Help with new pellet smoker

[smokedout13]

Hey guy/gals I'm in the market for a new pellet smoker. I currently have a traeger Lil tex. I have been looking at the Yoder but would like to hear what everyone thinks or recommends as well. Thank you

 

[smokinpapist]

Well, I am the very happy and proud owner of a Yoder YS640. I love this thing. I love how it holds temp, how it makes me into a rock star, how easy it is to operate, how rootin' tootin' finger lickin good the food is that comes off of it. You can't go wrong with the Yoder. Great machine, great support, and most importantly great BBQ.

 

[bullitt5339]

I was going back and forth between buying multiple brands for months before I made a purchase.  After doing exhausting research and changing my mind multiple times, I came to the conclusion that every quality pellet smoker on the market is awesome and they all have loyal fan bases.

What ultimately made the decision for me was simply convenience.  REC TEC is about 3 hours away, so I could run down on a Saturday, pick it up and save a couple hundred in shipping costs.  I've been extremely happy with it so far.

I know that doesn't really help much, but I seriously don't think you can go wrong with any of the pellet smokers in that same $1200+ price range.  It usually comes down to a single feature that one offers over the other, but are tiny details to nit-pick over.  

 

[smokedout13]

Looks like I'm gonna go with the ys640. After lots of research I haven't heard one bad thing about them. I appreciate everyone's responses. I should have her in a week or so

 

[smokinpapist]

Welcome to Club Yoder. You will love the YS640. You will feel like a hero when you smoke up some que.

 

[jjdick]

Smokinpapist
How the temps across the grill on the yoder?
My concern was the fire pot being on the left and that there my be a big temp difference from left to right. Also do you like the adjustable heat damper? I'm seriously considering a YS640.

 

[smokinpapist]

I have seen on average a 30-40 between the left and right side. As to the damper, I like it, it has allowed great control. 

Oh and as to that temp difference, the hot end is not on the left, but on the right, where the heat first comes up from the heat diffuser. So the left is the cooler side, as the heat diffuser does a great job. 

 

[westby]

I can say that the rec tec with a fire pot in the middle has the same temp profiles left to right - hotter on the right than the left.  It isn't much difference, but is noticeable.  I would say it is about a 10 - 15 degree variation.