*HEY GUYS! We have always felt like our first responsibility is to you as our viewers, not to any brand, which is why we don’t shy away from showing you guys when something doesn’t go as planned. This video is an honest view of what our experiences were with this unit. This could just be a one in a million occurence, and we just got unlucky. We’re consumers also, just like you guys, so since we were unhappy overall with the unit, we decided to return it.
That's all I'm looking for is an honest review doesn't matter what the product is , especially when it comes to all of us spending hard earned money . Thank you fine folks for doing the foot work for us . God bless everyone
I love the honesty and the cooks. I watched both vids. The dip and then this one. I feel like when it got really hot with too many pellets when doing the dip it might have damaged the prob. Making it not read the correct temp. I have done that before is the only reason i think this. But all in all great vids as usual. I like the lone star but a bit rich for my blood. May look at getting the pit boss. Thanks again for ur vids and ur seasoning. Look forward to the next one.
I had the exact same temperature problem with mine. I bought a $10 replacement thermalcouple of a slightly different style and problem solved! I'm within 1-3 degrees now. It shouldn't need this, but the replacement was less work than returning it.
I learned about the blackstone combo from your videos. It was a pretty exciting concept and I was considering buying one. I appreciate your honest accounts of your experience with the unit and I believe I’ll look elsewhere. It’s hard to find reviews of products that aren’t biased to some degree. I came for the recipes, but I stay because you’re the kind of guy I’d team up with on the grill for the family cook out.
I appreciate your honesty! Mine has been a champ but like you said, sometimes you get one that just doesn't work right. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but I do appreciate your honesty and not being afraid to show your experience. Thank you so much!!!
I appreciate that… would love some of your experience and feedback so we can have something positive to say… I don’t want my experience to discourage others if in fact it turns out to be fantastic. Not sure if you’re interested but my fb page has about 76,000 followers and that’s a great place to show pics, videos and experiences that fellow followers would like to know.
I can say I saw this unit and got super excited. I’ve had a Traeger junior for 5 years and wanted to upgrade and also looked at getting a griddle. My first thought was well this is their first attempt at a pellet smoker so that could end up bad. Thanks for the honest review saved me a couple trips 😂
Neal that’s why we see your videos because you are very honest. Blackstone has great products but maybe you were an unlucky guy that got a lemon. It happens with all the brands. Awesome looking Pork butt looks very delicious. Have an awesome day Neal.
I know my neighbor txt me and said nothing but great things...ahahahh we knew it was good when we pulled it off the smoker and you could just feel the tenderness...
This is a very good real world test. I'm in NE Ohio, just 10 minutes south of Akron/Canton airport snow belt country. It's 14deg F and windy today with snow on the ground. I can't see the Blackstone working well under these conditions. So now my decision has been paired down to either Lone Star, RecTeq, or Yoder Smoker if I jump to a pellet model, with Yoder leading the pack so far. If I'm gonna spend the money it'll be an educated spend. Thanks for the vids, really enjoy both channels.
My local Barbecue Galore is saying that people are giving up on pellet smokers and griddles and the Big Green Egg is still their best seller. That tells you something.
Yes sir, have been using a Kamado style (not Egg) for about eight years now and really like it. Still trying to decide if pellet is worth it or not. Not really keen on moving parts in a cooker. Also have flat top, flame gas, other smokers, and old fashioned charcoal, portables too. My wife said if I bring any more home I may have to sign divorce papers. @@gosman949
I 100 agree...things just happen...I just knew if not worded 100 perfect some people would have cried about I hate this and that and its my fault...I should have blah....
Hi guys! I have a Z-Grill smoker, with only a 5 lb hopper. Trying to smoke in Northern Michigan during winter is a pain, going through pellets twice as fast as summer (only 15° out). So last winter I bought a fiberglass welding blanket at Harbor Freight for about $25. I drape it over my smoker & it really helps save on the pellets. It does cook about 5-10° hotter, but I just plan for that.
Thank you for your honesty! I am a big Blackstone griddle user, however, I do recognize that whenever a new product comes out it is difficult to tell the fluff from the reality. My first thought when I saw that you had the new combo smoker/griddle was "dang, Blackstone has done bought out the Griddle King as well." I hate that the product didn't perform as advertised but happy to see that you are being honest in your videos. Awesome job and keep it up!
I appreciate that...yeah sometimes things just dont work out...bummed because i honestly was super excited...People cussed Traeger for getting into the griddle game....but they knocked it out of the park...since this was Blackstones first one...i was truly hoping for the same result...
I love my recteq, not going to claim its the best but it looked like the best option when I got mine years ago. This would more be for his flat top king channel but recteq has a pellet fueled griddle. While I have a blackstone that I am happy with I am curious about that one. If it actually adds a smoke flavor, and if the economics of it works out pellet vs propane costs. If its about the same in fuel costs having a single fuel source might be nice for me.
A few bumps in the road Neal, but no worries. I really appreciate your commitment to being upfront. Honestly, I’d be cooking on that Lone Star all day long! Awesome cook and those pork butts look delicious! If I wasn’t digging out from 3+feet of snow with 65 mph winds I’d probably be smoking something too. Cheers brother!
I came across your channel and this video sadly after I bought the combo model. The staffs at Lowes and Blackstone have been great sending parts to fix our problems with keeping a constant temp; Thankfully Lowes has been top notch and will be refunding me for the grill.
I'm glad you are telling it the way it is because I was going to buy it this coming payday. Looks nice but needs to work as described they never talked about running at 275 which is a common temperature for brisket. THANK YOU...
Thank you for your honest review. I wanted a Blackstone but we just dont really have the space fot the footprint a Masterbuilt 1050 Gravity smoker and a 36' griddle top with everything else in our yard. I was so excited when i saw the Blackstone pellet and griddle but I knew deep down it was too good to be true. They have some stuff to work out so I may be a future customer. Also, you're a really good neighbor
I think you unfortunately got a lemon, so far ours has been working well for that last few weeks. Did have an issue with pellets feeding, but had similar issues with my old pitboss and had a diy hopper vibratory motor that solves that problem. Bummer that your's had so many problems, Blackstone needs to work on it's quality control.... @@PelletsandPits
I have my rec tec pellet grill my black stone flat top and a Weber gas grill they're all lined up side by side so that's pretty much my combo it's pretty expensive in today's economy to make an all-in-one cooking grill without sacrificing quality. Great honest video I appreciate it very rare these days.
