Blind taste testing!!

[rwalters]

Originally Posted by sudsandswine

For me I would say its like 80% of the flavor with 10% of the "work", but I agree generally. Personally, I like running a fire so I dont necessarily view it as "work" but regardless of what it is, life doesnt always allow me to do it. There was a time I ran my Shirley once or twice a week, and I will be able to do that again someday.

In the meantime I am quite happy with the results my Mak puts out - its "convenience factor" allows me to cook when I otherwise wouldnt have time...but if I am out to cook some people the best barbecue that *I* can, it's happening on the stick burner every time.

For me... stick burner screams RETIREMENT GIFT to self!!! Retirement can’t get here fast enough... lol.

[jeffturnerjr]

I like his channel. Great video

[SoCalWJS]

Nice! Well done video and while I am a bit disappointed by the results, I'm not surprised (I do Brisket on my BGE).

On the bright side, I saw the banner in the background and saw that there is a BBQ place in the Simi Valley that I drive by fairly often. I'll have to stop by and check it out on one of my next trips.

[rwalters]

Originally Posted by SoCalWJS

Nice! Well done video and while I am a bit disappointed by the results, I'm not surprised (I do Brisket on my BGE).



On the bright side, I saw the banner in the background and saw that there is a BBQ place in the Simi Valley that I drive by fairly often. I'll have to stop by and check it out on one of my next trips.

Yes... BBQ HQ is the BBQ store in the background. I wish I lived closer as it seems like an amazing place with owners/staff that have a TON of passion not only for the craft of BBQ but the community they live it.

[Mike Twangzer]

Originally Posted by rwalters

Yes... BBQ HQ is the BBQ store in the background. I wish I lived closer as it seems like an amazing place with owners/staff that have a TON of passion not only for the craft of BBQ but the community they live it.

Yes ..... BBQ Headquarters has a lot of stuff .... smokers ... grills .... rubs... etc..... and a pretty good price on pellets.!!!!

[Jcmhc]

Originally Posted by Jcmhc

Is that right? I thought the consensus was that the Maks had the most stickburner-esque flavor profile?

My question may have gotten buried. Is it the case that yoders produce the closest thing to offsets?

[rwalters]

Originally Posted by Jcmhc

My question may have gotten buried. Is it the case that yoders produce the closest thing to offsets?

Honestly, I think that’s just a bunch of marketing hype! All pellet cookers are going to produce the same type of pellet smoke flavor... after all, they are all burning pellets. Although it is not identical to a stick burner flavor profile, it is still very good! Where you will find the difference between pellet cooker‘s is in the amount of smoke they produce. Some manufacturers have these cookers dialed in to a point where the smoke production is quite impressive, while others not so much. This sometimes turns into a silly debate… but I believe the reason you hear so many guys talk about the amazing smoke profile that MAK’s are known to lay down is because of how MAK has programmed the controller to interact with the variable speed fan that they use. I currently cook on a 2019 model and sold my 2017 model to a fellow brethren. The new owner of my 2017 model is actually working to dial the smoke back a bit with more mild pellets. How often do you hear that regarding pellet smokers? Here is a pic of my MAK in action. This was not at start up but rather one of the frequent smoke cycles that it goes through...

[angryelfFan]

Just watched his beef rib video, not bad at all. I will watch more of his stuff.

[sudsandswine]

Originally Posted by rwalters

Honestly, I think that’s just a bunch of marketing hype! All pellet cookers are going to produce the same type of pellet smoke flavor... after all, they are all burning pellets. Although it is not identical to a stick burner flavor profile, it is still very good! Where you will find the difference between pellet cooker‘s is in the amount of smoke they produce. Some manufacturers have these cookers dialed in to a point where the smoke production is quite impressive, while others not so much. This sometimes turns into a silly debate… but I believe the reason you hear so many guys talk about the amazing smoke profile that MAK’s are known to lay down is because of how MAK has programmed the controller to interact with the variable speed fan that they use. I currently cook on a 2019 model and sold my 2017 model to a fellow brethren. The new owner of my 2017 model is actually working to dial the smoke back a bit with more mild pellets. How often do you hear that regarding pellet smokers? Here is a pic of my MAK in action. This was not at start up but rather one of the frequent smoke cycles that it goes through...

In regard to Maks, aside from the controller one of the main differences I have found is how they actually vent the smoke through slots in the back and sides versus a stack like many have. Just one of the things Ive been ponderin' lately : becky:

[arclite]

Interesting nobody is factoring price.

Meadowcreek - $9995
Yoder - $4000

And I'll optimistically assume his offset can be custom built for between the cost of the Yoder and Meadowcreek.

If we're just talking one brisket, which the majority of pharkers cook on a weekend, is it really worth the difference compared to:

Kamado Joe - $1200
Weber Kettle W/Slow 'N Sear - $265

?

[tom b]

do you polish that after every cook or what

Originally Posted by rwalters

Honestly, I think that’s just a bunch of marketing hype! All pellet cookers are going to produce the same type of pellet smoke flavor... after all, they are all burning pellets. Although it is not identical to a stick burner flavor profile, it is still very good! Where you will find the difference between pellet cooker‘s is in the amount of smoke they produce. Some manufacturers have these cookers dialed in to a point where the smoke production is quite impressive, while others not so much. This sometimes turns into a silly debate… but I believe the reason you hear so many guys talk about the amazing smoke profile that MAK’s are known to lay down is because of how MAK has programmed the controller to interact with the variable speed fan that they use. I currently cook on a 2019 model and sold my 2017 model to a fellow brethren. The new owner of my 2017 model is actually working to dial the smoke back a bit with more mild pellets. How often do you hear that regarding pellet smokers? Here is a pic of my MAK in action. This was not at start up but rather one of the frequent smoke cycles that it goes through...

[rwalters]

Originally Posted by sudsandswine

In regard to Maks, aside from the controller one of the main differences I have found is how they actually vent the smoke through slots in the back and sides versus a stack like many have. Just one of the things Ive been ponderin' lately : becky:

Oh yes, I have pondered that many times myself. I can’t help but think it’s another reason for the more pronounced smoke profile that so many report. With rear venting at grate level vs a stack... it’s definitely gonna hold onto smoke longer before exiting. Yes, the smoke seeps out the sides... but it’s still much slower than a wide open stack.

[el luchador]

These guys are lucky they didn't test a uds. It would have been game over for all the rest :)

Good video.

I'll stick with my set and forget lump charcoal burner

[rwalters]

Originally Posted by el luchador

These guys are lucky they didn't test a uds. It would have been game over for all the rest :)

Good video.

I'll stick with my set and forget lump charcoal burner

Would have loved to see a UDS in the lineup! :)

[mcyork28]

Backyard sized offsets are a lot less money though. You could probably make the same comparison with a Lang 36 which runs <$2000.

Originally Posted by arclite

Interesting nobody is factoring price.

Meadowcreek - $9995
Yoder - $4000

And I'll optimistically assume his offset can be custom built for between the cost of the Yoder and Meadowcreek.

If we're just talking one brisket, which the majority of pharkers cook on a weekend, is it really worth the difference compared to:

Kamado Joe - $1200
Weber Kettle W/Slow 'N Sear - $265

?