Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Review

[@jamesspivey6283]

Green Mountain Grills are the best. I carry my Davey Crockett with my when we travel in our rv. The recipies are easy and fool proof. Everything we have tried, from fish to steaks, has turned out great. And their after sale support goes above and beyond to keep their customers happy. What a great team!!!

[@rohmmie]

I just purchased this GMG because you answered many questions that I had. I appreciate your honest on the good and the bad.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+rohmmie thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[@jatoav8or]

Thanks for the review. I pulled the trigger on one a month ago & have nothing but good things to say about it. My wife did the typical eye roll when I came home with it but she’s used it as much as I have.

[@dwamp59]

Thanks for making this video. I am also looking into portable smokers at this time. If GM hasn't addressed the ash clean up issue by now, I think a good fix would be to add a snug fitting slide (or hinged) plate under the fire pot so the ashes could simply drop out when opened. As for the bucket problem, my hack would be a small pie pan with a rock in it.

[@dunk50]

How about just setup grill to the passenger side of tailgate and bucket would hang off like it is supposed to!

[@jdelgao50]

Very nice unbiased video. Anyway it looks like a very good option for tailgating. You really did excellent on presenting the grill features. It was very helpful. Thank you.

[@teachyourkidstocook5394]

I'm buying one of these to teach my son how to grill and bbq because of your video. Good job man.

[@philhartcher749]

Just watched you Video on the GMG Davey Crockett. I have owned one for a few years and I agree with what you say. there are a few challenges with iy like the height of the grease drain. If I am using mine with just the feet and not the legs I use a small foil tray and put a rock in it to hold it in place when its windy. Definately need a heat barrier under it when it is sitting on its feer I use a piece of 3/4" structural Ply for mine. It does get heat marks on the ply, I have a small 12 volt car vacuum which I use if I am away from home. It doesnt take up much room and carry it inside the grill when traveling. I usually just use the bottom heat deflector plate for direct cooking or both for indirect as you showed. Depending on the day and what I am cooking is to which BBQ is use (I have 9 altogether) gas, charcoal and pellet. I use the pellet grill at least once a week.

[@FunAtDisney]

According to the GMG web site: Always use the portable grill on a non-combustible surface. Always put a heatproof barrier between the grill and a truck bed or table or other support.

[@saxxonceo]

If you have a compressor, you can just use an air hose to clean out any ash. It's much more flexible than a Shop-Vac hose and the grill is small and portable enough that you can do it right in your kitchen or even the back of an SUV!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thanks William, however I don't think you would want to be blowing out Ash in your kitchen. Maybe out in the yard! That comment was based on if you were taking it for a long camping trip, you'd want to clean it out at some point during that trip.

[@copperfish543]

I have had one since Christmas 2020, it will cook anything to perfection. One word of caution, when vacuuming the fire box for ashes. be careful around the igniter. I hit it a couple of times with the vacuum and now it won't light. So i called support on a Sunday and they are going to send me a new igniter. Good support. becarefull with it, its a computer that grills.

[@berniegilles2488]

awesome insights, thanks for pointing out the pros and minor cons as I think this unit fits my needs!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look! Glad I could help! Check out my Chicken Wing video to see it in action!

[@JimmyGelhaar]

Great review! As you were disassembling the pieces, I so wanted to see the bottom and when you said you'd bring the camera in, I knew the review was going to be perfect! :).

[@artbunger3517]

Very good video. I agree with all the improvements that you suggest. Hopefully GMG is listening. Keep up the good work!

[@natekew8169]

Great video, thanks for effort, my wife and I really enjoyed your review.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Nate Kew thank you!

[@matthewprior3762]

Ive honestly been waiting for a review like this or a long time!!! Thank you!!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Matthew Prior Thank you for checking out my video! I really appreciate it. I've got more a couple videos coming up putting it to use so I hope you stay tuned!

[@burlman69]

My son has one of these. It does excellent! Like he says...he's never cooked a bad anything on it.

[@davidschonhardt4958]

That is an excellent review!! Thanks for the different camera shots! My wife's not as good as yours, so I had to buy myself a father's day present. Mine will be arriving soon. You're the best. Thank you!

