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-   -   MAK Group Buy (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279141)

rwalters 02-29-2020 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebijack (Post 4277357)
Not really. The company I had such a bad experience with doesn't get much bad press either. Not anywhere near like it should. Folks just put them up for sale and say they are going in another direction. Since if they told the truth. It would not be an easy sale. If that makes sense.



Fair enough and that makes perfect sense.

Sooner21 02-29-2020 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters (Post 4277401)
That is about the only thing you cannot do with the WiFi module. Not sure if any grill manufacturer allows for that. I have asked MAK about that, and the reason given has to do with liability.

Yeah - as I was typing that question I realized how dangerous that could turn out, and realized I would probably never start in while I wasn't there.

4ever3 02-29-2020 08:25 AM

Question for the 2 ⭐️ owners...

Do you ever use the smoke box on the right side, and if so, how often?

Kinda thinking about a 1 ⭐️ cause I just do see the smoke box being used by us.

tom b 02-29-2020 08:29 AM

I could live without it Jeremy

rwalters 02-29-2020 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ever3 (Post 4277428)
Question for the 2 ⭐️ owners...

Do you ever use the smoke box on the right side, and if so, how often?

Kinda thinking about a 1 ⭐️ cause I just do see the smoke box being used by us.


Personally, I rarely use it. I do know that some guys get a ton of use out of it. If the 1 Star as is, or with just a couple of add-on’s will meet your need, than the 1 Star is going to be hard to beat from a price standpoint. It’s when you start decking the 1 Star out that you quickly find yourself approaching 2 Star pricing. If you are simply looking to smoke/roast... then the 1 Star kicks butt at that. I absolutely loved my 1 Star :)

4ever3 02-29-2020 09:14 AM

hmmmmm, thanks Robb!

4ever3 02-29-2020 12:42 PM

So I’m thinkin’... (bye my misses hates it when I do that) can someone post a pic of the inlet between the cook chamber and the smoke box on the 2⭐️ please?

tom b 02-29-2020 01:05 PM

https://i.imgur.com/opqHocPh.jpg

tom b 02-29-2020 01:07 PM

crappy pic 2 like wholes on top you can see a little

4ever3 02-29-2020 04:16 PM

Thanks Tom!

So I’m thinking I could take a piece of stainless and some rare earth magnets and seal that off well enough that the side smoke box could be used as a side table...

rwalters 02-29-2020 04:54 PM

MAK Group Buy
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ever3 (Post 4277621)
Thanks Tom!

So I’m thinking I could take a piece of stainless and some rare earth magnets and seal that off well enough that the side smoke box could be used as a side table...



Perhaps that would work, but I would absolutely discuss with MAK before doing so. They have the airflow on these cookers pretty dialed in. Not sure if cutting that off would mess with the cookers overall performance. Worth a conversation and perhaps you’ll be just fine.

pjtexas1 03-01-2020 10:31 AM

No buyers?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

rwalters 03-01-2020 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjtexas1 (Post 4278006)
No buyers?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk



Have been wondering the same. Definitely a good amount of interest, and I know people have been asking lots and lots of questions. Would be cool to know how many have joined the MAK family as a result of this Brethren deal.

Shadowdog500 03-01-2020 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters (Post 4278009)
Have been wondering the same. Definitely a good amount of interest, and I know people have been asking lots and lots of questions. Would be cool to know how many have joined the MAK family as a result of this Brethren deal.

I’m calling tomorrow. Had to spend a couple days convincing the wife. :mrgreen:

I bought my pit boss and my 22 WSM without mentioning it, but getting a $3k smoker without even seeing one in person is another thing.

tom b 03-01-2020 10:40 AM

rwalters would you min repeating your cleaning process you put up a week or so ago, I ordered the products you suggested, they came yesterday. TIA

Shadowdog500 03-01-2020 10:43 AM

Rwalters, In addition to Tom B’s question on the cleaning process, could you please share your best programmed cooks for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. I know you have yours dialed in so I’d like to cheat and use your numbers.

rwalters 03-01-2020 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom b (Post 4278012)
rwalters would you min repeating your cleaning process you put up a week or so ago, I ordered the products you suggested, they came yesterday. TIA



Of course!

Key items needed:
-Damp microfiber towel
-SD-20 for everyday cleaning
-Break-Up for the TOUGH occasional cleaning

Every cook cleaning:
After each cook, while the MAK is still warm to the touch, I spray down the stainless with the SD-20 and then proceed to wipe down with the damp microfiber towel. After that I rinse the towel and give it one last wipe down to remove any residue. Time spent on wipe down is maybe 3 mins.

