Pitts & Spitts Pellet Smoker Review - Should You Buy This Pellet Grill?

[@W5EAK]

I have owned several pellet smokers over the years. Right now I own a Traeger Ironwood 885 and a Pitts & Spitts Maverick 2000 with side box. No question the Pitts & Spitts is better built. I love the side box where I smoke cheese, breads, jerky and keep warm items. The Pitts & Spitts slide out grates are a big feature, no more reaching inside a hot smoker trying to pull out briskets. I grew up in the restaurant business working for my late parents. The Pitts & Spitts could easily hold up to day in and day out use where the Traeger is more of backyard occasional use unit.

[@ArnieTex]

Yessir the P&S is a good heavy duty unit, had two of them when they first came out as pellet grills and had the junk hopper and computer that nearly bankrupted them. Heard they are much better now and for the price they certainly should be so you cant compare a 1500 to 3000 dollar cooker to a 399 cooker and or expect he same overall capacities or features. The P&S 1250 ate 20 lbs of pellets in fours hours and was not able to get past 400 to 410 on a hot day much less a cold day. The RecTeQ 700 and 1250 can get to cooking in 5 minutes and be at 700 degrees in 15 minutes, the P&S maybe 20 -30 at 350-400, MAYBE; the RT goes through 5 -6 pounds of pellets on an overnight cook, is much quieter, responds quicker and temps vary 4-6 degrees from set temp, the P&S used to vary 20-30 when it actually worked. I waited six months for parts on the 850 as well. I have heard they they are better now but don't know for sure. I have owned 4 Traegers and they are a great product for the price point too but again the RT's are way better overall. I'm not sponsored by RT either, hell they don't even like or comment on any of my posts or probably even know I exist lol. Just an fyi so you see I am speaking from actual experience and not passing judgment on something I never owned or cooked on. There are other pellet cookers like the Yoders in the same price point and build quality that will put the P&S to shame. Have a nice day buddy.

[@sobaze]

@@ArnieTex, Thanks for the unbiased review. People rave about the P&S but I wonder if some of that has more to do with the heavy duty look and feel than the cook quality. So you would buy a RecTeQ if you could only have one pellet smoker?

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@sobaze - I'm not Arnie, but here's what I've been seeing/hearing over the past two weeks, and also a few general thoughts sprinkled in here and there... Every company is going to have some duds that sneak out the door, especially during their early years of selling their new product - most companies now seem to use consumers as their early product testing for QC. Basically they let the real users find and report bugs, and they go back and fix the issues, and ship out updated products a year or two later... If you want a 100% guarantee you won't get a dud, get a charcoal cooker or an offset cooker, and "avoid electronics". Here's what I've heard from a few people in the know: There are two places near me that sell Pitts and Spitts, one of which sells Pitts and Spitts, Yoder, Smokin Brothers, Myron Mixon, Memphis, Napolean, and GMG. The owner stated he's had to service one Pitts and Spitts pellet grill over the past 5 years. The least service of any grill he sells by a wide margin. At the other place, the owner (whom I know) personally owns a Yoder. We spent a good bit of time talking about pellet grills this past Saturday, as he just started selling Pitts and Spitts in his BBQ shop - he chose not to sell Yoder. The biggest reasons are: The paint and rust problems with the Yoder. The Yoder (nor the Recteq) has a pellet dump. It's humid AF around here in the late spring through early winter, so keeping the pellets dry can be a challenge. You can also prime the P&S auger, which the Yoder does not do. So once you empty the hopper, you can clear the P&S auger in 3-4 minutes by pressing/holding the prime button. He said he really dislikes not having that feature on his Yoder. Humidity may or may not apply to you and your area, so YMMV. Both owners have stated the Pitts and Spitts controller is the best, least problematic they've used - and they've used all the retail options including Grilla Grills, Recteq, Traeger, Camp Chef, Pit Boss, Weber. My take is, the controller is a non-issue at this point, and now has a reputation of being amongst the best. They also stated, "having the optional smoke cage of the Pitts and Spitts is a game changer", even though they feel the PS puts out plenty of smoke between 210F and 250F. But, if you want the extra level of smokiness, and have the time to manage the cook for a few hours at the beginning of the cook, the smoke cage a great option. But.... the WIFI isn't great on the Pitts and Spitts, it's only 2.4 GHz, and not 5 GHz - probably getting an update to current WiFi standards at some point - but not yet. A lot of WiFi enabled controllers use 2.4 GHz, though. Same as the Yoder. The older Recteqs had a 2.4 GHz band wifi, the newer/updated Wifi modules have dual-band 2.4 and 5.0 GHz WiFi bands. Controllers seeming to be a non-issue, the big things to consider: Pellet dump? Does it matter? WiFi? Does it matter? Made in the USA? Does it matter? Beyond that, both are going to give you a great cooks.

