What is the Best Smoker around $1500????

[EZCUSE]

Well... the bonus check has come in and it's time for me to pull the trigger on a smoker. So pumped!!!!

Ideally my budget (all-in) is right around $1500.

The two smokers that I'm currently looking at is the Rec Tec RT-680 and the Yoder YS-480. I am completely aware that the Rec Tec has more cooking square footage but I'm mostly smoking for two people and as long as the smoker is big enough to fit a nice size turkey, I am okay with less cooking square footage.

When I compare the two, the Rec-Tec comes in at $1,460 (includes a cover, front folding shelf, a large and mini second interior shelf and S/H).

The Yoder comes in at $1,570 (includes a cover, front and side shelf, a 2nd interior shelf, a half 2nd interior shelf and S/H).

My question is which should I go with??? Is there any other smokers (all-in) around $1500 that I should also be considering? I am not really interested in Camp Chef, GMG or Traegers.

I am looking for a well-built, sturdy piece of equipment. I live in Denver, CO so the smoker has to make it through the seasons with no problems whatsoever.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[scottranda]

Ohhhh boy! Lots of opinions on smokers! You’ll get a lot of good advice here! Let it begin!!

[Troutman]

Why does this post sound so familiar? Toss a coin, both are great cookers. Find out which one has the best customer service and is easiest to fix, 'cuz it will eventually break and you need support, parts, etc.

[SoCalTim]

Don't forget to include shipping on the Yoder. Expensive, depending where you live.

[EZCUSE]

The Yoder did include shipping.

I do agree that this post is similar to the other post of a smoker under $1000. As you know though, $500 could make a world of difference in terms of being able to step up into a better overall smoker. Would love to get the Rec Tec and Yoder for $1000 but we know that's not happening.

[EdF]

Well, if you're willing to consider the opposite of a pellet burner (don't mind tending the fire), and you can put it somewhere more or less flame and ember proof, I can give no greater recommendation than for the KBQ https://amazingribs.com/node/381

$1500 shipped.

Check the https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...q-~-has-landed thread for what we fanatic cult members think!

[EZCUSE]

Thanks for the recommendation EdF. I will check this out but my gut is telling me to go pellet.

[EdF]

However you go, enjoy the process and the result!

[jlazar]

Yoder. Just look at the specs.

I would put the pellet in the following order (low to high) based on quality and cost: GMG, Rec Tec, Yoder, Mak.

[EZCUSE]

I think the Mak's are too far out of my budget.

[jlazar]

They were for me too that is why I went with the 640. But a 480 would have been plenty big. Built like a tank and should be able to handle Denver weather. If not, they sell a jacket pretty reasonably priced.

[Jon Solberg]

I own neither. I have no dog in the fight.

I would buy a Yoder.

[Donw]

Both are good. I pondered this same question for a long time and finally went for the Yoder. I am very happy with my decision.

[EZCUSE]

What was your reasoning for choosing the Yoder of the Rec Tec? Build quality? Better options?

[Donw]

Nothing against the Rec. I got a Yoder 640. I liked the standard exterior shelves, They use 4 grill grates to fill the area instead of two which I liked. Everything just felt more heavy duty overall. Also I had a dealer nearby who doesn’t add shipping so I could add the half upper shelf and a few other items and still keep the price down.

[lonnie mac]

Never owned a pellet pooper, but all the years I almost did, it was going to be a Yoder.

[jecucolo]

That's like asking where is the best place to eat Mexican food in San Antonio. There all good.

[Rod]

I have the Rec Tec 680. Bought the "whole kitchen sink". Looking back I should have just bought the Rec Tec for $900 + whatever the front shelf costs. Even though 240lbs of pellets is nice, all the other extras I found I had no use for or already had. So you can save a couple hundred bucks for more grilling accessories that you may want! Customer service is outstanding as well.

[shush]

I also have the RT-680. I could not be happier. I have no experience with the Yoder, but as a first pellet pooper, the RT-680 has been fantastic. Customer Service was a call from the owner of the Company sharing tips and solving my problem.

[Willy]

Any chance a kamado would be considered. Mighty versatile cookers.

[FireMan]

Ditto on a kamado, I,wish I had.

[Willy]

Kamados really are pretty much set and forget. No coals to tend at all, just light the lump, dial in the vents and you're good to go. If you want super-tight control, temp controllers are readily available. For $1.5 K, you can buy a large BGE, all the necessary "fixins", and a good controller.

[Troutman]

I love my pellet pooper for its convenience but Willy may be on to something I never considered. The BGEs are pretty much self-sustaining and give you that charcoal, smokey taste. Sadly ALL pellet poopers lack much of any smokey taste, no matter whose you buy/use. Just the nature of the beast. Something to consider (hate to make your life and decision more complicated).

[Aimless1]

I don't own either the 640 or the 480. Everyone has their own opinion. Personally i find the Rec Tea an overblown marketing gimmick and over priced for what it actually is. it really is just a glorified GMG in my opinion. I have a minority opinion and that is okay. Lots of happy Rec Etc owners out there. If you ignore the marketing schtict then you may see it that way too.

That said the YS480 was one of the grills I considered for home use. I really stepped up the budget and ended up with a Memphis, but Yoder grills are solid and dependable and great smokers. I have no doubt I would have been happy with the YS480 if I had gone that route.

Think about your needs. Look past the marketing b.s. for both and really look at what you're buying. I think the decision will be easy and right for you if you do that.

[DWCowles]

You can’t go wrong with the RecTec or the Yoder. I have heard that RecTec is coming out with something new in February.