- May 23, 2015
- 10
- 10
Hi -
Long time charcoal griller and both electric and stick burner smoker here looking for some advice between the two Pellet Grills listed in the Title. I've read about (most) of the pellet grills on the market (MAK, GMG, CG, Louisiana, Memphis, Rec Tec and a few others) and tapped at my keyboard searching for information on the web regarding the various pellet grills and manufacturers -- and *think* that I've narrowed it down to these two. Why? Based mostly on the information that I've read on this and other forums....and there's LOTS of reading (and differing opinions) out there!! wow! ... so I had to draw the line somewhere and the quality of construction, service (after the purchase) and (mostly) positive comments left these two at the top of my list!
So about my experience: I've owned a side fire box smoker, MES (30), The Good One and a Brinkman Professional (that I've rebuilt twice). I used to smoke 40~50 chickens every quarter for my team lunch and ribs/shoulders on the odd months just to see the smiles on their faces! That being said, I've never owned - or even used - a pellet grill ... which is why I'm here bothering you fine people and asking for your input!
The two Pellet Grills listed above seem to be *about* the same price with all of the accessories that I would want: Cover, internal second shelf, external front + side shelf and a grilling grate. The controls both seem to be digital and will hold the temps between +/- 5 degrees (according to their published propaganda/brochures).
The Grid Iron has a better (?) method to dump the remaining ash + the front & side shelfs' are solid tops that fold down for putting on the cover. The burn pot is in the middle which would suggest that there would be more even heat distribution. The auger is round wire instead of square reducing the tendency to get pellets stuck in the pellet feed system. The cover is ill-fitting.
The Yoder appears to be heavier construction and has ports on the right side for temperature probes. There was some comments about the heat deflector plate warping under high heat if the grilling grate was not used. The fire grate has been improved to eliminate warping of that piece. The 2nd shelf is an optional item. The front & side shelfs' also appear to be 'fixed' and do not fold for covering. The cover is custom fit.
I'm open to reading any direct (or indirect) experience with either of these two pellet grills .... I'm planning on making a purchase in the following 2 weeks so any input is welcomed!
Thanks in advance for reading my drivel...
Dale.
Long time charcoal griller and both electric and stick burner smoker here looking for some advice between the two Pellet Grills listed in the Title. I've read about (most) of the pellet grills on the market (MAK, GMG, CG, Louisiana, Memphis, Rec Tec and a few others) and tapped at my keyboard searching for information on the web regarding the various pellet grills and manufacturers -- and *think* that I've narrowed it down to these two. Why? Based mostly on the information that I've read on this and other forums....and there's LOTS of reading (and differing opinions) out there!! wow! ... so I had to draw the line somewhere and the quality of construction, service (after the purchase) and (mostly) positive comments left these two at the top of my list!
So about my experience: I've owned a side fire box smoker, MES (30), The Good One and a Brinkman Professional (that I've rebuilt twice). I used to smoke 40~50 chickens every quarter for my team lunch and ribs/shoulders on the odd months just to see the smiles on their faces! That being said, I've never owned - or even used - a pellet grill ... which is why I'm here bothering you fine people and asking for your input!
The two Pellet Grills listed above seem to be *about* the same price with all of the accessories that I would want: Cover, internal second shelf, external front + side shelf and a grilling grate. The controls both seem to be digital and will hold the temps between +/- 5 degrees (according to their published propaganda/brochures).
The Grid Iron has a better (?) method to dump the remaining ash + the front & side shelfs' are solid tops that fold down for putting on the cover. The burn pot is in the middle which would suggest that there would be more even heat distribution. The auger is round wire instead of square reducing the tendency to get pellets stuck in the pellet feed system. The cover is ill-fitting.
The Yoder appears to be heavier construction and has ports on the right side for temperature probes. There was some comments about the heat deflector plate warping under high heat if the grilling grate was not used. The fire grate has been improved to eliminate warping of that piece. The 2nd shelf is an optional item. The front & side shelfs' also appear to be 'fixed' and do not fold for covering. The cover is custom fit.
I'm open to reading any direct (or indirect) experience with either of these two pellet grills .... I'm planning on making a purchase in the following 2 weeks so any input is welcomed!
Thanks in advance for reading my drivel...
Dale.