Let's Talk BBQ
General => General Discussion & Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: FreeDivr on February 10, 2017, 05:43:21 PM
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Ok it's time for this newbies first forum post! As I stated in my intro/bio yesterday I am a recent convert from gas to charcoal (Weber). I have been having a blast since last summer, grilling and smoking a lot. All was well within the kingdom until about a month ago....
I was up at 430 a.m. for my first brisket attempt. Coffee and coals were hot, brisket properly handled and into a smoke filled sauna by 5 a.m. The next fourteen hours were filled with mixed emotion, anxiety, and truthfully a good amount of cold brewskies. The feast was nothing less than spectacular but it came with an ugly side. It began to grow slowly like a cancer in my mind; maybe, just maybe, I need a bigger smoker??? Now I kept the thoughts suppressed, no way I needed to spend more money on bbq. But like any good addict I slowly found reasons to justify my desire. Internet searching quietly in the night or perhaps in the recesses of the bathroom I'd slowly feed my addiction. Review after review, video after video....this must happen!
Eventually my inner bbq devil found a way to approach the subject with the boss lady. I turn 40 this year and obviously I need/want/deserve a wonderful gift right? Wouldn't she want me to have the ability to set up the smoker in the evening, set a temp, then retire to the bedroom for a good nights slumber with no concern over the delicious morsel I was preparing. That's it! A pellet smoker was gonna be the answer and the request. Lets just say the conversation was met with a resounding amount of approval. "Absolutely honey" was the reply! Well shoot for the moon at this point, I tell her that I really like the looks of this Yoder ys640 smoker (big price tag but lets shoot for the Porsche and negotiate to an Accord). Get whatever makes you smile and cranks out good food all summer was the reply. WOW, successful in the pre approval process I am now in a quandary, thus my long winded post and question...
I need thoughts/comments/advice on the Yoder ys640. I also looked at the Rec Tec 680 which has a much better price tag but the build quality looks less than the Yoder. I like the larger hopper on the Rec Tec but I just keep going back to the Yoder (lets not forget that ultra sweet competition cart, she said anything right?) LOL. Yoder's upper shelf looks a lot better as well. I have time to decide so I really want to make a good decision. I will be using my purchase primarily for smoking. Specifically because I love the idea of setting a temp and not having to mess with vents, charcoal etc. I will use the Weber for burgers/dogs or searing steaks. So I am looking at this for ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, things like that. I want good quality, longevity and ease of use. I know there are many opinions and many smokers, but I need some help from folks who know.
Cheers,
Matt
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Matt - you are thinking about your purchase rather than emoting....that is a good thing! ;) :D
I have owned a Yoder YS640 for a few years, and I sold it because of 2 things:
1. pellet consumption at temps above the "smoking" range became outrageous. TO the point of 5+ pounds per hour when I had it turned up to 600F. It would never really reach 600F....575F was doable.
2. The firmware issues....at las count Yoder was on update number 36 I think. And the effort required to update the controller is a P.I.A. as well as a waiting period for them to send you the update via a plug in module. Then you have to mail the module back.
Now - it is built like a tank. No question. But - that really did not benefit me. And - do not fall into eh marketing ploy of "thicker steel = better heat retention. It does not, and the evidence is clear. If it did...WHY would the pit require 5 lbs. an hour fuel? ;).
As well - the physics of steel being a good conductor does not refer only to electricity...it refers to heat transfer as well. So - thinner metal is not necessarily a negative. Too thin and one has other concerns about durability, and warpage.
I currently own a Rec Tec - and like it. It is pretty solid. Attractive - if you like the color. It works. I like the big hoper ( 40 lb. capacity) And the interior light when I remember to clean it between cooks ::) ;D. Built in China.
But - I hope I can convince you to look at a MAK. either the 1 or 2 Star General. ALL American made...and absolutely eh best factory controller I have seen yet - in terms of accuracy, features, reliability - and accessories. Even an option to add the pit to your WiFi network and control it from ANYWHERE in the world that you have internet. MAK does not even bu fasteners from China.
You will never outgrow the MAK - in terms of capabilities, and they support their product owners from the very first units on. I have one of the very first run - and MAK provides an up-grade path for all of the older MAKS - to bring them to current features and accessories - if you want to.
