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rageon
06-02-2020, 10:22 PM
First off, I'm glad I discovered this forum. I've searched and read quite a bit before posting, and I found tons of useful info.

I'm looking to buy a pellet smoker and believe I have it narrowed down to a few, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. I recognize that each of these are made well and will cook similarly, I'm looking more at usability and convenience than anything else. With two little ones at home, I frankly want something that requires as little work as possible. Also of note -- I'm in Nebraska, which means I can pick up a Blaz'n Grill Works in person without having to ship it. It also means I plan to use whatever I get in cold weather. Moreover, I will likely end up in North Dakota, which means cooking throughout a real winter. WiFi isn't really a big consideration for me.

I'm looking at three, I think: Mak 1 Star, Blaz'n Grand Slam, and Yoder YS640. Currently leaning towards the Grand Slam.

Tell me if I'm missing anything:

Mak 1 Star -- I keep reading good things about this grill and really haven't seen much negative at all. However, by the time you add a shelf and a probe, you're up around $2,300. Cost equal, I'd maybe lean this way. But is it worth the premium over the other two? Also, I can't find much about how this performs in actual cold weather.

Blaz'n Grill Works Grand Slam -- Again, I can't seen to find much negative about this. I can get it for less than $1,700 with all the accessories I need (including shelf, sear kit, insulating plate). Looks fantastic, and it's my wife's choice from a looks perspective. I've read good things about performance in the cold and that's certainly something they claim to be a strong point. Essentially I get the impression their attitude is, "we don't make a grill that requires you to throw a blanket over it." I like the idea of the pull-out slot for clean-out.

Yoder YS640 -- The only one I've seen in person, and it's gorgeous. However, the idea of re-painting it doesn't seem ideal. Falls in between the others in cost -- unless you need to buy an insulating blanket, which adds $250. Freaking heavy; my wife and I wouldn't be able to move it without help, although it's also not something we plan to haul around, either. My absolute biggest concern with this one is what I've read about not performing well in the cold and taking a ton of time to warm up. I guess I could put their expensive blanket on it, but I also hate to cover it up unless necessary.

Have I missed anything I should be considering? Thanks in advance.

cclinard1
06-03-2020, 09:38 AM
Have you checked out ATBBQ The Sauce on Youtube? Chef Tom does a great job at using the Yoder and showing its versatility. I ordered the Yoder YS640s on comp cart a week ago and one of the main reasons was watching that show and seeing it in action. Not having to pay shipping on the Blaz'n grill is a plus though.

drunkenmeatfist
06-03-2020, 10:05 AM
Mak has a strong following on here and I am willing to bet that rwalters will be by any minute to tell you how great a Mak is. I have *no* reason to believe he is wrong either.

Curt.P
06-03-2020, 10:27 AM
Thank you for looking at grills made in the USA. I'd say yes, between the sear performance and the controller, the MAK is worth the extra. Their support seems to be top notch too.

And no, I don't own a MAK.

rwalters
06-03-2020, 10:31 AM
Mak has a strong following on here and I am willing to bet that rwalters will be by any minute to tell you how great a Mak is. I have to reason to believe he is wrong either.
You think you have me figured out, eh? ;-)

drunkenmeatfist
06-03-2020, 10:34 AM
You think you have me figured out, eh? ;-)

I misspelled a word in there. Meant to say I have NO reason to think you are wrong. Those Maks look nice and the food they put out looks awesome too.

rageon
06-03-2020, 10:54 AM
Have you checked out ATBBQ The Sauce on Youtube? Chef Tom does a great job at using the Yoder and showing its versatility. I ordered the Yoder YS640s on comp cart a week ago and one of the main reasons was watching that show and seeing it in action. Not having to pay shipping on the Blaz'n grill is a plus though.

I just discovered ATBBQ a couple of weeks ago. It's basically food porn. I think it was a ribs video I watched that made me finally say, "alright, that's it, I'm finally getting of of these!"

rageon
06-03-2020, 11:00 AM
You think you have me figured out, eh? ;-)
Especially here, I get the sense everyone loves their Mak, but I just haven't seen anyone comment on cold weather performance. Obviously, they use a thinner steel than the others and I don't see anything about a double wall design. (I'm guessing not given the weight is fairly low.)