[@sobaze]

@@craigjohnchronicles2504 , Wow! Great info! Thank you!

[@mike_281]

@@craigjohnchronicles2504 Very well said 👌🏽

[@Payton77]

What a damn grill!! I’ll be looking into these.

[@ArnieTex]

Cool deal

[@estebanflores4697]

A little late to the party here but this is a great video! Thanks! Must live in South Texas. Aside from the shirt he has on, you know he's from the valley because not a lot of people use Mesquite and the ones that do are usually from south texas and the tortillas on the grill. Oooohhh yeah!

[@ArnieTex]

hahaha guilty as charged, thanks Esteban

[@jbramirez6003]

Awesome pitt. Chicken looks amazing beautiful Color.

[@ArnieTex]

Thank you JB

[@coreyolivier]

Arnie could you do a video on how to clean your pitts/spitts?

[@ArnieTex]

Pretty simple really Corey, I bought a small shop vac to suck out all the ash and I use a putty knife to scrape and thick ugly fat then follow of on the grills with a grill brush and a foil ball. Check out my videos on my facebook page. thanks and good luck.

[@432siktoyz]

What's your fb info

[@ArnieTex]

@@432siktoyz look me up @ArnieTex on fb, thanks buddy

[@PaulJohnson_PDJMWJ]

Great review. Luv your style.

[@ArnieTex]

Thank you Paul, appreciate the kind words

[@BIGDADDYONE121]

I’ve own two traeger smokers and can honestly say they suck!! Chinese made crap! One almost burned down my house! They won’t do high heat cooking! Paint will flake and door will bend and warp on you when trying a high heat cook! I finally saw the light and bought a Yoder pellet smoker “AMERICAN MADE” 10 gauge steal will last a life time!! Thanks brother for the awesome cookout you shown us all keep up the good work !! GOD BLESS!!!

[@franciscofrias296]

What's controller on your using on your pellet smoker ??

[@ArnieTex]

Controller?

[@iPigee]

Heck yeah!

[@ArnieTex]

yea buddy tnx

[@jaredsharp7471]

Hi Arnie thanks for the great video. I'm in the process of buying a new pellet smoker and its between the Maverick 1250 and the Yoder YS640. Can you tell me some of the pros and cons of the Pitts and Spitts? Also if your familiar with the Yoder I would love to hear about that too

[@ArnieTex]

Both are great cookers so depends on you preference in style and budget. The one in the video was way too big and ate a lot of pellets so traded for the 18, Have not owned a yoder

[@jaredsharp7471]

@@ArnieTex Thanks Arnie, I went ahead and bought the Maverick 1250. Excellent choice and I would not go back.

[@ArnieTex]

@@jaredsharp7471 Good deal enjoy buddy

[@sdlittlefield]

@@jaredsharp7471 How is your 1250 holding up? any issues?

[@jaredsharp6921]

@sdlittlefield I have no complaints at all. I just cooked on it last weekend for two days straight 14 hours a day and it didn't miss a beat.

[@christyanding6827]

Hi Arnie! Could you please explain how you cooked your chicken to get the crispy skin like that? It looks great! I really enjoy watching your videos!

