Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Prime Plus
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First Published
Green Mountain Grills has been the quiet pellet-grill alternative for serious cooks who don't want a Traeger. The Daniel Boone Prime Plus is GMG's mid-tier flagship — true PID temperature control, smart Wi-Fi, peaked lid for turkey clearance, and a cult following among forum cooks.
What We Love
- +True PID controller holds temp within ±5°F
- +Peaked lid clears 22-lb turkey vertically
- +Smart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with reliable app
- +Sense-Mate thermal sensor monitors internal temps
- +Stainless meat probes included
- +Direct-flame access via removable heat shield
Watch Out For
- −Hopper capacity is only 18 lbs
- −Build quality is good but not Yoder-tier
- −App had bugs in early firmware (mostly fixed now)
- −Pellet feed mechanism is louder than Traeger's
Specifications
Cooking Area
458 sq in (primary) / 658 sq in with upper rack
Temperature Range
150°F - 550°F
Hopper Capacity
18 lbs
Connectivity
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (GMG Prime app)
Weight
147 lbs
Dimensions
55" x 25" x 49"
The Full Review
GMG built its reputation on actually being good — quietly, without the marketing budget of Traeger or the bargain-basement pricing of Pit Boss. The Daniel Boone Prime Plus is the model that won them their cult following.
The headline feature is the true PID controller. Most sub-$1,000 pellet grills use simpler P-setting controllers that swing temps ±20-30°F. The Daniel Boone Prime Plus holds temp within ±5°F across the cooking range. For low-and-slow cooks, this matters — your bark develops more evenly, your collagen breaks down more predictably, and you don't wake up at 3am to a 175°F or 275°F grill.
The peaked lid is the second standout. Most pellet grills have a flat or slightly curved lid that physically can't fit a 22-lb turkey upright. The Daniel Boone's peaked design accommodates a full turkey, a standing rib roast, or a tall vertical chicken roaster.
The GMG Prime app is good. Reliable Wi-Fi connection, accurate temp readings, and meaningful notifications. Sense-Mate thermal sensor monitors interior temp and adjusts pellet feed predictively — so opening the lid for spritzing doesn't cause a 30-minute recovery cycle.
Direct-flame access is a thoughtful touch. Remove the heat shield over the firepot and you can sear directly above the flame at 550°F+. Not as good as a dedicated sear station, but useful for finishing reverse-seared steaks.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Prime Plus (this) | 4.6 | $899 | GMG's mid-range pellet flagship — true PID controller, Wi-Fi, and a peaked lid that fits a turkey. |
| Recteq RT-700 | 4.7 | $899 | The direct-to-consumer pellet grill with a cult following. |
| Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 | 4.5 | $899 | Pit Boss's flagship pellet smoker — 1,150 sq in, PID control, and direct-flame searing at a price that still undercuts Traeger's mid-tier. |
Who Is It For?
PID-curious pellet grill buyers who want premium temperature control without spending $2,000+. Traeger-resisters looking for a credible alternative. Cooks who frequently smoke turkeys, prime ribs, or other tall cuts.
Final Verdict
The Daniel Boone Prime Plus is the most underrated pellet grill at this price point. The PID controller and peaked lid alone justify choosing it over a similarly-priced Traeger Pro 575. If you're shopping pellet grills under $1,000, put this on your list.
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