The Official Pellet Grill Smoker thread.

[SeminoleCooker]

Yes, I don't grill much, but I use it for reverse sear regularly. It can certainly grill very well though. I think all the ones I mentioned were in your price range. Pitts and Spitts would be close. Smoke Daddy is well below your range. You need the optional 2 piece diffuser, to make it a great grill though.

Agreed on the two piece diffuser. I guess my biggest question is whether I want to jump from say the Rec Tec or GMG to the Yoder or MAK. Would the main difference be the quality of the MAK or Yoder versus the Rec Tec or GMG?

As far as the cooking goes, all would be somewhat equal?

 

[darita]

Today I join your ranks.....it’s MAK Monday!


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I envy you, your cookers. I personally don't think there's any one best type cooker. You have all great pits and have your choice of all those subtle flavor differences. Now you can add pellets to your arsenal, you lucky bugger.:biggrin1:

 

[pjtexas1]

The Smoke Daddy is similar to Traeger or other foreign made pellet grill as far as the grill body. It comes with heavier duty diffuser ang drip pan, better/bigger hopper and much better controller. You can also add a lot of options.

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[TonyBen]

Got the call yesterday from UPS. My Rec-Tec 700 will be here a week from today!

Tony.

 

[rwalters]

Hello,

Long time follower of this site and I appreciate all the valuable information that is provided.

I have read quite a bit on this site and others and have narrowed my choices down to 3 or 4. The Rec Tec Stampede, GMG Jim Bowie, Yoder 640 or a MAK 1 star. I didn't know much about the Mak before reading on this site.

The main reason for the GMG is due to the wifi as well as the black Friday special that is running. The Rec Tec seems to be a better smoker than the GMG, but with the understanding that both are imports. Of the two which one would be a better value?

I have also looked at the Yoder's and am impressed with the quality, with the drawback that it doesn't have a wifi enabled controller. The MAK looks nice, but seems very small in comparison and not as well built.

I know these had been debated at nauseum but would appreciate any insight to consider before making a purchase.

In my opinion, we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't get to know you a bit better.

1- What does your current cooking arsenal look like? Whatcha got?

2- How many people do you cook for on a regular basis?

3- Do you enjoy entertaining? If yes, what might be the largest number of people that you'd find yourself cooking for?

4- When looking for a pellet smoker, are you only interested in the low-n-slow/roasting aspects of this type of cooker, or does it need to be able to grill well?

5- What does a "large cook" look like for you? When doing a large cook, what types of meat do you typically cook, along with the quantities?

6- What is your MAX budget?

7- What's more important to you... price/overall good quality/bang for buck OR top quality/little consideration for price?

8- Is WiFi an absolute necessity?

Based on your answers, there may be solid advice here that'll take you in an entirely different direction OR confirm the direction you are already going

 

[pjtexas1]

^^^this
Without this we will just tell you how great the one we bought is. :heh:

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[rwalters]

^^^this
Without this we will just tell you how great the one we bought is. :heh:

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...or, build a UDS ;-)

 

[Joshw]

Agreed on the two piece diffuser. I guess my biggest question is whether I want to jump from say the Rec Tec or GMG to the Yoder or MAK. Would the main difference be the quality of the MAK or Yoder versus the Rec Tec or GMG?

As far as the cooking goes, all would be somewhat equal?

I wish I could answer that, but I am guessing there aren't many people out there than can. I have only cooked on my Yoder, so I can't speak for the other manufacturers. I know that the vast majority of pellet grill owners are happy, no matter what grill they own. Normally there is a brand bias, based on whatever people own. I try not to do that, but when you like something so much, it is hard to not be a little bias.

I researched extensively, before buying my grill. The 3 choice I narrowed it down to were Rec-Tec, Mak, and Yoder. I ultimately went with Yoder for 2 reasons.

1. I liked how it looked, compared to others. Looks like a smoker, not a grill, and is made from very heavy steel. You really can't appreciate the build of it, until you see it in person.