I've got the Recteq and Weber but no flat top. I also have a webar charcoal grill and an actual stick smoker. I keep debating on the getting a flat top. Everytime I think I'm ready to buy one I talk myself out of it because I just don't think I would cook outside like that very often. When it is 100+ outside I don't want to be standing over a griddle cooking.
That is very unfortunate for sure. Everyone always appreciates honesty and a no BS approach when reviewing things. I can't blame you for wanting to return it. You definitely compared it properly to other pellet grills. If only it was working 100% properly it seems like that would be such a nice combo device. Thanks for going through the paces for us Neal!
@@PelletsandPits Thank you so much Neal! It was definitely rather tasty. The one I made using BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the mix and glaze was seasoned with 'Que That and who would have known it would have made a great seasoning for a meatloaf? It was so bomb! 🔥🔥🔥
I have had the combo now for about 2 months. It takes a few extra minutes to heat up compared to my Camp Chef but other than that.. it’s been running fine. I have down several cooks with no problems.
I had the same exact problem this past Sunday with my gravity smoker. I had to set it to 350 to maintain 275 in the pit. It was absolutely the wind this weekend that was the problem. Took 11 hours to smoke my porkbutt
I bought a camp chef and the electronics was bad, I called and the sent a new controller. I think I would try calling Blackstone before returning it. I have one and do not have this problem and love the flat iron grill.
Did you make the cheese dip or the pulled pork first? You nailed it with “pellet tunneling”. Meaning the void in the hopper from the pellets not falling right. It’s a design issue and the brand smoker I use has a few that do it also. You can take the guard off if you want and put a weight on top to fix it.
I made the smoked cheesesteak dip first on the my other channel...the flat top king...thats when the pellets messed up....then while this was happening....just had enough
My PitBoss 1150 has what appears to be the same controller as your Blackstone. It has operated very good up to a couple of weeks ago. On the last two cooks I have had very similar issues. The fist one actually overfilled the burn box and started flaming out of control... I couldn't turn it off. I though maybe my blue tooth app might have caused it. Next cook I didn't use app and it worked fine until the hopper got low and it did the same as your... lost temp and took forever to get pellets back to box. I hope mine is just operator controllable and I get it working right. Far too late to return mine.
Really enjoyed this video, appreciate what you do. I was excited about this grill option and I am glad you provided a true and honest opinion. Been thinking about replacing what I have Weber charcoal and gas grill.
I've had no issues with my Combo. I have smoked many protiens on it and they were all flawless. That being said, I am not saying you're wrong at all. I think that smoking in the cold with the wind blowing is a variable I have not experienced. I don't run my stuff when its storming, and I don't run my stuff in the winter. Maybe it makes a difference. But for what it is, I couldn't be happier with mine.
thats fantastic you love yours...many do... as for the outside temps and wind...thats exactly why we turned on every smoker we had...to prove that others were not affected...it had to be an internal issue...by the other comments below....others have had similar issues
@@PelletsandPits as I study other types, I suspect the culprit is the holes on the top instead of a true chimney. I remember you mentioning be worried about the wind blowing back in and I bet that has a lot to do with a design flaw that isn’t noticed in other types. My grandpa had a hog cooker that has cooked through wind and rain before and it had one pipe extended with a custom exhaust top made from an upside down metal coffee can that had vents cut in the side with a church key so nothing can come in the top. Kind of thinking now maybe I need to get a second option for winter smoking. And just keep using my Blackstone in the summer.
I just saw an ad for the new Pit Boss Charleston. To me it was pretty impressive although I would love to know more. I wonder if it'll work better than this Blackstone combo deal.
I just saw that as well...couldn’t believe it...Alot of people say that the Blackstone facing and digital components look identical to Pit Boss...then Pit Boss unveiled the same combo unit...interesting for sure
Thanks for this. Which pellet smoker would you recommend? i liked the concept of the griddle/smoker. I also am considering the Camp Chef woodwind pro 36. I Love to have that Lonestar, but those are pricey!!
Well i do have a few more coming...i will wait a few for judgement...and just for 100 transparency...i have not used or tested all brands...there are way more brands in pellet grills than griddles...so my information would only be based on the brands I personally have used...
Hey Neal, looks like you've got a bad RTD temperature sensor OR a bad controller. It's not uncommon. I just had to replace mine. It's a good excuse to make the return, try something else. If you're heading down the Winwood Pro road you should get the sidekick and it's accessories - they make the grill. Bust out some pizzas. Also, Chud's foil boat rules. I've been wondering when Id see you give it a try. If you turn the foil outward instead of inward as you wrap it, it makes it easier to pour your collected juices back on to your protein after the cook. It also makes for a nifty handle when moving your protein around.
If you're going to replace the "Blackstone", think about a Camp Chef "Woodwind Pro". I bought one, it's my third pellet grill. The ability to burn wood chunks or charcoal for flavor is a game changer for a pellet grill. Saturday I smoked Beef ribs. I used B&B post oak wood chunks. The flavor was amazing. Take a look at the camp chef I don't think you'll be disappointed.
My Pit Boss did that too. I had to adjust my temps to the probe readings. My temp differential seems awfully wide too. It'll drop 20-30 below set temp and about the same above, but I've not been displeased with the results. It makes good lemonade! (when ya got lemons thrown at ya, duck!) I wonder what other Blackstone combo owners are saying.
I was not upset with swings...it was the 100 degrees off that made the difference...I think the other ones are ok...BUT most are Blackstone affiliated....not questioning their ethics at all but maybe if something was wrong it could be hidden for repairs or replacement...or they could have fantastic units...i think I just got a lemon...
Another good video guys. As you read my comment on your other channel its gonna be months before i can use my blackstone... I want to move to a much warmer state my old body cant take this temp anymore. PS good video guys Frank from Montana......
