MAK 1, MAK 2 or Memphis Advantage

[BlackC5]

I would have NEVER thought I would be asking for opinions and advice so I could spend somewhere between $1,800 to $2,800 for an outdoor BBQ grill.  I currently use a Weber charcoal grill.  Have owned two of them and multiple propane gas grills over the years.  Most I have ever spent on one was probably $300.  Yeah, I am laughing too.  Anyways, at this stage of life, I would like to get a grill that can actually help me cook meat that tastes so good.  My choices are narrowed down to either a MAK 1 or MAK 2 or a Memphis Advantage and I will genuinely consider alternative brands, models if suggested.  Accessories, if not included, that I would be interested in are a grill grate, 3/4 or full size top rack, port or ports for a meat probe and a griddle.  (Not sure if the MAK 1 accepts a griddle like the MAK 2 does).  I am in North Florida and to my knowledge, there are not any MAK or Memphis dealers within a couple hundred miles or more.  Any suggestions, recommendations on where I can purchase the grill I choose is also appreciated. Thanks in advance for all replys.

[smokeasaurus]

The grill might be expensive but our advice is cheap 

Mak is one of our beloved forum sponsors here and we have some Mak owners here that will chime in soon. We also have some happy Memphis owners who will be here pretty soon.

[Pappymn]

You have picked the best IMO. You can not go wrong with any of them. Muebe will chime in on the Memphis. I have a 2 Star. Not possible to get a better company or service then Mak. They really are the best.

[smokeasaurus]

There is a fireplace store off the mountain that I frequent for my wood stove goodies. They have a Mak 1 Star setting next to a GMG and a Traeger. I am not hating on GMG or Traeger but the Mak makes them looks like a 9 year old built them when it is close to them. The fit and finish is awesome. Wendy has to grab me by my beard and drag me away before I get my credit card out 

[teesquare]

There things in favor of each product line...I know that the Memphis gets hotter..but I can do really hot on my Weber gasser too....

But the thing that MAK does not advertise is.... an "up-grade path" that their design work takes into consideration. SO,virtually all of the important features that have been added with each new generation of MAK 2 Stars - can be retrofit on the first series of MAKS!!!!

I know of NO OTHER company - that offers the level of technology, quality of construction ( and will not even buy a screw from China...no kidding...) AND....thinks so much about their previous buyers - that they make it possible - and feasible - for us to up-grade our older units - to current.

Aside from that - the controller has 3 ports for probes and with the optional WiFi controller ( which you can up-grade to later if you like or order it with the new grill ) you can control your MAK from anywhere in the world that you have internet service. Sounds frivolous...But if you are busy - or forgetful about appointments, or dinner plans...And you have a brisket on your grill when reality sets in - and you have to go...NOW....you can monitor it, and turn the temp. up, down or turn the pit off...all from your phone, laptop, or any computer on the 'net. 

The grade of stainless is higher than other girl manufacturers often use. It will not rust - and some stainless does.The 2 star has a cold smoker built in. The smoke mode on the 2 star will produce outstanding amounts of good color smoke ( not the white creosote taking stuff )

And - just look at their website and all of the accessories you can get!

Hope this helps-

T

[BlackC5]

Thank you Smokeasaurus, Pappyman and teesquare for your responses so soon!  Good humor made me chuckle and positive advice lets me know I am in good company.  Can I order directly from the MAK or Memphis Grills websites or through a certain dealer.  If through a dealer, is it okay to ask whom you recommend to buy from or will an Internet search lead me to dealers I can comparison shop with?  I would like to continue reading opinions about the MAK's and Memphis Advantage and I believe MAK's 2016 1 Star has been updated with a couple features from the 2 Star.  I think the MAK 1 now has the new igniter, pellet chute door and increased grill surface that will accept the griddle like the MAK 2 but not the higher quality stainless or warmer/cold smoker.  What I liked about the Memphis Advantage was it's insulation, stainless steel and ability to also sear/grill, smoke and bake as the MAK's.

[sparky]

The Memphis advantage is not insulated.  It has a double walled lid and bottom part.  When you close the lid the top and bottom form a double wall on the sides.  Low temp on mak is 170°.  Low temp on the new advantage is 180°.  High temp on mak is 500.  On a advantage with OF2 on is 750° and I'm grilling right above the fire pot.  I can burn the cramp out of stuff at that temp.  Both are great grills.  I have owned a 2 star for a long time and also owned three 1 stars (catering stuff).  I LOVE my Memphis'.  Very miserly on pellets.  Any choice you make will be the right one. 

[BlackC5]

Thank you Sparky!  Ahhhh, I didn't read and comprehend well enough to realize insulated and double-walled are not the same.  I took it that it was.  Not that double-walled isn't pretty good too I suppose, at retaining heat loss due to a low ambient air temperature or wind.  I should have looked up the definitions.  Point well taken