[@danieljohnson327]

very good video. I think the negatives you decribed are nice to know before purchase .with that said .I am going to buy one.thanks.

[@tbucks1000]

Nice video. Maybe give a1 year review to see how its holding up. Also is there any updates on the WiFi controller on the smoker? Also for the drip bucket flaw, maybe make a longer rod to hold the bucket better. Maybe future models will fix these issues.

[@jessaryenterprises]

On my big pellet grill I only clean out my burner every couple bags of pellets. Use a shop vacuum

[@larrystorm6374]

hope your feeling better!

[@grantwatson2312]

Brian, This is a great review. I have had a pellet grill for years but never a Green Mountain. I got one of these (The Davy Crockett) for Christmas and just took it out of the box yesterday. There were no assembly instructions included, only Wi-Fi setting instructions. You video was very helpful in confirming how to set it up and what it should look like when fully assembled. I look forward to using this at the campground with my RV. Thank You.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Grant Watson Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad I could help. Stop back for some follow up videos like my Chicken wings on the DC video!

[@uafitr]

If you were at home, a shop vac would be ideal for cleaning out the firebox. At a campsite or any place away from home, probably buying a cheap turkey Baster with a squeeze bulb would work good, or anything similar to that. Depress bulb, put it in the firebox and release would suck up the ash. You could also use it the opposite way to blow the ash off of things.

[@jessaryenterprises]

My grill burned the paint off my tailgate when setting on the small spring legs. Also, my grill has a hard time heating up and burns unevenly.

[@michealportwood5987]

I almost purchased one of those but I ended up getting a Pit Boss which I really like so far I Tailgater but it is heavy.

[@michaelcain7875]

Brian: Thanks for the video and the review. I'm curious to know what BK BBQ specializes in: like ribs or sausage or pulled pork? My question is are you sure you have the right cooker for your end product? Do you need a smoker or a grill? Many tailgating operations shoot for more direct heat grills for burgers, sausage or even chops. A smoker normally would take more time in the parking lot for successful ribs or shoulder than you would have as a tailgater. I am in my 26th year of catering and BBQ competition. For health reasons I am considering abandoning my catering operation and buying a GMG smoker. Probably a size larger than this one just to have in the back yard for family and friends. Your review is the first I've seen with negative comments about the GMG product. I'm wondering if the negativity could be a result of trying to adapt a gift that may be the wrong fit to suit your own individual needs.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Michael, Thanks for stopping by and checking out my video. This was in fact a gift. This is not actually my daily use smoker. My wife and I are campers so my brother in law got this for me to take with us camping. I don't really "specialize" in anything, but I do make a killer pulled pork. I had to stop doing videos for awhile due to heath issues, but I hope to get back to it soon... I really want to get my pulled pork video out. I was also going to do one on how to tailgate with this grill / smoker.... we'll see how that goes. But needless to say, you need to plan ahead and not everything will be smoked / grilled on site. With a catering business I'm sure you are familiar. Overall this is a great grill... I just think they could have done some things better...

[@spiceblender]

Good Video!! Hope your health issues improve. I use a Weber foil pan to catch the grease when it is on the short legs.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+spiceblender thank you, I had recorded a couple videos but neither lived up to my new higher standards... if weather permits I'll try again Friday!

[@steveo7656]

The GREEN MOUNTAIN GRILL is great.... it will smoke or grill steaks.... the temperature is always right on...meat probe works great....12 volt or 110 ac to power it....... .plus wifi...... and i can get three slabs of baby back ribs on it.....for a portable grill i don't think you could buy a better one.......love mine....also the price is real reasonable.......

[@MattEastnz]

Haven’t read the other comments, do you shut down your grill using the FAN mode? My GMG inside looks nothing like yours?

[@weinerman]

You are a special person. That's for sure.

[@billhansen6926]

I've had this pellet cooker for six months it has good and bad features like most cookers. The biggest draw back to me is the direct heat it is more smoker than grill and some meats are meant to be grilled and this cooker is not a grill however this cooker is outstanding on chicken,ribs. Pork loin, chops and small roasts. I agree it is hard to maintain without a shop vac close at hand but I find I can throw all the burner plates and grates in the dishwasher. For the money it's the best set it and forget it pellet cooker I hope some day to take it farther then the back yard.

