caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
RecTeq and Traeger are very similar. Biggest differentiator is that some accessories that Trager charges for are standard on ReqTeq (at least when I bought mine 4 years ago). It is basically an outdoor wood fired smoker / oven. Temperature controlled with phone app so I can change temp from anywhere. In the winter, I have thrown a brisket on there before going to bed. When I get up to take a leak at 4a, I start at 220F from my phone. 12 hours later, excellent brisket. The temperature control allows you to go do other stuff during the day. Meat probes tell you the core temp at any time.ncsupack1 said:
Tell me about the reqteq? Also, those look good, and good grill marks.
GetOffMyLawnPack said:RecTeq and Traeger are very similar. Biggest differentiator is that some accessories that Trager charges for are standard on ReqTeq (at least when I bought mine 4 years ago). It is basically an outdoor wood fired smoker / oven. Temperature controlled with phone app so I can change temp from anywhere. In the winter, I have thrown a brisket on there before going to bed. When I get up to take a leak at 4a, I start at 220F from my phone. 12 hours later, excellent brisket. The temperature control allows you to go do other stuff during the day. Meat probes tell you the core temp at any time.ncsupack1 said:
Tell me about the reqteq? Also, those look good, and good grill marks.
My favorite is to smoke a steak to 113F probe temp. (about an hour). Then finish on my sear station Napoleon grill for 45 seconds per side. Steak is perfectly pink throughout and the sear station does the grill marks.
https://www.napoleon.com/en/us/grills/discover/features/infrared-sizzle-zone-sear-station
Brisket
$50.00!Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
TheStorm said:$50.00!Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Civilized said:TheStorm said:$50.00!Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Every bit of it and then some.
We'll get 3 meals for our crowd of 4 out of it though so not crazy on a per-serving basis.
Man, I can still remember when my wife would get herself a sandwich, fries and drink - and I would just get a QUART of 'cue and nothing else and it would be something like $15-$16... not that long ago in the big picture either (maybe only 10-12 years, tops).Civilized said:TheStorm said:$50.00!Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Every bit of it and then some.
We'll get 3 meals for our crowd of 4 out of it though so not crazy on a per-serving basis.
Ate at Parker's in Wilson last week. They are at the $10 threshold for a plate of barbecue or chicken. But that is still in the ballpark of doing the drive thru combo at Wendys or other hamburger joints, and much better meal.TheStorm said:Man, I can still remember when my wife would get herself a sandwich, fries and drink - and I would just get a QUART of 'cue and nothing else and it would be something like $15-$16... not that long ago in the big picture either (maybe only 10-12 years, tops).Civilized said:TheStorm said:$50.00!Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Every bit of it and then some.
We'll get 3 meals for our crowd of 4 out of it though so not crazy on a per-serving basis.
They don't even sell the quarts anymore if that tells you anything.
I laughed the last time my wife brought me home some straight meat in a plastic tub from there... container was teeny, tiny.
Civ, your back deck looks nice, in that previous picture you posted...Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
caryking said:Civ, your back deck looks nice, in that previous picture you posted...Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
That sounds extremely peaceful... I'm happy for you.Civilized said:caryking said:Civ, your back deck looks nice, in that previous picture you posted...Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Ha, thanks brother! We finally built ourselves a house last year and after having a small deck for years wanted to have a more functional one that had plenty of room for a table, seating, and grilling. We eat dinner out there several times a week and really enjoy it. It also looks down a creekbed, so we get a lot of wildlife back there considering our proximity to downtown. Neat to hear owls nightly and see foxes and even deer in that stream buffer from time to time. Nice place to grill out and have a cold one.
Now I just need to figure out a TV solution so I can sit back there and watch the Pack play.
Civilized said:caryking said:Civ, your back deck looks nice, in that previous picture you posted...Civilized said:caryking said:
Stopped in at a Smithfield's BBQ on the way home from the beach. When they are good… man, they are good!!
Nice BBQ sandwich to go. BBQ all over the floor, in the car. Greasy hands all over the steering wheel! What I'll go through for a good BBQ sandwich…
Same! BBQ plate though, and two pints of BBQ and some sides to bring home to eat off of this week and freeze some.
Hard to beat Smithfield's!
Ha, thanks brother! We finally built ourselves a house last year and after having a small deck for years wanted to have a more functional one that had plenty of room for a table, seating, and grilling. We eat dinner out there several times a week and really enjoy it. It also looks down a creekbed, so we get a lot of wildlife back there considering our proximity to downtown. Neat to hear owls nightly and see foxes and even deer in that stream buffer from time to time. Nice place to grill out and have a cold one.
Now I just need to figure out a TV solution so I can sit back there and watch the Pack play.
ncsupack1 said:GetOffMyLawnPack said:RecTeq and Traeger are very similar. Biggest differentiator is that some accessories that Trager charges for are standard on ReqTeq (at least when I bought mine 4 years ago). It is basically an outdoor wood fired smoker / oven. Temperature controlled with phone app so I can change temp from anywhere. In the winter, I have thrown a brisket on there before going to bed. When I get up to take a leak at 4a, I start at 220F from my phone. 12 hours later, excellent brisket. The temperature control allows you to go do other stuff during the day. Meat probes tell you the core temp at any time.ncsupack1 said:
Tell me about the reqteq? Also, those look good, and good grill marks.
