN!!

[jcboxlot]

I guess I was figuring the SI #2 cost, which is what I have.  The #3 SI can probably hold 4 times the Keg food.  Maybe? 

Is the 2000 Keg $650 on amazon with free shipping?

Seems pretty pricey for 280 sq feet of cooking space which is the same as the 14" Weber smokey Mt which I think is $200 and super tiny when you see one in person. 

Food taste, I bet all three you will test will do a fine job, but as a review (size. sq foot, ease, taste and cost) I think many would have to lean toward the SI.  If you polled people who didn't own either the SI or the Keg.   

[Barrel99]

We respect everyone's choice in grills and smokers. There are so many great ones out there that perform incredibly well and we don't knock anyones  equipment. Of course being an SI site we favor it. But my webers, et al., are fantastic also. So, Enjoy it all!

[RG]

I guess I was figuring the SI #2 cost, which is what I have.  The #3 SI can probably hold 4 times the Keg food.  Maybe? 

Is the 2000 Keg $650 on amazon with free shipping?

Seems pretty pricey for 280 sq feet of cooking space which is the same as the 14" Weber smokey Mt which I think is $200 and super tiny when you see one in person. 

Food taste, I bet all three you will test will do a fine job, but as a review (size. sq foot, ease, taste and cost) I think many would have to lean toward the SI.  If you polled people who didn't own either the SI or the Keg.   

The Keg has had a price increase and in my opinion is too pricey. The 280 sq in. is not a big deal, there's a grate set that makes it like the 4000, where you have 2 levels. As far as capacity goes. I can cook about the same as far as poundage goes, I've done 4 big butts on one keg. 40+ pounds. As far as having actual room for multiple briskets and ribs, the SI is the champ and it's not even close

Also, about the keg. It's not like the SI, it's not solely for one dedicated purpose. It smokes, it grills, it bakes. It does A LOT more than the SI but that's cool. I have the options to do whatever having different tools for different cooks. If I want to make a burger, I put it on one of the kegs or the gasser. If I want chicken, I can use any one of my cookers. If I want pizza, the Keg is king. If I want to smoke, I have kegs, SI, Traeger. So, you see, they all have a place and I am totally cool with my #3 being just a smoker. That's what I wanted, and that's what I got. I love it!!!

BTW 280 sq feet is cheap at $650.00! LOL

[RG]

We respect everyone's choice in grills and smokers. There sre so many great ones out there that perform incredibly well and we don't knock anyones  equipment. Of course being an SI site we favor it. But my webers, et al., are fantastic also. So, Enjoy it all!

Spoken like an adult with common sense! My Keg brothers need to grow up it seems, lol.

[jcboxlot]

If I had one I'm sure i'd like it.  Esp if I can find the 280 sq FOOT model. 

My comments are meant to support the SI vs what you said was found on other sites when you mentioned the challenge. 

The egg or keg look is unique, but whenever I see one in person with a price tag attached not quite sure I can justify. 

Now $150 at a yard sale is a different tune..................

[RG]

If I had one I'm sure i'd like it.  Esp if I can find the 280 sq FOOT model. 

My comments are meant to support the SI vs what you said was found on other sites when you mentioned the challenge. 

The egg or keg look is unique, but whenever I see one in person with a price tag attached not quite sure I can justify. 

Now $150 at a yard sale is a different tune..................

Shoot, I'd have 10 more at that price. Kamado grills are expensive these days, that's only because they have seen a surge in popularity the past few years. I bought my first Keg for $679.00 before tax. Now the same thing, different name, is at $899.00! Too much in my opinion and I have voiced as much on THEIR forum, lol. In all things being equal, an equally equipped Big Green Egg would sell for $200.00+ more and you don't get the portability of it. The Keg hooks up to your receiver and off you go. No cracks to worry about. That's one of my favorite features about it.

Like I said above. It's not just a smoker. It does everything that a grill can do and an oven and a smoker, so it's versatile.