2. Based on my research, the consensus was that it gave the strongest smoke profile, of any pellet grill. I was skeptical of pellet grills, and I didn't want to save a few hundred dollars, be disappointed, and always wonder what I was missing. I figured buy, what I thought was the best, and see how I like it. So now I have an expensive cooker, that i am extremely happy with. Do I wonder if the cheaper grills cook as good? Sure but I don't care, because I am happy with mine.

 

[SeminoleCooker]

In my opinion, we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't get to know you a bit better.

1- What does your current cooking arsenal look like? Whatcha got?

Weber Genesis Grill, and a BGE

2- How many people do you cook for on a regular basis?

Typically 5-7

3- Do you enjoy entertaining? If yes, what might be the largest number of people that you'd find yourself cooking for?

Yes, most would be 17-20

4- When looking for a pellet smoker, are you only interested in the low-n-slow/roasting aspects of this type of cooker, or does it need to be able to grill well?

Would like to have the option of grilling as well, but the most important aspect would be the ability to smoke.

5- What does a "large cook" look like for you? When doing a large cook, what types of meat do you typically cook, along with the quantities?

Large would be 20 people. Ribs, Boston Butts, chicken, and would like to explore baking some items on the pellet grill

6- What is your MAX budget?

$1800

7- What's more important to you... price/overall good quality/bang for buck OR top quality/little consideration for price?

Varies, But want to buy a smoker that will last. Been very satisfied with my weber and want a smoker along the same lines. One that will last 10-15 years with care

8- Is WiFi an absolute necessity?

No,

Based on your answers, there may be solid advice here that'll take you in an entirely different direction OR confirm the direction you are already going

Thanks for the input.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Thanks for the input.

Based on those answers I would recommend you check out the Smokin Brothers Premier 36. http://smokinbrothers.com/product/smokin-brothers-36-premier-grill-with-pid-program-control/ It's right at your budget limit but it's an American made quality product and it has one of the best controllers in the industry.

 

[rwalters]

Thanks for the input.

You've got some nice gear already!

Man, $1800 puts you in a pretty sweet spot... BUT, it also puts you slightly above the mid-grade pellet cookers and slightly under the high end. Now that we know a bit more about what you are after... I am just gonna tell you what I would do if in your shoes. I know there are other solid options, but personally, I think this is the best at the $1800 price point.

https://www.kumastoves.com/Store/ProductDetails/platinumSE

Why the Kuma?

1- Solid company staffed with extremely knowledgeable and EXTREMELY helpful/friendly people. Just call em', you'll see
2- Per your wish list, this grill gives simple access to direct flame when desired.
3- This grill has what appears to be a very high quality powder coat finish.
4- Under the powder coated finish sit aluminized steel. This is the same finish that MAK uses on their 1 Stars (which I am very familiar with). Why is this a big deal? Get a scratch or chip in the powder coat, you will not have to worry about rust. You should really never have to worry about rust on this cooker.
5- In my opinion, any grill that provides 400+ sq" of cooking space makes cooking for 20ish people an easy-peasy task. This grill provides 465 sq" on the main cooking grate, with additional grates available if needed. If I were buying this grill, I would buy 2 additional giving me close to 900 sq".
6- The controller is manufactured by Roanoke, which is a very reputable manufacturer.
7- The entire cooking chamber/lid is double wall insulated with 304 SS.
8- This is the only company that I am aware of that offers a money back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied with the cooker. You'd have to double check, but I think you have around 45-60 days to give it a test drive.

Perhaps, after looking at this cooker you will decide it is just not the right one for YOU, and that is totally cool. The only other pellet grill that I can think of, that falls into that price range and offers a direct flame option, would be Yoder. Not that you couldn't/wouldn't be super happy with a Yoder, but for the reasons listed above, I would choose the Kuma.

Just my 2 cents

 

[rwalters]

Based on those answers I would recommend you check out the Smokin Brothers Premier 36. http://smokinbrothers.com/product/smokin-brothers-36-premier-grill-with-pid-program-control/ It's right at your budget limit but it's an American made quality product and it has one of the best controllers in the industry.