Buy once - cry once. Buy less...and you will be re-buying in few years . Maybe a couple....
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I was in the same dilemma as you. I looked at the Yoder, Rec Tec and the Blaz'n Grill Works. After at least a month of going back and forth I decided on the Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron. I did a full review of this pellet cooker here: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=7160.0.
Pellet grills have come a long way since the first Traegers and the competition is keen. What it really boils down to is ask yourself:
Does it meet all my wants needs?
Does it offer excellent customer service?
And does the price fit my budget?
That is what I based my decision on. Plus the Grid Iron is American made and built like a tank. Fuel consumption is excellent for it's size.
If you go to this section of the forum: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?board=59.0 which is Burn it in the Back Yard with Hub, he has some excellent tutorials about pellet cooking. I highly recommend you read this before making your decision.
**I forgot to add that if anything happens with my Grid Iron I will be buying a Mak, either the 1 Star or the 2 Star. At the time I bought my pellet cooker the Mak didn't fit into my budget.**
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The Yoder has been very hit or miss with people. They either love or hate 'em.
I was very close to buying a Yoder, then I started seeing some of the issues people were having with the programming, pellet consumption, uneven heat, etc.
I second Tim's suggestion to give MAK a serious look. After nearly a year of research my wife and I decided on a MAK and we have never once regretted that decision. I have looked at other pellet cookers and have even cooked on a few others. Let me just say the MAK is truly in a league of their own.
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I would also try to sway you to purchase a MAK. I have had my MAK 2 Star for a little less than a year and I love it. It's built to last and backed by a phenomenal company with excellent customer service. (Example - about 2 days after I purchased my MAK, I received a call from MAK telling me that the warming box on my unit had the accessory hook's hole drilled on the wrong side. Mike said they would send me a new smoker box in a few weeks. The fact that the company called me about a mistake they made on my grill that hadn't even been delivered yet blew me away.)
You hear it all the time on this forum - buy once, cry once. As my old mentor used to say, "Cheap is expensive." The price is definitely a little more than most pellet grills for a MAK, but it's well worth it.
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I've got a Mak 2 Star General circa 2014. I had igniter issues for the first year and to this day I'm not sure if the igniter was bad out of the box or if I broke the thing somehow when I assembled and first started using the cooker. Once I got that igniter replaced it's been a dream to own. If you can afford it I'd say you cannot go wrong with a Mak 2.
Just don't expect it to sear.
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I've got a Mak 2 Star General circa 2014. I had igniter issues for the first year and to this day I'm not sure if the igniter was bad out of the box or if I broke the thing somehow when I assembled and first started using the cooker. Once I got that igniter replaced it's been a dream to own. If you can afford it I'd say you cannot go wrong with a Mak 2.
Just don't expect it to sear.
The 2 Star w/ Flame Zone can't sear? Sear as in leave a bit of char? Or just sear and leave a nice brown crust on the surface of meat? How's the 2 Star do when loading down the entire grilling surface with simple things like burgers and chicken? Does the food come off with a "grilled/seared" appearance?
I mentioned it in another thread...but I am moving, and my new backyard will have a bit less space for my cooking arsenal. Seriously toying with the idea of purchasing a 2 Star as my ONLY smoker/grill. I'd still have my Blackstone Griddle...which I could always use for reverse sears in conjunction w/ a 2 Star :). Or use the Blackstone when entertaining and in need of a bunch of simple food QUICK.
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The new 2017 Mak one star improvements are pretty impressive. And the Mak company will never let you down.
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The 2 Star w/ Flame Zone can't sear? Sear as in leave a bit of char? Or just sear and leave a nice brown crust on the surface of meat? How's the 2 Star do when loading down the entire grilling surface with simple things like burgers and chicken? Does the food come off with a "grilled/seared" appearance?
Will it sear and char to the same degree as a "Vortex" or "Slow 'N Sear" over blazing hot charcoal? No, but for someone who grills occasionally (like me), YES, it can sear, and so will the MAK 1 Star with the FlameZone!
Here are a few tips I've learned about searing on the MAK:
1) This is crucial: If you want to sear with the FlameZone setup You HAVE to let the MAK preheat on "High" for at least 15 minutes or so FIRST! If you think about it, it's no different than preheating a Gas grill, or or less convenient than waiting for charcoal to ash over.