My favorite is to smoke a steak to 113F probe temp. (about an hour). Then finish on my sear station Napoleon grill for 45 seconds per side. Steak is perfectly pink throughout and the sear station does the grill marks.
https://www.napoleon.com/en/us/grills/discover/features/infrared-sizzle-zone-sear-station
Brisket
I've been somewhat looking around for this type of cooker. I'll take a look. Thanks for posting.
Edit - I cant read, nevermindCivilized said:ncsupack1 said:GetOffMyLawnPack said:RecTeq and Traeger are very similar. Biggest differentiator is that some accessories that Trager charges for are standard on ReqTeq (at least when I bought mine 4 years ago). It is basically an outdoor wood fired smoker / oven. Temperature controlled with phone app so I can change temp from anywhere. In the winter, I have thrown a brisket on there before going to bed. When I get up to take a leak at 4a, I start at 220F from my phone. 12 hours later, excellent brisket. The temperature control allows you to go do other stuff during the day. Meat probes tell you the core temp at any time.ncsupack1 said:
Tell me about the reqteq? Also, those look good, and good grill marks.
My favorite is to smoke a steak to 113F probe temp. (about an hour). Then finish on my sear station Napoleon grill for 45 seconds per side. Steak is perfectly pink throughout and the sear station does the grill marks.
https://www.napoleon.com/en/us/grills/discover/features/infrared-sizzle-zone-sear-station
Brisket
I've been somewhat looking around for this type of cooker. I'll take a look. Thanks for posting.
Same, and also just got a rec this weekend from a buddy who has a RecTeq and has really liked it.
If anybody else can weigh in on their experiences with these two vs. the Bullet or any of the Kamado varieties I'm all ears!
Agree on the charcoal. I'm looking at trying some charcoal pellets; might be the best of both worlds:packgrad said:
I have a Kamado Big Joe. Very easy to use for long smokes and holds temp exceptionally. You can buy blower accessories to more regulate temp if you so desire. I have one, that I don't often use, but its kind of neat to pull out from time to time.
I prefer the charcoal grills as opposed to the pellet grills as I believe you get a better smoke flavor. Just my opinion... I have cooked on and have friends that have cooked many smoked meats on different pellet grills. To me, there is always a substantive difference. It could be the cook though. I think the convenience factor in the pellet grills is tough to overcome for many. I'm occasionally tempted myself to get one. I'll probably get one one day too. For now, huge Kamado fan.
Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
I have to hit up Grady's here soon. As far as Smithfields I don't have a problem with it. Like you said, pretty good for how it's cooked, they also have some dang good fried chicken. For tonight, thinking of throwing some chicken on the grill.Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
ncsupack1 said:
Anyone grilling today and or yesterday?
Thanks.Civilized said:ncsupack1 said:
Anyone grilling today and or yesterday?
Grilled consecutively Saturday, Sunday nights at the beach and Monday night back home.
Puerto Rican chicken (adobo and sazon rubbed marinaded split breasts); Mediterranean chicken (bone in thighs and boneless breasts with simple olive oil and salt/pepper marinade) and burgers on the three nights.
Perfect weather, tasty bevvies, and catching up with old friends made for a great MD weekend regardless but the Puerto Rican chicken was really the standout hit of the weekend from a culinary perspective. I used the America's Test Kitchen recipe. First time I'd tried it, turned out fantastic!
Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Some good stuff.caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Substitute a Diet Coke and hush puppies and off to the beach, I go…packgrad said:caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Smithfield's is my stop every time
I'm coastal from Durham. Heck, half the time when I'm headed South/West from Durham. I'm going to push back a little on this one.
Food snobbery acknowledged, Smithfield's Brunswick stew gets a little "porridgey" to me. A little thick. I blame it on the "chain" aspect, perhaps to absolve myself from loving an oven based BBQ restaurant. I like my stew a little more soupy/stewy. Seems the potatoes always thicken it up too much for my liking when we get it. Flavor is what I want though. On the head.
BBQ sandwich,fries, and ateaon the way to the beach though.... no other way to travel.
Same. Seems like either the potato starch is thickening up the stew too much, or maybe they go heavier on tomato paste.packgrad said:caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Smithfield's is my stop every time
I'm coastal from Durham. Heck, half the time when I'm headed South/West from Durham. I'm going to push back a little on this one.
Food snobbery acknowledged, Smithfield's Brunswick stew gets a little "porridgey" to me. A little thick. I blame it on the "chain" aspect, perhaps to absolve myself from loving an oven based BBQ restaurant. I like my stew a little more soupy/stewy. Seems the potatoes always thicken it up too much for my liking when we get it. Flavor is what I want though. On the head.
BBQ sandwich, fries, and a tea on the way to the beach though.... no other way to travel.