@@PelletsandPits thank you guys PS do you have lots of Raccoons there racoon stew is pretty good . Like they said in Jeremiah Johnson beavers as big as Bob cats ( hear they would be pretty tasty ) THANK YOU for your response Frank from the frozen north......
This was helpful, thank you. I've been on the hunt for a pellet smoker - i currently have gas grill and a water smokerr - and it helps to eliminate a brand with possible quality issues It's too bad we don't know if you just got a bummer unit, or if this is a recurring issue. .
Just a question, do you think the problem could be an insulation? I’m from Florida looking at this grill and we don’t get 25° weather. Do you think because you’re cooking outside in colder weather it could be affecting the temperature of the grill?
Thank you so much for your insight, also, I would love if you have any recommendations for either some Pellet smoker reviews for best budget. Or even some pellet smokers for beginners, advance and expert smokers!
Based on your experience with pellet smokers, which model do you consider to be the top choice? I had a Cuisinart Oakmont that this died on me and was wondering what would be the best one.
I truly feel like thats a loaded question..price, features, size, etc all play a part in it...along with I have not used most brands...I could only give my opinion based on the ones I have used...Pit Boss, Traeger, Lone Star etc..
We definitely had the same issues with ours it took forever to get to temp. the overall temperature wouldn't reach the recommended temp for the first burn in. plus, the app crashed every time
When you return that one, I would love to see you do a Oklahoma joe tahoma auto fed charcoal grill. Since you have all the pellet ones. I think that would be a good change up and you love the charcoal anyway so win win.
I just bought one and did the start-up cook off. I did notice a difference in the set temp and the probe temps. They were about 50* off from each other. Can I just set the cook temp 50* (+-) higher and monitor the probe temps?
Maybe first try moving the probe to different spots...then try 300 degrees and throw some bread slices down...this will help notice hot spots as well...then once you have that information you can adjust if needed
Do you have the ability within the app to offset the thermometer to calibrate it? You can disconnect it and run it in boiling water to see how off it is.
Family just got me this grill for my birthday. Once I saw this video I tested out my probes just sitting on the grate, a separate temp gauge and laser tester. All were not registering the same as the main thermometer on the smoker and much farther off than what you were showing. Blackstone has been working with me as this is my first foray into the smoker world. I went ahead and did 400 degree wings yesterday for an hour and they were absolutely delicious at the recommended time frame. Went ahead and put a butt on at 275. Cooked for almost 11 hours and reached 205 in what my professional buddy told me to expect. Bone pulled right out just like you want it. Why do the probes read about 100 degrees off when just sitting on the grate? I don't know but the smoker worked. I am in the coastal NC area with temps in the 50/60 range last night with moderate wind so not as much as what you were describing.
Thanks for posting. We have had ours for 2 days now and I've only burned off the manufacturer gunk like the directions said. It came to temp just fine. I'm a little concerned but still excited. We intend on using daily and I've already registered for the warranty and trying wigs out tomorrow. 🤞🏾
Well the food sounds amazing....not sure about the temp differences...i should have held on to mine for longer and kick myself for not trying to figure it out...
That unfortunate bc I was kinda excited for blackstone getting into the pellet grill game. With that being said there’s always bugs in a first gen. Thanks for the honestly Neal.
I'm very surprised that the Traeger was very close on temp. Traeger has known issues regarding accurate temps mine always reads hotter than it actually is. Great video very helpful.
@PelletsandPits yes I have an ironwood xl. Just recently released here in Australia. Love the xl but requires getting to know the temp issues. There is chat on the temp issues on the Traeger forums.
I’ve had the Pellet/Griddle combo for about 4 months now. Always noticed it took a little longer than normal to get to the desired internal temp. Making Pulled pork today and saw this video, put a thermometer in there, set @250 it was reading ~200. Set to 300 reading ~240 after 45 minutes. Unfortunate.
Does the lone star have a feature on it like the pit boss. To smoke or low smoke setting. For when you don’t want a ton of smoke. I believe im asking this right. Thanks. Also next time I’m down your way. Will have stop by for some food lol
There are ways to adjust the argur speed manually...not necessarily a smoke mode like the pit boss....but it does have the ability to burn 50/50 wood chips...and the way it smoke conutnes to roll...I dont think its an issue
Based on your unboxing video, I placed this Blackstone pellet grill/griddle combo at the top of my list to replace my Traeger. I havent pulled the trigger yet because of this video. Have you heard of anyone else having this peoblem and has Blackstone reached out to you at all concerning the problem?
Unfortunately I have. That being said. Thats only bad I have heard… not the goods. Kinda like the squeak wheel gets the grease. When it works correctly you expect it. I’m not sure how much they have sold so it’s hard to say how successful it is.
Just commented down below. I have unit #61 according to the serial number. Mine was reading more than 100 degrees off on the probes just sitting on the grate. Went ahead and did a butt and it took 11 hours to reach 205 and the bone fell right off. Tasted great! 400 degree wings took an hour. This is my extent of pellet smoker experience but guessing this will be a keeper. I did reach out to Blackstone and they have been keeping me updated with emails at least once a week. .@@PelletsandPits
I didnt go through the vendor...I didnt ask...just returned it...I can say after this has posted im not the only one...BUT I cant say how many they have sold either...if they sold 4,000 and a handful of people have problems..its a success..thats something I do not know
Just got one of these. The auger will not work and wont push the pellets. Also, I could not get the app to work. Very frustrated. I want the smoker, wife wants the griddle. lol
There's not too many of these on the market right now. Hopefully we will get more people doing reviews. Maybe it won't be as bad as the Smokefire when it released.
Yeah I dont think that was the problem...I think it has to be internal probe or sensor problems...all my other grills that day kept temp...thats why I showed em...
Neal, this is why I enjoy your cooking and experience and truthfulness in your videos! As the expression goes: While you live tell the truth and shame the devil!
Yeah we have been talking..im sure like I mentioned...it must be just a bad unit..thats why i wasnt bashing blackstone or anything like that...it just something thats bound to happen and does so with many brands that are mass produced..
appreciate your video, I was apprehensive about buying this unit cause the smoker section is not something that Blackstone is familiar with or has a lot of experience with. Especially with the price tag, I'm gonna pass on it. Sucks cause the 2 in 1 would've been pretty darn convenient.
