Does anyone use a Yoder YS480S... or YS640S?

[uncle eddie]

My MES40 (third one) has died. Moving on to another smoker. Considering a Yoder pellet grill.

Anyone have any experience with either the Yoder 480 or 640?

Specifically, I am wondering about the "smoky" flavor with the Yoder 480 (or 640). I have read in some reviews that the Yoder 480 (or 640) has a flavor profile that is as good as a traditional wood fired smoker. Thought I would ask the experts in this forum for their unvarnished opinion.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I’ve had the 640 almost 10 years now. It’s a nice grill with a very good sear option. As far as smoke flavor, it’s a typical pellet machine and nowhere near a stick burner smoke profile. Great all around grill though. It does produce good bbq but when I want that deeper smoke profile I go either with my offset or the kettle.

 

[okie sawbones]

You'll need to add a smoke source to the 640. A smoke tube, or a smoker box will help greatly.

 

[Fraser]

We've had a YS640 for a few years now, with all the trimmings (WFO, rotis, griddle, etc), love it. Disclaimer: we don’t tend toward meteorite brisket/pork butts or chicken that rolled around in an ashtray. That said, I love smoke as an ingredient.
To your question, I’d put my food up against neighbor’s offset (and he worked in restaurant biz) any day. If ‘heavy smoke’ is your thing, dial it down to 180F for an hour or two and you’ll get all the flavor you’ll want.
We ‘upgraded’ to the YS640 when our Rec Tec died; no comparison. The direct grilling and WFO were a game changer. I rarely use the gasser, Blackstone or kettle (I’m not giving up my UDS tho!) anymore.
Last thought: I’d go with the YS640 over the 480, not too different pricewise and the extra real estate is handy for several racks, Dutch oven beans, skillet Mac, corn & fixins.

Hope this helps! If you have questions, be sure to ask, be glad to help if I can.
-fraser

 

[Flatrate]

I actually have my 640s going right now. For me it is perfect, its my first and only pellet smoker so really can't compare it to anything. Had it for about 6 years now, if something happened to it I would get another without a second thought.

Dave

 

[sandyut]

Just to stir it up a little. If you are looking at Yoder, check out the Rec Teq and MAC units. These were my top three choices over a decade ago. Went with the Rec Teq and have zero regrets. But I believe all these are a worthy investment that will last you a long time.

 

[Bill'nCrosbyTX]

I have a ys640S and find at lower temps it has plenty of smoke. On longer smokes (pork butts, brisket), I use a smoke tube. I get amazing smoke with this smoker.

 

[realdocBBQ]

YS480 (non-S) here - good grill, some variable grate temps, mild smoke like most pellets. Very solidly built, overall one of the best pellet grills out there. But it's a pellet grill.

 

[ifitsdeadsmokeit]

Ditto. I have 640s. Love it. I use a smoke tube too. It provides a mild smoke flavor. The convenience over my stick burner has me using it way more than the lang. Get the 640 over the 480.

 

[chopsaw]

I'd go for the Yoder 640 . I don't have one ( yet ) , but you'll find out in a hurry that it will become the go to 95% of the time . A step above the main line pellet grills .

 

[G8trwood]

I’ve been debating the Yoder vs an old country gravity for a year. One of these trips to Ace could have that yoder coming home with me!