MAK is finally going digital

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

MAK posted on social media yesterday that they are hard at work on a digital pellet boss (controller). Personally I'm quite happy with the current simple interface, its reliable and gets the job done. But some things like setting up wifi or making programs can be a bit archaic with the arrow buttons.

The biggest thing IMO is they will finally be able to do firmware updates via wifi. The current way to get firmware updates requires MAK to mail out a module then you ship it back (with them paying for postage).

They have a video on FB



Anyway, if you've been thinking about a MAK the last time they upgraded their controller the existing models went on significant discount. So if you don't care about a digital controller, the time to buy may be approaching. You can always upgrade the controller down the road.

I do wonder if the controller is going to have a lifetime warranty like the grills do, or if they will carve out an exemption since screens are more prone to failure. Im sure it will be expensive, I wanna say when I upgraded my old MAK to the 1st gen k probe controller it was 300ish bucks and then another 100 or so for the wifi module. I dont remember what the controller with integrated wifi cost since it came with my new grill when I upgraded to the all stainless model.

I would also expect them to have a more polished version of their app available around the time they roll this thing out as well, but that hasn't been mentioned.

[briano52]

Well, that is good news. I love my MAK two star and use it a lot. The only thing I don't like is the Pellet Boss. Tedious to scroll through the menus and I have never been able to get the WiFi to connect to my system. I probably will buy the new one as soon as they come out.

Brian

[TripleB]

Ah, more electronic gadgetry. Just more to fail or go wrong. Enjoy

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Thats my thoughts as well, though the cheapo grills have digital controllers now so the expensive ones kinda have to unfortunately

[briano52]

In the case of MAK, their current controller is about 12+ years old and is badly in need of an upgrade. They don't put out any junk, so I am expecting a solid new product from MAK. If it is not, there are a legion of MAK users out there that will let us know.

[briano52]

Anyone hear anything or update on the new controller from MAK? They told me they would put me on the list to be notified when the new digital controller gets released. But no news yet as far as I know.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

It's still in testing. If I had to bet, I'd bet we won't hear anything until much later this year.

[briano52]

Well, I suppose it is better to take time to get it right before putting it out then trying to fix it later. I recently cooked on Weber Searwood pellet grill. It is an under $1k grill and the controller was kinda simple but worked very well. MAK, being a higher priced grill, they need to put out a pretty good controller to maintain their lofty standing in the pellet grill world.

[yakima]

I don't much care about fancy electronics. Got my MAK in about 2018. Have updated the igniter, added a door, swapped in the "flame zone" or whatever insert. Works fine, including the old style probes. Have barely used the smokebox.

Based upon the one fire I have had (no damage except to the brisket}, I really do not want to be very far from a cooker when it is in action.

[DuckinBBQ]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a One-Star. Has anyone heard anything regarding the updated controller? Not knocking my LSG. But pellet has its sweet spot at times.

[DuckinBBQ]

Indeed they do pick up the phone. Something I preach to my employees. on a weekly basis. Thank you.

[Tony-Dandrea]

I noted this on another thread in the MAK group, but I stopped by their shop last week (I am about 20 minutes away from them in Oregon) since I am ready to pick up a two-star. They demoed the new digital controller for me and gave me a little walk-through. I asked them when they were planning to include the option on new purchases and they asked me to call back in a couple weeks and they may be able to work on that timeline. Probably worth a call to them if you want the new controller.

[WI Bubba]

I'm not going to say anything bad about the MAK, from what I have heard, they are great pellet poopers. But I do know for a fact that the LSG pellet pooper is awesome. If you have an LSG smoker already, maybe it would like having a brother.

[briano52]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a One-Star. Has anyone heard anything regarding the updated controller? Not knocking my LSG. But pellet has its sweet spot at times.

I got an email from Dennis at Mak recently. He indicated that the new controller was about ready to ship in the next month or so. No definite date, but fairly soon. Best update that I have.

[Tony-Dandrea]

I just picked up a 2 star with the updated digital controller this week. Dennis kept me updated on the status over the last month or so. I am doing a couple longer cooks this weekend to test it out but the initial tests went smoothly. It was easy to connect to my WiFi with the new controller. Hopefully, they will work on the App next since its current form is not very functional relative to the older web version. One additional note, Dennis mentioned to me that there will likely be an cost increase for the new updated controller but they have not implemented any price changes yet.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Yeah the app sucks, but improving it was the next step after the controller

[briano52]

So glad to hear that the new controller has arrived. I will be getting one to after fit my two star just as soon as I can. I will report how it goes. I am excited!

[briano52]

I just talked to Dennis at MAK. He has 20 of the new controllers and is expecting more this week. They are $500. I ordered one for my Two Star MAK grill. Can't wait to get it installed and give it a test run. I will report here and let everybody know how it goes.

Kind of spendy but if it handles the WiFi like expected, it will be worth it. I believe it has a touch screen. Should be way easier to operate than the old controller which was a PIA. My MAK is wonderful. The only thing that I do not like is the controller that is outdated and difficult to operate.