Once in awhile cleaning:
While the MAK is still warm to the touch, I will spray any super tough spots with the Break-Up cleaner. Be careful to keep this spray on the stainless only. Quickly wipe away any overspray from the powder coating. Let it sit on the warm stainless for maybe a minute and proceed to wipe away stains with the damp microfiber towel. Just like the SD-20, rinse towel and give it a final wipe down.

IMPORTANT: Stainless must be fairly warm to the touch when cleaning. The difference is night and day.

rwalters 03-01-2020 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowdog500 (Post 4278017)
Rwalters, In addition to Tom B’s question on the cleaning process, could you please share your best programmed cooks for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. I know you have yours dialed in so I’d like to cheat and use your numbers.



Honestly, I never use the “programs” as I am more of a “turn it on and cook” kinda guy. I do monitor and control my cooks via WiFi all the time. I also use temp probes that are connected to the Pellet Boss quite often. I can tell you that for low n slow cooks (butts, ribs, brisket, etc) I love doing most of the cook at 210° with the food on the upper grate. I will often bump to 250-275 at the end to finish things up if I need to meet a certain timeline. Love the results. All of this could easily be handled through a set program, but I just prefer to touch the buttons myself... lol. If you are one that wants to set and use programs, the skies the limit with the Pellet Boss controller. You can run up to 3 different programs, and each program can pretty much accommodate whatever you can think up. Highly programmable. Like any cooker, it’ll take a few cooks to figure out your preferences, but once that’s done, it’s smooth and EASY sailing with the MAK :)

pjtexas1 03-01-2020 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowdog500 (Post 4278010)
I’m calling tomorrow. Had to spend a couple days convincing the wife. :mrgreen:

I bought my pit boss and my 22 WSM without mentioning it, but getting a $3k smoker without even seeing one in person is another thing.

Completely understandable. Luckily I didn't need the cooking space. Of course I could live to regret that decision later. Also, I think I'm too lazy to keep the SS looking nice. My non-SS Pellet Pro still looks great. Only wipe the dust off when it builds up too much.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Baychilla 03-01-2020 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters (Post 4278042)
Honestly, I never use the “programs” as I am more of a “turn it on and cook” kinda guy. I do monitor and control my cooks via WiFi all the time. I also use temp probes that are connected to the Pellet Boss quite often. I can tell you that for low n slow cooks (butts, ribs, brisket, etc) I love doing most of the cook at 210° with the food on the upper grate. I will often bump to 250-275 at the end to finish things up if I need to meet a certain timeline. Love the results. All of this could easily be handled through a set program, but I just prefer to touch the buttons myself... lol. If you are one that wants to set and use programs, the skies the limit with the Pellet Boss controller. You can run up to 3 different programs, and each program can pretty much accommodate whatever you can think up. Highly programmable. Like any cooker, it’ll take a few cooks to figure out your preferences, but once that’s done, it’s smooth and EASY sailing with the MAK :)

Why the upper grate for low/slow? What happens with low/slow on the lower grate? Is it just a cleanup function?

KevinJ 03-01-2020 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baychilla (Post 4278213)
Why the upper grate for low/slow? What happens with low/slow on the lower grate? Is it just a cleanup function?

I do it because I'm lazy and it makes cleanup easier, if I have a smoke that only requires 1 grate it goes on the top with a pan on the bottom grate to catch drippings and grease.

https://i.imgur.com/im6FgBA.jpg?1

pjtexas1 03-01-2020 04:56 PM

Well now I wish I would have ordered the upper grate. Maybe not. I cook in pans mostly. I should have enough headroom for that, right?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

rwalters 03-01-2020 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjtexas1 (Post 4278244)
Well now I wish I would have ordered the upper grate. Maybe not. I cook in pans mostly. I should have enough headroom for that, right?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk



You’ll have more than enough headroom for pans... and if you ever order the upper grate you’ll have room on 2 levels for pans. The MAK’s do not lack in the headroom dept.

rwalters 03-01-2020 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinJ (Post 4278234)
I do it because I'm lazy and it makes cleanup easier, if I have a smoke that only requires 1 grate it goes on the top with a pan on the bottom grate to catch drippings and grease.

https://i.imgur.com/im6FgBA.jpg?1



Exactly what Kevin said... easy cleanup. You can cook on the bottom grate though with no issue... have done it many times.

kenrobin 03-01-2020 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters (Post 4278042)
Honestly, I never use the “programs” as I am more of a “turn it on and cook” kinda guy. I do monitor and control my cooks via WiFi all the time.