2) The MAK searing grates work better than the regular grates. They hold a lot more heat.
Some people like using the GrillGrates brand grates on their MAK's. I find them to work OK, but I prefer the MAK Searing Grate better because I can get a little char on the edges.
3) When searing, ignore what the temp sensor is telling you. That's the overall temp of the air in the grill, and will drop every time you open the grill. The temperature at grate level above the FlameZone is much hotter than that.
4) The blacker the FlameZone is (from use) the better it seems to work. My guess is it's radiating infrared heat.
5) The MAK Griddle gives one heck of an all-over sear as opposed to grill marks if that's your preference.
6) The type of Pellets you use makes a HUGE difference! Alder based pellets will NOT give you nearly as good results as Oak based pellets.
For optimal heat when grilling the best pellet I have found is the Lumberjack brand "Charblend Hickory" pellets. They have charcoal in the blend, which burns hotter, and my MAK does get just a little hotter than using regular pellets!
Here are a few pics of our MAK 1 Star in grilling action with the FlameZone and MAK Searing grate:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xvIJmyPOwAocQ3W7G_lD2Mjt6CVZnwj80BXEpbK1-V2aCA-vVOx322MxeAAxHBKGk4Amn2PbUpKtfVi24pAoyBtjZeuqGHSlhN081APl4bP5Jh-kYb0V_uKxJZXSqDbkyLfV0uURWS5J6PMCTwFLeKAjpNBjhh-AcOrwx4LOvoff56VumIaN-UnJuggGG-7mVVEo5sHfAE_BBaWQyGSuMUQ9YvQmUEUz5t-6SS9egP3KkVX51ENImrnhjO_V4LbuUJ9UfYvbxsVd52v3JI4fY0r8hmKw3Rtz9ffIBZu8daf1Pb3JQd90gB0SbVleJy5Nq3_up29auXlmargYXUaRFrDkfSKIF-gj4HNwWwcWHbB0h0qVPcuk2L1d3IigUBCgC74nEbIbT2jTTAluCTRXH7yb6Dhj8_-e9HfS2ORUO1mDCLG2R5ta7aHwkbNWRLYbqwm6I1JlxpM62pZJaX078OJoWwBFjIvjxp90DOHmK87DyG-THWZzNSMjCn5ilO7Yqf4vChZdzHvy_6hBqHJPa_1wiVJLQiCWOLBooGmAw-VtZGaqELbW7NRNGa3sMKI2zP_hcdy6MSnrDR4X_5fS_4otkYKjjW1VwBnLWCynh9RLzDMe73dG=w640-h465-no)
Note how black the FlameZone drip pan is in this pic, and that there IS a little char around the edges of these chops: 8)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ZEtxM8lUhaPCCBQJfJI8_SMHuXAzfgNTSCVHq1ZoJvji-ffV0VFV-WcPBdv1tvK6HqLREJgedCJ_4TQJfkg_zqetfb3sIAWlaOYwTKXLTnF2nBmxSeDE5ivpH1CtKv2VgKSAyS5iOTAuEeesezLE_avwHwmuLFYOQf-OkUtUnFVcvo2WnWvyFJL1r7Bc5dNkpDRNEhl6sI5RsKrGBrQnJB99nAVdtyNWP0L45QEqw2Fhf4te7n8qkKApF33oBJdtIf39r2utKu38LG1EEht3MoCRsL8l6EZ2F5rr02GU5h-3UEgW9H3bf8NGeDJFPfVztWtO-WftQnvlfnrMvMRMwqztmQ4kFXDOZ4HYXQwEBfbUXMW2-ohTg-TYBOyV8QLTih26CwAnlkSjHXPW85wVooG_1gMRP1RyCz4ILyxxa26dxBjNScGXx_uW3bT9KYSh818bG3IuYm_bgojK9oy2Tewj4yieaJImaFFU7_Bd30rOQm3h2hXagRpCZotHWHRFvIrROVzqY-E3-YK6tXQGzhxfNfMricuHg3B_BjHs-M4IJTTMTJkC6tDWHTS362Okrjdp8fIQkSKUNwauNOtTWhZwaI0JzOND3SqnOJTw7CelCjUZW5O=w800-h557-no)
Hope this helps!
