Waiting on some hydraulic folks to hunt down a problem, while I've got a few mins to play with, so I'll throw this up about the grills
@GCJenks204,
@Dub11 asked about.
Can the Traeger handle grilling as well as smoking? Absolutely it can. My Traeger Pro 34 can crank the temps anywhere from about 140 degs to around 480-500 degs. Just depends on what you wanna smoke, grill, etc. It has an 11-position Advance Grilling Logic, Digital Pro Controller. Select the desired temp, let it do its thing and it maintains temps very well. The Pro 34 controller also comes with dual plug-in meat probes for monitoring any two things internal temp at the same time. The Pro 34 has almost 900 sq in's of grate surface...you can sling a lot of groceries on it at one time. The Pro 34 will run you $1000. I spent about $1200 on mine because I added the additional bottom shelf to the legs just above the casters/wheels, and I also added the optional large front folding shelf. Traeger sells a Pro 22 Model as well, identical but smaller obviously (572 sq in's of cooking grate area), for $800. Same Advanced Grilling Logic controller, but no two meat probes and probe jacks. Personal preference but no way would I let 300 plus sq in's of extra smoking/grilling area go over an additional $200. Reason I went with the Pro 34, not only that, I usually smoke or grill for several folks at one time.
As far as gas vs charcoal...I've always been a charcoal man. Gas is convenient, and might prove beneficial for some folks especially in colder climates where getting charcoal going with a chimney starter, otherwise might take some time. Many options out there to choose from as far as grills/smokers go. For instance, you could spend the same ballpark money on a 22" Weber Performer charcoal grill (I've got one and its a helluva grill), AND a Smoke Hollow 44" vertical gas, dedicated smoker (got one as well and its a damn fine smoker, will hold a ton of groceries across seven racks...it's a big smoker)....all for probably a little less than you'd spend on just the Traeger Pro 22 Model ($800). I would go the Weber/Smoke Hollow combination in a second, and end up with two machines vice one).
But there are so many other grills/smokers that are not near this kinda money. It really boils down to what someone can afford. All grill are not the same that's for damn sure...if on the limb about lower price models, maybe hold out a little and get a better, higher dollar unit a little later on. One thing I've always lived by, and I've ran through many grills and a thousand Boston butts/shoulders/etc over a lot of years...buy the biggest, baddest machine you can. You won't regret it...and if you can swing the Traeger Pro 34 coinage...it's the cats' ass when it comes to smoking, will hold a lot of groceries, and will handle all your steak/chop/chicken grilling needs as well.
Hope this helps a little fellas.