I just put mine together and did the burn in. 😔 I was already questioning....I didn't check the temp but gonna give it a go before I decide if I want to keep it.
One thing I guess I have to recommend....keep the hopper full...I don tlike the idea...but thats what I think it will take...I never run a full thing of Pellets if I dont think I will need em...I like to change etc...BUT alot of people dont care and use the same ones...
ended up taking mine back as well. Griddle was great. Hated the smoker grate design and had the same issue with temp. Wouldn't hold temp and probes were way off. Sticking with my recteq smoker and gonna look for a stand alone griddle. @@PelletsandPits
@@Nickyb801 wow… seems so far a few have had problems. Never like that but makes me feel better knowing I wasn’t the only one. Interesting to see if this becomes common
It truly is hands down....my favorite for many many reasons....does it cost more...absolutely....Yes I received for free...but that doesn’t take away the features or the results to say that...I have zero relationship with Lone Star....and I recommend this to anyone who is even considering....the fire board app, the options like the charcoal basket...that way you have best of both worlds...the space...the app from fireboard...the thickness of the metal...open flame...air flow in the unit...just a few to name
My wife purchased me a Traeger for my birthday in July. It was having issues maintaining temperature. Ace Hardware refused to take it back stating I had to work things out through Traeger support. It ended up being almost two months before it worked correctly. In hindsight, wish my wife bought it from Costco so I could have returned it right away.
Yeah that sucks...luckily we didnt have that problem but completely understand the frustration...thats honestly why I didnt want to try to fix etc..just didn’t have the will, time or patience
@@ryanragan8899the controller board was bad. Tech support would send me out one part at a time and ask me if it fixed the problem. I have a bunch of spare parts, so that’s a plus😉
That was awesome, glad you had the other smoker there and it backed you up to complete the two Pork Butts. I'm sure your neighbor will appreciate it as much as your family appreciates your cooking. Stay safe and keep up the good videos and your honestly on the equipment you use, you're more than fair. Glad you kept him in line Amy, keep having fun around there. Fred.
I think this was probably a bad unit...many others have had some good things to say...When Traeger launched their flat rock griddle people said the same thing...they are a pellet company....and they absolutely knocked it out the park...even with innovation...Blackstone I think missed some Key issues that many people see as a negative...especially when its their first one...simple things should have been done in the design before initial launch
*HEY GUYS! We have always felt like our first responsibility is to you as our viewers, not to any brand, which is why we don’t shy away from showing you guys when something doesn’t go as planned. This video is an honest view of what our experiences were with this unit. This could just be a one in a million occurence, and we just got unlucky. We’re consumers also, just like you guys, so since we were unhappy overall with the unit, we decided to return it.
One of the biggest reasons I'm here! Thanks for the honesty and fair comparisons.
That's all I'm looking for is an honest review doesn't matter what the product is , especially when it comes to all of us spending hard earned money . Thank you fine folks for doing the foot work for us . God bless everyone
I love the honesty and the cooks. I watched both vids. The dip and then this one. I feel like when it got really hot with too many pellets when doing the dip it might have damaged the prob. Making it not read the correct temp. I have done that before is the only reason i think this. But all in all great vids as usual. I like the lone star but a bit rich for my blood. May look at getting the pit boss. Thanks again for ur vids and ur seasoning. Look forward to the next one.
Definitely not a bargain at$1200........now glad I didn't wait!
I had the exact same temperature problem with mine. I bought a $10 replacement thermalcouple of a slightly different style and problem solved! I'm within 1-3 degrees now. It shouldn't need this, but the replacement was less work than returning it.
These are the type of reviews we need. Call 'em like you see 'em. Well done sir.
TY 👊👊
We appreciate your honesty! Every cook won’t always be a walk in the park.
True…. Very true.
Thank you for the honest feedback. Too many youtubers just love every product they review
I appreciate that...of course I wanted to love it..but with both problems back to back...just hard to....but thats life...and on to the next
I learned about the blackstone combo from your videos. It was a pretty exciting concept and I was considering buying one. I appreciate your honest accounts of your experience with the unit and I believe I’ll look elsewhere. It’s hard to find reviews of products that aren’t biased to some degree. I came for the recipes, but I stay because you’re the kind of guy I’d team up with on the grill for the family cook out.
I appreciate your honesty! Mine has been a champ but like you said, sometimes you get one that just doesn't work right. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but I do appreciate your honesty and not being afraid to show your experience. Thank you so much!!!
I appreciate that… would love some of your experience and feedback so we can have something positive to say… I don’t want my experience to discourage others if in fact it turns out to be fantastic. Not sure if you’re interested but my fb page has about 76,000 followers and that’s a great place to show pics, videos and experiences that fellow followers would like to know.
I can say I saw this unit and got super excited. I’ve had a Traeger junior for 5 years and wanted to upgrade and also looked at getting a griddle. My first thought was well this is their first attempt at a pellet smoker so that could end up bad. Thanks for the honest review saved me a couple trips 😂
Thank you for your honesty.
Always!
Neal that’s why we see your videos because you are very honest. Blackstone has great products but maybe you were an unlucky guy that got a lemon. It happens with all the brands. Awesome looking Pork butt looks very delicious. Have an awesome day Neal.
This is why I follow this channel you give us honest and true feedback. Plus you make awesome food. Keep up the good work!
I appreciate that!
I was looking at this setup for my son. So glad i came across your channel. Definitely saved a big headache
Strong finish to a rocky start. That turned out great!👍😊
I know my neighbor txt me and said nothing but great things...ahahahh we knew it was good when we pulled it off the smoker and you could just feel the tenderness...
I just subscribed to you because of this honest video. Thank you!
Awesome! Thank you! I appreciate that...
Thanks for an honest review.
Thanks for commenting
Appreciate the honesty and it’s the reason I just subscribed
Man thats great...thank you...it means alot to earn you alls trust...
Man thats great...thank you...it means alot to earn you alls trust...
Fantastic video… thank you for your honesty !!!
