Graduating from cheap smoker

[Bruce1963]

I have been smoking for a year or so on a big-box wood smoker. I have made some modifications to it (double thermostats and the flex pipe). It actually cooks fairly well. However, heat fluctuates too much and with the wood, it requires full-on attention.

I want to step up to the next level. I am seriously considering the MAK 1 Star smoker. That is as high as I want to go in price. I know that there are many preferences but I would like to get some ideas from others on this or a reasonable alternative.

My main concern is the smoke flavor as many things I "read" tell me that the smoke flavor will not be as strong using pellet smokers. I do not want to have to modify a pellet smoker just to get a better smoke flavor.

Looking for comments and direction.

Thanks.

 

[Braz]

Simple solution would be to get the smoker you have your eye on and if you find you need to increase the smoke flavor then buy an Amazen Pellet Smoker tray or tube. An inexpensive and effective way to add smoke.

 

[ravenclan]

I have a pellet smoker PitBoss 700 FB and the smokey goodness we all want in our food works out with this one. You will have to mess with the smoke settings to get it to your taste but it will work.

I also have two other electric smokers a propane smoker the Pellet smoker and a stick burner. I use each at different times of the year, if i want to set it and forget it "cold and windy" or mind the "fire and flame " during the summer.

 

[gmc2003]

BKING! should be able to answer all your Mack questions. He uses one.

Chris

 

[schlotz]

I've been using the MAK now for 5 years and it continues to provide great smoke flavor. You will not be disappointed with a MAK 1 Star, I guarantee it. BTW: I use BBQr's Delight pellets exclusively. While I have both Amazen's Tray & Tube smokers for an extra smoke I now rarely use them in the MAK. The one exception seems to be briskets where I sometimes use the tray.

 

[Bruce1963]

Thanks. I am a fellow Hoosier as well.

 

[schlotz]

Thanks. I am a fellow Hoosier as well.

 

[Winterrider]

Not that the Mak isn't a quality grill, but have you looked into the Rec Tec? Looks like more for the $ to me , but that is just my opinion.

 

[BKING!]

I have a 1 star. Smoke flavor is such a personal thing and it’s hard to quantify.
I used to own a stickburner and prided myself in burning a very clean, hot and small fire. It’s kinda similar to that but it’s cleaner. The flame zone and the top full grate are great accessories too. I’ve cooked 8 full size butts at once and get plenty of char on grilled meats. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love their Mak!

 

[BKING!]

I also never use a tube smoker in my Mak. You get plenty of smoke for my taste without it. I don’t know anyone who does now that I think about it.

 

[Bruce1963]

Thanks for all the comments. BKING!, you really like that Mak don't you? It's great that I am getting this feedback.

 

[retfr8flyr]

I think you will be very happy with a Mak 1 Star. I don't have a Mak but from everything I have read about them, you should consider getting the new Flame Zone upgrade for the 1 Star.

 

[BKING!]

Thanks for all the comments. BKING!, you really like that Mak don't you? It's great that I am getting this feedback.

It’s a great cooker! Another couple in your price range to look at is the ys640 or kuma platinum SE but I’m partial to the Mak IF you get the flame zone.

 

[schlotz]

I think you will be very happy with a Mak 1 Star. I don't have a Mak but from everything I have read about them, you should consider getting the new Flame Zone upgrade for the 1 Star.

Also agree with the Flame Zone upgrade.

 

[Bruce1963]

If I add too may modifications/accessories, won't I be getting close in price to the Mak2?

 

[BKING!]

If I add too may modifications/accessories, won't I be getting close in price to the Mak2?

Yes within a few hundred if you add the lower shelf, side shelf, and flame zone.

 

[schlotz]

But the nice thing is you can start with the 1 Star and at some point migrate has your needs progress. The 1 Star by itself is a fantastic piece of equipment and will most certainly provide great service and GOOD EATS! It's just nice to know you have options going forward with the MAK 1 Star.

FYI: The flame zone does improve upon the inner workings and their effectiveness. Higher grilling temp if needed. A by product is it uses less pellets for smoking. Saw that when I sold my original MAK 2 Start (2014) and purchased the 2018 model. The 2018 uses less pellets for the same brisket, pork butt and ribs I do.

 

[BKING!]

But the nice thing is you can start with the 1 Star and at some point migrate has your needs progress. The 1 Star by itself is a fantastic piece of equipment and will most certainly provide great service and GOOD EATS! It's just nice to know you have options going forward with the MAK 1 Star.

FYI: The flame zone does improve upon the inner workings and their effectiveness. Higher grilling temp if needed. A by product is it uses less pellets for smoking. Saw that when I sold my original MAK 2 Start (2014) and purchased the 2018 model. The 2018 uses less pellets for the same brisket, pork butt and ribs I do.

Yes 2017 version of flame zone has better grease management, smoke production, and fuel efficiency.
Mak 2 star vs loaded down 1 star depends on if you want stainless and the cold smoker box. I don’t cold smoke plus I didn’t want stainless due to the fact I’d have to keep it clean. No wrong answer because they both perform the same.

By the way you can look at my post history for some of my cooks if you are curious.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Yes 2017 version of flame zone has better grease management, smoke production, and fuel efficiency.
Mak 2 star vs loaded down 1 star depends on if you want stainless and the cold smoker box. I don’t cold smoke plus I didn’t want stainless due to the fact I’d have to keep it clean. No wrong answer because they both perform the same.

By the way you can look at my post history for some of my cooks if you are curious.

That's why there are many different options, everyone has different preferences. Myself I would spend the extra and get the Mak 2 Star, as I would prefer the SS and it comes fully equipped. Like you have discovered, by the time you add the options to the 1 Star you are almost at the price of the 2.

 

[Hawging It]

So far I love my Bayou Classic 36" stick burner. No complaints. Something for you to consider. Hope you find one that fits your needs.