If anyone is buying a new MAK, be sure to get the new controller already installed and avoid the upgrade that you will surely want. My MAK is about three years old and runs like new. Works wonderfully. Built very solid and gives you more smoke flavor than any other pellet grill that I have encountered. Made in Oregon and their customer service is very good. If you have any issue or just questions, Dennis responds very quickly by phone or email.

[kenrobin]

Today I scooped up a lightly used 2 star and I also talked to Dennis. He told me that they only have a few controllers from the 1st run left so they seem to be going fast. I bought one and if I like it enough (I'm sure I will), I probably get another one for my 1 star later.

I also ordered the retrofit kit so I'm essentially upgrading all of the internals. I should be able to get at least another 10 years out it.

Here's a photo of my new acquisition.

[briano52]

Today I scooped up a lightly used 2 star and I also talked to Dennis. He told me that they only have a few controllers from the 1st run left so they seem to be going fast. I bought one and if I like it enough (I'm sure I will), I probably get another one for my 1 star later.

I also ordered the retrofit kit so I'm essentially upgrading all of the internals. I should be able to get at least another 10 years out it.

Here's a photo of my new acquisition.

I have a similar looking Two Star. It is wonderful except for the old controller sucks. Looking forward to the new one. Let us know how it goes for you Kenrobin.

[glitchy]

I really want one of these but $500 not in the BBQ budget anytime soon. I went back to manually pressing the buttons when they shut down the website for the app as my app constantly disconnected and the grill went back to smoke temps every time this happened. It’s been devastating having to walk to the patio to adjust the temps manually once or twice in a 12 hour cook (sarcasm intended). I love my nerdy tools, but the MAK’s cooking ability far outweigh a short walk. Still a tank and still the best pellet grill I’ve owned by miles…and the only one that’s lasted over 2 years. I think she’ll be 6 in February.

Kinda sad Caleb left MAK or I probably would have been in new controller test group. Though I really hope his family is doing well. He left for the right reasons from a job he obviously loved talking with him several times.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

The grill should stay st the set temp if the app disconnects. That's one of the few good updates they did to the crap app early on. I didnt get to test the new controller either, though I did ask

[briano52]

$500 for the new MAK controller??? I understand the feeling of sticker shock on the price of the new controller. I would not cough up $500 for a controller for any pellet grill other than my MAK. The MAK is built so sturdy, and cooks so well, that I believe that I will be using it for many years to come. At least enough to amortize the cost of the new controller.

I usually don't like excess or optional electronics in my appliances. However, a pellet grill can't work without temp sensors, and a way to cycle the pellet refilling and the fan to maintain a target cooking temperature. So, I figure if you have to have a controller no matter what, you might as well have one that is easy to program (touch screen) and can communicate with you no matter where you are.

For short cooks, like ribs, the WiFi or blue tooth connection don't matter much. But it does on long cooks like a larger brisket that can take up to 12-14 hours. I usually do my brisket overnight. Being able to monitor the cook from my upstairs bedroom (without getting out of bed) is a nice feature that I am willing to splurge for. Also, handy if you need to take a trip to the store in the middle of a cook.

I have seven cookers. The MAK gets used as the number 3 most frequent. Number one is the Twin Eagles gasser (I prefer wood or charcoal cooking, but the gasser is handy for weeknights when time to cook is short). Number two is my Weber performer (the can-do-anything grill). Number 4 is the PK360. Number 5 is the KAT vault smoker. Number 6 is the wood fired pizza oven. Number 7 is a Weber Q that is on one of my overflow patios.

[yakima]

"Overflow patios." I have an overflow patio; did not realize what to call it. Until now!

As to controllers, my 2 star is about 7 years old and I am not tempted to upgrade. The igniter ad flame zone hardware have been upgraded, plus a door. Good enough.

[briano52]

Yes, cheaper would be better. But I have noticed a strong upward trend in all things for smoking and grilling. The increase in the cost of metal and electronics subject to tariffs has a lot to do with the prices. I don't know if that is true for MAK which has their factory in Oregon. Maybe the electronics are imported? Me, I find myself buying less stuff but looking for quality that will last for the long run.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

briano52 MAK stuff tends to be more expensive because of the Made in the USA stuff, but I also am not sure we make any capacitors etc... for computing in the US at this time which would obviously increase prices. You'd have to ask MAK specifically about the makeup of their boards, I'm sure they'd answer but I'm not THAT interested. I do know their grills will outlast me

[briano52]

My new MAK controller arrived yesterday. Screen looks good. Came with really nice instructions and user knowhow pages. It doesn't look like it is too difficult to install on my Two Star MAK. After the install you have the connections to your WiFi and some other setup things to do to make it work with the MAK app on your phone.

I have a lot of getting ready for holiday guests and two formal dinners for ten to do in the next week. So, I decided to wait until that is all done to devote some time to the installation and setup. I will get on it soon and let you all know how it goes.