HELP P&S Maverick 850 vs 1250

[Jarret]

So I found a screaming good deal on a demo Pitts & Spitts Maverick 850 for $999 ($1550-$1749 regular priced) however I had my heart set on the 1250. I currently have a Traeger LIL TEX and there is just not enough room. The LIL TEX has 418sqin, the 850 lower rack has 540sqin so the top would be roughly 310sqin and the 1250 has 864sqin lower and roughly 386sqin upper. To be honest I'm not sure what I have planned for the 1250 ($2200) however it would be awesome to have the flexibility of that extra area. Does anyone have an 850 and if so what is the most you have cooked on it at one time? I'm interested if it would hold 3 - 4 pork bellies or would that be over crowding the unit.

[JimLinebarger]

Check out this Youtube vid. It is showing shoulders but it will give you an idea of the 1250. Width of pork bellies may be an issue unless you cut in half and run perpendicular. Might be able to fit 4+ in the 1250. Now you have me looking into this brand.

[Jarret]

Thanks for the link, I have actually watched that video and that is the one that got me thinking I want a 1250.

[JimLinebarger]

Me too. I also saw one on the 2000 with 3 shelves and another 2000 with 5 shelves.

[Jarret]

You customize any of them for the number of shelves.

[rwalters]

Not sure about the Pitts, but I have a MAK 2 Star. With the full upper grate, I have 858 sq”. I can feed a small army from it. Depends on grate layout and headroom. Not all pits are the same obviously... but the Pitts sure does appear to have headroom like the MAK

[rwalters]

I get it... trust me. I’ve struggled with wanting a MAK 3 Star. Only problem is the cost. About $9500 for the setup I’d want... lol. The 2 Star will work just fine til I hit the lotto.

Curious, do you cook for crowds? I have a LARGE family and we enjoy entertaining. The 2 Star has always met my low n slow needs.

[Jarret]

Not a large family. I’m planning on retiring from the military soon and thinking about a low stress hobby.

[rwalters]

Awesome and congrats! Thank you for your service

[Huskee]

Congrats on either choice, I hear good things about P&S.

[Sweaty Paul]

My Yoder YS-640 has 1070 sq inches with the second shelf. Love the rig. Good luck on your search! If you’ve Yoder questions let me know.

[Jarret]

Guy has a ton of Yoder 640s for $1750. Pro carts where $2400

[Sweaty Paul]

Jarret - don't think you'd be disappointed in a Yoder and might be worth considering on your quest.