Used Traeger BBQ075 - Worth buying?

[ivqancorp]

Hello everyone,

I have a little amount of experience smoking with an offset, but lately I have wanted to try out a pellet smoker, but they are much more expensive than say an Oklahoma Joe. However, I found a very cheap used Traeger BBQ075 model for only $200.

Now the pellet grills use much thinner steel, compared to a OJ or a Bezos with 3/16th and 1/4th thickness respectively, so I figured if the controller will keep the temp inside consistent, then it's not as big of a deal, right? I went and checked it out, and the seller turned it on and it hit 450 degrees without an issue. So everything seemed pretty fine. However, it doesn't have a PID controller, but I looked those up from Smoke daddy and they run you about $100-$200. So even if I get a controller replacement, my total cost is still only $400 for a pellet smoker with 642 sq in of cooking space. I am thinking that's pretty good.

There is one thing that is bothering me. The Traeger BBQ075 model was discontinued in 2020-2021, and I don't know why. I haven't really found any literature explaining why they would just discontinue it. Now there are only two main components on a pellet smoker as far as I know. The cook chamber itself and the controller. So my instincts tell me that it might have been a design issue. From reading I do know one of the main issues of the Traeger pellet smokers in the past was a design flaw where the pellets would bunch up and not fall and cause a flame out.

So does anyone here have any experience with the Traeger BBQ075, or why it was discontinued? Is this a smoker I should give time to save a few hundred dollars or am I better off just buying one of Traeger's current models. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RayClem]

I looked at some of the reviews of the Traeger BBQ075. One of the reviews indicated that this is not a grill for beginners. So take that comment for what it is worth.

The thing that concerned me is the controller used in this grill is an older controller with a max controlled temp of 375 F and then a high setting. Some of my cooks like baking pizza are done at 400F and I have to set my controller to 450F to achieve that temperature, so the grill would not work for me.

If the current owner will allow you to do a test fire on the grill to make sure everything is working, then it should be worth the $200 price of entry. However, if the grill needs repairs, then it might not be. If you do plan to test the grill, be sure to bring a bag of fresh pellets as anything the current owner has might be damp. If the owner is not willing to allow you to test the grill, you might want to pass. If you are lucky, the owner upgraded to a newer model grill with more bells and whistles and just wants to make some room on the patio by selling his old one.

 

[ivqancorp]

Yes, the controller is definitely being replaced. I checked with Smoke Daddy and Savannah, and both of their PID controllers work with this model. Might have to purchase the controller plate as well so it is a snug fit.

And for my needs, I am just smoking Briskets, Ribs, Sausages, Cheese...etc I really only require 225-275 temps, that's all.

Will definitely test fire, thank you for reminding me and for the helpful tips Ray.

 

[Murphy's Law]

FWIW, you could pick up a brand new Pro 22 for $499 at Home Depot. It's a little smaller @ 572 sq in but it's a brand new grill for $100 or so more than you're talking. Not sure if it's worth it one way or the other. just something to think about, maybe.

Disclaimer, I really don't know anything about either grill so...!

 

[MidwestSmoker]

FWIW, you could pick up a brand new Pro 22 for $499 at Home Depot.

That's a Labor Day sale price, so that won't last long. I also suggest that you get this instead.

 

[ivqancorp]

FWIW, you could pick up a brand new Pro 22 for $499 at Home Depot. It's a little smaller @ 572 sq in but it's a brand new grill for $100 or so more than you're talking. Not sure if it's worth it one way or the other. just something to think about, maybe.

Disclaimer, I really don't know anything about either grill so...!

Well the grill I mentioned BBQ075 is almost 100 sq inches bigger (646 sq inch total cooking area), and I talked the guy down to $100. I am going to pick it up tomorrow. As far as I am aware the Pro 22 doesn't have a PID controller either. So I think the one I mentioned might be a better deal, unless there is something I am missing.