[@NovoGold]

Cut a curve section out of your tin so it will slip under the nozzle for the drip tray

[@NovoGold]

I thought the shutdown mode was to blow a majority of the ash out as it burns out... The fan keeps going...!

[@bobgalbraith1023]

Hi Brian , iv used this Davey Crockett grill 4 times and the 2 grill plates have warped , causing uneven cooking , don't know what to do

[@stevemf62]

You can use the inverter for your vacuum as well

[@waynehamilton5248]

Did you have any issues where the Deflectors got warped? I have the new Stainless ones like you showed. But mine got warped.

[@brianinsocal1]

Thanks Brian for the great info!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Brian Kreisler No problem! Thanks for taking time to check it out! You may also like my latest video where I put the Davy Crockett to work smoking wings!

[@outpostcamp]

Brian Kreisler x

[@johnathan5594]

I didn't read ALL the comments, but for the grease drip in a tailgate role, just use a foil "to go" container or a pie plate ;)

[@johnathan5594]

Still get a thumbs up. Good review.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thanks for checking out my video. I use the foil method you mention. I think I show it in the wings video. You just need to weight it down some or the wind blows it away. =)

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thanks! Life has kinda gotten away from me this summer. A 2 1/2 yr old boy will do that to ya.... I'll have new videos as soon as things slow down some!

[@johnathan5594]

+B_K_BBQ All good bud. The wee ones do make life interesting, no doubt. Especially at that age lol.

[@jdelgao50]

JP Davis I guess something like a tuna can might work too.

[@OreElect1]

Thanks for sharing. Awesome review.

[@tombowles9023]

Hi Ben, any thoughts on how well this grill works in cold weather?

[@Recon985]

Should I coat all the stainless parts with high heat grill paint to prevent rust?

[@midnightslasher83]

Great video Brian! Are you happy with the smoke output/flavor of the Davy Crockett? I've read a lot of complaints about people claiming that their food never tastes smoky enough from a pellet grill and just wanted your opinion. Thanks and keep up the great videos!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Hi, Thanks for your comment. Smoke flavor is a subjective thing as with anything taste related. The basic mechanics of smoke flavor with pellets is, lower the temperature, the more smoke, Higher tempers, less smoke. So, if you are doing say chicken, at 350-375... you'll have less smoke flavor then if you were doing it at 225. Chicken should not be smoked at that low of a temperature. So to add smoke flavor you need to supplement smoke into the cooker. That can be done with an A-Maze-N pellet tube. You can see this in action in my Chicken Griller video. They are available on Amazon at this link here: amzn.to/2frSsDD load this with pellets and light it with a butane torch and it will add the extra level of smoke flavor you are looking for. I hope this helped! Smoke on!

[@jayc4283]

How many times has you drip pan slipped off that little tap on the pipe? I am surprised they did not weld something on that would be more sure of not slipping off with a gentle bump.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Dee Cee great question. Surprisingly, never. But in high winds I drape a welding blanket over everything but the exhaust for added wind shield.

[@jayc4283]

Good to know, thanks for the video !! I've been looking at these for a few months, I like the small portable size, I keep looking at Grilla also, but for the price the little one seems to be the way to go. I'm not cooking for a family so the big ones are only interesting for the build quality. The Davey is currently only $299 at Sportsmans warehouse, and ina few Days Sams club will have same deal, including 16# of pellets. But I'm not Sams Club member so it's additional 10% to shop as non member. I think I'll pull the trigger on Sportsmans deal today. I'm gonna try to move those legs inboard also, you're right, that is a design oversight.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thats a good price depending on shipping. You can check my link above for the Amazon price... if you have prime it should be free shipping. Have a great holiday season!

[@jayc4283]

Thanks !! You too !!

[@brandonirving1441]

Quick question can you fit a beer can chicken in it or is it not tall enough? Thanks

[@Brian-5150]

I am wanting one of these to take camping. The specs show the height with legs in the carry position is 20 1/2 inches. My opening on my outside storage is 21 inches. Can you tell me what the height of the main smoker box is? Not to include the legs, spring feet or smoke stack. Just from the bottom to the top of the lid Thanks

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Brian F I really appreciate you stopping by my channel and checking out my video! Its 16 1/2 give or take a 1/4. Kinda hard to see exactly.