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I am surprised no one has mentioned Memphis Pellet Grills. That's on my list when I move. I currently have a Traeger and it works fine for me but keep in mind I have many other grills so I use the Traeger for ribs and chicken and ABTs almost exclusively. If someone were wanting it to be an end all be all grill, it's not the one to have.
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I think the Memphis is a fi e product. And if one has a bias for grilling vs smoking with their pellet cooker...it should be considered in my opininion.
But...where I favor the MAK is in the number of accessories...the. better controller with a smoke mode and 3 probe ports.and WiFi option.
And...MAK usez a vrade of stainless that does not rust. Memphis has lowered the quality of their stainless and it rusts.
Lastly..the company. MAK is the pinnacle in customer and product support.
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I am surprised no one has mentioned Memphis Pellet Grills. That's on my list when I move. I currently have a Traeger and it works fine for me but keep in mind I have many other grills so I use the Traeger for ribs and chicken and ABTs almost exclusively. If someone were wanting it to be an end all be all grill, it's not the one to have.
I have a Memphis and would not trade it for anything!
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For me if I can only have one cooker in my backyard I'm going with a cooker that uses charcoal. They'll do everything. Look at the Hasty Bake or the M1 Grill.
If you just love the idea of pellet cooking, though, go for it! But try and get one more cooker. Squeeze another couple of square feet of your backyard away from the missus and add a Weber Jumbo Joe for when you want to sear. They stow away when you're not using them, too.
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The 2 Star w/ Flame Zone can't sear? Sear as in leave a bit of char? Or just sear and leave a nice brown crust on the surface of meat? How's the 2 Star do when loading down the entire grilling surface with simple things like burgers and chicken? Does the food come off with a "grilled/seared" appearance?
Will it sear and char to the same degree as a "Vortex" or "Slow 'N Sear" over blazing hot charcoal? No, but for someone who grills occasionally (like me), YES, it can sear, and so will the MAK 1 Star with the FlameZone!
Here are a few tips I've learned about searing on the MAK:
1) This is crucial: If you want to sear with the FlameZone setup You HAVE to let the MAK preheat on "High" for at least 15 minutes or so FIRST! If you think about it, it's no different than preheating a Gas grill, or or less convenient than waiting for charcoal to ash over.
2) The MAK searing grates work better than the regular grates. They hold a lot more heat.
Some people like using the GrillGrates brand grates on their MAK's. I find them to work OK, but I prefer the MAK Searing Grate better because I can get a little char on the edges.
3) When searing, ignore what the temp sensor is telling you. That's the overall temp of the air in the grill, and will drop every time you open the grill. The temperature at grate level above the FlameZone is much hotter than that.
4) The blacker the FlameZone is (from use) the better it seems to work. My guess is it's radiating infrared heat.
5) The MAK Griddle gives one heck of an all-over sear as opposed to grill marks if that's your preference.
6) The type of Pellets you use makes a HUGE difference! Alder based pellets will NOT give you nearly as good results as Oak based pellets.
For optimal heat when grilling the best pellet I have found is the Lumberjack brand "Charblend Hickory" pellets. They have charcoal in the blend, which burns hotter, and my MAK does get just a little hotter than using regular pellets!
