First off, I'm glad I discovered this forum. I've searched and read quite a bit before posting, and I found tons of useful info.
I'm looking to buy a pellet smoker and believe I have it narrowed down to a few, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. I recognize that each of these are made well and will cook similarly, I'm looking more at usability and convenience than anything else. With two little ones at home, I frankly want something that requires as little work as possible. Also of note -- I'm in Nebraska, which means I can pick up a Blaz'n Grill Works in person without having to ship it. It also means I plan to use whatever I get in cold weather. Moreover, I will likely end up in North Dakota, which means cooking throughout a real winter. WiFi isn't really a big consideration for me.
I'm looking at three, I think: Mak 1 Star, Blaz'n Grand Slam, and Yoder YS640. Currently leaning towards the Grand Slam.
Tell me if I'm missing anything:
Mak 1 Star -- I keep reading good things about this grill and really haven't seen much negative at all. However, by the time you add a shelf and a probe, you're up around $2,300. Cost equal, I'd maybe lean this way. But is it worth the premium over the other two? Also, I can't find much about how this performs in actual cold weather.
Blaz'n Grill Works Grand Slam -- Again, I can't seen to find much negative about this. I can get it for less than $1,700 with all the accessories I need (including shelf, sear kit, insulating plate). Looks fantastic, and it's my wife's choice from a looks perspective. I've read good things about performance in the cold and that's certainly something they claim to be a strong point. Essentially I get the impression their attitude is, "we don't make a grill that requires you to throw a blanket over it." I like the idea of the pull-out slot for clean-out.
Yoder YS640 -- The only one I've seen in person, and it's gorgeous. However, the idea of re-painting it doesn't seem ideal. Falls in between the others in cost -- unless you need to buy an insulating blanket, which adds $250. Freaking heavy; my wife and I wouldn't be able to move it without help, although it's also not something we plan to haul around, either. My absolute biggest concern with this one is what I've read about not performing well in the cold and taking a ton of time to warm up. I guess I could put their expensive blanket on it, but I also hate to cover it up unless necessary.
Have I missed anything I should be considering? Thanks in advance.
I'm looking to buy a pellet smoker and believe I have it narrowed down to a few, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. I recognize that each of these are made well and will cook similarly, I'm looking more at usability and convenience than anything else. With two little ones at home, I frankly want something that requires as little work as possible. Also of note -- I'm in Nebraska, which means I can pick up a Blaz'n Grill Works in person without having to ship it. It also means I plan to use whatever I get in cold weather. Moreover, I will likely end up in North Dakota, which means cooking throughout a real winter. WiFi isn't really a big consideration for me.
I'm looking at three, I think: Mak 1 Star, Blaz'n Grand Slam, and Yoder YS640. Currently leaning towards the Grand Slam.
Tell me if I'm missing anything:
Mak 1 Star -- I keep reading good things about this grill and really haven't seen much negative at all. However, by the time you add a shelf and a probe, you're up around $2,300. Cost equal, I'd maybe lean this way. But is it worth the premium over the other two? Also, I can't find much about how this performs in actual cold weather.
Blaz'n Grill Works Grand Slam -- Again, I can't seen to find much negative about this. I can get it for less than $1,700 with all the accessories I need (including shelf, sear kit, insulating plate). Looks fantastic, and it's my wife's choice from a looks perspective. I've read good things about performance in the cold and that's certainly something they claim to be a strong point. Essentially I get the impression their attitude is, "we don't make a grill that requires you to throw a blanket over it." I like the idea of the pull-out slot for clean-out.
Yoder YS640 -- The only one I've seen in person, and it's gorgeous. However, the idea of re-painting it doesn't seem ideal. Falls in between the others in cost -- unless you need to buy an insulating blanket, which adds $250. Freaking heavy; my wife and I wouldn't be able to move it without help, although it's also not something we plan to haul around, either. My absolute biggest concern with this one is what I've read about not performing well in the cold and taking a ton of time to warm up. I guess I could put their expensive blanket on it, but I also hate to cover it up unless necessary.
Have I missed anything I should be considering? Thanks in advance.