TY
TY
This is a very good real world test. I'm in NE Ohio, just 10 minutes south of Akron/Canton airport snow belt country. It's 14deg F and windy today with snow on the ground. I can't see the Blackstone working well under these conditions. So now my decision has been paired down to either Lone Star, RecTeq, or Yoder Smoker if I jump to a pellet model, with Yoder leading the pack so far. If I'm gonna spend the money it'll be an educated spend. Thanks for the vids, really enjoy both channels.
Really appreciate that.
My local Barbecue Galore is saying that people are giving up on pellet smokers and griddles and the Big Green Egg is still their best seller. That tells you something.
Yes sir, have been using a Kamado style (not Egg) for about eight years now and really like it. Still trying to decide if pellet is worth it or not. Not really keen on moving parts in a cooker. Also have flat top, flame gas, other smokers, and old fashioned charcoal, portables too. My wife said if I bring any more home I may have to sign divorce papers. @@gosman949
Fantastic job Neal! Honest review as always! Cheers brother 🍻
Much appreciated!
Interesting. Thx for the honest review.
Thanks for the PSA. Appreciate your taking the time to explain the issues and the reason you decided to return the Blackstone.
Thanks bud....
Wondering why you didn’t work with Blackstones support to rectify the issue? I know you said you just didn’t have time to deal with it.
Thank You for always being so honest ❤ I fell in love with the lone star in its first cook and I’m already saving up to purchase one.
I can assure you. It’s worth it in many more ways than just a cook.
I think blackstones a solid brand been around for years. Sometimes crap happens. Honest reviews are why I am here 😊
I 100 agree...things just happen...I just knew if not worded 100 perfect some people would have cried about I hate this and that and its my fault...I should have blah....
You came through for the neighbors. That's the important part 👍
👊👊
Hey I give all the respect because u always show the good the bad and the ugly with stuff
Well I truly appreciate that...
Hi guys! I have a Z-Grill smoker, with only a 5 lb hopper. Trying to smoke in Northern Michigan during winter is a pain, going through pellets twice as fast as summer (only 15° out). So last winter I bought a fiberglass welding blanket at Harbor Freight for about $25. I drape it over my smoker & it really helps save on the pellets. It does cook about 5-10° hotter, but I just plan for that.
Awesome. Thank you
Great video. Way to make lemonade. I’d return that too! Pork looked phenomenal ❤
hahaha Thanks Kelly...
Thank you for your honesty! I am a big Blackstone griddle user, however, I do recognize that whenever a new product comes out it is difficult to tell the fluff from the reality. My first thought when I saw that you had the new combo smoker/griddle was "dang, Blackstone has done bought out the Griddle King as well." I hate that the product didn't perform as advertised but happy to see that you are being honest in your videos. Awesome job and keep it up!
I appreciate that...yeah sometimes things just dont work out...bummed because i honestly was super excited...People cussed Traeger for getting into the griddle game....but they knocked it out of the park...since this was Blackstones first one...i was truly hoping for the same result...
Lonestar to the rescue! I'd like to see a recteq on the channel for some side by side comparison with lonestar
I love my recteq, not going to claim its the best but it looked like the best option when I got mine years ago. This would more be for his flat top king channel but recteq has a pellet fueled griddle. While I have a blackstone that I am happy with I am curious about that one. If it actually adds a smoke flavor, and if the economics of it works out pellet vs propane costs. If its about the same in fuel costs having a single fuel source might be nice for me.
All the same questions as well....
A few bumps in the road Neal, but no worries. I really appreciate your commitment to being upfront. Honestly, I’d be cooking on that Lone Star all day long! Awesome cook and those pork butts look delicious! If I wasn’t digging out from 3+feet of snow with 65 mph winds I’d probably be smoking something too. Cheers brother!
hahahahaha cheers
Thank you for being honest. Been trying to find a combo unit like this and I will keep looking.
Hey just remember that unit could have been just mine that faulty...I could not imagine all are like that...its so new that time will tell
I came across your channel and this video sadly after I bought the combo model. The staffs at Lowes and Blackstone have been great sending parts to fix our problems with keeping a constant temp; Thankfully Lowes has been top notch and will be refunding me for the grill.
Sorry to hear that...thanks for reaching out...
I'm glad you are telling it the way it is because I was going to buy it this coming payday. Looks nice but needs to work as described they never talked about running at 275 which is a common temperature for brisket. THANK YOU...
good time to try out the camp chef woodwind pro out. keep up the great content
Thanks 👍
Great and honest review the pork butts look great! I should be getting my Fabrication email in another week for my LSG. Thanks
Yes sir....awesome
Thank you for your honest review. I wanted a Blackstone but we just dont really have the space fot the footprint a Masterbuilt 1050 Gravity smoker and a 36' griddle top with everything else in our yard. I was so excited when i saw the Blackstone pellet and griddle but I knew deep down it was too good to be true. They have some stuff to work out so I may be a future customer. Also, you're a really good neighbor
Well I appreciate that...I hope I can say this is just a bad single unit...people from Blackstone are using them now and you can see some results
I think you unfortunately got a lemon, so far ours has been working well for that last few weeks. Did have an issue with pellets feeding, but had similar issues with my old pitboss and had a diy hopper vibratory motor that solves that problem. Bummer that your's had so many problems, Blackstone needs to work on it's quality control.... @@PelletsandPits
I have my rec tec pellet grill my black stone flat top and a Weber gas grill they're all lined up side by side so that's pretty much my combo it's pretty expensive in today's economy to make an all-in-one cooking grill without sacrificing quality. Great honest video I appreciate it very rare these days.
Great lIne up for sure...
I've got the Recteq and Weber but no flat top. I also have a webar charcoal grill and an actual stick smoker. I keep debating on the getting a flat top. Everytime I think I'm ready to buy one I talk myself out of it because I just don't think I would cook outside like that very often. When it is 100+ outside I don't want to be standing over a griddle cooking.
@@dougwhite-ty1ny when it’s 100 plus outside I don’t want to cook on anything… regardless of unit.
That is very unfortunate for sure. Everyone always appreciates honesty and a no BS approach when reviewing things. I can't blame you for wanting to return it. You definitely compared it properly to other pellet grills. If only it was working 100% properly it seems like that would be such a nice combo device. Thanks for going through the paces for us Neal!
