How much smoke flavor?

[C.5280]

We are highly considering a rec tec grill (patio legend), only hesitation is my wife does not love the taste of smoke on everything cooked. Does the patio legend create a smoky flavor essence on all food cooked on the grill?

 

[Gonefishin]

It’s a smoker, so yes, but being pellets it’s not a real strong flavor.

 

[Greg Jones]

You will likely see many more complaints about a pellet grill not producing enough smoke flavor. My wife also does not like overly smoked foods, and she’s fine with what cones off of our pellet grills.

 

[TheRicker]

It’s a smoker, so yes, but being pellets it’s not a real strong flavor.

And the flavor of pellets you use may matter. A competition blend (mixture of different flavors) or something that’s got a more neutral smoke (oak) or fruity/mild like a cherry could be helpful in keeping the smoke flavor to an acceptable level.

 

[Jim6820]

“Smoke flavor” is one of those subjects where any 10 people will have at least 15 different opinions.

In general, pellet grills/smokers do not produce an intense smoke flavor; it tends to be a bit more subtle. People who have used stick burners and charcoal smokers in the past will notice a reduced smokiness with pellets.

Cook temperature also plays a significant role in smoke flavor on a pellet grill/smoker. Low and slow cooks (225F and below) will generate more smokiness. Hot and fast cooks (300F and above) will not produce much smokiness.

So, what you cook will usually determine how you cook it and how you cook it (hot ‘n fast or low ‘n slow) will have a significant impact on how much smoke flavor you get.

Then, as mentioned by @TheRicker above, the type of pellets you use will also impact the smoke flavor. Mesquite and Hickory will generate the strongest smoke flavor while oak, alder, fruit woods and blends will generate comparatively less. A little experimenting will get you to where you want to be, flavor wise.

 

[DesertRat]

As others have said, my wife is not a fan of smoke. So I keep it light for most of my cooks. When I want something heavily smoked I will put my smoke tube in and run it at a lower temperature for a while.

 

[C.5280]

Thanks all, we made the purchase and looking forward to a great grill