[@MichaelKlugxx]

Perfect evaluation!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thanks! I'll be doing some new videos soon! Typical, post vacation schedule blow up!

[@juanduran4843]

Can you cook two full chickens? Thanks

[@mcpre65]

Maybe a stainless cat food or puppy bowl for a grease pan...

[@paull2815]

tuna can and chuck it out.

[@chrisstellato580]

good job helped me out a lot thank you

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Chris Stellato Thanks! Glad I could help.

[@CrapSandviche]

Yo Yo Brian, good video. I bet you could take some copper + fittings and build a nice tube to fit over the drip spout. That way you could extend it off the side of the truck. Then solder a hook on the end to attach the bucket. BOOM. Problem solved. Send $200 to me. Thanks.

[@jamesperry5440]

if the smoker is on the right side of tailgate you can hang the grease bucket

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+James Perry Thanks James. I actually cover that at the 12:07 mark... you can see in order to get the bucket to hang off to the side of the tailgate, the feet are partially off the tailgate... Its up to you if you are comfortable with that or not.

[@billdungan3709]

I’m thinking about getting this grill. What’s your opinion now after a few years of use? Thanks

[@jimlee1539]

Brian, thanks a bunch. I've been searching and watching vids comparing grills for a month or so and you've really covered everything I could ask about them except, how it works in cold weather. Does it need a blanket? Will it maintain 500 deg to sear a prime rib? This looks like the best for me bc there are only two of us in the family and my wife is a vegetarian.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

For 500, you’ll want a blanket to maintain temp.

[@bobcarson4847]

thank you for letting me know about cleaning my G,M,G

[@kabrams24]

This was so helpful! I'm shopping smokers for father's day and this is the only one I'm finding with good reviews in my price range. However, it is highly unlikely we will actually use it as a portable grill. Would you still generally recommend this model (given the $350 price point) as someone's permanent/only smoker?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Katie, thanks for stopping by and checking out my video! Yes, if you see my other videos using this smoker, it's capable of handling up to about 4 adults. Anything more and you should probably consider another option. One that I would recommend in that price range is the Weber Smokey Mountain. Check out my Ribs video to see that in action. If you fancy Amazon you can get a Weber smokey mountain there and if you use one of my Amazon links, it helps support the channel! Stop back and let me know what you settled on I'd love to know! Smoke on!

[@kabrams24]

Ok, great! I'll check that one out too and use your link if I choose it. Thank you so much!

[@dennyhendrickson1822]

Can you use this in a pic nic table or does it get to hot under neath?

[@tamaman7777]

Thanks for the review! And by the way you are a natural...don't change a thing.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Bobby Hitt thank you!

[@Randallkoller]

good video, thanks bud

[@frankcanha]

Also, was confused by your comment about wrapping the grate with tin foil for direct heat. Wouldn't wrapping it cover the holes for a direct cooking?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+fcanha Yes, but direct heat is mostly used when grilling / high heat. Its a personal choice, trade off between char vs Clean up. Or if you even care to clean off the lower grates.

[@79broneek]

Thank you so much!!!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+79broneek No problem! Thank you!

[@Jevansduckfan1]

How susceptible is this to rusting if left outside? Would you need to empty the hopper after every use because of the moisture. I'm in Oregon. Thanks for the video.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Jake, Thanks for stopping by my channel. Since this grill is portable, I store it in my garage. I do not remove the pellets from it when storing it. I do know of people who leave this out year round, but I can not speak to rust or pellet issues since I'm not the one doing it. My brother in law has the full size GMG, and he has not had any issues with his being out all the time, and he also leaves the pellets in year round.

[@davidcates7943]

Thanks Brian Hello did this grill come with the wifi control with the antenna?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to check out my video. Yes it came with the wifi controller and antenna. I think all current models come it by default now.