Thanks bud....great looking meatloaf
@@PelletsandPits Thank you so much Neal! It was definitely rather tasty. The one I made using BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the mix and glaze was seasoned with 'Que That and who would have known it would have made a great seasoning for a meatloaf? It was so bomb! 🔥🔥🔥
Bummer about the blackstone. Saved the cook though! Have to check out other opinions on the blackstone. Was hoping for the best
You and me both! Check out Crazy Pop...he just smoked a pork butt....had better results
I have had the combo now for about 2 months. It takes a few extra minutes to heat up compared to my Camp Chef but other than that.. it’s been running fine. I have down several cooks with no problems.
Thats awesome...I knew mine just had to be bad...it happens for sure...
I had the same exact problem this past Sunday with my gravity smoker. I had to set it to 350 to maintain 275 in the pit. It was absolutely the wind this weekend that was the problem. Took 11 hours to smoke my porkbutt
I bought a camp chef and the electronics was bad, I called and the sent a new controller. I think I would try calling Blackstone before returning it. I have one and do not have this problem and love the flat iron grill.
Did you make the cheese dip or the pulled pork first? You nailed it with “pellet tunneling”. Meaning the void in the hopper from the pellets not falling right. It’s a design issue and the brand smoker I use has a few that do it also.
You can take the guard off if you want and put a weight on top to fix it.
I made the smoked cheesesteak dip first on the my other channel...the flat top king...thats when the pellets messed up....then while this was happening....just had enough
@@PelletsandPits I don’t blame you. It’s frustrating
My PitBoss 1150 has what appears to be the same controller as your Blackstone. It has operated very good up to a couple of weeks ago. On the last two cooks I have had very similar issues. The fist one actually overfilled the burn box and started flaming out of control... I couldn't turn it off. I though maybe my blue tooth app might have caused it. Next cook I didn't use app and it worked fine until the hopper got low and it did the same as your... lost temp and took forever to get pellets back to box. I hope mine is just operator controllable and I get it working right. Far too late to return mine.
If your looking for a new combo I would highly suggest pitboss kc combo or the new Charleston combo
Just saved me some money. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this video, appreciate what you do. I was excited about this grill option and I am glad you provided a true and honest opinion. Been thinking about replacing what I have Weber charcoal and gas grill.
Thanks for watching!
I've had no issues with my Combo. I have smoked many protiens on it and they were all flawless. That being said, I am not saying you're wrong at all. I think that smoking in the cold with the wind blowing is a variable I have not experienced. I don't run my stuff when its storming, and I don't run my stuff in the winter. Maybe it makes a difference. But for what it is, I couldn't be happier with mine.
thats fantastic you love yours...many do...
as for the outside temps and wind...thats exactly why we turned on every smoker we had...to prove that others were not affected...it had to be an internal issue...by the other comments below....others have had similar issues
@@PelletsandPits as I study other types, I suspect the culprit is the holes on the top instead of a true chimney. I remember you mentioning be worried about the wind blowing back in and I bet that has a lot to do with a design flaw that isn’t noticed in other types. My grandpa had a hog cooker that has cooked through wind and rain before and it had one pipe extended with a custom exhaust top made from an upside down metal coffee can that had vents cut in the side with a church key so nothing can come in the top. Kind of thinking now maybe I need to get a second option for winter smoking. And just keep using my Blackstone in the summer.
I just saw an ad for the new Pit Boss Charleston. To me it was pretty impressive although I would love to know more. I wonder if it'll work better than this Blackstone combo deal.
I just saw that as well...couldn’t believe it...Alot of people say that the Blackstone facing and digital components look identical to Pit Boss...then Pit Boss unveiled the same combo unit...interesting for sure
Thanks for this. Which pellet smoker would you recommend? i liked the concept of the griddle/smoker. I also am considering the Camp Chef woodwind pro 36. I Love to have that Lonestar, but those are pricey!!
Well i do have a few more coming...i will wait a few for judgement...and just for 100 transparency...i have not used or tested all brands...there are way more brands in pellet grills than griddles...so my information would only be based on the brands I personally have used...
Hey Neal, looks like you've got a bad RTD temperature sensor OR a bad controller. It's not uncommon. I just had to replace mine. It's a good excuse to make the return, try something else.
If you're heading down the Winwood Pro road you should get the sidekick and it's accessories - they make the grill. Bust out some pizzas.
Also, Chud's foil boat rules. I've been wondering when Id see you give it a try. If you turn the foil outward instead of inward as you wrap it, it makes it easier to pour your collected juices back on to your protein after the cook. It also makes for a nifty handle when moving your protein around.
Hey thats good stuff...thanks for the tips...appreciate that
That Lone Star is the real deal in BBQ!
Definitely came in handy that day...trust worthy for sure...
If you're going to replace the "Blackstone", think about a Camp Chef "Woodwind Pro".
I bought one, it's my third pellet grill. The ability to burn wood chunks or charcoal for flavor is a game changer for a pellet grill.
Saturday I smoked Beef ribs. I used B&B post oak wood chunks. The flavor was amazing.
Take a look at the camp chef I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I think so far thats leading the pack.....the other that keeps coming up is RecTeq
My Pit Boss did that too. I had to adjust my temps to the probe readings. My temp differential seems awfully wide too. It'll drop 20-30 below set temp and about the same above, but I've not been displeased with the results. It makes good lemonade! (when ya got lemons thrown at ya, duck!) I wonder what other Blackstone combo owners are saying.
I was not upset with swings...it was the 100 degrees off that made the difference...I think the other ones are ok...BUT most are Blackstone affiliated....not questioning their ethics at all but maybe if something was wrong it could be hidden for repairs or replacement...or they could have fantastic units...i think I just got a lemon...
Another good video guys. As you read my comment on your other channel its gonna be months before i can use my blackstone... I want to move to a much warmer state my old body cant take this temp anymore. PS good video guys Frank from Montana......
Hey we are always welcoming a New Yorker turned Wild Montana frontiersman...
