Outdoor food preparation will be on point if you have the right tools. Among the utilities to have is a pellet grill. As its name implies, you use pellets for food preparation. The pellets are not only a source of fuel but will also add some smack to your food.
The Green Mountain Davy Crockett is an excellent example of this type of cooker. It is an electrical grill, hence, you may also tag it as a hybrid grill.
It is an ideal utility for small families and anyone who travels a lot and wants to move along with their cooking implements.
There is a lot to know about the Davy Crockett, coming from someone who has been using it for a considerable time. Let me give you details of this grill to give you a hint of what to expect when you get it.
Overview and First Impressions
This grill will catch your eye if you enjoy fashionable technology. It has a plain appearance that is broken up by glossy and dark features. The Davy Crockett has a small frame compared to other cookers of a comparable size.
It is space-efficient because to its compactness. Its mobility is further aided by its compact design. You may take it with you when you go camping or engage in other outdoor activities that need a grill.
It weighs about 57 pounds, which makes it potentially extremely hefty. If two people carry it, the weight is doable. You may save room by folding the legs when not in use.
The Wi-Fi connectivity of this grill is another noteworthy aspect. You must download the Green Mountain Grill app in order to connect your device to the grill. Both Android and iOS smartphones have a version.
The main component of the Davy Crockett pellet grill is stainless steel. A 120V power supply is included with the electric cooker. A 12V automotive socket and 12V battery connections are also present. If cooking at a camping or other similar place, you may connect the terminals to a car battery.
For temperature control, this equipment has a Sense-Mate thermal sensor. Moreover, there is a meat probe, which you use to check meat readiness. It operates perfectly at moderate to high temperatures. Other provided accessories include a grill cover, convenience tray, and peaked lid.
You can use any wood pellets you prefer. Nevertheless, it is advisable to use Green Mountain Grill pellets, in which you can get a variety of flavors.
Thumbs Up
- A stylish design.
- The grill has a sturdy stainless steel build.
- A compact frame, making storage and transportation stress-free engagements.
- Adequate temperature control.
- The Green Mountain Davy Crockett comes with plenty of accessories. They include a meat probe and a grill cover.
- Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote control and monitoring of this appliance.
Thumbs Down
- The grill’s interior temperature may vary from the one shown on the LED digital display.
- The electric plug is rather loose. You may find it unplugged, forcing you to restart the grill.
Unboxing and Assembly
I received the ordered package in a large box. It weighed roughly 68-pounds, which was pretty heavy. All the items listed were present. Besides the grill, there was a cover, a meat probe, and a convenience tray. Plus, there was an instruction manual, a socket and T handle wrench to help in assembly.
I got to admit, the manual is easy to follow. With it on hand, I had the grill ready in less than an hour. A slight problem you may encounter fixing the grill is the stands. They appear feeble compared to the bulky upper section.
You may need an extra hand to fix the foldable legs. Compared to other pellet grills, the Green Mountain Grills product’s weight is on the lower side. However, at 57-pounds, you may find it bulky.
The other good thing with the product is that it came in one piece, with zero faults.
Build Quality
It is essential to look at the grill’s quality before getting it. I did my homework, and the Green Mountain item did not disappoint when I received it. The pellet cooker is a stainless steel construction, featuring a 14-gauge body and lid.
It is hardy and will withstand various elements that cause wear and tear. The material is shiny, contributing to its fantastic look. Its glimmer will radiate your kitchen or any cooking area. Additionally, its accessories are top quality. The grease tray and heat shield are resilient and long-lasting.
There is a practicable pellet feeding system for providing pellets to the grill. Maintenance will not bother you, courtesy of features like a drip bucket. It helps manage grease, which can be a nuisance to deal with.
The other impressive thing about the Davy Crockett unit is its warranty. It is a two-year guarantee, covering you against any manufacturing defects.
While everything seems okay with the grill’s build quality, there are some downsides. One of them is the lid’s hinges that occasionally detach. Re-attachment can be draining if the hinges detach frequently.
The other problem is the foldable legs. When assembling the unit, you might encounter issues with this part. Fortunately, with time they get better and perform as expected. They are also able to effectively support the grill’s weight.