Here are a few pics of our MAK 1 Star in grilling action with the FlameZone and MAK Searing grate:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xvIJmyPOwAocQ3W7G_lD2Mjt6CVZnwj80BXEpbK1-V2aCA-vVOx322MxeAAxHBKGk4Amn2PbUpKtfVi24pAoyBtjZeuqGHSlhN081APl4bP5Jh-kYb0V_uKxJZXSqDbkyLfV0uURWS5J6PMCTwFLeKAjpNBjhh-AcOrwx4LOvoff56VumIaN-UnJuggGG-7mVVEo5sHfAE_BBaWQyGSuMUQ9YvQmUEUz5t-6SS9egP3KkVX51ENImrnhjO_V4LbuUJ9UfYvbxsVd52v3JI4fY0r8hmKw3Rtz9ffIBZu8daf1Pb3JQd90gB0SbVleJy5Nq3_up29auXlmargYXUaRFrDkfSKIF-gj4HNwWwcWHbB0h0qVPcuk2L1d3IigUBCgC74nEbIbT2jTTAluCTRXH7yb6Dhj8_-e9HfS2ORUO1mDCLG2R5ta7aHwkbNWRLYbqwm6I1JlxpM62pZJaX078OJoWwBFjIvjxp90DOHmK87DyG-THWZzNSMjCn5ilO7Yqf4vChZdzHvy_6hBqHJPa_1wiVJLQiCWOLBooGmAw-VtZGaqELbW7NRNGa3sMKI2zP_hcdy6MSnrDR4X_5fS_4otkYKjjW1VwBnLWCynh9RLzDMe73dG=w640-h465-no)
Note how black the FlameZone drip pan is in this pic, and that there IS a little char around the edges of these chops: 8)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ZEtxM8lUhaPCCBQJfJI8_SMHuXAzfgNTSCVHq1ZoJvji-ffV0VFV-WcPBdv1tvK6HqLREJgedCJ_4TQJfkg_zqetfb3sIAWlaOYwTKXLTnF2nBmxSeDE5ivpH1CtKv2VgKSAyS5iOTAuEeesezLE_avwHwmuLFYOQf-OkUtUnFVcvo2WnWvyFJL1r7Bc5dNkpDRNEhl6sI5RsKrGBrQnJB99nAVdtyNWP0L45QEqw2Fhf4te7n8qkKApF33oBJdtIf39r2utKu38LG1EEht3MoCRsL8l6EZ2F5rr02GU5h-3UEgW9H3bf8NGeDJFPfVztWtO-WftQnvlfnrMvMRMwqztmQ4kFXDOZ4HYXQwEBfbUXMW2-ohTg-TYBOyV8QLTih26CwAnlkSjHXPW85wVooG_1gMRP1RyCz4ILyxxa26dxBjNScGXx_uW3bT9KYSh818bG3IuYm_bgojK9oy2Tewj4yieaJImaFFU7_Bd30rOQm3h2hXagRpCZotHWHRFvIrROVzqY-E3-YK6tXQGzhxfNfMricuHg3B_BjHs-M4IJTTMTJkC6tDWHTS362Okrjdp8fIQkSKUNwauNOtTWhZwaI0JzOND3SqnOJTw7CelCjUZW5O=w800-h557-no)
Hope this helps!
That does help! Your Flame Zone...do you just let the drippings fall right on the SS, or do you cover with foil and poke holes? If straight on the stainless, how is the cleanup? Pain? Your cleaning method?
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For me if I can only have one cooker in my backyard I'm going with a cooker that uses charcoal. They'll do everything. Look at the Hasty Bake or the M1 Grill.
If you just love the idea of pellet cooking, though, go for it! But try and get one more cooker. Squeeze another couple of square feet of your backyard away from the missus and add a Weber Jumbo Joe for when you want to sear. They stow away when you're not using them, too.
As crazy as it may sound...I do have an M1. LOVE IT! Also have an older MAK 1 Star without the Flame Zone. Love LOVE the convenance of pellet munchers! I have a large family, and we always seem to be on the go. My 1 Star allows me to keep cooking even when we are crazy busy. The Pellet Boss is amazing. My biggest concern is weeknight grilling on a 2 Star.
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Sorry to the OP...I've kind of taken over your thread :(
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For me if I can only have one cooker in my backyard I'm going with a cooker that uses charcoal. They'll do everything. Look at the Hasty Bake or the M1 Grill.
If you just love the idea of pellet cooking, though, go for it! But try and get one more cooker. Squeeze another couple of square feet of your backyard away from the missus and add a Weber Jumbo Joe for when you want to sear. They stow away when you're not using them, too.
X2 a large Weber would be my one cookers.....just have the 18 now but they are all great
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That does help! Your Flame Zone...do you just let the drippings fall right on the SS, or do you cover with foil and poke holes? If straight on the stainless, how is the cleanup? Pain? Your cleaning method?
No do NOT cover it with foil! That would interfere with the heat transfer for sure. The FlameZone is a drip pan, so just let the dripping fall onto it.
Cleanup isn't hard at all. If it's greasy, I take it out, wash it down with a little soapy water, spray it down with a hose, and let it dry. Then about once or twice a year I stick it in our self cleaning oven, along with the regular drip pan, racks, etc., and run a 3 hour self-cleaning cycle. Easy peasy.