@@PelletsandPits thank you guys PS do you have lots of Raccoons there racoon stew is pretty good . Like they said in Jeremiah Johnson beavers as big as Bob cats ( hear they would be pretty tasty ) THANK YOU for your response Frank from the frozen north......
This was helpful, thank you. I've been on the hunt for a pellet smoker - i currently have gas grill and a water smokerr - and it helps to eliminate a brand with possible quality issues
It's too bad we don't know if you just got a bummer unit, or if this is a recurring issue.
.
Unfortunately I feel the same way...its so early on that Im sure others will cook with theres...just wasnt my time...on to the next
So I noticed that you went with your lonestar in the end. Do you prefer it over your pittboss? Just curious.
OH YEAH....No Comparison....
Just a question, do you think the problem could be an insulation? I’m from Florida looking at this grill and we don’t get 25° weather. Do you think because you’re cooking outside in colder weather it could be affecting the temperature of the grill?
To be completely honest nope. By now many comments reported same thing. I also showed other grills hitting desired temps for that specific reason.
Thank you so much for your insight, also, I would love if you have any recommendations for either some Pellet smoker reviews for best budget. Or even some pellet smokers for beginners, advance and expert smokers!
Based on your experience with pellet smokers, which model do you consider to be the top choice? I had a Cuisinart Oakmont that this died on me and was wondering what would be the best one.
I truly feel like thats a loaded question..price, features, size, etc all play a part in it...along with I have not used most brands...I could only give my opinion based on the ones I have used...Pit Boss, Traeger, Lone Star etc..
We definitely had the same issues with ours it took forever to get to temp. the overall temperature wouldn't reach the recommended temp for the first burn in. plus, the app crashed every time
Interesting....I have been contacted a few times by others as well...what did you end up doing with yours
When you return that one, I would love to see you do a Oklahoma joe tahoma auto fed charcoal grill. Since you have all the pellet ones. I think that would be a good change up and you love the charcoal anyway so win win.
Great Idea...thanks...
Looks like you ended up cold smoking for a couple of hours. Wonder if that had anything to do with the outcome. I’m new to all of this
No...unfortunately it was just a defective unit...
I just bought one and did the start-up cook off. I did notice a difference in the set temp and the probe temps. They were about 50* off from each other. Can I just set the cook temp 50* (+-) higher and monitor the probe temps?
Maybe first try moving the probe to different spots...then try 300 degrees and throw some bread slices down...this will help notice hot spots as well...then once you have that information you can adjust if needed
Do you have the ability within the app to offset the thermometer to calibrate it? You can disconnect it and run it in boiling water to see how off it is.
I dont think so...i just ended up returning it...to many options out there to keep struggling...
@@PelletsandPits That makes sense.
Family just got me this grill for my birthday. Once I saw this video I tested out my probes just sitting on the grate, a separate temp gauge and laser tester. All were not registering the same as the main thermometer on the smoker and much farther off than what you were showing. Blackstone has been working with me as this is my first foray into the smoker world. I went ahead and did 400 degree wings yesterday for an hour and they were absolutely delicious at the recommended time frame. Went ahead and put a butt on at 275. Cooked for almost 11 hours and reached 205 in what my professional buddy told me to expect. Bone pulled right out just like you want it. Why do the probes read about 100 degrees off when just sitting on the grate? I don't know but the smoker worked. I am in the coastal NC area with temps in the 50/60 range last night with moderate wind so not as much as what you were describing.
Thanks for posting. We have had ours for 2 days now and I've only burned off the manufacturer gunk like the directions said. It came to temp just fine. I'm a little concerned but still excited. We intend on using daily and I've already registered for the warranty and trying wigs out tomorrow. 🤞🏾
Keep us updated...
Well the food sounds amazing....not sure about the temp differences...i should have held on to mine for longer and kick myself for not trying to figure it out...
That unfortunate bc I was kinda excited for blackstone getting into the pellet grill game. With that being said there’s always bugs in a first gen. Thanks for the honestly Neal.
I'm very surprised that the Traeger was very close on temp. Traeger has known issues regarding accurate temps mine always reads hotter than it actually is.
Great video very helpful.
Just curious..do we have the same unit...new ironwood xl...
@PelletsandPits yes I have an ironwood xl. Just recently released here in Australia. Love the xl but requires getting to know the temp issues. There is chat on the temp issues on the Traeger forums.
Pit boss uses that same controller in their pro series they sell at Lowe’s. I know I have one and I hate it.
I’ve had the Pellet/Griddle combo for about 4 months now. Always noticed it took a little longer than normal to get to the desired internal temp. Making Pulled pork today and saw this video, put a thermometer in there, set @250 it was reading ~200. Set to 300 reading ~240 after 45 minutes. Unfortunate.
Does the lone star have a feature on it like the pit boss. To smoke or low smoke setting. For when you don’t want a ton of smoke. I believe im asking this right. Thanks. Also next time I’m down your way. Will have stop by for some food lol
There are ways to adjust the argur speed manually...not necessarily a smoke mode like the pit boss....but it does have the ability to burn 50/50 wood chips...and the way it smoke conutnes to roll...I dont think its an issue
@@PelletsandPits ok. Thanks. What’s for supper
Curious, was it possibly a faulty probe on the grill?
Definitely could have been...something somewhere was wrong...
❤ that's what I love about your channel you show The Good The bad and The ugly even if it's your oops that's what I love about you
Well I appreciate that...really do...thanks Ernest
Based on your unboxing video, I placed this Blackstone pellet grill/griddle combo at the top of my list to replace my Traeger. I havent pulled the trigger yet because of this video.
Have you heard of anyone else having this peoblem and has Blackstone reached out to you at all concerning the problem?
Unfortunately I have. That being said. Thats only bad I have heard… not the goods. Kinda like the squeak wheel gets the grease. When it works correctly you expect it. I’m not sure how much they have sold so it’s hard to say how successful it is.
Just commented down below. I have unit #61 according to the serial number. Mine was reading more than 100 degrees off on the probes just sitting on the grate. Went ahead and did a butt and it took 11 hours to reach 205 and the bone fell right off. Tasted great! 400 degree wings took an hour. This is my extent of pellet smoker experience but guessing this will be a keeper. I did reach out to Blackstone and they have been keeping me updated with emails at least once a week. .@@PelletsandPits
Grilla grills have a new vertical smoker. Maybe you could review that one. Thanks
Great suggestion!
