OK, it’s been long enough.
I’ve been wandering around different sites, discussion boards, watching countless hours of videos, infomercials, asking tons of questions, learning, learning, etc., etc….for almost 2 years!
I really thought I was going to get a Memphis, but then I decided to go with something that checked off the most boxes of the things I wanted:
1. All Stainless steel - check
2. Pellet drop system (instead of direct inline feed to burn pot) - check
3. Direct flame system - check
4. PID - check
5. Wifi - not a deal breaker, but would be cool (my unit does not currently have wifi)
6. Sub $1000 price - check
7. Cover included - check
8. Meat Probe Included - check
9. Easy to reach Customer Service - check
10. Shipping included in price (and no extra for lift gate service)- check
11. Preassembled - check (I’d pay extra for this if I had to)
12. Large wheels - check (large enough to transport grill over grass)
13. Side or Front Shelf - check (folding side shelf and the pellet hopper doubles as a front shelf)
14. Large hopper - check (not hugely important if the controller is good and the unit is well insulated, but large hoppers can balance any inefficiencies, IMO)
15. Easy burn pot clean system - check
16. Additional Warming Rack included - check (I think it’s crazy when companies charge extra for this)
17. Double Walled - check (the most important to me is that the burn chamber, below the grates, is double walled)
The Eco is a stripped down version of their Kansas City model, but I feel has enough of what I want, at a price that I couldn’t compare to anyone else. I didn't want to spend nearly double for cabinet doors and an extra shelf.
The risk was that there is very little info or reviews on the company, let alone this grill! But I figured, for less than $1K, I’m willing to take a chance on a grill that on paper has just about everything on my wish list. If worse comes to worse, I can convert this thing into a charcoal or gas grill. But I think there are enough bones here to still make a great pellet grill!
And I thought, if GatorDave could do take a chance, so could I!
I did the burn in today. I’m looking forward to making some great food and sharing my experiences with you all. This site has been a great resource for me. Thank you, PelletFan!!!