I feel like I am going in circles here On the Keg forum I am defending the Smokin-It and here I am defending the Keg. I am preaching the virtues of them both. I am an equal opportunity grill lover/hoarder so forgive me

If I can figure out a way to buy a Santa Maria Grill w/o my Wife filing for divorce, I'd have one of those too! I'd love to have a wood fired grill and the ability to raise and lower the food over it for temp control. Those grills are excellent but not cheap by any means. A good one will last several generations though.

[DivotMaker]

We respect everyone's choice in grills and smokers. There sre so many great ones out there that perform incredibly well and we don't knock anyones  equipment. Of course being an SI site we favor it. But my webers, et al., are fantastic also. So, Enjoy it all!

Spoken like an adult with common sense! My Keg brothers need to grow up it seems, lol.

+1!

And your comments about human intervention, Jason - you have obviously taken steps that the majority of charcoal/stick burner owners don't, you have to admit.  If I owned the smokers you do, I'd do the same!  There are workarounds for everything, and I'm amazed at many of the temperature controllers out there now for "traditional" smokers!  The difference is in the mods.  Not all traditional smoker owners do it, and have to spend a lot of time tending, whereas every SI owner has "lazy Q" right out of the box!

Looking forward to the challenge!

[RG]

Good point DM. The Traeger is add pellets and go. The keg really doesn't need an ATC if you know how to set your vents properly. I do know how and have used it sans Auber but the Auber is just assurance that everything is chill and I can sleep worry free.

I have better things to do than to mind my pits, sleep is underrated, lol. I am a PRO at Lazy Q, the SI just seemed like a natural fit for me, lol

I'll post the whole shebang in due time, it'll be fun! If the SI matches or surpasses the Keg, I'll not be surprised at all but I will be happy that it held it's own. I believe in my #3!! I already know it's better than the Traeger. I've only done one butt on the Traeger and although it looked nice, the texture was off. The Keg kicked it's booty in the one butt challenge I did a year or so ago. Looking forward to the rematch. As soon as I ordered the SI, I had this challenge in my mind.

[DivotMaker]

Lovin'it, Jason!  I almost bought a Traeger a few years back, when a buddy of mine got the S&W model.  I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen!  Then, he had big temp problems with the stock controller, and had to put in the digital.  Worked well, for awhile, then started having feed and hot spot issues.  He has since gotten rid of it.  I was glad I took a "wait and see" approach before buying one.  I know there are lots of folks that love theirs, but I saw a lot of issues firsthand with my friend's model.

[RG]

They all can have problems, every cooker does. The Traeger is a fine machine, I use it sparingly though I do like it. The SI is going to be in heavy rotation and I look forward to contributing here and sharing my food porn with you guys, lol

[Limey]

Jason, this is just a big tease. Time to get testing my man!

[RG]

Jason, this is just a big tease. Time to get testing my man!

Patience grasshoppa!!

[RG]

Alright my fellow Smokin-It brothers (and sisters?). I am trying to arrange a panel to test all of the food on. I am in the process of getting my pool opened (going to take a while) and plan on having family/friends over for a little party and THAT'S when I'll be able to do this little test. Sorry to make you wait but know that it IS in the works. I can't wait!!!

[Barrel99]

What wait??? When and where is the pool party?

[RG]

What wait??? When and where is the pool party?

It might not be when the pool is ready to swim in exactly. I just have a "To Do" list before my wife wants to have people over. The pool needs to go from swampy to clean before she'll allow guests, lol.

I'll be cooking 3 butts, baked beans, slaw, brunswick stew, maybe some hand cut fries. I'll serve chocolate chunk cookies for dessert probably. They'll eat well, no doubt about that! After that little shindig I'll be having a buddy of mine that I've not seen in years bring his family over for a little 'cue. Probably do baby backs for him. There's a summer full of cooking coming up!