Fantastic job on both Grills. Seems that the only difference was the cooling down faster. Loved the way that both slabs of ribs looked and tasted the same and you were fair in all your comparasions. Thanks for sharing with us Neil and Amy. Merry Christmas to you and your families. Fred.
I’m gonna give those pellets a try. I’ve seen’em and never thought to much about’em. I’m a B&B man myself. I can’t find none better. Thanx for the comp vid. 👍
Both racks looked nearly identical color wise other than the slight difference in browning you mentioned. As I watched you biting the meat off the bone, at least from my perspective, it looked as if the meat bit more cleanly off the bone on the Lone Star ribs than the Traeger. It seemed the Traeger ribs were not quite to the “bite cleanly off the bone” level of cooking. Perhaps that was due to what you noted in how quickly the Traeger cooled down vs the Lone Star. There was more carry over cooking in the heavier walled steel grill, thus the ribs cooked ever so slightly more during the resting phase. I wouldn’t be disappointed with either rack as a finished product.
I've owned the 42" pellet smoker from LSG and owner Chris basically since they rolled out (also have a 36" model)....and I've used just about every brand pellet smoker that's common (aside from I believe Pitts and Spitts model) and I can tell you nothing so far has come close to the tank-like build quality and pure smoke (95% blue) generation as the LSG. This thing will constantly pump blue smoke during the cook. I've had ppl at comps walk up and THOUGHT it was a sticker burner and when I show them the 40 lb hopper they are mesmerized. I used to compete on it (and won quite a few) but I gave graduated to drums because of the cook time aspect and getting more sleep. The 42" is still my go-to smoker at the house for cooking due to the set and forget aspect while I tend to other things. Also, the Fireboard controller built in is amazing with the all the features it has built in...esp setting certain temp adjustments based on internal temps and the ability to log notes and pictures during specific cooks.
Agree with all that...100...I was surprised about how similar the taste were between the two....Im not sure if this is relevant...but to clarify...this was not a what smoker is better...hands down like you mentioned and for me many other reasons...but just a side by side comparison in taste...
totally agree with what you said. I think ppl need to realize at a certain level of experience we can all make food great on most all kinds of smokers. My view point is subjective but I view it for a purchase power dollar to dollar ....the LSG is truly hard to beat and growing in popularity rapidly. @@PelletsandPits
@@PelletsandPits thank you. Just trying to speak subjectively from experience but i have been very impressed with LSG and Chris and his staff has been some of the best Customer Service to deal with….even calling me on a Saturday night to fix an issue…
@@Ribpublicansbbqteam again… same here. I have no personal or business relationship with him. But several times we have went back and forth on ideas and a few concerns that turned out to be nothing. If asked by people I will give my personal opinion… I know the price is not for everyone. Thats the biggest drawback. But when it is in their price range it’s an absolute no brainer. Heat air flow. Space, extra features like a charcoal basket I love, the fire board, pull out and removable shelves, thick metal, lower noise, wood chips, big hopper, I mean it just keeps getting better 😂😂
Thanks man, great video. I have no doubt both grills can get same results. I don't have a Lonestar but the reason I want one is longevity. The Lonestar is very expensive but seems like an heirloom thing that will last your lifetime and probably your sons. The Traeger, Pitt Boss etc big box store pellet smokers seem to have a 2 to 3 year life span. I've been through 2 Pitt Bosses in 6 years. Both catastrophically failed in the middle of a cook and we had to finish in the oven. Both did great, as long as they did.... Well, thats my 2 cents....
Thats unfortunate...ive had my first Pit Boss Navigator for 3 years now...still puring..hope it doesn’t crap out to..hhaha Yeah the LSG is definitely a pass on item....holds excellent heat..thick and very very well designed
I found your video trying to decide equipment for my outdoor kitchen. I really like your videos. Very honest takes! I think you solidified my choice I’m going with the long star pellet and a long star smoker
Damn, sir! You made my mouth water when you guys tasted those ribs! I just pulled the trigger on buying an LSG 42" unit, I can't wait until it gets here!