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I am surprised no one has mentioned Memphis Pellet Grills. That's on my list when I move. I currently have a Traeger and it works fine for me but keep in mind I have many other grills so I use the Traeger for ribs and chicken and ABTs almost exclusively. If someone were wanting it to be an end all be all grill, it's not the one to have.
I have a Memphis and would not trade it for anything!
Mike, you were who I was thinking of when I typed that, lol!
So Freedivr, you've been steered in many directions. I say that you should buy the best you can afford. The most expensive doesn't necessarily translate into being better, so keep that in mind. I will say what others have said. I have NOT cooked on a Yoder. I do like they way they look, I know a guy with one and as far as I know he likes it. For me, I think it may be overpriced but what do I know? I paid $1500.00 for a one trick pony (Karubecue C60) so maybe I am not qualified to speak on things of that nature. One thing to consider, you can buy a Rec-Tec AND a nice second cooker for less than what the Yoder costs. That's how I equate value but then again, my oldest grill I own is from August of 2011. I have been known to buy things and sell them. I look at it as nothing ventured, nothing gained. I like to try new cookers and sometimes that means I'd rather buy 2 things versus 1 really pricey thing. I see both sides though.
Good luck with your decision, we'll be awaiting the arrival of it!
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I am greatful for all the responses and info! I have a 26" Weber so that part is covered as some have mentioned having one. The Yoder is very pricey, but quality seems good. The Rec Tec is definitely in the running. I have looked at the Mak you all are mentioning, to be honest and I realize I am the newbie but it seems relatively small cooking area? I want to have plenty of space to do a ton of ribs for several families or a couple briskets....I can see this decision wont the easy.
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I am greatful for all the responses and info! I have a 26" Weber so that part is covered as some have mentioned having one. The Yoder is very pricey, but quality seems good. The Rec Tec is definitely in the running. I have looked at the Mak you all are mentioning, to be honest and I realize I am the newbie but it seems relatively small cooking area? I want to have plenty of space to do a ton of ribs for several families or a couple briskets....I can see this decision wont the easy.
Whatever you decide will be the right choice! No matter what, one thing is for certain, good food is in your future!
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I've had my Rec-Tec for two years now and can't say anything but good things about.
So far this thing has been bullet proof and very little maintenance as far as cleaning. I spent many days trying to decide which way to go as far as buying a Rec Tec, Traeger and even looked at a Green Mountain but remembering how solid the Rec-Tec were at the GA cookout. The price was a bit high but a good smoker is not going to be cheap, I looked at MAK's and wanted one so bad after I used Tenthunters at one of the cookouts issue was the extra $500 bucks more than the Rec Tec. My better half ok'd the $1000 bucks but no way could I go $1500 or more ??? without getting kicked out of the house. I heard of Memphis grills but never got to touch one so it really never factored in to the decision
If you got the $$$$ get the MAK you won't be sorry, but for me the $$$ for the Rec-Tec was best for the money.
Rec-Tec's service is second to none also, any issue I've ask about was handled right then no waiting :thumbup:
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Here is my take on the Yoder pellet grills:
I did pellet consumption testing for Eric over at Simi Pellet Grills and he brought over a Yoder YS-480. The smallest of Yoders pellet grill offerings. We also had a Camp Chef and a Rec Tec and a Green Mountain Daniel Boone that we were also using for the consumption tests.
The Yoder is a fuel hog. That 1/4 inch steel body is fine for a stick burner but way to thick for a pellet grill imho. It took way too long to come to temp. When in smoking temperatures and I wanted to bump it up to 400, it took way too long to respond.
These tests were done in April in the San Fernando Valley at the time and the temps were in the 60's.
We put a Yoder thermo blanket on it and wheeled it into direct sunlight and the pellet consumption was no way near to the other lesser priced grills on the patio.
Is the Yoder a solid offering...you bet. American made. The Yoder also had the weakest smoke flavor profile of all the pellet grills I have cooked on. The fire just burns too clean. The hopper is 18 lbs and you better keep a bag nearby because you will be topping it off alot. Overnight cooks?? Better have your alarm set for two in the morning so you don't run out of fuel.
So..............If you don't mind where the grill is made.......go Rec Tec. The best of the "imported" grills by a country mile.
If you want to buy American: Mak or Memphis or Blazin. Yoder and Cookshack are the weakest of the American offerings if you ask me.