If you decide that you can live without direct flame, this is another fantastic option!

 

[Joshw]

Based on those answers I would recommend you check out the Smokin Brothers Premier 36. http://smokinbrothers.com/product/smokin-brothers-36-premier-grill-with-pid-program-control/ It's right at your budget limit but it's an American made quality product and it has one of the best controllers in the industry.

If you decide that you can live without direct flame, this is another fantastic option!

Yeah, if you want to spend $300 more, and have less cooking options than the Yoder, this would be a great choice. Not this model, but I have seen Smoking Brothers in person. Not in the same class as the Yoder, for more money?? No thanks.

 

[gtsum]

Agreed on the two piece diffuser. I guess my biggest question is whether I want to jump from say the Rec Tec or GMG to the Yoder or MAK. Would the main difference be the quality of the MAK or Yoder versus the Rec Tec or GMG?



As far as the cooking goes, all would be somewhat equal?

I’ve owned a yoder and currently own a Memphis Elite and a GMG DC. I use the GMG in the camper and it works well and produces a lot of smoke (many folks say it is the smokiest of the GMG pellet grills). I have looked at other GMG pellet grills and the construction seems the same across their lineup. Basically, it’s thin metal with ok fit and finish (door seams, etc). GMG has WiFi control with bells and whistles. Produces great food.

The Yoder is well built (except for rust issues and some grease leakage), much higher quality than any GMG, gets hotter and will grill and sear much better (with two piece diffuser and grill grates). Yoder is not a pid controller and you will have temp fluctuations from the controller. It’s how it’s designed but it produces a lot of smoke. It works great and produces great food.

The Memphis is built better than the Yoder, has higher quality fit and finish, a much tighter temp variation window, WiFi (but basic controls), better grease management, and gets quite a bit hotter for searing. Runs like a fine Swiss watch and produces great food. It is not 2 times better than the Yoder...law of diminishing returns applies here imo. It’s like comparing a Wolf range with a GE range...doubtful you could taste a difference in food between the two.

I would put Mak in the same category as Memphis on quality of build. Your price point determines your options imo...at 1800, you would be hard pressed to beat the yoder...or Mak 1 Star...but accessories and shipping will also eat into the budget.

The more I cook on different pellet cookers, the more I’m of the belief that the end product is the same (assuming same pellets used). With the exception of high heat searing......my Memphis sears as well as my kamado over lump charcoal or my lynx gasser I had. If you don’t care about good searing, your options open up a good bit more (only a few pellet grills can actually sear really well). Just depends on what you value in a cooker. Good luck!




Memphis Elite





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[rwalters]

I’ve owned a yoder and currently own a Memphis Elite and a GMG DC. I use the GMG in the camper and it works well and produces a lot of smoke (many folks say it is the smokiest of the GMG pellet grills). I have looked at other GMG pellet grills and the construction seems the same across their lineup. Basically, it’s thin metal with ok fit and finish (door seams, etc). GMG has WiFi control with bells and whistles. Produces great food.

The Yoder is well built (except for rust issues and some grease leakage), much higher quality than any GMG, gets hotter and will grill and sear much better (with two piece diffuser and grill grates). Yoder is not a pid controller and you will have temp fluctuations from the controller. It’s how it’s designed but it produces a lot of smoke. It works great and produces great food.

The Memphis is built better than the Yoder, has higher quality fit and finish, a much tighter temp variation window, WiFi (but basic controls), better grease management, and gets quite a bit hotter for searing. Runs like a fine Swiss watch and produces great food. It is not 2 times better than the Yoder...law of diminishing returns applies here imo. It’s like comparing a Wolf range with a GE range...doubtful you could taste a difference in food between the two.

I would put Mak in the same category as Memphis on quality of build. Your price point determines your options imo...at 1800, you would be hard pressed to beat the yoder...or Mak 1 Star...but accessories and shipping will also eat into the budget.