Several thoughts. First agree that not glopping it up with sauces and such gives the meat a chance to shine (if you get good pork). Second, I'm surprised at how little pull back on the bone you got, assuming they were pull off the bone tender. Third, I understand your wanting to "equalize" the comparison by cooking on the upper grate keeping roughly the same distance from the heat source, but given how differently they exhaust the heat/smoke I wonder if the LSG would have benefitted from cooking on the lower grate with the rib rack favoring the stack end. The idea being that it might induce a bit more smoke layering on the meat (although you didn't specifically mention smoke flavor profile).
Not the biggest fan of fall of bone tender...but completely agree...no clue about the on grate vs top grate..people swore to use the top grate for brisket...some say don’t matter...had to choose something...
I'm going to guess the ones on the left (your right) are from the LSG as they look like they have better bark. Yup. Also, remember that the LSG can take wood chips apparently, so that gives it another leg up. There are some pellet smokers that take wood chunks, but you can't just dump them in there like you could in a gravity fed smoker, you have to put a wood chunk on the fire every 40-45 minutes. If you're going to put wood on the fire every 40-45 minutes, just use an offset and get a better product for the same amount of work.
Excellent comparison cook. I love pellet grills. There is a lot of technique and finesse in pellet grill cooking the js fun for experimentation. Looking forward to seeing more!
Excellent comparison. I own RecTek and Green Mountain. Both do the job. The computer temp settings are different but when you learn your grill you get the same results. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
10:inches….lol! Anyway…both ribs look juicy, great color and mighty tasty Neal! I do think the LSG ribs had a cleaner to the bone bite from what I could see. I’m just really digging that LSG. Dang now I’m wanting some ribs! Awesome content and results. Merry Christmas to you and your family my friend! God Bless!
Great video. I know for me the LSG was my prime pick due to the construction quality, the features you mention, but honestly a lot of just really smart design elements that help avoid pellet cooker issues like the super easy to remove burn pot for insanely quick burn pot cleanouts, the super short open auger that drops to the chute to avoid jamming and burn back issues. Those are the things I spent so much time that felt like it was wasted on a more traditionally designed pellet smoker that now I don't have to waste my time on. Regarding taste, not super surprised you don't notice a difference. Maybe a longer smoke like a brisket or pulled pork might show? Also it might be the pellet. Don't take this the wrong way, use the pellets you like, not a pellet snob. Though I know videos where people side by sided them those pellets often didn't add as much smoke flavor as say something like the Knotty Wood ones. You might be hitting a smoke flavor cap on the pellets. I know others have reported the LSG kicking out more smoke than other pellet grills (mine seems to be the case, but I only have my previous GMG to compare to) but that could be limited by the amount of smoke a pellet can offer. Though I doubt the difference (even if that is the case) would be massive.
Based on bite it looks like the Traeger had a little more chew as it didn't pull away from the bone like the rib on the Lone Star. My guess is that is due to the metal thickness on the Traeger causing temp swings in the cold. I used to have a Traeger but got tired of winter cooking requiring the use of a blanket. If this was only basedon smoke taste I'd say it doesn't matter much but I'm interested in meat tenderness, amount of pellets used by each pit, the cook process for cost and efficiency. I'd have also like to have seen a little more inspection all the way around of the ribs to see or determine if each pit had hotter, cooler, more or less smoke areas. Overall though those ribs did look good but I'd take the ones of the Lone Star just based on what I saw and heard on the bites. Great ribs!
In theory, both smokers should create very similar tasting ribs. What I want to know, is which grill will produce consistently high temperatures for years down the road? Neither my Traeger nor my Camp Chef will get above 400. My Traeger might hit 375 and the Camp Chef wheezes to get to 330. Yes both machines are clean.
@@PelletsandPits The most convenient for you. We know that the Traeger or the LS are good pellet smokers, I'm just trying to verify if a pellet grill like the Weber Searwood can really smoke correctly the protein. If it's the case, it's insane because it's way more versatile (searing,rotisserie, griddle) with the accessories that the Ironwood for example and for "only" 900 dollars (1200 for the XL).
I would think the bigger differences between the smokers would be in features, controls, etc rather than how it cooks unless the heat is horribly uneven or inaccurate in one of them.
