I am looking to add a pellet smoker to my grill collection (BGE-L,Napoleon PP665 RSIB). The YS640S is on my radar. I live in New England. I was ready to pull the trigger on a new Weber Searwood XL 600 but was pointed towards Yoder. I know price is a major difference but aside from that, what tips or suggestions do you all have? The Yoder looks to be built like a tank. I'm looking to be able to use it year-round. Thanks!
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The Yoder is great, but I'd add MAK and LSG to your research list. Both of which, especially the MAK will likely do a little better at worst in cold weather-
Also, regardless which route ya go a welding blanket will usually help almost any pellet cooker if it's SUPER cold. Not sure if Yoder does it, but a lot of brands won't ignite if it's too cold outside... non-issue as you can ignite a handfull of pellets or hit the thermocouple with a culinary torch before starting and it will think it's warm enough out and once ya get going, it's gonna be cooking as normal other than a little higher pellet consumption.
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Yoder 640 owner here. Never had an issue, good size cooking chamber and yes, it is built like a tank. And when it gets really, really cold I just throw a welding blanket on top of the cooking chamber.Comment
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Blaz'n Grill works Grid iron owner here you need to check them out! Double wall construction.
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Thanks all. I know this is a Yoder thread but I did not see generic pellet grill option. So far I'm leaning into Yoder & Weber. LSG is on the list but really above my (planned) price point. I'ld love to stay in the Fireboard software family but it's not a necessity of course.Comment
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Well I love my Recteq. Give them a look.Comment
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I understand Yoder is a great one. I've had a Recteq since May of 2017, love it.Comment
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This may be a regional thing, but I see quite a few YS640s for sale on FB marketplace. If they're priced too near new they languish. If closer to half new price they move quickly. Some are the older version that needs a controller update, but most are of the more current variety. A cost effective way to get one with the comp cart too. Why are they available? I suspect it's the age old situation that someone got a wild hair to get into smoking and then lost interest after the first few cooks (we on here ain't normal you know).Comment
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Had my YS480 for years - bought it used, got a deal, or I'd never have one. They're... not cheap.
But yes, it's a great smoker. Whatever you get... do actual temp mapping on the grates at all points and all levels. Do NOT assume your temps are even and the same. I have had as much as 70-80ÂşF difference from coolest to hottest areas consistently. Requires rotating meat.
But yes, they are built like a tank. Never seen an LSG or a MAK to compare, but those are the ones I would consider aside from the Yoder.
If you can get the competition cart for a reasonable price, then do so. The wheels on mine have been the weak point.Comment
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Had a Yoder and a Camp Chef.
They both performed the same.
You can buy 2 Camp Chefs for one Yoder.Comment
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Unfortunately I think there have been some quality control and durability complaints in the last couple of years about Camp Chef. I looked into them initially, but came to the conclusion they're really not any better than any other mid-tier brand anymore. -
DF PS is correct and it seems to be getting worse, loads of complaints the last few years and reports of horrid customer service (which sucks, they used to be one of the box store brands that still had excellent service) -
My YS640 had control panel issues.
Customer service was great, but had to install 3 control panels before it started working right. By then I was gun-shy every time I started it.
I sold the Camp Chef (which I bought as a back up for my Yoder) and went to Pit Barrels, no electrical and in my opinion, and many others, better smoke flavor.
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I love my YS-640. It holds temps well. I understand for cold weather cooking they’ve upgraded their fans to have ceramic ball bearings to make sure they work efficiently at all temps. I live in western Kansas where the wind blows all the time in addition to cold. It’s not uncommon to have 20-30 mph winds consistently. The YS-640 holds temps well and the new Fireboard update is great.
I bought my Yoder 10 years ago and put the new Fireboard controller in when it was available. It is built like a tank. I spent the extra money and bought the insulated jacket. I find it helps a lot in both hot and cold weather for temp control. I’d recommend it too. If you can afford the competition cart it makes moving it far easier.
Would highly recommend the Yoder and my friends who have purchased theirs love them too. It’s definitely on the “would buy again” list.
Sweaty Paul
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I haven’t had any issues in the rain, however, because of the electronics it has lived a sheltered life. The first couple of years it lived in my detached garage and with precipitation (which is rare out here) it was sheltered and covered in the detached garage. It now lives on my back patio where it is covered too. It lives on the back patio and when not in use I keep it covered with the Yoder grill cover. -
TimmyR that said, I do cook in the rain, however, I’m always careful to keep the electronics and pellet hopper in areas where it is dry. It has always maintained temps no problem. I don’t know if they come with the two-piece diffuser, however, I think that is a must have. I would recommend 3 grill grates to act as grates for 1/2 of the bottom shelf.
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Question for you YS640S and LSG 20x36 owners and maybe anyone using a pellet grill with offset fire box. How is the temperature gradient across the grill? I'm seeing some (not a lot) of people who have issues with running a fairly consistent temp from one end to the other. Since my only experience is a BGE with either a Woo or Adjustable Rig and gas grills (well and a WSM plus multiple Weber kettles,) I'm guessing its totally normal to see a hot and cool side.
My follow-up would be how is that to manage on different cooks? Pellet grills are always touted as mostly hands-off once you get going (much like my BGE is now.)
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No comment on those two specific units but all longish cook chamber smokers have temp variations across, and front to back, based on hot air transfer portal design and exhaust placement/design or possible leaks. Those who don't "complain" or notice either don't care or haven't done a serious check. -
My Yoder YS480 has always had a gradient from L to R, about 40-60 degrees hotter on the right (exhaust) side. The diffuser plate will shift a little from front to back, but it doesn't seem to make much difference in my experience.
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