Mak 1 vs RecTec vs Yoder YS640

sfrancis353 · 11-23-2015, 07:57 AM

Did my first competition this weekend on a few UDS's and a weber kettle. The team is completely hooked, but I'm thinking I want to upgrade and get a pellet smoker. I'm still going to take the UDS and the kettle (or perhaps my BGE). Problem is, I'm stuck between what seems like three quality products and want the input of the brethren.

From what I see each of these have their plusses and minuses.

The Rectec is the least expensive, has a big cooking area, but not all the bells and whistles. It is the thinnest metal wise of the three, but everyone that has used one seems to rave about it.

The Mak 1 has one of the best controllers and can have up to 3 integrated meat probes. You basically have to buy the second rack however because the cooking area isn't huge. It seems like the whole thing is high grade stainless and rust won't be an issue.

The Yoder is a beast, has a good cooking surface, and can have a second shelf also. It doesn't seem to have all the technological advances of the Mak 1, but seems to be a complete tank and a work horse.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of these, but what I don't want to do is buy one and then wish I got something else. I'd like this to be the only pellet smoker I get. I plan on using it for backyard and competition. Any advice is most welcome and thanks in advance.

cpw · 11-23-2015, 08:14 AM

I don't know what your budget is, but Pekingporker is selling his yoder ys1500 here: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=220022

It would end up being more than the YS640, but they are awesome smokers and if I had the money for it, I would have already bought it.

Al_T · 11-23-2015, 08:35 AM

I was in your position about a year ago and considering all you listed plus a couple of others. For me it came down to one basic thing. Which one put out the most clean smoke. I really believe that the way the Yoder burn pot is designed it makes more smoke than the others. At 300 degrees it is still making plenty of clean blue smoke. It will have a little more temperature fluctuation but I think it really mimics the way a stick burner works without the hassle of tending the fire.

I came from a stick burner and wanted at pellet smoker because I just don't have the time anymore to tend a fire all day and night. I can say that the food that comes of my Yoder is as good as what came off by stick burner without all the fire tending. I actually think that constantly it makes the best ribs I have ever made on anything. I would buy another in a heart beat if I ever lost this one.

Good Luck

Al

Okie Sawbones · 11-23-2015, 11:05 AM

And throw in the FEC PG500 to the mix.

cpw · 11-23-2015, 11:42 AM

If you really want to complicate things, the St. Louis BBQ Store (another brethren vendor) is having a serious black friday sale on the Green Mountain grills, I haven't seen any negative reviews on that one.

sfrancis353 · 11-23-2015, 12:13 PM

Yeah I was thinking on waiting until Black Friday before I purchased anything. The wifi capabilities of the Green Mountain at its price point is very tempting.

sknabnoj · 11-23-2015, 12:27 PM

I'd seriously check out Blaz'n Grillworks. They put out an amazing product, great controllers and a lot of the bell's and whistles you are talking about come standard. They are more expensive than the Rec Tec's but not quite as spendy as a Yoder. I think it's the best bang for your buck out there.

SmittyJonz · 11-23-2015, 01:53 PM

Why do you want to compete with a pellet pooper?

Hog1990 · 11-23-2015, 02:00 PM

Used: Yoder - All Three models, 480,640,1500 | Mak 1 | Blaz'n Grills | FEC Line | GMG DB and DC (Wireless) | Firecraft (Currently using)

Have not used: Memphis, Rec Tec, Traeger, Smoke Hollow, Royall, Louisiana, Smoke Boss, Smokin Brothers...

Though I have not used the PG line from Cookshack, their 5 Series Controller is the best controller in a pellet grill/oven/smoker that I have used. Hands down. If the PG line is similar, then that is a great option.

Of the others I have used this is how I would rank the controller which is a huge consideration in these grills/smokers:

1. FEC by Cookshack
2. Blaz'n Grills
3. Firecraft
The controller in the Blaz'n and Firecraft Grills is the same controller that is used in the Memphis grills. This unit is rock solid.
4. Mak 1
5. Yoder 480
6. GMG DC
7. Yoder 1500
8. GMG DB
9. Yoder 640

Leftwngr · 11-23-2015, 03:04 PM

The Rec Tec controller is a Roanoke controller as well (same as Memphis, Blaz'n and Firecraft). I have one and it's solid.

It's a good unit. It isn't perfect, but nothing is. Certainly holds its own in terms of quality and construction. Not a cheap unit by any means.

I personally like to have my temperatures monitored separate from the controller, so that doesn't bother me.

If you're going to use it for competition though, you should know that it is a really top heavy unit, so moving it around can be precarious at times. It isn't a 1000 lb monster, but it still tips the scales near 250 lbs or so. With pellets, it is getting near 300. You don't want to have to catch it because it is tipping over. It's fine standing still, but rolling it around is interesting.

qman · 11-23-2015, 04:47 PM

Hog1990; curious why the Yoder 640 is DAl on your list?
OP; I just purchased a Yoder 640 with the comp cart. I would thing the mobility issue would be important for comp. Certainly makes moving it around in the back yard easy.
As someone above said, the Yoder produces great clean smoke.