Same here

ssv3 03-01-2020 07:25 PM

+1. Same here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinJ (Post 4278234)
I do it because I'm lazy and it makes cleanup easier, if I have a smoke that only requires 1 grate it goes on the top with a pan on the bottom grate to catch drippings and grease.

https://i.imgur.com/im6FgBA.jpg?1


ssv3 03-01-2020 07:27 PM

Hopefully you guys that had interest jumped on this. MAK never drops their pricing. I just wish I had a reason to buy a MAK so I'm living through you guys. :laugh:

KevinJ 03-01-2020 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3 (Post 4278366)
Hopefully you guys that had interest jumped on this. MAK never drops their pricing. I just wish I had a reason to buy a MAK so I'm living through you guys. :laugh:

If you ever buy one Sako you won't be disappointed, like the LSG vert you just know you got it right. :grin:

pjtexas1 03-01-2020 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3 (Post 4278366)
Hopefully you guys that had interest jumped on this. MAK never drops their pricing. I just wish I had a reason to buy a MAK so I'm living through you guys. [emoji23]

Reason?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3ac7bcab3f.gif

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

TravelingJ 03-01-2020 08:10 PM

Is there a running total of how many people have snagged one on this deal?

pjtexas1 03-01-2020 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravelingJ (Post 4278400)
Is there a running total of how many people have snagged one on this deal?

1

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sudsandswine 03-01-2020 09:17 PM

I guess I missed instructions for finding out the price / details?

rm41400 03-01-2020 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters (Post 4276760)
MAK is really wanting to keep this Brethren deal to phone conversations only as this is not something they normally do. Would strongly encourage you to call Caleb at MAK and see what he can offer :)
503.623.1234

Suds- What he said ^^^

It’s a nice deal

sudsandswine 03-01-2020 09:43 PM

Thanks...thread blew up on me and I’ve been too busy lately to keep up.

ssv3 03-01-2020 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinJ (Post 4278397)
If you ever buy one Sako you won't be disappointed, like the LSG vert you just know you got it right. :grin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjtexas1 (Post 4278398)
Reason?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3ac7bcab3f.gif

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Dang if it wasn't for the Yoder I have already. :laugh:

TravelingJ 03-02-2020 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3 (Post 4278459)
Dang if it wasn't for the Yoder I have already. :laugh:

That's an awfully practical answer... :becky:

Jrogers84 03-02-2020 06:42 AM

Its a good deal. My wife showed me how much stuff we need since we just moved for work so i would be getting a divorce if I pulled the trigger.

YSR 03-02-2020 11:51 AM

I really appreciate this idea/effort and the expert advice. I've been considering adding a pellet cooker for some time, prefer to buy something that ranks among the best for performance and longevity. Had thought Yoder might fit the bill, but following this thread (plus a little more research) is putting me to a MAK state of mind.
I have two questions:
1) On the website, I see mention of the smoker box on the 2 star but the pictures don't have it shown. Is it included as a standard part of the 2 star?
2) Website shows $2,800 for the 2 star. I may have totally misremembered, but I thought it was at $2,500 last week. Can anyone set me straight?
Perhaps a poll can be used to give an idea of the impact this thread/offer is having (or will have) on MAK sales. I'd suspect there are others like me who are quietly slow to make a decision but have been strongly influenced by this thread...

Baychilla 03-02-2020 11:58 AM

When I checked last week the price was $2800 (prior to the "call for special pricing" mentions).

The 2 star has a small smoker box (its on the right side of the grill as you're facing the grill). That box would probably be fine for small things that don't need to hang. If you need more room they sell a larger cabinet type box that looks like it fits onto the existing box.



There's a video of the included box in use here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwYxJxrE1zY

YSR 03-02-2020 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baychilla (Post 4278658)
When I checked last week the price was $2800 (prior to the "call for special pricing" mentions).

The 2 star has a small smoker box (its on the right side of the grill as you're facing the grill). That box would probably be fine for small things that don't need to hang. If you need more room they sell a larger cabinet type box that looks like it fits onto the existing box.



There's a video of the included box in use here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwYxJxrE1zY

Thanks! I was expecting something bigger like the optional super smoker. Great use of the space.