A Disappointing Experience with the Green Mountain Davy Crockett
Generally, Davy Crockett has been a great grilling buddy. The results are impressive, though, there are countable times I was disappointed.
In the first instance, I prepped two fine steak chunks. I set the temperature and timer right. I was also keen on the phone app for alerts. However, the results did not come as expected. After a few hours of cooking and checking that the heat levels were correct, I found an inedible surprise. The interior was hotter than the temperature gauge readings. Instead of two juicy steak pieces, there were two coal pieces.
The other time my tempers flared was after a problem with the lid hinges. They came off when I was trying to secure the lid. Re-attaching the hinges was challenging, and I lost my appetite. I was grilling burgers on this day. So I left it open until my son fixed it with ease later on. At least the burgers came out fine.
After considerable use, like 4-months after getting it, I noticed an issue with the plug. The plug-socket connection was somewhat loose. At times I would be flipping meat and suddenly experience diminished power. To deal with the problem, I duct-taped the connection.
Seeing that it was only a short-term solution, I contacted customer support.
Tech Support
Hats off to Green Mountain Grill for their prompt response. When I had issues with the grill’s socket and plug, I reached out to the company. Their responsiveness surprised me when I called, as I was sure I’d have to call several times for someone to pick up. The agent was helpful, and shortly after, all was good. I received a new plug the following day. It still works fine.
If you have a problem with the Davy Crockett, do not hesitate to reach tech support. Ways of accessing support are via call, email, fax, and Green Mountain Grill’s Facebook handle.
The Control Board
Temperature variations point to an issue with the control board. The Green Mountain unit runs on a Wi-Fi digital control board. It has a dongle that allows you to connect to the grill through your smartphone.
You may need to replace the control board if the temperature variations persist. It was not a common problem for my grill, so I did not replace the control unit. When you get a replacement, fix it and confirm if it works alright. If not, ask for another replacement.
The Green Mountain Grill App
As per the manual’s instructions, I had to download the Green Mountain Grill app. The mobile program helps you connect to the grill through a Wi-Fi network. The app works with iOS and Android smartphones.
Moreover, this mobile program is lightweight, meaning it requires low device storage space. Once you have the app on your handset, you connect to the grill. Turn on the grill and on your device, go to Wi-Fi settings. The cooker’s network name begins with the initials GMG; connect to it. You will find the Wi-Fi password near the serial number plate on the grill’s exterior surface. In case of any hitch when establishing a connection, refer to the manual for instructions.
Launch the app to view its excellent resources. You will see four menu options on the program’s interface. They are Home, Profiles, Recipes, and Settings.
On the homepage, you set the grill and food temperature. In addition, you set the timer to keep up with cooking times. Provided cooking profiles are brisket, pulled pork, smoked salmon, and tri-tip. You have the freedom to add more profiles.
The app presents you with many recipes. Beef, poultry, pizza, lamb, and seafood are some of the available recipe categorizations. They are all amazing and will definitely hone your culinary skills.
Green Mountain Davy Crockett Alternatives
As you are shopping, it is prudent to have other options in mind. With a wide selection for consideration, you won’t come out from your shopping spree empty-handed. The following are two suitable alternatives to the Davy Crockett pellet grill.
Related: Green Mountain Grills VS Traeger: Which Brand is Superior?
Traeger Grills Tailgater 20
The first option is a unit from Traeger, a company renowned for its attention to quality. The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 has plenty of features, as highlighted below.
Product Quality
This grill’s appealing factor is its sturdy frame. Its primary material is stainless steel, known for its high resilience. The grill is long-lasting and will withstand various agents of deterioration. A powder coat also enhances its sturdiness and the grates have a porcelain coat which makes them hardy and easy to clean.
Flexibility
The Tailgater 20 is a versatile implement, noticeable in different facets. For instance, you can use it for grilling, roasting, smoking, baking, and barbecuing.
The other area you notice the cooker’s flexibility is where you can use it in various environments. It is, especially, a good fit for a backyard barbecue with friends or when out on a campsite.