[@ArnieTex]

hi Christy, It's pretty much the high heat but you can also sprinkle a little salt on the skin for 20-30 minutes before you cook it, that also help dry the skin out and helps to get it more crispy.

[@ArnieTex]

Thankd for watching our videos too

[@christyanding6827]

Thank you Arnie! My husband and I love your videos! We also just ordered the Maverick 1250!

[@ArnieTex]

@@christyanding6827 Awesome, glad I could help and congrats.

[@sdlittlefield]

@@christyanding6827 are you still using the 1250? how;s it holding up?

[@denster1degeer143]

I just watch this video from 3 years ago , just wandering how well it has held up

[@ArnieTex]

Hello Dennis, I did not have the cooker very long as it had some programming and hopper issues, they have since fixed their problems is what I m told but I actually returned mine to the dealer and did not get another pellet grill till recently. Very happy with my Rec-Tec RT 700 pellet cooker after having and cooking on various other brands and models. Hope that helps you out buddy.

[@fggrimaldo]

ArnieTex how are you addressing the chicken skin in order to get it crunchy?

[@ArnieTex]

@@fggrimaldo Hello there, i have always found tht high heat and a little salt on the skin really helps with the skin but it's always a challenge to get it that way, low heat will not cut it for sure.

[@michaelbarnhardt8274]

@@ArnieTex what type of pellets do you use in your rec tec 700 and do you still have it? Thanks

[@ArnieTex]

@@michaelbarnhardt8274 Hello Michael, yes I still have it lol and two more RecTeq's too. I use the Kingsford from ReqTeq and also their's plus also buy the PitBoss and Cuisinarts from Walmart. After trying so many brands those actually are some of the best I''ve used.

[@rogerl8488]

So where can I buy the thermo pen?

[@ArnieTex]

Roger here you go, www.thermoworks.com/

[@thefishingprincess7720]

Awesome videos... did you ever look into yoder smoker? And if so thoughts.. thank you for your time.

[@ArnieTex]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Yes I have cooked on a couple Yoders too, they are a good product and heavy gauge steel. Overall the RecTeq performs better imo and is all stainless so should last forever, jmo.

[@thefishingprincess7720]

@@ArnieTex thank you for your honest opinion. In what way does it preform better? Very curious

[@ArnieTex]

@@thefishingprincess7720 the RT is just quieter and very consistent in temperatures, varying 5-7 degrees at any time and the yoder has much bigger swings as much as 45-50 at times. Also the RT is quieter

[@jdelgao50]

Nice review Arnie..I still prefer the Yoder 640.

[@mcadem123]

Hey Jose, Why the Yoder still? Just curious.

[@jdelgao50]

Michael Cadena The Yoder construction looks stronger that will last longer on the outdoors. On this one I like the interior shelves and how they slide out.

[@arniesegovia2809]

Both built of same material, both good quality. The Yoder will cok a little hotter but the P&S is made in TEXAS, just sayin ;)

[@jdelgao50]

Thanks

[@jdelgao50]

Arnie Segovia Thanks

[@rogelioramos469]

Buenos videos.tips.consejos me gusta el bbq...

[@ArnieTex]

Gracias amigo

[@Biga2000]

Arnie, do you still use the Pitts and Spitts pellet smoker or just the Hasty Bakes? I'm from Oklahoma so I'm familiar with the HB, but I don't really want to mess with another charcoal grill. From your experience, can you get similar results or is either one a clear winner?

[@arniesegovia3883]

Hi Josh, there is definitely a distinct difference in flavors between pellets and real charcoal / wood fires. However both can cook very good bbq, just a different overall flavors. That particular pellet grill is very big and eats ALOT of pellets so I swapped it to an 18" Maverick and used it for a while but it had some programming issues which have since been corrected. Tried traegers, god bang for the buck but flimsy material that wont hold up to the abuse I give over time, jmo. After trying a couple others would up with a Pit Boss, very well made and heavier construction than most and heck of price from WalMart, good luck and hope that helps.

[@JkCanvas]

Thank you for the review. Since this is a 2 year old video how has it performed?