HuskerMan · 11-23-2015, 06:16 PM

I have had the 640 for awhile now. It came down to that or the rec tec. I have been very happy with my purchase with no regrets. That being said I have heard great things about the other two also.

sfrancis353 · 11-23-2015, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the 411 on Blaz'n Grillworks. I honestly hadn't heard of them. I did my initial research on AmazingRibs and because there is no real pricing on their website I didn't have a good frame of reference. Did a little more research and they definitely are in the running. Love how much they include in their "standard" package. Will have to give them a call and see if I can't get some holiday pricing.

Okie Sawbones · 11-23-2015, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sknabnoj

I'd seriously check out Blaz'n Grillworks. They put out an amazing product, great controllers and a lot of the bell's and whistles you are talking about come standard. They are more expensive than the Rec Tec's but not quite as spendy as a Yoder. I think it's the best bang for your buck out there.

Damn yer mangey hide!

Now I have yet another one to consider. I'm wanting to add a pooper to my collection of smokers/grills.

Burnt to a T · 11-23-2015, 07:42 PM

Just so you guys know Blaz'n has a new Grid Iron setup. It has almost 2200 sq inches of cook space, and has 3 pull out shelves plus the lower grill grate. Two full 540 sq in, and one 3/4 375 sq in. They are spaced about 21/4" apart. I have pictures, but Tim doesn't want me to post them or give out the price or I would. Give him a call, and I'm sure he will let you in on it, but I have to respect what he asked of me. I forgot to mention thier web site is not very good so call them for info.

11-23-2015, 07:57 AM	#1
sfrancis353 Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 08-31-15 Location: Johns Creek, GA	Mak 1 vs RecTec vs Yoder YS640 Did my first competition this weekend on a few UDS's and a weber kettle. The team is completely hooked, but I'm thinking I want to upgrade and get a pellet smoker. I'm still going to take the UDS and the kettle (or perhaps my BGE). Problem is, I'm stuck between what seems like three quality products and want the input of the brethren. From what I see each of these have their plusses and minuses. The Rectec is the least expensive, has a big cooking area, but not all the bells and whistles. It is the thinnest metal wise of the three, but everyone that has used one seems to rave about it. The Mak 1 has one of the best controllers and can have up to 3 integrated meat probes. You basically have to buy the second rack however because the cooking area isn't huge. It seems like the whole thing is high grade stainless and rust won't be an issue. The Yoder is a beast, has a good cooking surface, and can have a second shelf also. It doesn't seem to have all the technological advances of the Mak 1, but seems to be a complete tank and a work horse. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of these, but what I don't want to do is buy one and then wish I got something else. I'd like this to be the only pellet smoker I get. I plan on using it for backyard and competition. Any advice is most welcome and thanks in advance.

11-23-2015, 08:14 AM	#2
cpw Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-28-11 Location: Savannah, Georgia Name/Nickname : Chad	I don't know what your budget is, but Pekingporker is selling his yoder ys1500 here: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=220022 It would end up being more than the YS640, but they are awesome smokers and if I had the money for it, I would have already bought it. __________________ ________________ [COLOR=Orange]Outlaw 2860 Porch Model[/COLOR] Lang 84 Deluxe Yoder YS640 Savannah, GA [URL="http://www.facebook.com/yesdearbbq"]Yes, Dear BBQ on Facebook[/URL] Proudly sponsored by Royal Oak Charcoal and [URL="https://www.atlantabbqstore.com/"]The Atlanta BBQ store[/URL]

11-23-2015, 11:05 AM	#4
Okie Sawbones Banned Join Date: 09-03-13 Location: Edgewood, TX	And throw in the FEC PG500 to the mix. __________________ My cooking family - 48" Jambo Pit Clone, Blaz'n Grill Works Gridiron Pellet, Primo XL Ceramic, Weber 22", Lynx 36" SS Grill PNWBA - CBJ, KCBS - CBJ DAV, VFW Cooking BBQ since 1971, seriously cooking BBQ since 1996, when I read Smoke and Spice.

11-23-2015, 11:42 AM	#5
cpw Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-28-11 Location: Savannah, Georgia Name/Nickname : Chad	If you really want to complicate things, the St. Louis BBQ Store (another brethren vendor) is having a serious black friday sale on the Green Mountain grills, I haven't seen any negative reviews on that one. __________________ ________________ [COLOR=Orange]Outlaw 2860 Porch Model[/COLOR] Lang 84 Deluxe Yoder YS640 Savannah, GA [URL="http://www.facebook.com/yesdearbbq"]Yes, Dear BBQ on Facebook[/URL] Proudly sponsored by Royal Oak Charcoal and [URL="https://www.atlantabbqstore.com/"]The Atlanta BBQ store[/URL]