Is there anything specific that gives the Mak an edge? Or is it that it "just works"?

If it's a matter of just burning extra pellets, I can live with it. But inconsistent or unreliable performance when the temps are close to zero is something I don't want to deal with. Really, seeing some comments about Yoders getting weird in the cold has me a little scared of them.

rwalters
06-03-2020, 11:10 AM
Welcome to the Brethren! You are definitely considering 3 well liked contenders :)

Although you mentioned some of your priorities in a pellet grill... honestly, what I think would help us to help you would be a bit more info...

1) How many people do you cook for on a regular basis?
2) Do you enjoy entertaining, and if yes... how many mouths do you typically feed when having others over?
3) Will a new pellet grill be used only for low n slow/roasting, or is grilling important to you?
4) If grilling is important, would you best be served by a smaller "sear zone" or a pellet grill that'll allow you to grill across the entire cooking grate with equal and even heat?
5) Safe to assume that volume of smoke production is important to you?

Yes, I am a huge fan of MAK Grills, but I also realize that they aren't the right choice for everyone. Here are a few reasons why I love the MAK, and in your case the 1 Star. I share this to help you think things through, not pressure you, lol...

1) The Funnel Flame Zone allows for excellent grilling and forced heat distribution into the cooking chamber also making for lower pellet consumption at smoking temps.
2) The 1 Stars are finished with a super high quality powder coat finish... and underneath that is aluminized steel, which means that you'll never have to deal with rust even years down the road should you have a few chips and scratches in the powder coating. Love this!
3) The Pellet Boss controller is highly programmable, and is the only controller in the industry to accept industrial grade k-style temp probes.
4) The cooker itself has a fairly small footprint, yet very impressive cooking capacity. You can easily cook 2 MONSTER briskets or 4 reasonably sized briskets or 8 butts or 6-8 racks of ribs flat (16 racks with rib racks)... just to give you some idea.
5) The cooker does great in cold weather with no need for a cover.
6) I do not believe that a pellet cooker exists that puts out more smoke than a MAK does. They were designed from the ground up to be a pellet cooker, and smoke production was one of their top priorities in the design. They accomplished what they set out to do :)
7) The company itself is top notch!
8) The MAK's have a removable fire pot for easy ash disposal and the internal parts are very easy to remove when cleaning.
9) All high wear and tear items on the MAK 1 Star are 304 SS.
10) The MAK family (pellet grill owners) is one of the most helpful and friendliest bunch of pellet grill owners I have encountered. Very much a family vibe!

Cat797
06-03-2020, 11:11 AM
I can't speak to the others, but I have a YS640 and have had it for 5 years. I don't run a blanket in the winter and I live in the midwest. I have never had a problem with it running in cold weather. In my opinion, they will all take about the same time to warm up and settle in. It's just part of the process. I'm sure I use more pellets in the winter, but I can't quantify it, and it's not enough for me to really notice. I've also never had to repaint anything, but mine stays in the garage and I roll it out to cook on it. I would definitely recommend the comp cart if you plan to move it around at all.

4ever3
06-03-2020, 11:13 AM
I can’t see cold weather being an issue for the MAK but I haven’t had it in the winter yet, that being said the only thing I can see is burning a few more pellets, but ya burn less in the summer so it’s a wash :mrgreen:

rwalters
06-03-2020, 11:24 AM
I misspelled a word in there. Meant to say I have NO reason to think you are wrong. Those Maks look nice and the food they put out looks awesome too.
I knew what you were saying :)

rwalters
06-03-2020, 11:31 AM
Especially here, I get the sense everyone loves their Mak, but I just haven't seen anyone comment on cold weather performance. Obviously, they use a thinner steel than the others and I don't see anything about a double wall design. (I'm guessing not given the weight is fairly low.)

Is there anything specific that gives the Mak an edge? Or is it that it "just works"?

If it's a matter of just burning extra pellets, I can live with it. But inconsistent or unreliable performance when the temps are close to zero is something I don't want to deal with. Really, seeing some comments about Yoders getting weird in the cold has me a little scared of them.