4ever3 03-02-2020 12:29 PM

Been $2800 for a while now.

rwalters 03-02-2020 12:30 PM

MAK Group Buy
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by YSR (Post 4278655)
I really appreciate this idea/effort and the expert advice. I've been considering adding a pellet cooker for some time, prefer to buy something that ranks among the best for performance and longevity. Had thought Yoder might fit the bill, but following this thread (plus a little more research) is putting me to a MAK state of mind.
I have two questions:
1) On the website, I see mention of the smoker box on the 2 star but the pictures don't have it shown. Is it included as a standard part of the 2 star?
2) Website shows $2,800 for the 2 star. I may have totally misremembered, but I thought it was at $2,500 last week. Can anyone set me straight?
Perhaps a poll can be used to give an idea of the impact this thread/offer is having (or will have) on MAK sales. I'd suspect there are others like me who are quietly slow to make a decision but have been strongly influenced by this thread...



I think you hit the nail on the head with your last sentence. Not many will take a purchase like this lightly as it’s a significant investment for most. I know that I researched the heck out of the pellet grill market 3 years ago when I bought my first 2 Star. No matter how I sliced and diced the research, MAK clearly surfaced as the best option for me and those I cook for... and several years later that has very much proven to be the case. Was I crazy nervous prior to purchase/use... oh my, was I ever!! I look back now with zero regret.

To answer your questions:

The 2 Star has a stock cold smoke/warming box, but as already mentioned it’s not huge. If you need more volume, MAK does sell an add-on that sits right on top of the existing setup. It’s not cheap, but it you are gonna do a lot of cold smoking, it may be worth the additional investment.

As far as $2500 vs $2800... you must be having an early “senior moment”... lol. They have been at $2800 for awhile now. Prior to that, they were at $2700. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them tick up again soon.

Let us know if you have any additional questions. Those of us that cook on MAK’s are more than willing to share and help in anyway we can :)

GrantAshton 03-02-2020 01:47 PM

First post for a long time lurker.

Thanks so much for this thread. I spoke with Caleb today. Early next week I’ll be pulling the trigger on a 2 Star.

Prneum 03-02-2020 01:59 PM

I've been vising this forum for years and I started reading about pellet smokers a couple of weeks ago.
I have always grilled & smoked with charcoal and wood chunks and I had no knowledge about pellet smokers, until now.
Lots of research has led me here and after reading tons of info from you guys and after I saw this thread, I called and talked to Caleb this morning. We had a great conversation and you can really tell the customer service is great with this company.
Needless to say, I took advantage of the offer and I can't be more excited! I look forward to joining the MAK family!

rwalters 03-02-2020 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantAshton (Post 4278712)
First post for a long time lurker.

Thanks so much for this thread. I spoke with Caleb today. Early next week I’ll be pulling the trigger on a 2 Star.



Fantastic and welcome to the MAK family :)

rwalters 03-02-2020 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prneum (Post 4278724)
I've been vising this forum for years and I started reading about pellet smokers a couple of weeks ago.
I have always grilled & smoked with charcoal and wood chunks and I had no knowledge about pellet smokers, until now.
Lots of research has led me here and after reading tons of info from you guys and after I saw this thread, I called and talked to Caleb this morning. We had a great conversation and you can really tell the customer service is great with this company.
Needless to say, I took advantage of the offer and I can't be more excited! I look forward to joining the MAK family!



Love it!!! Welcome to the MAK family and I very much look forward to seeing you around. It’s a great family to belong to... :)

ebijack 03-02-2020 02:36 PM

Well ya farkers.
I spoke with Caleb, real nice guy!
Right now my trigger isn't twitchy. But.....:wacko:

Oh and Caleb stated that on "average" the added smoke box is 100* less in set temp than the main chamber. Which for me would be great for doing jerky, fish, sausage, bacon etc. For those interested.

rwalters 03-02-2020 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebijack (Post 4278746)
Well ya farkers.
I spoke with Caleb, real nice guy!
Right now my trigger isn't twitchy. But.....:wacko:

Oh and Caleb stated that on "average" the added smoke box is 100* less in set temp than the main chamber. Which for me would be great for doing jerky, fish, sausage, bacon etc. For those interested.



Yep, Caleb is quite a gentleman... heck, the whole MAK team is like that. Maybe one day your finger will start twitchin’ and you’ll pull that MAK trigger. Once the initial wound heals... it’s clear sailing from there... :)

Shadowdog500 03-02-2020 03:43 PM

I called and spoke with Caleb as well. +1 on him being a great guy.
My finger is also twitching a little, but my wife’s isn't. We will make a decision tomorrow.

It is a good deal! If you are thinking about it give them a call. You have nothing to loose.

jstrand 03-02-2020 03:59 PM

I hate you Farkers!!
Thankfully my decision is easy, I have absolutely no money to purchase one and thankfully no credit cards. Otherwise I would have a 2 Star with Super Smoker box.
So screw you guys...I'm goin home.:hand:


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