Pellet Smoker ----

[Shiz-Nit]

Originally Posted by nucornhusker

I'm ordering a YS640 in February and I just got a Ton of Lumberjack pellets that I split with three other guys. It was VERY reasonable. PM if you would like more info.

PM Sent

Thanks!!

[JD McGee]

I use about 10-15lbs on my MAK 1 Star General for an overnight cook (10pm-10am) @ 225-250 degrees depending on the outside temp. I highly recommend the MAK...the Pellet Boss controller is the best out there! In my humble opinion...plus they are made in the good ol' USA and sold by a BBQ Brethren! Big Poppa Smokers... plus you can order pellets too!

The pic is a 2 Star...much more versatile...and my next purchase in the near future!

[Candy Sue]

Originally Posted by dmprantz

Something that I heard recently, and is worth considering, is that the average length of pellets (and to some extent, the diameter) affects how much burn time you get. I think I heard longer pellets tend to last longer than shorter ones. I would also suspect that the size of pellets may affect the smoke flavour. I've neither thought about nor tested that too much, but it's worth considering the brand of pellets may affect consumption by both wood type and pellet shape.

dmp

No, that's pellet lore not truth! Long length just means that pellets haven't been screened for size. I've seen pellets as long as pencils prior to screening. DENSITY and BTU are the real factors in pellet burn time, ignoring environmental factors. Now crumbly, dusty, short pellets are generally less dense than longer, harder, low dust pellets, so short pellets will burn up faster.

Some cookers don't like long pellets and the auger motor doesn't have enough strength to break them up to feed properly. If pellets are too long, toss the bag (unopened) on the concrete several times to break them up. Cooker consumption is determined by weather conditions when using uninsulated cookers. When your auger is controlled by a temperature probe, BTUs become a big factor because the thermostat is going to push more pellets through to keep the temp up.

All of you are lite-weight pellet users! I carry 120 lbs to every contest -- that's the most I've used (very nasty and cold windy weather). The least amount was 40 lbs of charcoal (high BTU fuel). Average is around 60. My cooker is uninsulated and non-thermostat controlled.

Yoder offers an outside of the smoker insulation package. That helps limit 640's pellet munching quite a bit.

Lots of pellet purchasing options out there. You'll want to shop around and try what different manufacturers offer.

[TheJackal]

Originally Posted by Candy Sue

Yoder offers an outside of the smoker insulation package. That helps limit 640's pellet munching quite a bit.

The Thermal Jacket does not fit with the competition cart which I suspect most of us have. Last time I spoke to Don they said they were working on one but it was not available yet.