I am looking for some opinions to help me make a decision. I was recently awarded at work and given a handful of options to "shop" from as a result. The two most valuable things on the list of options are a Peloton Bike and a Traeger Timberline 1850. The irony is that about 2 months ago I bought my wife a Peloton that she had been wanting for 6 months. And recently when she was asking me what I wanted for Father's Day, I suggested a new grill - but I am tired of buying the cheapos that I have to replace every 3-4 years. She guilted me into picking something less expensive (sounds fair right?) so I ordered myself a pair of Oakley sunglasses on ebay (probably knock-offs) to replace some I lost recently.
It all sounds like stars aligning I know, but I have been using propane for a long time and I had a Weber in mind. I have been looking at those with a burning desire for at least 12 years. So with that, finally to my ask for advice....
A key variable to consider is that I have a 4 year old, a 7 year old, and a wife that get hangery if they don't have food ready to eat by 6:15 most days, and I typically grill 3 times a week (often on week nights). I do not doubt you can cook far superior meals on the Traeger based on what I am seeing online, and I could see myself getting really into it all when I have the time (i.e. when the kids are older), but I am concerned even the "easy" stuff takes a lot longer on the pellet smokers.
Should I just pick this top of the line Traeger that I never would have spent that kind of money on and try pellet smoking or order the Peloton, sell it for $1500-$1600, buy the Weber of my hearts desire, and still have ~$700 to put in the bank?
All opinions welcome, but especially interested in those of you that grill with pellet smokers.