Although I 100 agree a difference would be there...not necessarily a fair comparison since the traeger does not have that option...that was my goal...head to head...BUT....definitely worth another video for sure
ive gotten ribs down to about 1 1/2hrs. In case time is a must. I do 18min in the instant pot and then take em out and put them on the smoker at 285 until done. it works so well its a trip 😂
Compared to older pellet grills yes. The new Traegers produce way more smoke though. LSG and Traeger in that order are the #1 and #2 smoke producing pellet grills on the market.
I still can’t decide what I want to replace my Laredo with. However every time I watch your videos that Treager XL is just putting out more smoke than the others you have.
Great video ! I’ve been a Traeger guy since 2005 but I’m really itching to get that LSG! They offered different types of cooking grates /LSG. Is there any reason to go with anything other than the standard ones that you’re using? I want to be smart with my add-ons.
Not the boning knife, the black one you use at the end of the video, and thank you for answering questions and interacting with us, not everyone does that.
Mentioned below but it’s worth repeating. LSG is made in America by American hands not Chinese junk. I’ve found small bones fragments on some rib ends so I always rinse and pat dry.
It’s annoying to keep hearing the term “Chinese junk” like it’s China’s fault. Remember it’s the damn company that decides on going cheap. How is your iPhone built quality?? Made in china, ignoramus
Yeah, I'll go ahead and pay the $1700 for the WWP, instead of the $3000 for the lone star. I keep seeing these creator try so hard, it's almost disappointing to them when the Lone Star doesn't win.
You should try the cold smoke feature on the Lsg. Lot my ribs and meats. i will cold smoke it about 1 hour before the regular cook. You will get a lot heavier smoke flavor. Plus, they just had an update for the fireboard, and i feel it works litte better than older firmware. I had to msg fireboard to get the update
You can also use the super smoke function on the traeger for the first hr or so. It helps add more smoke flavor as well. The downside is that it only works if you set the temp at 225 or less. I think the LSG is a better smoker, and I love it is made in the USA, but I can not afford it. I bought the Traeger Ironwood (non-XL) on sale, and it was above what I should have spent, but I have been very happy with the results so far. For us folks that can't swing top of the line, it is good to know it does a respectable job. Thank you for this comparison video.
Just like your phone? Your computer? Your internet equipment?...your refrigerator...parts on your vehicle...face it ...we have many things in our daily possession that are made from over seas....so the results are based on taste...not where they are made...
Honestly i dont think so...That doesn’t mean its not a fantastic unit...but you're asking about price...do I believe its worth 2,000...No open flame, no accessories like the Lone Star....I just dont think so...
I've owned two different Traegers. To get similar flavor you have to cook differently and place the meat differently on each unit. You also have to cook at different temperatures to get similar flavor. Bottom line is you have to really know how to use your grill. Once a month and one YT video isn't going to make you one with the grill. Get out there and cook.
So no noticeable difference in the smoke taste? Other reviewers say the smoke in the Lonestar is phenomenal. On my Traeger, I usually can't tell what type of pellet I've used, so I've always been curious if that's just me, maybe my pellet grill, or other factor.
I cant tell different flavors as well....I can barely when compared side by side...but not day from day.....as per the test...if you take the emotion out of it...use the same pellet flavor....you cant tell...no way...
After reviewing the video, the only other comparison would be how much pellet usage was done with each smoker. You put the exact same amount of pellets in each smoker. I would guess that the Traeger would use more pellets being that its heat retention is not nearly as good as the Lone Star!
Or sure which traeger but they do have a double walled unit there will retain heat well. I have one that I use all winter in Canada. Having said that, my LSG just arrived yesterday. It’s seasoned up now and ready for a test cook today before Christmas turkeys tomorrow.