I understand Sawtooth grills are back in business and they are getting good reviews.....also made here.
Good Luck. Whatever you get we will be glad to see and hear about it :)
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Ain't it great to have so many so many choices? And - sound advice from many folks that have experience.
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I just can't say enough how thankful I am with all this advice....even this part of the process is a lot of fun!!!
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I just can't say enough how thankful I am with all this advice....even this part of the process is a lot of fun!!!
That is the spirit! Enjoy the processes of inquiry, research, and decision making. All of those will add up to you finding what suits your specific needs best.
I give this bit of advice fairly often: Make a list of your priorities for this purchase. Organize them in most to least important. Make copies. For each pit you look at - think of it as an "interview". The pit is looking to be hired for a job you have created, with some specific requirements. Score each pit based on your observations and findings.
The parameters might include:
size - what is the useable area of the grilling surface. Height as well as surface area are important here.
construction - This is partially responsible for durability, with some variables.
warranty - plain enough....
availability - is there local dealer support? Not absolutely necessary...but it is a plus.
upgradeability - important to me - but maybe not to everyone
manufacturer responsiveness - this includes customer and product.
knowledge base - are there owner's groups that can answer questions, make suggestions and offer advice for the product
cost - surely not the last on the list...but it should not be first either. Try hard to not allow it to become "the" factor in the decision.
There are other things you may want to include in your own list. And - you need to prioritize them as fits YOUR needs.
Best of luck, and keep us posted on your progress. :)
T
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I just can't say enough how thankful I am with all this advice.... even this part of the process is a lot of fun!!!
Hey, it's a big purchase, so keep asking away!
I have looked at the Mak you all are mentioning, to be honest and I realize I am the newbie but it seems relatively small cooking area?
I thought the same thing until I started cooking on our 1 Star. Tee's advice, "the useable area... height as well as surface area are important," is spot on! The best thing I can say is do not be deceived by the relatively small footprint of this grill. The MAK holds a lot more food than you'd think, especially with the full upper rack in place (which doubles its capacity). Most grills can't offer a full upper rack because of height and/or lid design.
Here are a couple examples:
Every year I do a few large cookouts, one being the annual Marching Band cookout during Band Camp week.
This past year I cooked enough pork shoulders on my MAK 1 Star to feed 140 hungry band kids, staff & volunteers.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IVY9AT4o2TfBm2tqXwzseo7xf4qIo02ASEa-6WE50JDXFkj7K6qg-4f_oVjgQ46mNkYULvsNatgb8idm4eLdBQRLk8Ozh6DurQ2ULU6VBcs0BlTaoRG7GwUEU6M2p4D7oAQWvFAIkwfwg3UBT0ccDFjCELAaUGvxm_WicDEo3T0oXymtVoxkfwJplkDPte8FU8LTxGbCasjBgU3AZtvEP7VHu43E1QyUJQwHhMV-6a2IY5ZeZ43EwHHLrz5beRxTjjLBvyg7r9MPTTjTw3rmP3oSwpCyY5jJkoJU3lKoMfPu1S_7roujyMa6cWo1NmkImWZjyAeFzdtftuGUZ2kbwoiUKDa8gv6AgUgMWhccGgk2NDpIglhnTKlyk1KR9peQx5gOFr71Z0TnB8Sw8dj4J--d4pDsCWiezUZNKB5J1oF4x-FwY2G9nRC34ekiRs6Mjg7vAHWc64nwi1V73kEkBnt4j8GoJp6AE7MwwbkOWhzdQYZTrSbG6GYX5oZTa1Dy06r2oIzTzkglmoBIfg0x2g0Jo8ET7y72RbaBhfKHErXxfSGVaq--_vsA5_MDvXo53l6GdpVofl1bwHziL1OSXap55c5NCQkORzf0S1gEcZPaKt2MFECPdRICJcTwPxedMUn4bdz_Cf_T9dOknyFgF6-IANUC3bqr2ajVNGFeFQ=w640-h480-no)
And it can hold a whole mess of chicken too...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/G5Mk-Lt3r2LQjePrQGI1wmvYmwvQkuWg6ivRPEvgCqHZrSrOctHwjD2hIq37sOrJCE2GlRcJhBuPJEoj8PZKkDNPMZRFk_ARNyuW80fc2g68vTdCJ-0tDBSDrPO3LsH71bSzU767A9SKcQ_RFfyCi7cyw5_-aGutFDPDnWVkAFSJbQIEkxiJvIylgFaTum0EUhZIVoGzFSJX5Za-A4-BSTVBD1-XC5Tqcq3FgYdBpHpeVK2WGyTLnhzNGUw4jK__AK-7tZt95Hj-ZPR1PuUqrTOpug9J41ATd738XdbvjviUekGpuef7kX7p55STDXnVTWli5QtKfIdpL66b_me6NwjxEDuIEfBW3mTneMfeU7DVjz0KV7DpSJ4HK1utdhf1DvNQh2pKKXTX0F2hRlDZEd4juNfbGLxWlZRtTjk3vyHguBMzBgChJbgz6QJtRefOaPPym52JPNh5OKcR4elFpC4HD1nmlMg-e7tPaw9fIaPyg8JAjohe29RXZq9dXJyy4dIIkoSRolQ3bjXt3Q71dUrooAHdIgCvdfiiG3l2m6bKBOWx24l0UxdS37dSyMXslOfHzccwb1g7pZcd-YgAT21wuxrgPyVD0kw_oF-9P21tJ-5SQwTT=w550-h413-no)