Civilized said:Same. Seems like either the potato starch is thickening up the stew too much, or maybe they go heavier on tomato paste.packgrad said:caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Smithfield's is my stop every time
I'm coastal from Durham. Heck, half the time when I'm headed South/West from Durham. I'm going to push back a little on this one.
Food snobbery acknowledged, Smithfield's Brunswick stew gets a little "porridgey" to me. A little thick. I blame it on the "chain" aspect, perhaps to absolve myself from loving an oven based BBQ restaurant. I like my stew a little more soupy/stewy. Seems the potatoes always thicken it up too much for my liking when we get it. Flavor is what I want though. On the head.
BBQ sandwich, fries, and a tea on the way to the beach though.... no other way to travel.
Their consistency is top shelf though. Basically everything on the menu is between 'above average' and 'very good', every time you walk into every location.
packgrad said:
I have a Kamado Big Joe. Very easy to use for long smokes and holds temp exceptionally. You can buy blower accessories to more regulate temp if you so desire. I have one, that I don't often use, but its kind of neat to pull out from time to time.
I prefer the charcoal grills as opposed to the pellet grills as I believe you get a better smoke flavor. Just my opinion... I have cooked on and have friends that have cooked many smoked meats on different pellet grills. To me, there is always a substantive difference. It could be the cook though. I think the convenience factor in the pellet grills is tough to overcome for many. I'm occasionally tempted myself to get one. I'll probably get one one day too. For now, huge Kamado fan.
Civ, I mentioned in another thread that your views are deranged, well… ok, I was wrong on some.Civilized said:Same. Seems like either the potato starch is thickening up the stew too much, or maybe they go heavier on tomato paste.packgrad said:caryking said:Brunswick Stew at Smithfield's is better than delicious…Tootie4Pack said:Tootie4Pack said:
When I get to go to my favorite BBQ places, I always get an extra pound or two for the freezer. This talk of BBQ has got me rearranging my work schedule today so that I can go to Grady's in Dudley and get some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. Most under rated BBQ in the State.
I'll let you know how it tastes later today, and the cost of a pound. You guys are correct...the cost has certainly gone up the past couple of years.
Two BBQ bits of info:
1) went to Grady's in Dudley today. As usual , outstanding wood cooked Q. Ate a sandwich with slaw there. Bought 2 pounds of Q and a pint of slaw. The Q is $13. Simply delicious. One in the fridge and the other in the freezer. And the sweet potato pie is worth the drive down there.
2) and ya'll are correct in saying that Smithfield barbecue does give generous servings on their sandwiches, and for Electric cooked barbecue, it is pretty good for sure. Their Brunswick stew is also delicious.
Smithfield's is my stop every time
I'm coastal from Durham. Heck, half the time when I'm headed South/West from Durham. I'm going to push back a little on this one.
Food snobbery acknowledged, Smithfield's Brunswick stew gets a little "porridgey" to me. A little thick. I blame it on the "chain" aspect, perhaps to absolve myself from loving an oven based BBQ restaurant. I like my stew a little more soupy/stewy. Seems the potatoes always thicken it up too much for my liking when we get it. Flavor is what I want though. On the head.
BBQ sandwich, fries, and a tea on the way to the beach though.... no other way to travel.
Their consistency is top shelf though. Basically everything on the menu is between 'above average' and 'very good', every time you walk into every location.
packgrad said:
I have a Kamado Big Joe. Very easy to use for long smokes and holds temp exceptionally. You can buy blower accessories to more regulate temp if you so desire. I have one, that I don't often use, but its kind of neat to pull out from time to time.
I prefer the charcoal grills as opposed to the pellet grills as I believe you get a better smoke flavor. Just my opinion... I have cooked on and have friends that have cooked many smoked meats on different pellet grills. To me, there is always a substantive difference. It could be the cook though. I think the convenience factor in the pellet grills is tough to overcome for many. I'm occasionally tempted myself to get one. I'll probably get one one day too. For now, huge Kamado fan.
Mormad said:packgrad said:
I have a Kamado Big Joe. Very easy to use for long smokes and holds temp exceptionally. You can buy blower accessories to more regulate temp if you so desire. I have one, that I don't often use, but its kind of neat to pull out from time to time.
I prefer the charcoal grills as opposed to the pellet grills as I believe you get a better smoke flavor. Just my opinion... I have cooked on and have friends that have cooked many smoked meats on different pellet grills. To me, there is always a substantive difference. It could be the cook though. I think the convenience factor in the pellet grills is tough to overcome for many. I'm occasionally tempted myself to get one. I'll probably get one one day too. For now, huge Kamado fan.
I have BGEs and Recteq pellet smokers. I completely agree with you. Both do a great job, but the BGE is more fun and has better flavors and the Recteq is truly set it and forget it. I find myself using the Recteq much more often for the ease and convenience and the consistency of the cooks. Spatchcock chicken is great, and I smoked the best shoulder I've ever eaten last weekend. The BGE is unbeatable for steaks and burgers.