[@claysnextel]

how is the sound quality. I have seen a couple of video the the pellet auger was make a loud noise. It turned me off. I cant see slow cooking meat overnight with a screeching sound every few minutes. That is terrible for my neighbors. Not talking about the fan sound.what are your thoughts?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Thank you for your comment. I have not experienced that issue. Mine is barely audible and can't even be heard in my videos. My guess is there was an assembly issue and needed to be addressed by GMG Customer Service. If you change your mind, there is a link in the video description to pick one up from Amazon!

[@claysnextel]

I am going to go forward and hope for the best

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Clayton Harris Good stuff!

[@frankcanha]

I thought I read these smokers had a cleaning mode that would turn a fan on to clean the hot pot. Is this feature only for the big ones and not the Davy Crockett?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+fcanha When you shut it off it does go into "fan mode", but what you see is how the Davy Crockett was after fan mode completed and the grill had gone to full Off. What I suspect is happening is the primary heat defuser that I show just prior to that, isn't allowing enough space for the ash to blow out of the pot. I would need to do more testing to confirm.

[@isularry]

+B_K_BBQ Fan mode is just to put the fire out. I have the Daniel Boone which has the same size fire pot. I usually go about 2 bags of pellets before I clean it. If you're burning good quality pellets it shouldn't be an issue. Looking at the Davy Crocket for camping due to how great the Boone has been.

[@harblz57]

Two questions; Would different brands of pellets possibly produce different amounts of ash? When it comes to removing the ash, could you use a baster to puff the ash out of the pot? I started to say canned air, but realized it would probably puff the ash a lot more and make a bigger mess. Good informative video B_K_BBQ.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

John, Thank you for jumping in on the conversation! Yes, I think its possible different pellets might produce different amounts of ash. However, I have not tested that. I would say, if you are going to blow the fire pot out, you might as well vacuum it out... i mean if you have it torn apart that far, you might as well just get it done... right?

[@tomsbigtrucks]

How about moving it to the right edge of your tailgate and hanging the bucket off the side????? Works like a champ for me!! It's about tailgating right????..... Maybe you should have chosen a full size grill and strap it to the cab of your truck. I'm sorry you having difficulty. Thank you for the video.

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+T Arco Thanks for checking out my video. I'm pretty sure I mentioned it in the video but the concern with hanging it over the edge is the feet of the grill are almost falling off the tailgate to get the bucket far enough off to hang. I use the grill for camping and it's the correct grill for my needs.

[@joeyboulard4958]

You find this grill too small at times?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

I wouldn't try to use this as my "main" grill or smoker. This is great for camping, or tailgating.... but for home use or large parties, I use a full size unit.

[@Jevansduckfan1]

Is it necessary to move a brisket smoking for 7+ hrs. from hot spots on the surface? I've read about issues with this. Thanks!!

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Jake Evans I have not smoked a brisket in the GMG yet, but I would say to look at elevated rack mods on the internet.

[@stevek917]

So is there enough room under the grease drip spout to use a small skillet as a drip bucket when tailgating?

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

Yes!, and thanks for stopping by!

[@sailorfitz]

Great video...question: About how long does it take to get to the point its hot enough to throw some burgers on. Assuming it's already set up on a table....so from "turning it on" to appropriate grill temp for burgers...thanks

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Bryan Fitzgibbons Thanks for stopping by Bryan! I'd say probably 10-15mins.... I think I timed it in my Smoked Wings video but I can't recall specifically.

[@sailorfitz]

+B_K_BBQ Great! ...so really about the same as propane. Do you feel this unit would hold up as a main cooker in a household of 2? Meaning getting rid of our big Weber propane grill and use this weekly for grilling chicken and burgers and several times a month to smoke an 8lb Pork shoulder...or....do you feel for that action we need to go 1 up for durability sake...

[@HillCreekBarbecue]

+Bryan Fitzgibbons My main concern would be the power converter. I'm not sure how weather proof that thing is. I know the main line of grills from GMG are able to stay out in the weather and run in bad weather. I would be afraid of the AC/DC converter shorting. Beyond that, I think the bigger grills you would have to clean less from an ash perspective. But from a main grill construction perspective, I think it would hold up fine.

[@bobcarson4847]

good one -needs to improve

[@christianhill4814]

I thought you did a really good job