Yoder vs. LSG

[vtkess02]

Ok so I've pulled the mental trigger. It's time for a new pellet smoker. And it's time for a nice one.

Which brings me to my dilemma. I'm stuck between a Yoder YS640 and a Lone Star Grillz. It seems like there's no downside to the Yoder. Built like a tank, reputable American made company... And then there's the LSG. Those things as well, but has a few nice features (removable firebox, ability to empty the hopper).

What intrigues me about the LSG is that, based on a lot of the input I've read here, you can get significantly better smoke profile on an LSG than you can on just about any other pellet smoker. That's what keeps me coming back to LSG, despite the fact that it'll be more expensive than the Yoder (especially given the shipping to Pennsylvania). But on the other side, they always say you shouldn't buy the first year of a new model of car, so are there quirks or design flaws to the LSG?

I keep going back and forth, and I imagine some people here will have feelings one way or another. Any guidance offered is greatly appreciated.

[Panhead John]

I’m sure there’s a couple of others….but CaptainMike haven’t you had your LSG delivered already?

[Spinaker]

I would go LSG, smaller batch craftsmanship. LSG is really another level. When I get my offset, it is gonna be a LSG for sure. There is no question there. I love their attention to detail, the fit of the doors, the options they provide and the very personal touch to everything they make. You do pay for it, but I am willing to do so for something I plan to own forever. Granted, this is for a traditional offset, but if I got to choose between a Yoder and a LSG, I would go LSG every time. As for not buying the the first year model thing......pellet technology had been around long enough, and the software and hardware have been tested for a long time. When you think about it, all this really is is an offset with a pellet box added. Nothing too crazy as far as making this thing work. IMHO,I would not worry about it.

That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with a Yoder. They are solid, well-made and i know a lot of people that love them. i would be happy to own one, no doubt. I have nothing bad to say about them at all.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Waiting for the Worms has an ongoing thread, and has some minor issues with the current LSG design but seems to be a great grill. Lone Star Grillz 20x36 initial review - Pitmaster Club (amazingribs.com)

[Donw]

Too bad this isn’t about 5 years back as there was a Yoder dealer in Dover, DE who didn’t charge for the shipping. I bought mine there and only paid the retail price and he threw in 10 bags of pellets to boot. I think he was a professor and selling smokers was more of a hobby gone big. Unfortunately I just checked and he appears to out of the business. Still, on your question no complaints with my 640. My only miff was that I needed to purchase the diverter plate with the door separately as that wasn’t standard back then. Don’t know if the door is standard now or not. It does make cleaning the fire box much easier.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

its standard now, and it also now has a fireboard controller that supposedly smokes a little better while holding temps a little tighter. I've only put hands on an old version so just going off what I've read elsewhere.

[glitchy]

Did you look at a MAK?

When I bought my MAK I was between MAK, Yoder and LSG. The LSG was not out yet and after my luck with Weber’s SmokeFire, I decided I wasn’t willing to pre-order another upcoming product. I chose MAK over Yoder because of the frequent reports of Yoder’s temp unevenness and the regular need for paint maintenance. I think both Yoder and LSG are great pellet smokers that should last decades if cared for and would pick a LSG if I had to choose between the two personally. However, I’m happily MAKing a chuckie as I type this.

[vtkess02]

Ahh don’t do that to me! It was hard enough to narrow it down to two!

[Old Glory]

Having a removable fire pot is a great feature. I bought a Blazn' Grill that has a removable fire pot and it is super convenient. It functions great but I am having rust issues so I wouldn't recommend them.

Top Tier Pellet Cookers (in no particular order):
MAK
Yoder
LSG
Pitts and Spits Stainless

glitchy did you ever have a Memphis Pellet Cooker?

[glitchy]

Memphis shipped all their manufacturing to China a couple years ago. I did have a USA made one and it was a beautiful beast, but really disliked their grease management and had several fires. I strongly considered never buying another pellet grill because of it.

[Jerod Broussard]

I'd go with LSG. I went with Blaze 'n Grill over Yoder, kinda best bang for the buck at the time. If I get another pellet it'll be LSG.

[ofelles]

If I was in the market for a pellet cooker today I would get an LSG. I have a Yoder YS640 and have no regrets about it. I did not know about LSG when I purchased the Yoder and the LSG was not out yet.
I also have an LSG insulated cabinet that I love and use most often. The workmanship of LSG is outstanding along with the performance.
As mentioned, there is nothing wrong with the Yoder. Shipping is a concern ($$$), had mine shipped to California, but even the Yoder dealers charge for the shipping at least out here. The workmanship and several features like the pellet dump would sway me.

[Draznnl]

It must depend on the dealer. My local Yoder dealer did not charge for delivery on my 640.

[rlozinak]

Now I am looking at a LSG pellet pooper. Pretty darn close to pulling the trigger.

[FJB1964]

I have a 2014 Yoder YS640 and and have been happy with it, but I would have a hard time not choosing the LSG pellet smoker based on my positive experience with my LSG 20X42 offset.

[Waiting for the Worms]

I have zero buyers remorse from getting the LSG pooper. Solid construction, even heat across the grates, easy to clean, and smokes well even at a 375° cooking temp.

The only issue I had with it when it was new was that it ran hotter than the setpoint. Now that it has been broken in and has a good layer of seasoning, that minor issue has gone away.

The only other smoker I'm aware of that I would consider if I had it to do over again would be the MAK. glitchy and others love theirs, and he is well known for being the resident expert on what can go wrong with pellet poopers.

I can't really speak first hand about the kind of service after sale LSG provides because 9 or so months into owning the LSG, I have never had to call them about a problem. The thing just works like it is supposed to everytime I fire it up.

The only downside to the LSG is "the wait". All LSG owners know what I'm talking about. That time between placing your order and when you get the call that it's ready to ship is rough. For me, it was five months to the day from order to delivery. But as soon as you fire it for the first time, that struggle disappears, and you realize that it was worth waiting for.

[CaptainMike]

The only thing I can add to this, which is true of virtually all pellet poopers, is to clean the fire pot and chamber after or before every cook. I did have a software issue early on, but Chris took care of it immediately and remotely.

[vtkess02]

Oh man I gotta start preparing the wife for the credit card bill, cause I’m about to buy me an LSG…. Thanks all for the input.

[Panhead John]

That’s what we’re here for, to help our fellow members spend as much money as possible. I’ve never owned a pellet pooper but from everything I hear about LSG here, I think you made the right decision.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Just go have a nice dinner with extra wine. When the charge hits remind her of the discussion you had that night over nice dinner where she said go for it...

[CaptainMike]

You will not regret it. Even if it costs you a few nights in the doghouse!

[Redwng]

I really enjoy my 400# LSG 20x36 pellet grill. I had a Rec Tec for 8 years and this one blows the RT out of the water with the capability. I did a chicken around Christmas and was still getting smoke out of the stack with the controller set to 350.....unheard of on my old RT. I like how easy it is to clean the firepot and the searing feature is awesome.

The wait and paying for shipping are downsides but I felt it was the right option for me. Here is a tri tip, pastrami & beef ribs.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

careful, the RTMafia will get mighty upset

[Draznnl]

Face it. Either a Yoder or an LSG is going to be expensive. In the long run, whichever one you choose will be worth the cost. I have a Yoder with a brisket that just went on it for an overnight cook. I’m happy with it. When asked, I’ve said that my only complaint is the inability to dump unused pellets. Does that mean I recommend LSG? No, I don’t know enough about it. Do I think the Yoder is worth the money? Absolutely. In other words, it seems you won’t go wrong either way. So just go for it and, to borrow a lyric, love the one you’re with.