I saw 4 different smokers and hickory pellets at the Costco in Maple Grove, MN.

Is the Texas a decent pit?

If you don't need to get above 400 degrees and want to be able to cook a lot of food at once I think it's pretty good for the money. I've been happy with mine, except I want to be able to get hotter to do more 'grilling'. If we lived a little closer to each other, I'd make you a deal on mine.

If you have a Scheels nearby, you might want to compare deals quick before pulling the trigger. I'm not sure what they are packaging at Costco, but Scheels often has the lower shelf and sometimes a cover included for I think the same price.

I’m not in the market. My neighbor is thinking about getting in the pellet game.

Hello,

That is a decent price for the Texas.  I still think I would consider other pellet smokers though.  I recently replaced a Traeger with a FireCraft Q-450.  I was able to but it for $795 and free shipping (it was a $200 off sale).  The FireCraft is a bit smaller then the Texas, but if you don't need all of that space it is a better product.

That's a good price for a decent pellet grill.  I paid more for mine and have had a great 8 years with it.   If size wasn't the issue I'd take a serious look at the Pit Boss, currently at Lowes for $499.  I was impressed with the build quality vs the Texas (though fair to say they are both in the same category). 

DK

I'm glad to see this. I have a friend who purchased one unit from Costco a couple of years ago and he loves it.

I saw 4 different smokers and hickory pellets at the Costco in Maple Grove, MN.

Is the Texas a decent pit?

I had the Lil' Tex and it was a great pit for Low/Slow and baking but not hot enough IMO for hot stuff.  I put GrillGrates on it and that improved the grilling for steaks but it was still not near 500*.  I am surprised that Traeger has not moved up to PID type control. 

I own a Pro Series 22 and it is an excellent pellet grill.  It retails for the same price, and has a sturdier build among other features.  However, the best part is that it produces great tasting food.

Get the Pro Series, they have better legs and wheels, which makes them sturdier.
https://www.traegergrills.com/pro-series-grills.html

My friend has the Pro 34 and it does have the much bigger legs and wheels as does the Pro 22 model.

I got a Pro 22 and recommend it as well. The Pro controller and 2 meat probes are a plus as well as the construction.

I saw 4 different smokers and hickory pellets at the Costco in Maple Grove, MN.

Is the Texas a decent pit?

I went back to Costco today and looked at the Traeger and again at the 800 Elite.  The Elite is twice the quality pit, has stainless double wall lid, all the inside walls are double as well except the bottom.  Has stainless sauce holder on front. Has pellet drop feed, PID controller, and enclosed bottom cabinet.  And is $100 cheaper than the Texas.  Agreed it only has a 12 lb pellet hopper, but now we know there is an aftermarket extender for that (add 20 lbs pellets). Retails for $1099.  On sale for $699.  The PID control is the best part.  With meat probe, and auto shut down to warm after meat temp is reached.  Oh and open flame grilling.  If I was in need, that would be the best bang for the buck.  I suspect that when Costco is out of them, that may be it for a while.