Agree. I haven’t see a review on the Grilla vertical that wasn’t mfg based content. I am really interested in the mammoth
what I would do is replace the blackstone is a Yoder YS640.
Was about to pull the trigger on this, then came across this video. Was there an explanation from the vendor on what happened?
I didnt go through the vendor...I didnt ask...just returned it...I can say after this has posted im not the only one...BUT I cant say how many they have sold either...if they sold 4,000 and a handful of people have problems..its a success..thats something I do not know
I just commented on your smoked cheesesteak dip. Yes, return it!!
Yeah we ended up returning it...
Just got one of these. The auger will not work and wont push the pellets. Also, I could not get the app to work. Very frustrated. I want the smoker, wife wants the griddle. lol
what are you going to do...
There's not too many of these on the market right now. Hopefully we will get more people doing reviews. Maybe it won't be as bad as the Smokefire when it released.
Yeah Honestly I hope not...I mean no ill will towards Blackstone...hopefully I was the unlucky one
Thank you
Yes sir...
Have you tried the 22" Pitboss table top griddle
I have not...
I use a small welding blanket, it’s cheap also, to insulate and wind protection. It has worked great and has a heat proof temp of 1,000 degrees.
Yeah I dont think that was the problem...I think it has to be internal probe or sensor problems...all my other grills that day kept temp...thats why I showed em...
Neal, would like to know what Blackstone tells you and helps you with the Blackstone issue!!
Neal, this is why I enjoy your cooking and experience and truthfulness in your videos! As the expression goes: While you live tell the truth and shame the devil!
Do you have any recommendation for beginners
What type of recommendations
The crazypop did the same with no problem ? 😋👍
Yeah we have been talking..im sure like I mentioned...it must be just a bad unit..thats why i wasnt bashing blackstone or anything like that...it just something thats bound to happen and does so with many brands that are mass produced..
I'm wondering if Blackstone reached out to you to offer an exchange for a another unit?@@PelletsandPits
appreciate your video, I was apprehensive about buying this unit cause the smoker section is not something that Blackstone is familiar with or has a lot of experience with. Especially with the price tag, I'm gonna pass on it. Sucks cause the 2 in 1 would've been pretty darn convenient.
I just put mine together and did the burn in. 😔 I was already questioning....I didn't check the temp but gonna give it a go before I decide if I want to keep it.
One thing I guess I have to recommend....keep the hopper full...I don tlike the idea...but thats what I think it will take...I never run a full thing of Pellets if I dont think I will need em...I like to change etc...BUT alot of people dont care and use the same ones...
ended up taking mine back as well. Griddle was great. Hated the smoker grate design and had the same issue with temp. Wouldn't hold temp and probes were way off. Sticking with my recteq smoker and gonna look for a stand alone griddle. @@PelletsandPits
@@Nickyb801 wow… seems so far a few have had problems. Never like that but makes me feel better knowing I wasn’t the only one. Interesting to see if this becomes common
Do you plan to try again in case this was a lemon??
Unfortunately we returned this that same weekend...
How do you like that lonestar grill.
It truly is hands down....my favorite for many many reasons....does it cost more...absolutely....Yes I received for free...but that doesn’t take away the features or the results to say that...I have zero relationship with Lone Star....and I recommend this to anyone who is even considering....the fire board app, the options like the charcoal basket...that way you have best of both worlds...the space...the app from fireboard...the thickness of the metal...open flame...air flow in the unit...just a few to name
That sinus funk is hanging onto you like tape!! Hope you shake it soon! It took me 5 weeks!!
Man its crazy...never had it that far into winter...kinda already worried about spring already
Have you tried any wireless probes?
I have not....
1st generations are tough. Weber struggled and they figured it out. See if blackstone wants to work on it or dump it.
They wanted to work on it..I just polity returned it....just not worth going back and forth for time etc...
My wife purchased me a Traeger for my birthday in July. It was having issues maintaining temperature. Ace Hardware refused to take it back stating I had to work things out through Traeger support. It ended up being almost two months before it worked correctly. In hindsight, wish my wife bought it from Costco so I could have returned it right away.
What ended up being the issue with your traeger?
Yeah that sucks...luckily we didnt have that problem but completely understand the frustration...thats honestly why I didnt want to try to fix etc..just didn’t have the will, time or patience
@@ryanragan8899the controller board was bad. Tech support would send me out one part at a time and ask me if it fixed the problem. I have a bunch of spare parts, so that’s a plus😉
@kurtisskoog5874 that's unfortunate! Glad you got it fixed though!
Im curious how the return process works
Rolled it in my local Lowes...they asked whats wrong with it...I told em...they refunded the money...out in 15 min....
Yeah at 3 hrs the meat looked like you just put it on. Thanks for making the video
Call it like you see it. Bad "Pellet!" Sit. lol.
👊👊
Glad I decided against this pellet grill. I went with the Z Grills Multitasker.
just wanted to be clear...my guess its just happens...not a bad unit when working correctly..others have had success...
That was awesome, glad you had the other smoker there and it backed you up to complete the two Pork Butts. I'm sure your neighbor will appreciate it as much as your family appreciates your cooking. Stay safe and keep up the good videos and your honestly on the equipment you use, you're more than fair. Glad you kept him in line Amy, keep having fun around there. Fred.
Thanks so much Fred..appreciate ya
Blackstone is a griddle company trying to get into the pellet market. May be a while before they make a product that can compete
I think this was probably a bad unit...many others have had some good things to say...When Traeger launched their flat rock griddle people said the same thing...they are a pellet company....and they absolutely knocked it out the park...even with innovation...Blackstone I think missed some Key issues that many people see as a negative...especially when its their first one...simple things should have been done in the design before initial launch
I wish we could find out what's actually wrong with the Blackstone, just out of curiosity.
Looking back I agree....
Great honest review and that pork butt looks🤤🤤🤤🤤
Yes sir...so dang good...that lone star is on another level...
Wonner winner