I am ready to purchase a new smoker and have researched a lot of smokers. I currently use a MasterBuilt Pro so anything would be an upgrade. I am looking toward a pellet smoker as tending a stick burner for long smokes would not work. I believe I am going to purchase the Yoder YS640 with the competition cart. I was looking for some input on this decision. I know it has been discussed before but with some of the new smokers out there I wanted to get some advice from you guys who have been doing this a lot longer then me. I've looked at most of the smokers out there and it came down to the Yoder YS 640 and the Rec Tec 700. I like the build quality of the Yoder and that it is made in the USA. The Yoder is at my limit as far a pricing. This is a big purchase for me that I won't be able to make again for a long time. Thanks ahead of time for any input.
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I have a Rec Tec 680, love it, I'm sure you have been to both web site's and read the reviews, Have never heard anyone say anything bad about a yoder either. Flip a coin you will win either way. -
I've never used one but I believe the Yoder to be the top of the line pellet grill. But everything is made to imitate the results of a stick burner. For that kind of money I'd go with a stick burner.Comment
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I have a YS-640 comp cart and really love it. I had a GMG before and the Yoder’s ability to hold temps is awesome. The second shelf is very handy. I would recommend that you get the 2 piece diffuser as well. It makes cleanup a breeze and makes using the direct grilling option very easy too.
Speaking of direct grilling I would heartily recommend the grill grates as well they are game changing as well. I have taken to cooking on them with their flat side so I can optimize the cooking surface are touching the food to maximize the Malliard reaction.
Stainless shelves option also nice, however, probably not a necessity. They make keeping the station clean much easier. However, if I had to pick between them and two-piece diffuser I’d go with the diffuser.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck. If you get the Yoder I think you will love it. Also, the comp cart is a great way to go because the machine is a behemoth and the comp cart makes moving it much easier. My buddy has one with regular casters and moving it isn’t easy and takes some extra help.
Okay really thats it for my two cents!😃
Sweaty PaulComment
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Also, great dog pic!
Lastly, Yoder’s forum is helpful and they have a YouTube channel: "All Things BBQ The Sauce" which has all kinds of recipes and cooks. The store All Things BBQ is owned by the guy who started Yoder and they sell all kinds of stuff including other grills, but, you can get the Yoder to do anything the other cookers will do.
For instance, in a recent cook they wanted to cook at 325 F and were putting chunks of wood on the fire for additional smoke flavor. I used my Amazn’ Smoke Tube with apple wood pellets to accomplish the same flavor profile. Worked great.
Looking forward to to hearing about what you decide and seeing your cooks.
Sweaty
P.S. Here’s one of my dogs!
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Well I did it. I ordered the Yoder YS640 with the orange competition cart. It hurt the pocket book really bad but I'm hoping that I will love this smoker. Got to find some overtime to pay it off. Waiting for it to be delivered is already driving me crazy.
I took your advice Sweaty Paul. I purchased the grill grates, two piece diffuser, smoke tube and the cover.
Thanks for the input everyone.Comment
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Congratulations! I admit I was skeptical about grill grates and direct flame because I have a nice gasser that gets really hot and is very convenient and I have 3 Weber kettle grills (I may have a problem). Anyway, thought it was marketing, it’s not. Works well. I use the flat side on the grill grates to maximize Malliard reaction with reverse sear. Will put pic below
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Congrats on the Yoder, welcome to the wide world of pellet pooping
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While it may hurt the pocketbook for awhile, you are going to love all the years of good food and fun you are going to have with it. I know my sons and daughter are already talking about who should get the Yoder in the will. Well, I’m planning they will have to wait a long time before finding out!Comment
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Congrats on the new rig. I too was concerned about the price tag, but the more I use mine the more I love it. Currently cooking a full packer, a split packer, and two split butts, all in pans. It's a bit tight, but totally doable.
Sweaty Paul did a good job providing you info about the rig and Yoder sites. The Yoder site is not as near active as this one, but whenever I've posted something, somebody usually responds pretty quickly. Especially Yoder_Herb. He's one of the resident experts and all his advice has really help me with my learning curve.Comment
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I will post pictures when it gets here.Comment
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Just got a tracking number for my new Yoder YS640. It will be here by the end of next week. I was originally told 4 to 6 weeks but it tuned out to be 2 weeks. Can't wait.Comment
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So, My new YS640 showed up at the dealer today. The dealer told me that the comp cart got scratches on it from shipping. AHHHHH. The dealer is willing to order another one or keep this one. He said he can't guarantee the next one won't have any scratches either. Not sure what to do. I want my new smoker but I hate spending this much money and having it damaged before I even get it. Has anyone else had problems with damage to their Yoder's?Comment
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I picked mine up at All Things BBQ. All the videos on YouTube I watched about YS-640 showed how well they were packaged and they had no problems. Bummed for you. I’d get the perfect one so you can be the first to injure it. -
I wish I didn't have to ship it but I'm just to far away. He has another comp cart but you can see the welds across the front of the cart where the braces are welded to the front. Sweaty Paul do you see the same thing across the front panel? They really show just to the left and right of the Yoder Smoker sign. The dealer said that they are normal. -
I will look in the morning and post a picture for you @ Frank10231
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I’ll check tomorrow and post a picture for you.Comment
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