The more I cook on different pellet cookers, the more I’m of the belief that the end product is the same (assuming same pellets used). With the exception of high heat searing......my Memphis sears as well as my kamado over lump charcoal or my lynx gasser I had. If you don’t care about good searing, your options open up a good bit more (only a few pellet grills can actually sear really well). Just depends on what you value in a cooker. Good luck!




Memphis Elite





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Very well said, and there is a lot of truth in your post

 

[Westx]

I would also look at the Assassin 36” as it will meet your requirements for the number of folks you want to cook for. It is really more of a smoker than a grill but you can grill on it with grill grates. Also check out Pitts and Spitts.

 

[darita]

I’ve owned a yoder and currently own a Memphis Elite and a GMG DC. I use the GMG in the camper and it works well and produces a lot of smoke (many folks say it is the smokiest of the GMG pellet grills). I have looked at other GMG pellet grills and the construction seems the same across their lineup. Basically, it’s thin metal with ok fit and finish (door seams, etc). GMG has WiFi control with bells and whistles. Produces great food.

The Yoder is well built (except for rust issues and some grease leakage), much higher quality than any GMG, gets hotter and will grill and sear much better (with two piece diffuser and grill grates). Yoder is not a pid controller and you will have temp fluctuations from the controller. It’s how it’s designed but it produces a lot of smoke. It works great and produces great food.

The Memphis is built better than the Yoder, has higher quality fit and finish, a much tighter temp variation window, WiFi (but basic controls), better grease management, and gets quite a bit hotter for searing. Runs like a fine Swiss watch and produces great food. It is not 2 times better than the Yoder...law of diminishing returns applies here imo. It’s like comparing a Wolf range with a GE range...doubtful you could taste a difference in food between the two.

I would put Mak in the same category as Memphis on quality of build. Your price point determines your options imo...at 1800, you would be hard pressed to beat the yoder...or Mak 1 Star...but accessories and shipping will also eat into the budget.

The more I cook on different pellet cookers, the more I’m of the belief that the end product is the same (assuming same pellets used). With the exception of high heat searing......my Memphis sears as well as my kamado over lump charcoal or my lynx gasser I had. If you don’t care about good searing, your options open up a good bit more (only a few pellet grills can actually sear really well). Just depends on what you value in a cooker. Good luck!




Memphis Elite





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Gotta say...I disagree with you on all pellet smokers end product being the same. My GMG never gave me anything but a very, very lite smoke flavor. I'm not saying that's bad, just what it is. On the other hand, my MAK produces tons of smoke flavor, which is my particular preference. You really do have to be aware of what cookers will produce what end product, when you're looking to purchase or you my be disappointed.

 

[BKING!]

The more I cook on different pellet cookers, the more I’m of the belief that the end product is the same (assuming same pellets used). With the exception of high heat searing......my Memphis sears as well as my kamado over lump charcoal or my lynx gasser I had. If you don’t care about good searing, your options open up a good bit more (only a few pellet grills can actually sear really well). Just depends on what you value in a cooker. Good luck!




Memphis Elite





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I agree with this to an extent. Some produce more smoke than others though.

 

[gtsum]

Yes, some do produce more smoke than others...I should of hit on that some more. My DC smokes like a dragon puffing stogies, yet the taste is light to medium....the yoder, I think, produces a bit more smoke flavor than the Memphis...not much more, but slightly more (speaking the above at temps anywhere from 225-275). The yoder doesn’t pulsate the fan and isn’t insulated...the Memphis pulsates and is insulated, and therefore uses less pellets....stands to reason using less pellets and a pulsating fan = a bit less smoke than constant fan and non insulated?

Interesting thing though....talked to a guy who has both a Mak 2 star and a Memphis Elite ...says he can’t tell a difference in food between the two of them??

Memphis Elite





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[Joshw]

I think it is impossible to say 100% which one produces more smoke flavor. Pellet grills are great, and do reduce work required for great food, by a significant amount, they are not magic bullets, that can't let everyone turn out amazing que. The cook still plays a role in the final product. I know with my Yoder, there was a learning curve, to squeeze out the flavor I wanted.. Still getting better after a year, and I assume the same can be said about any brand.