[@ArnieTex]

had missed you comment JK, glad you found me on IG and we got it all squared away, thanks for watching.

[@johnmays6845]

Arnie, did you recently go to a class held by Travis Clark. I believe I sat right beside all weekend.

[@ArnieTex]

John, I did! Wow! Such a small world. What did you think of the class?

[@johnmays6845]

ArnieTex I loved it. Good stuff been practice a lot. You like that Pitts n Spitts

[@ArnieTex]

I thought it was an awesome class. Would definitely reccomend it. As far as the Pitts & Spitts, I love that cooker. For the right situation it comes in so handy. I love having it as an option in my backyard.

[@ArnieTex]

It's a tremendous pit! I love it. Do you have a pellet smoker presently?

[@johnmays6845]

Yeah. It’s a Yoder YS640

[@cahoonm]

Arnie thanks for talking to me. I am talking to Coy about a Mav 2000. Is there any issues you have seen I should consider? Were headed back to Corpus in August and want to get in on one of your classes down in valley.

[@arniesegovia2809]

Hi Migo, every grill and smoker or cooker have their own idiosyncracies, I call them personalities, lol. They had a little issue with the hopped but has now been fixed and all new ones come with updated hardware and software. Safe travels my friend

[@cahoonm]

Arnie I told Coy how well you spoke of them. I am looking at buying more than one. I will try to call you to get ideas. Thanks

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for sharing! Awesome job Is that the 850 Pitts & spits?

[@ArnieTex]

Joe the one in the video is the 1200, thanks for watching buddy.

[@ArnieTex]

oops meant 1250

[@robertcarlson6362]

Do you think the pellet gives a different texture to the meat compared to an offset?

[@arniesegovia2809]

IMO yes there is a subtle difference Robert but still cooks great bbq, you have to use a little different technique and maybe modify the recipes a little too.

[@arthurlouisamv6176]

@Ballistic BBQ has recently done a 50/50 blend of pellet and wood chips any comments with this experiment?

[@jbramirez6003]

Aww man busting out the ribs .saving the best for last.

[@paulford9285]

temp control gauge looks archaic.. is it truly wifi capable?

[@arniesegovia2809]

lol Paul, had not hear d"archaic" in many years. This pellet cooker at the time we did the video was not "wifi" capable" They have updated some things since then, please check with the mfg for those updates. btw real pitmasters don't even need guages. thanks

[@jameswalker8133]

Hello Arnie! I’m a little late to this party but I was wondering if you had any experience with any of the Pitts and Spitts traditional off sets? Was just curious of your opinion on those rigs! Thanks for all the videos and all of your content! Hope to catch up with you at a class or a comp soon! Safe travels and best wishes!!

[@ArnieTex]

Wow James sorry I missed your comment, yes I did one, the are good looking but there are much better options for the money

[@jessesanchez9864]

I have been watching your videos and this one I want to know which do you prefer pitts & spitts or the trigger cause I am looking to buy a pellet smoker

[@ArnieTex]

Hi Jessie I have owned several brands including those but now have a RecTec 700 and it's the best pellet grill / smoker i have ever owned so it's the one I recommend.

[@klowntech]

Hey Arnie! Which thermapen is that? I like the look of it! -Ryan

[@ArnieTex]

Iuse the MK4 pens an also have the Thermopops, 2 of each

[@patrickking7871]

Hi Arnie! Which model was this? Is this the 1250 or the 2000?

[@ArnieTex]

That was the 1250

[@jaybooth4815]

I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on the Pitts &Spitts. How’s it been holding up. Great video!

[@arniesegovia2809]

Hello Jay, I only had that smoker for a couple weeks, it ate ALOT of pellets lol. Traded it for the Maverick 850 but it had some programming / hopper issues so I returned it to the dealer too. very happy with my Rec-Tec RT 700 now, it runs like a swiss watch, much better pellet grill imo.

[@benjaminontiveros7184]

jay booth i’ve been thinking of that too!...but the price is a big commitment for me and not a lot of in depth reviews for pits and spits for me to buy it yet!