Temperature Control
This electric grill has a maximum temperature range of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a perfect range for preparing various dishes. The Advanced Grilling Logic technology maintains a steady heat range. The range will be plus or minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
With temperature under control, you are sure of precise food preparation.
Portability
The Traeger Tailgater 20 weighs 62-pounds. This is light as per pellet grill standards. Coupled with elements like a compact body and wheels, you have a portable grill. Its translocation is effortless, further supported by its folding legs.
When you fold the grill’s legs, you make it space-friendly such that if you move a lot, it can easily fit in your vehicle’s trunk.
Convenience
Assembling the Tailgater 20 is a simple process with the provided user manual. The same applies to using and maintaining it. The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean, and the provided drip bucket helps you manage grease.
This grilling utility has 300-square inches of cooking space. It is adequate space for a small family or gathering. You can prepare 12 burgers or three rib racks on this surface.
What to Love About This Grill
- A high-quality construction.
- The grill is portable and economical in space.
- Adequate temperature control.
- Effortless assembly, use, and maintenance.
- It supports six cooking functions.
Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Grill
A portable grill is all you need if you regularly move around. This is the Traeger Grills Ranger portable grill’s selling point. Let us look at its features to see why it is an excellent alternative to Davy Crockett.
Portability
The Ranger portable grill has a diminutive frame and weighs 60-pounds. Carrying it will be a walk in the park, the same as cleaning and storage. This product has latches that lock firmly to protect its contents.
Durability
This Traeger unit is durable, owing to its stainless steel body. The material has a coat, which prevents the grill from elements like rust. The porcelain-coated grates are likewise sturdy, and cleaning them is hassle-free.
A Simple Look
You cannot ignore the sleekness of this cooker. It has a simple design, which will complement various kitchen decor styles.
Temperature Control
This grill relies on Advanced Grilling Logic technology for temperature control. It ensures that the heat levels are in a 15-degree Fahrenheit range from the actual temperature.
Usability
An important area to be critical of when getting a grill is usability. Here, you focus on convenience and performance. The Traeger portable grill is a friendly cooking implement. Assembly is stress-free, and if there is a hurdle, you refer to the user guide.
This utility has a cooking area of 184-square inches, excellent for small-scale applications. It can accommodate one rib rack or ten hotdogs. The pellet hopper has a capacity of 8-pounds. This means that you won’t stress over constantly filling it.
Furthermore, there is a cooker timer that alerts you when your food is ready.
What to Love About This Grill
- Convenient to assemble, use and maintain.
- Maximum temperature control, supported by the Advanced Grilling Logic technology.
- A durable grill.
- A stylish look.
- The cooker is portable and requires a small storage space.
Is it a Good Idea to Buy the Davy Crockett?
To answer this question, you need to weigh this equipment’s benefits against its downsides.
Things to love about this grill include its convenience. Starting with its assembly, you will appreciate how straightforward it is to set up. Use the provided user manual to guide you. If there is an issue, you contact the support team for help.
The grill is also a beauty, suitable if you are into stylish kitchen accessories. Wherever you place the grill, it will blend well, courtesy of its simplicity.
The other element I appreciate about Davy Crockett is its resiliency. Stainless steel is its primary material, giving it an edge of robustness. With proper maintenance, this electric utility will last you for ages.
You can remotely monitor the grill using an app, as this barbecuing implement supports Wi-Fi. When connected, you check on it using your smartphone.
On the other side of the balance are this unit’s downsides. The main problem is inaccurate temperature readings. The heat reading on the digital display may not be the same value as the internal temperature. Some will start working well automatically. However, if the issue persists, you should reach out to tech support.
The other problem is the plugs becoming loose. Duct tape will provide a temporary solution to this hitch. A replacement will work better.
With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision. On my end, I would say go for it. Despite the few hiccups I have experienced while using the grill, it is a worthwhile purchase!
Winding Up
The Green Mountain Davy Crockett is an all-rounded pellet grill. This statement is true when you see its many features and attributes. It is versatile, has amazing looks, is highly practicable and durable. Mentioned are the main factors to consider when shopping for kitchen accessories.
The review is from my personal experience with it. You can opt for it and benefit from a reasonable warranty. Check on the downsides I highlighted to know what to expect when you buy it.