I'd encourage you to join the various FB groups where you can discuss this question with numerous owners. You need to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. It's your money and you'll be the one using the cooker :)

That said, there are many MAK owners that live in very cold climates including Fairbanks Alaska. The MAK's don't really flinch with rain, snow and cold climates. I don't think I have ever seen that as a complaint. And with the 1 Star's now coming standard with the Funnel Flame Zone you will be REALLY well prepared for cold weather cooking. The FFZ is a game changer!

jasonjax
06-03-2020, 11:56 AM
Also consider the FPG-1000 from Cookshack. It is an insulated cooker. Cookshack makes amazing products, and their customer service is phenomenal.

Crispy Bacon
06-03-2020, 12:44 PM
MAK 2* owner here. Don’t think you can go wrong with the MAK, Yoder or cookshack! The MAK definitely sears great. I mostly grill & the MAK grills superbly! I haven’t touched my other grill since I’ve had it. Can’t speak for the other companies but the MAK family & service is some of the best you’ll ever come across!

STLBBQer
06-03-2020, 02:27 PM
I have a Blaz’n Grand Slam, and it’s built like a tank. The cold weather performance and temperature stability is as advertised (I lived and used it in the Midwest winters before moving to NC). I do not have the sear kit, but it will get to 450F and maintain without any noticeable effort. I had mine in semi-storage for over a year, and it started right up with no issues. They’re made really, really well. Truly set-and-forget. They do not have a robust smoke profile, running extremely clean and efficient. I supplement with a tube smoker often.

If searing and smoke profile are at the top of your list, those aren’t the Grand Slam’s strength. For cold weather temp stability, evenness across the grate, and holding temps steady over a cook, I’d put it up against any pellet grill.

pjtexas1
06-03-2020, 06:33 PM
Standard network shelves fit perfectly on a 1 Star for a side table and the pre-drilled holes make it a snap to install. Only $20-$30 but some see it as putting hub caps on a Ferrari...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200603/d3852a37bfaa5b04521f064c1eaadd48.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200603/b54f0f566654a5cb8970ea51f01f4942.jpg

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

KevinJ
06-03-2020, 06:41 PM
Also consider the FPG-1000 from Cookshack. It is an insulated cooker. Cookshack makes amazing products, and their customer service is phenomenal.FE PG 500 is more in his price point, PG 1000 is not and the 500 is a great grill too imo.

KevinJ
06-03-2020, 07:16 PM
Especially here, I get the sense everyone loves their Mak, but I just haven't seen anyone comment on cold weather performance. Obviously, they use a thinner steel than the others and I don't see anything about a double wall design. (I'm guessing not given the weight is fairly low.)

Is there anything specific that gives the Mak an edge? Or is it that it "just works"?

If it's a matter of just burning extra pellets, I can live with it. But inconsistent or unreliable performance when the temps are close to zero is something I don't want to deal with. Really, seeing some comments about Yoders getting weird in the cold has me a little scared of them.The MAK isn't double walled but with the FlameZone insert it literally funnels all the heat from the fire pot directly into the cook chamber also the Aluminized steel which is used in ovens and even catalytic converters do to it's heat reflective properties helps keep the heat where it belongs and it is extremely resistance to rust. All of this makes for a grill that gets up to temp quick, burns fuel more efficiently and will last for as long as you want to keep it.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Cooking/Barbecue/Barbecue-2017/i-PvngjTv/0/X2/IMG_0118-X2.png

Wine Guy in VA
06-03-2020, 08:04 PM
And with the 1 Star's now coming standard with the Funnel Flame Zone you will be REALLY well prepared for cold weather cooking. The FFZ is a game changer!

Are you sure that's correct? The Flame Zone is listed as a $400 option for the 1 Star on MAK's web site.

(Sorry to make this my first post on the forum without introducing myself. This is an amazing place, and I'm currently debating Yoder vs 1 Star vs 2 Star myself.)