And keep in mind, the new 2017 1 Star, and the 2 Star are bigger than what you're seeing here.
Again, hope this helps!
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Facebook has many pages devoted to most pellet grills by users. You can get some good advice and lots of pictures of the pit in action just keep in mind that you are going to get strictly biased advice.
Pellet grills have this phenomenon where a fella gets a certain Pellet Grill and it immediately becomes "The Best Ever" and "Everything else is junk" You don't see this with charcoal and gas grills with Weber being the distinction of having Weber Nation but that is well deserved...Weber has earned it through the decades.
Tee and Tent and others have given you some solid advice.
Personally, none of us here really care or prefer which Mfg of a pellet grill you get.........we just want you to be totally happy with your purchase :)
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I am greatful for all the responses and info! I have a 26" Weber so that part is covered as some have mentioned having one. The Yoder is very pricey, but quality seems good. The Rec Tec is definitely in the running. I have looked at the Mak you all are mentioning, to be honest and I realize I am the newbie but it seems relatively small cooking area? I want to have plenty of space to do a ton of ribs for several families or a couple briskets....I can see this decision wont the easy.
I was in the same boat as you not too long ago and kept leaning from one smoker to another until I finally made my decision. I liked the looks and quality of the Yoder as well and considered it for a while as well. I l;anded on the MAK 1 star and have LOVED it! As for cooking area, they have 3 upper grate options, 1/2, 3/4, and full upper. I've seen pics of guys cooking 8 whole pork butts on one with the full upper grate. How much are you really going to be cooking at once?!
Anyways, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices you're looking at. All I know is I have liked my MAK more than I thought I would and it has surpassed my expectations. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
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Should have read the whole post before I replied! Tenthunter already posted his pics, that's what I was thinking of. That's a crap ton of food on one little smoker!
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Should have read the whole post before I replied! Tenthunter already posted his pics, that's what I was thinking of. That's a crap ton of food on one little smoker!
sure is cool when you can go vertical :thumbup:
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Get the upper rack and never look back
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Well tomorrow's work day includes additional research on the MAK....I smoked three tri tips on the Weber this evening and day dreamed about a new smoker LOL!
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Well tomorrow's work day includes additional research on the MAK....I smoked three tri tips on the Weber this evening and day dreamed about a new smoker LOL!
You start researching MAK...it's all over. Congrats on your new MAK!! ;-)
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MAK is the best, has always been the best and will probably always be the best. They give new meaning to continuous improvement. They are always looking for ways to improve their product.
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Love my one one start. Mak is awesome. I think everyone already covered most pros so just another view for mak
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I'll make you a good deal on my 2014 Mak 2 Star.
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I'll make you a good deal on my 2014 Mak 2 Star.
Go on..... ;D
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I'll make you a good deal on my 2014 Mak 2 Star.
Go on..... ;D
I was mostly kidding. I actually want the 2017, but I think I can just upgrade what I have in lieu of buying another. Waiting to hear back from Mak on that.