@@PelletsandPits I’ve cooked some, boneless chicken breasts, smoked a salmon and a turkey. The difference in the grills is significant to me, but some reasons spin still trying to understand. The seasoning stands out more on the LSG significantly. On Sunday I did 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 4 on each grill. The LSG breasts were a bit more moist but the flavour on them was significantly stronger. I need to reduce the amount of rub I use with the LSG. Not sure why, but the turkey also reinforced that. For the turkey, being able to turn the turkey around to help it cook more evenly made a difference big difference. With the traeger, I never noticed turning it made much difference. The skin on the turkey was way better. I’d watched another video where the guy said he covered the skin in foil when it hit the colour he wanted. I ignored it because that’s never been an issue. My turkey was very dark and the skin split in a few places. The split may have been because I increased temp the last 20 minutes to speed up. The rub was stronger than I expected, like the chicken. Cleanup is was easier. I expected that though. I got the stainless grates and they clean super easy. Cleaning the deflector was surprisingly easy. I used a scraper and had it cleaned and sprayed with Pam in about a minute. I did forget to clean the firebox on my second cook and it failed to light. That’s one difference, but it’s so easy to clean! The FireBoard and app is way better than the traeger. I found the built in probe did not match the tell true probe, but there’s an offset to fix that. I found the traeger always off 15-20 degrees in temp and the probe temp, resulting in undercooked meats until I figured it out and started using the thermapen to verify. The FireBoard seems accurate. The probe wiring is very clean. I love that it plugs in from below! It keeps the wires out of the way better. Another big difference is the ability to add wood chips. I used those for the turkey and wow, the smoke is significant. And constant.
@snakedoctor416, I ordered my LSG waiting for delivery. How long did it take for you to get your order delivered from order date to delivery date? Thanks@@PelletsandPits
I add them in just about every video...BUT in this case and trying to be fair...I did not because the Traeger can not....maybe wasnt the right decision but....thats what I had in my mind...cheers
@@PelletsandPits I think that’s the advantage worth a comparison. I know it’s not considered “fair”. But in the real world, why not take advantage of the feature? It’s there for a reason. Either way, I’d be curious to see if it makes a discernible difference. Knowing that pellets alone the two are very close, you could do some butts or ribs comparing the Treager on pellets to the LSG with chips. I’ve been looking at the LSG and Yoder YS640, the idea of wood chips in the LSG really has me leaning that way. But I know the Yoders’s pretty well since my dad has a YS640 and YS1500.
@@cpftank09 yes that could absolutely be a video. That way in the video I can’t explain the difference etc. I just want to make clear chips are not used in all smokers etc. many many people reach out asking if they can. Great video for sure. I wish I had two of the same smokers etc. that way the pellet flavor can change as well. Just to tell difference
@@PelletsandPits nothing wrong with it at all. And that's awesome you got it from your dad. I just dabble in stock making and save all of mine. Merry Christmas to ya'll!!
I love my LSG, for lots of reasons, but not so blind to think other grills can cook just as good. When I first got it, I did side by side comparisons with my MAK. When I purchased the MAK, seemed to be considered one of the best around. Like you, we couldn’t taste a bit of difference. That’s not to say I don’t like the LSG way more.
@@SanJoseDale agreed. The upside of this grill with the available accessories, fire board etc just make it that much better for then long the Investment.
no....this was based solely on taste...thats where they are the same....the lone star has better features, size and build quality...not anywhere near same...
Both of those smokers are like race cars and you put in low grade fuel into them. Pellets matter and provide flavor and pit boss pellets are cheap wood
Well I see 1 flaw in this comparison. You didn’t maximize the lone star smoker capability. Lone star is the only smoker that you can add wood chips to the hopper. If you’re going to lower the lone star capability to the treager then what’s the point of the video?
Exactly what you just said...since the traeger can not use wood chips...would not be a fair comparison....this wasnt the best of what the smoker could do...it was compared side by side with equal will the taste matter..it did not....if you add wood chips that absolutely throws and advantage towards Lone Star
Seriously, who wraps their ribs like that…wtf. Why not fold the paper tightly around it, it was like you were trying to make a foil boat with paper. Really doesnt help validate your opinions when you cant do simple things right…
ahhahaha to each their own...the way I folded the ribs have absolutely nothing todo with the final test...we have other videos...matter of fact...we typically dont wrap...
What a dumb comment...really....why even watch if pellet grills are not your liking...and for the record...maybe watch more than one video before acting so immature ....
Unfortunately I disagree...only for a few reasons...Absolutely 100 percent it sets it apart...but its not a fair comparison when the other unit cant do it...so when compared apples to apples thats the whole point...no doubt the LSG is a better unit even for the longevity...but I can see the future hahahaha