Bucknekked
06-03-2020, 08:10 PM
I can't speak to the others, but I have a YS640 and have had it for 5 years. I don't run a blanket in the winter and I live in the midwest. I have never had a problem with it running in cold weather. In my opinion, they will all take about the same time to warm up and settle in. It's just part of the process. I'm sure I use more pellets in the winter, but I can't quantify it, and it's not enough for me to really notice. I've also never had to repaint anything, but mine stays in the garage and I roll it out to cook on it. I would definitely recommend the comp cart if you plan to move it around at all.
I am a Yoder YS640 owner and I absolutely love it. By all means, get it with the competition cart. Its 450 pounds heavy but on the competition cart it moves easily. I've never had any issue with mine and it still looks as good as when we rolled it in to the back patio. I have the custom cover it comes with to keep the weather at bay.



Like many here have said, with the units you are considering you can't go wrong. They will all get the job done and look great doing it. This is one of many great choices.



https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1172&pictureid=12753

rwalters
06-03-2020, 09:42 PM
Are you sure that's correct? The Flame Zone is listed as a $400 option for the 1 Star on MAK's web site.

(Sorry to make this my first post on the forum without introducing myself. This is an amazing place, and I'm currently debating Yoder vs 1 Star vs 2 Star myself.)


Yes sir, the Funnel Flame Zone is now included on the 1 Stars. Went into effect about a month ago. Price went up $199, but the FFZ is now included. More bang for your buck w/ new pricing :)

https://makgrills.com/news/mak-grills-changes-pricing-in-2020/

KevinJ
06-03-2020, 09:47 PM
Are you sure that's correct? The Flame Zone is listed as a $400 option for the 1 Star on MAK's web site.

(Sorry to make this my first post on the forum without introducing myself. This is an amazing place, and I'm currently debating Yoder vs 1 Star vs 2 Star myself.)
Welcome John.

Bob C Cue
06-03-2020, 10:25 PM
I'm very disappointed in my fellow brethren. We are well into page 2 and not one "Build a UDS" post. Our world really is crumbling before our very eyes.

rageon
06-04-2020, 07:32 PM
Wow, thanks for all the great information, not just to you but to everyone.


To answer your questions rwalters...

- typically, just cooking for 2 adults and 2 kids, sometimes a grandparent or two
- entertain some, but not a lot; size is nice but not a huge consideration
- undecided on grilling; I love my Weber Performer but it would be nice to cut down to having only one large, inanimate object on the patio. I figured I would try out the smoker and see whether it was sufficient. Grill would certainly be a plus, and I would purpose the "grilling" add-on if going with the Blaz'n or the Yoder (looks like it's included with the Mak). As for grilling size, I think a smaller "zone" would be sufficient.

- Smoke production is not important to me, but very important to my wife. This is currently our (her) biggest reservation as to the Blaz'n, as I've read it's not as good as the others for smoke/flavor.


Other responses:
- Glad to hear about good performance in the cold. As I noted, that's a major consideration for us.

- I really wish the Mak looked better. It's just so...plain. I'm not buying this to show off, but at the same time, after seeing a Yoder in person it's a let-down to see that one of the other recommended options is just so utilitarian. Come on, I already drive a Subaru, can I at least get some flash on my grill?
- Thanks for the tip as to the removable fire pot for cleaning, I'll check that out.



I need to think hard about the smoke volume, as that may make the difference. That issue aside, my gut tells me to spend $1650 on a Blaz'n rather than $2300 on a Mak, but I'm still agonizing over this. At least I know any of the three will certainly meet my needs and it's just a matter of preference on a few things.

rageon
06-04-2020, 07:34 PM
I am a Yoder YS640 owner and I absolutely love it. By all means, get it with the competition cart. Its 450 pounds heavy but on the competition cart it moves easily. I've never had any issue with mine and it still looks as good as when we rolled it in to the back patio. I have the custom cover it comes with to keep the weather at bay.



Like many here have said, with the units you are considering you can't go wrong. They will all get the job done and look great doing it. This is one of many great choices.



https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1172&pictureid=12753
That competition cart is great looking, isn't it?


So is the consensus that it's easier to move with the comp cart even with the extra weight? Seems like on a unit that expensive/heavy, putting another extra $20 of manufacturing cost into some bigger wheels would be a consideration for them. (unless the goal is to sell by comp carts, that is...)

