Will I be happy?

[janzy]

I have a chance to buy a Traeger model BBQ055 for $200. It's new in the box.
I have never used a pellet grill. All of my smoking has been done on a Cookshack and a Kamado Komodo.
I have a gas grill for my grilling needs.
For the most part, the Traeger will be used for my wife and myself, since we are empty nesters. I was concerned about the smaller size, but my gas unit isn't that much bigger.
Would this be a good place to start?
Thanks

[Bentley]

I have a chance to buy a Traeger model BBQ055 for $200. It's new in the box.

In a word. Yes!  You will be able to sell it for 250-300 if you dedice you dont like it!

[GreenDrake]

Great price to start the addiction, absolutely.  I too have a Cookshack that got me into smoking.  I am half considering selling it because my 075 gets all my attention lately.  However I do love my CS.  You will do fine getting your needs from that Traeger, but keep in mind this is where it starts.  The Juniors can get hotter temps too, so have some fun and come back often.

[SuperDavesPelletPit]

I have a chance to buy a Traeger model BBQ055 for $200. It's new in the box.
I have never used a pellet grill. All of my smoking has been done on a Cookshack and a Kamado Komodo.
I have a gas grill for my grilling needs.
For the most part, the Traeger will be used for my wife and myself, since we are empty nesters. I was concerned about the smaller size, but my gas unit isn't that much bigger.
Would this be a good place to start?
Thanks

I have a 055 I got as a gift. I am glad I didn't pay for it because I have had nothing but warranty problems with it. As soon as my GMG shows up mine will be for sale also. Just my opinion I would save up for a GMG. my father has one and has had nothing but good luck.

[SuperDavesPelletPit]

In a word. Yes!  You will be able to sell it for 250-300 if you dedice you dont like it!
[/quote]

Here where I live in Oregon you can buy a new one for $349 with a $50 mail in rebate. But that was about 2 months ago when I took mine in for warranty the first time from catching on fire.

Dave

[Ruff]

Janzy, where are you located?  If you're in Colo I'ld be interested in buying it if you don't.  Every mfg has grills that need work.  That doesn't mean all their grills are junk.  Even Porches have warrantees & service departments.

[SilverBullet]

Janzy
Simply put.........once you've cooked on a pellet pooper you'll never cook on anything else! 

[San Diego Dave]

No, because you're going to start reading these forums where everybody is talking about their 075's and 124's, and their GMGs, and FE's, and MAC's, and no matter what you have, somebody has a bigger, fancier grill and you're always going to be thinking, "Gee, I wish I had one of those." Trust me on this. And whatever you do, don't look for the picture of Larry's new smoker on the trailer.

[MillerTime]

No, because you're going to start reading these forums where everybody is talking about their 075's and 124's, and their GMGs, and FE's, and MAC's, and no matter what you have, somebody has a bigger, fancier grill and you're always going to be thinking, "Gee, I wish I had one of those." Trust me on this. And whatever you do, don't look for the picture of Larry's new smoker on the trailer.

So true!  I'm to the point now where I want one of everything.

[janzy]

I'm in Boston, Ma and after some thought, I passed on it. Up here in the Northeast, you don't see many people smoking, so you really never see many "deals" on good used smokers. I bought my Cookshack Amerique from a fellow that posts on this board and he gave me a great deal.
I'm one of those obsessive guys that always wants bigger and better and is always upgrading my audio and video equipment.
But, today there appeared a Li'l Tex, again brand new in the box. Asking $400, I emailed to see if I can get it for $350.
We will see what happens. I'm hoping.

[russman]

I was just going to say, it depends on your personality....

When you made the comment about being an AV guy, that sounded just like me, because I am the same way and always want more, obviously price matters, so it's about getting the most bang for your buck and not regretting your purchase...

So, I would find out what your price range is and then get the best unit you can for that price range.... for me, I was in the $500 - $800 range (sub $1000 tax shipping, accessories, kick in the *ss by the wife, etc...)

I started at the Traeger, because that's what both my brother-in-laws had. Some of the things that lead me away from Traeger were the possible lack of high temp abilities and the low ceiling (I like to do beer can chicken). Anyways, that lead me to GMG grills. After adding all the accessories (casters, digital therm, larger hopper, etc) to the Traeger I was close to the price of the GMG anyways.

That's the direction I went. If I got a super awesome deal on a Traeger that had the features I liked, I'm sure I would have been happy.

Good luck! I was in your shoes only 3 weeks ago...

[Larry]

Well did you get it ??

[janzy]

Well,
the guy sold the 070, so I was back to square one and was looking at a new Louisiana 680 for $849 delivered.
I thought it's a great price and big enough.
I did notice it said it was a paddle wheel system instead of an auger.
Should I stay away from the paddle wheel system??
I can still pick up a Jr. 055, new, for $175.
Any thoughts?
Thanks again.

[Larry]

I feel the auger systen is better.

[SilverBullet]

There is a business nearby that used to sell the Louisiana Smokers & now has the GMG lineup. (Has had a Traeger For his own personal use.) said the same as Larry.

The one thing I didn't care for on the 055 was, Its to low to the ground. I felt like I would have to cook on my knees! So I went with the 070 and am glad I did! because sometimes I find the 070 to be to small for some of the cooking I do. 
I went from being just a grilllling steaks, chops & burger guy, once in a while, (On a gas grill) To.... Now I'm always trying something new, cooking for groups of friends, doing most the cooking here @ home Just having fun with my new found HOBBY!