Which pit to add to existing

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bayourouge

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 8, 2015
11
10
I have a Lang offset which I really like the flavor of the way she smokes but it takes time and effort. There are times when I just can't spend that much effort cooking. I do a couple of competitions per year so pit mobility is important. I am considering adding a pit that would be less effort but still has great tastes. I will also keep my Weber kettle for backup and short cooks.

Thus I am considering a Yoder 640 pellet or a Ole Hickory ACE BP  (OH). Both are expensive with OH being higher. Cost is important but not the deciding factor.

The Yoder is a quality pit but all pellets don't have a strong smoke flavor although there is things to do to maximize the smoke. Many users claim adequate smoke and I don't like strong smoke anyway. I like the flexibility of the 640 with the wide temp range of low smoke to high searing/grilling. I like being able to smoke for time at 250 then raising to 500 to hot sear with one pit and little effort. A pit that can low smoke and high heat grill seems a good thing. The Yoder competition model does have the mobility that is like.Also I still have the Lang for times when I want that great all wood flavor.

The OH seems to cook more closely to the flavor of the Lang or charcoal/wood. It has max temp of 250 - 275F. Doesn't have the high temp range. OH is very high quality in build and food production. Very good reputation. It could be a replacement of the Lang instead of a supplement. The pit is not really made to move around. It has small casters difficult to load onto trailers.

I keep vacillating between the 2, Each has pros and cons that I see and probably only I can decide what is important to me. I can't seem to get over the reputation that Ole Hickory has in the bbq commercial world and high praise of the owners.

Yoder 640 -

flexible wide temp range

long burn times little attention

good mobility

lower cost

mild / low smoke flavor

Ole Hickory -

high quality construction

great wood flavor

control with little attention

heavy / poor mobility

higher cost

Please give me your opinions good and bad. Don't spare any criticisms either. This has to be my last pit purchase!
 
Why not a WSM with a temp controller?  Full range of temps.  Hands off.  Great flavor.  Can add wheels for mobility.  Good for ribs, butts, briskets, poultry.  Not so good for whole hog, except a small suckling. 
 
I agree with Ray,WSM! Even without the controller once your use to it it's super easy.
 
I have a Backwoods Party that will do that also. I want to get away from the water pan. I think the dry cook is better.
 
You don't need water in a WSM,if that's what your suggesting. Many of us run them dry or depending on what's cooking no water bowl.
 
I've never used the water pans in my WSM''s. They just sit in there wrapped in foil unless I am doing a direct smoke. Then I leave the pan out.
 
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