Another convert

[Chris__M]

Have been planning a visit from my brother and sister-in-law for the past few months, the plan being for my brother to "see this BBQ Smoker contraption you've bought" (i.e. Pellet Grill).

We kept putting it off, as torrential rain was predicted for every date we put in the diary, through June and July. We persevered, and I had visitors on Saturday.

They were very impressed - I did a little bit of everything - bangers, smoked burgers, mozzeralla-stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in parma ham, the pulled pork from a month ago, out of my freezer, and a bit of brisket. Only the brisket was a little disappointing, and even then it was quite edible - just not as good as everything else. The pulled pork was divine.

Anyway, brother was struck by the pellet grill, and how simple it was to operate. Without prompting from me, he immediately likened it to the convenience of gas, but with a more authentic taste.

If I could have come up with one at a similar price to mine (which was a bargain, I admit), I think I could have sold him on it on the spot. But the only similar thing I knew of on the UK market was the Louisiana Grills version which is 800 quid for the basic model, which I feel is a tad pricey.

However, it looks like things are changing. Checking the American BBQ site today, it seems they will soon be stocking Green Mountain Grills. No idea what these are going to be sold at, but if they come in at a reasonable price, we may see more pellet grills on the UK scene.

[British BBQ Society]

I have heard Traeger are making a come back too. 2012 is going to be great

[clairbare]

I have heard that the American BBQ site is being fully launched next month and prices will be on from then - but a birdie told me at the moment it looks as if retail prices might be £669.00 for the Daniel Boone and £949.00 for the Jim Bowie.

Personally it can become a very very pricey hobby but if you have the dosh..........

[Chris__M]

I have heard that the American BBQ site is being fully launched next month and prices will be on from then - but a birdie told me at the moment it looks as if retail prices might be £669.00 for the Daniel Boone and £949.00 for the Jim Bowie.

To be fair, I think that is fairly much in line with the full retail price of the Traeger when American BBQ were selling them. A lot of the people here (including me), bought our Traegers from Jackie for a lot less, but I believe the advertised price was in the region of 600 quid for a Lil Tex, comparable to the Daniel Boone.

Certainly the Daniel Boone is a couple of hundred quid cheaper than the equivalent Louisiana Grill on sale in the UK.

Pellet grills will not compare well in price with a kettle or a charcoal smoker. But I see them more competing with the higher end gas BBQ in terms of market niche, if that makes sense