[@ArnieTex]

@@benjaminontiveros7184 I think they fixed the little issues they had and are good pellet grills not but I would still recommend a RecTeq over P&S

[@mathewmccarthy9848]

Arnie, after having the Maverick 1250 for a few years, what's your take on its durability and mechanics? We in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I'm interested in this grill. Thank you...Matt from Vegas.

[@ArnieTex]

Hi Matt, i only had that grill for a couple weeks, it used way more pellets than some of the their ones i had so i traded for the smaller 850 Maverick. That brand ha some programming issues during that year but they got them figured out and they are solid cookers now as far as I know. Got rid of my 850 too as I was cooking exclusively on Hasty Bakes at the time as per contract and now own a RecTec RT 700, best pellet grill I have ever owned and cooked on. Check them out. thanks

[@mathewmccarthy9848]

@@ArnieTex Wow! Thanks for replying. I ordered a Hasty Bake a few days ago. I'm excited to get it. Also have a green egg and I use it to smoke. But lookin' for a pellet for quick and easy w no fussy. My Traeger isn't so good. I'll look into the RT 700. God bless and stay healthy! Matt

[@arniesegovia2809]

@@mathewmccarthy9848 thank you

[@danielzamora3625]

Great video Buddy !!!! What size is that grill 18 by 30 or the 24 by 36 ???? Thx! Ernie 👍🏽

[@arniesegovia2809]

That pellet grill is a 24 x 36. Thanks for watching

[@gonzos_bbqbbqcooking9392]

Where do get that grill. I would love to try your rubs they sound awesome. Keep up the great work. #centraltexasbbq

[@ArnieTex]

Here ya go Gonzo, hope to have rubs out later this year. pittsandspitts.com/?GMBlisting&

[@johndeere5336]

What's the high space between the grates

[@ArnieTex]

@John Deere, not sure what you are referring to? Can you plz explain a lil better or at what minute of the video you see that?

[@mcadem123]

Hasty Bake or Maverick for all around use?

[@arniesegovia2809]

They booth have their place, I use the HB much more.

[@austinmclaen4007]

These make Traegers look like a popcan

[@ArnieTex]

i agree, much sturdier and perform much better and more consistent. Thanks

[@dogisrain]

Have you got your rubs on market yet?

[@ArnieTex]

Thanks for your question but no not yet, just has not been a priority but hope to get it out soon, thank you.

[@eutimiochavez415]

Nice ,but the price of meats is getting out of hands ,oh well.

[@fernsanmiguel4062]

Have your tried grilling steaks on this pellet smoker? They advertise that the smoker can get up to 500-600 but I'm skeptical . thoughts? I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the 1250. Thanks

[@arniesegovia2809]

Yes I have and they turn out great but don't really sear as hot as a direct fire, I like my steaks at 600+

[@jennifermcmillan9518]

Which model is this?

[@ArnieTex]

This is the Pitts & Spitts Maverick 2000 Wood Pellet Grill - it's amazing!

[@dr.carlosa.lopezbernal2990]

Arnie estaria bien un video en español para la comunidad latina

[@ArnieTex]

Muy buena idea, gracias

[@TDRUSH1]

So what do you think of it --- would you buy again thanks for your time

[@TDRUSH1]

Thanks Arnie yes pellets grills are great to use I have one looking into buying another but a different brand like the looks of the Pitts & Spitts any info would be great thanks

[@James-dm8tx]

Arnie Segovia though you got a 18x30 im assuming this is 24x36?

[@ArnieTex]

This is the 24x36 also known as the Maverick 2000 Wood Pellet Grill

[@mcadem123]

ArnieTex - I thought the Mav 2000 had 3 levels?

[@arniesegovia2809]

Just two

[@21mejia25]

Is your rub on the market yet?

[@ArnieTex]

Actually right now testing a sample from a co packer,might be a couple more months., thanks

[@21mejia25]

ArnieTex ok! Please keep producing content, it’s top notch!

[@ysb362]

I cant stand people when say secret spices