 

[Like Smoke]

Go for it. I have a Texas 075 and am very pleased with the results. I have to say I use mine for smoking low and slow, and not baking or grilling. I have a conventional Traeger thermometer installed in the knock out plug on the top of the lid about 5 inches from the smoke stack and find it stays very close to the digital readout on the controller. Mine has a differential between the temp knob setting and the readout, but when you know what that is you can control the temp very well. My suggestions for first time use would be to remove and replace the pellets if you think they might have been sitting around for a while and have maybe sucked up some unwanted moisture. Clean the inside with a putty knife or scraper, to remove any pellet dust and unwanted burn on. The start up instructions are on Traegers website if you don't have a copy . I would do the first run with no meat, set the temp you want to achieve go thru the start up process and after the temp has stabilized check it with a thermometer inside on the grill but not touching any metal with the lid closed. On mine the knob is set at 175 and I get a consistent 220-230 degrees on the readout and the lid thermometer and the smoke is coming out of the stack about every 15 to 20 minutes. Sure I could spend big bucks on a new fancy controller and then be back on this website complaining about its accuracy, but if you take the time to get to know your 075 it will do a great job for you. I have smoked a whole turkey, pork butt and about everything else with good results. The trick to good smoking is to know your smoker.

 

[RayClem]

For $100, even if you have to completely rebuild the grill with a new controller, new firepot, auger, fan and motors you will still have less invested than purchasing a new grill.

 

[ivqancorp]

Now I am going through the cleaning process. I dont see any rust on the body of the smoker, but there is a little here, these two parts go on top of the auger. Do these needs to be replaced? I washed them down with soap and water. What else can I do to control the rust if not fully replace?

 

[RayClem]

You can always try putting on a layer of grill seasoning. It will normally contain a combination of vegetable oil and beeswax. If you do this, you will have to do a burn-in of the grill to burn off excess seasoning. The heat causes polymerization. I suspect the shield over the firepot gets too hot for the seasoning to remain, but on the drip tray, it might help prolong the life.

 

[Like Smoke]

I would just do a light sanding to remove the surface rust, both pieces will always be discolored from normal use. The grease tray can be covered using wide heavy duty aluminum foil or pre-made drip pan, I use foil much cheaper and works just as well, throw the foil away after each use. No need to replace with new ones.

 

[Lbeberdick]

Hello everyone,

I have a little amount of experience smoking with an offset, but lately I have wanted to try out a pellet smoker, but they are much more expensive than say an Oklahoma Joe. However, I found a very cheap used Traeger BBQ075 model for only $200.

Now the pellet grills use much thinner steel, compared to a OJ or a Bezos with 3/16th and 1/4th thickness respectively, so I figured if the controller will keep the temp inside consistent, then it's not as big of a deal, right? I went and checked it out, and the seller turned it on and it hit 450 degrees without an issue. So everything seemed pretty fine. However, it doesn't have a PID controller, but I looked those up from Smoke daddy and they run you about $100-$200. So even if I get a controller replacement, my total cost is still only $400 for a pellet smoker with 642 sq in of cooking space. I am thinking that's pretty good.

There is one thing that is bothering me. The Traeger BBQ075 model was discontinued in 2020-2021, and I don't know why. I haven't really found any literature explaining why they would just discontinue it. Now there are only two main components on a pellet smoker as far as I know. The cook chamber itself and the controller. So my instincts tell me that it might have been a design issue. From reading I do know one of the main issues of the Traeger pellet smokers in the past was a design flaw where the pellets would bunch up and not fall and cause a flame out.

So does anyone here have any experience with the Traeger BBQ075, or why it was discontinued? Is this a smoker I should give time to save a few hundred dollars or am I better off just buying one of Traeger's current models. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's a cheap intro to pellet smokers. Don't upgrade anything for at least a year. After you have cleaned the thing several times, you will want a pellet smoker with outside removable burn pot ash clean out. Traeger makes only 1 with this cleanout for 4 grand.

 

[MTRUITT95]

Hi Larry, I bought the Traeger BBQ075 in 2009 - Texas Elite. It is a great smoker with limitations. Limited searing and top range temp depending on conditions is around 450. The Texas Pro 34 replaced the BBQ075 with better quality and technology...I think. Happy Smoking!

 

[Like Smoke]

After reading all the complaints about the new models, I am staying with my early 075. I don't use it for baking, grilling, and such, I use it to smoke. All the parts are still available if it needs repair. The original controller has a P setting adjustment which I have found to be work well in closing the discrepancy between actual temp and controller setting. I use an independent thermometer to monitor my protein temp which works fine. If I could find and old 075 in my area for $200.00, I would buy it. American made with real steel.

 

[davwhite]

FWIW, you could pick up a brand new Pro 22 for $499 at Home Depot. It's a little smaller @ 572 sq in but it's a brand new grill for $100 or so more than you're talking. Not sure if it's worth it one way or the other. just something to think about, maybe.

Disclaimer, I really don't know anything about either grill so...!

Forget the Pro 22, it is a very basic model with very basic results.