11-23-2015, 12:27 PM	#7
sknabnoj Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-06-13 Location: Utah Name/Nickname : Jon	I'd seriously check out Blaz'n Grillworks. They put out an amazing product, great controllers and a lot of the bell's and whistles you are talking about come standard. They are more expensive than the Rec Tec's but not quite as spendy as a Yoder. I think it's the best bang for your buck out there. __________________ Memphis Pro Elite \| Weber 22.5 Performer \| WSM 22.5 \|

11-23-2015, 08:35 AM	#3
Al_T On the road to being a farker Join Date: 08-17-15 Location: San Antonio Texas	I was in your position about a year ago and considering all you listed plus a couple of others. For me it came down to one basic thing. Which one put out the most clean smoke. I really believe that the way the Yoder burn pot is designed it makes more smoke than the others. At 300 degrees it is still making plenty of clean blue smoke. It will have a little more temperature fluctuation but I think it really mimics the way a stick burner works without the hassle of tending the fire. I came from a stick burner and wanted at pellet smoker because I just don't have the time anymore to tend a fire all day and night. I can say that the food that comes of my Yoder is as good as what came off by stick burner without all the fire tending. I actually think that constantly it makes the best ribs I have ever made on anything. I would buy another in a heart beat if I ever lost this one. Good Luck Al

11-23-2015, 12:13 PM	#6
sfrancis353 Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 08-31-15 Location: Johns Creek, GA	Yeah I was thinking on waiting until Black Friday before I purchased anything. The wifi capabilities of the Green Mountain at its price point is very tempting.

11-23-2015, 01:53 PM	#8
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	Why do you want to compete with a pellet pooper? __________________ NO Such Thing as Over Smoked - just Over Dirty Smoked.............

11-23-2015, 02:00 PM	#9
Hog1990 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-02-14 Location: Springfield, MO	Used: Yoder - All Three models, 480,640,1500 \| Mak 1 \| Blaz'n Grills \| FEC Line \| GMG DB and DC (Wireless) \| Firecraft (Currently using) Have not used: Memphis, Rec Tec, Traeger, Smoke Hollow, Royall, Louisiana, Smoke Boss, Smokin Brothers... Though I have not used the PG line from Cookshack, their 5 Series Controller is the best controller in a pellet grill/oven/smoker that I have used. Hands down. If the PG line is similar, then that is a great option. Of the others I have used this is how I would rank the controller which is a huge consideration in these grills/smokers: 1. FEC by Cookshack 2. Blaz'n Grills 3. Firecraft The controller in the Blaz'n and Firecraft Grills is the same controller that is used in the Memphis grills. This unit is rock solid. 4. Mak 1 5. Yoder 480 6. GMG DC 7. Yoder 1500 8. GMG DB 9. Yoder 640 __________________ Lots and lots of grills and smokers...
	1 members found this post helpful.

11-23-2015, 03:04 PM	#10
Leftwngr is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 08-29-15 Location: Orange County, CA	The Rec Tec controller is a Roanoke controller as well (same as Memphis, Blaz'n and Firecraft). I have one and it's solid. It's a good unit. It isn't perfect, but nothing is. Certainly holds its own in terms of quality and construction. Not a cheap unit by any means. I personally like to have my temperatures monitored separate from the controller, so that doesn't bother me. If you're going to use it for competition though, you should know that it is a really top heavy unit, so moving it around can be precarious at times. It isn't a 1000 lb monster, but it still tips the scales near 250 lbs or so. With pellets, it is getting near 300. You don't want to have to catch it because it is tipping over. It's fine standing still, but rolling it around is interesting. __________________ -Peter Pucks not politics

11-23-2015, 04:47 PM	#11
qman Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-08-05 Location: Ocoee, Fl	Hog1990; curious why the Yoder 640 is DAl on your list? OP; I just purchased a Yoder 640 with the comp cart. I would thing the mobility issue would be important for comp. Certainly makes moving it around in the back yard easy. As someone above said, the Yoder produces great clean smoke. __________________ qman Para Bellum

11-23-2015, 06:16 PM	#12
HuskerMan Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-05-12 Location: Wahoo,Ne	I have had the 640 for awhile now. It came down to that or the rec tec. I have been very happy with my purchase with no regrets. That being said I have heard great things about the other two also.

11-23-2015, 06:41 PM	#13
sfrancis353 Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 08-31-15 Location: Johns Creek, GA	Thanks for the 411 on Blaz'n Grillworks. I honestly hadn't heard of them. I did my initial research on AmazingRibs and because there is no real pricing on their website I didn't have a good frame of reference. Did a little more research and they definitely are in the running. Love how much they include in their "standard" package. Will have to give them a call and see if I can't get some holiday pricing.

11-23-2015, 07:42 PM	#15
Burnt to a T Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 10-18-15 Location: Clemons Iowa	Just so you guys know Blaz'n has a new Grid Iron setup. It has almost 2200 sq inches of cook space, and has 3 pull out shelves plus the lower grill grate. Two full 540 sq in, and one 3/4 375 sq in. They are spaced about 21/4" apart. I have pictures, but Tim doesn't want me to post them or give out the price or I would. Give him a call, and I'm sure he will let you in on it, but I have to respect what he asked of me. I forgot to mention thier web site is not very good so call them for info.