Yoder Smokers Community Forum

Hello gang,

I am the proud owner of a new YS640... and I mean PROUD! I just completed the initial burn-in without the diffuser and grates, and then another hour with the diffuser and grates. Next comes another burn with a Pam non-stick spray application to the grilles. Getting very close to starting my first cook on this beast!!

A buddy and close neighbor of mine, Andy Groneman, said I should look into the Yoder pellet smokers models before building a free standing pit. I am not a competition cooker, just someone who loves a well smoked rack of ribs or brisket; maybe a turkey around Thanksgiving. Once Andy showed me the features and the build quality of a Yoder, my mind was completely changed. I tried to find a fault in the Yoders, but I simply could not. Every pellet grill out there is NOT the same. When it takes 3 grown men to lift and move a smoker of this size, you know it's made right! That weight means heat that stays in the pit, not escaping through 18 gauge sheet steel

I also want to thank Mike Roark of Yoder for taking the time to answer my questions and helping me through the purchase. I have never had a company reply to my emails in the short amount of time Mike did. Amazing.

So in short,
1. Build quality - check
2. Made in the U.S. - check
3. Great warranty - check
4. Upgradable (if needed) software - check
5. Amazing sales and service - check

Looking forward to learning and creating.

Doug,
Shawnee, KS

Hello and welcome!!!
Congrats too!!

Welcome aboard! Do me a favor and throw a bunch of empty beer cans, wine and whiskey bottles on AG's lawn.

Yoder_Herb wrote:Welcome aboard! Do me a favor and throw a bunch of empty beer cans, wine and whiskey bottles on AG's lawn.

Ha, most of those empties I've helped him create lately, phew!! Andy's a good guy and a great advocate for Yoder. So happy with my purchase.

Welcome aboard! Im down in Wichita and couldn't agree more with your comments on the Yoder. Andy is a good dude from what I hear - still wanting to catch a class of his at ATBBQ.

How did you get your cooker spec'd out?

Jfrederick wrote:Welcome aboard! Im down in Wichita and couldn't agree more with your comments on the Yoder. Andy is a good dude from what I hear - still wanting to catch a class of his at ATBBQ.

How did you get your cooker spec'd out?

Yep, Andy is a pretty good guy to have around! I too would like to drop in on a few classes in Wichita sometime. Maybe I can hitch a ride down with the teacher?!

As far as my pit, I got sort of bare bones. I bought the 640 on the regular cart, full width second shelf, grille grates, and a cover. I have a few items I plan on adding, but since this is my first pellet grille, I would like to wait until I get a feel of what I'm doing before upgrading. I know I'll eventually buy a thermometer probe port and the diffuser with access is probably high on the list too.

Just put my cover on last night and it fits like a glove. No generic stuff here, this cover is fitted!

This grille, by far, is the best investment I've made in some time.

Welcome. Did my 3rd brisket yesterday. Just about got it down. Not one complaint and no leftovers.

RichM wrote:Welcome. Did my 3rd brisket yesterday. Just about got it down. Not one complaint and no leftovers.

I've just smoked a few simple things on mine (had it for 3 days now). Trying to get better acquainted with damper use and placement of meats for different temps within the pit. I am heading to a reputable butcher this weekend to explore better cuts of meat and how to tell the difference!

I am very inexperience as opposed to most who own these awesome grills, so it's a learning process for me. But I am looking forward to the journey \m/