STLBBQer
06-04-2020, 07:48 PM
Wow, thanks for all the great information, not just to you but to everyone.


To answer your questions rwalters...

- typically, just cooking for 2 adults and 2 kids, sometimes a grandparent or two
- entertain some, but not a lot; size is nice but not a huge consideration
- undecided on grilling; I love my Weber Performer but it would be nice to cut down to having only one large, inanimate object on the patio. I figured I would try out the smoker and see whether it was sufficient. Grill would certainly be a plus, and I would purpose the "grilling" add-on if going with the Blaz'n or the Yoder (looks like it's included with the Mak). As for grilling size, I think a smaller "zone" would be sufficient.

- Smoke production is not important to me, but very important to my wife. This is currently our (her) biggest reservation as to the Blaz'n, as I've read it's not as good as the others for smoke/flavor.


Other responses:
- Glad to hear about good performance in the cold. As I noted, that's a major consideration for us.

- I really wish the Mak looked better. It's just so...plain. I'm not buying this to show off, but at the same time, after seeing a Yoder in person it's a let-down to see that one of the other recommended options is just so utilitarian. Come on, I already drive a Subaru, can I at least get some flash on my grill?
- Thanks for the tip as to the removable fire pot for cleaning, I'll check that out.



I need to think hard about the smoke volume, as that may make the difference. That issue aside, my gut tells me to spend $1650 on a Blaz'n rather than $2300 on a Mak, but I'm still agonizing over this. At least I know any of the three will certainly meet my needs and it's just a matter of preference on a few things.

I won’t cheerlead for any particular brand. I truly think you can’t go wrong with Mak, Yoder, or BGW. All I’ll say is I haven’t had a second of remorse since I’ve owned my BGW Grand Slam. It’s by far the best made cooker I own and the build quality is second to none. We also own a Subaru. Maybe that’s why I have a BGW Grand Slam. Get it in red. :laugh:

Wine Guy in VA
06-04-2020, 08:19 PM
Welcome John.

Thanks! Glad to be here.

Wine Guy in VA
06-04-2020, 08:25 PM
Yes sir, the Funnel Flame Zone is now included on the 1 Stars. Went into effect about a month ago. Price went up $199, but the FFZ is now included. More bang for your buck w/ new pricing :)

https://makgrills.com/news/mak-grills-changes-pricing-in-2020/

Thanks for pointing me to that. MAK's website seems a little off then. When you click on the 2 Star, it lists the flamezone under the product quick-info. The 1 Star does not list the flamezone under product info but instead lists it as an accessory. You'd think MAK would make it clear on the product page that flamezone is included, unless flamezone was only included until May 1. I'll have to call before ordering.

KevinJ
06-04-2020, 08:37 PM
Thanks for pointing me to that. MAK's website seems a little off then. When you click on the 2 Star, it lists the flamezone under the product quick-info. The 1 Star does not list the flamezone under product info but instead lists it as an accessory. You'd think MAK would make it clear on the product page that flamezone is included, unless flamezone was only included until May 1. I'll have to call before ordering.This link gives a much better description. https://makgrills.com/product/one-star-general/

rwalters
06-04-2020, 08:47 PM
This link gives a much better description. https://makgrills.com/product/one-star-general/



Thanks for pointing me to that. MAK's website seems a little off then. When you click on the 2 Star, it lists the flamezone under the product quick-info. The 1 Star does not list the flamezone under product info but instead lists it as an accessory. You'd think MAK would make it clear on the product page that flamezone is included, unless flamezone was only included until May 1. I'll have to call before ordering.



Yep, Kevin’s link will take ya to the right spot. Agree though, there’s some minor room for improvement on MAK’s website.

Wine Guy in VA
06-04-2020, 08:51 PM
This link gives a much better description. https://makgrills.com/product/one-star-general/

Thanks. That's the exact link that caused my confusion. Why would they not list the flamezone as a product feature when they make a big deal about it for the 2 Star? Maybe they didn't update the web site to match the press release? Not a big deal because I'll obviously figure it out before ordering, but I'm much more like to order the 2 Star if the price difference including the flamezone is $600 versus $1000.