New Pellet Grill

[ap89]

I recently purchased a Weber EX6 and after a couple of months have decided to send it back. I've used a Primo Oval for some time, but have become a fan of the convienece and versatility of the pellet "cooker". I have narrowed my search down to a few... Yoder YS640s, Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 36 w/ Sear Station, Grilla Silverback Alpha. The features I am most interested in are 1) Build quality/reliability, (2) Temp range 200-600. (3) Sear capability, (4) Clean up/ash removal, (5) Controls/App/Wifi interface. We use the grill 3-5 times per week throughout most of the year. Everything from burgers, pork butt, brisket, fish, chicken, qucik dinners, to long 12 hour smokes. The cost of the Yoder seems to be a bit heavy, but maybe it is worth it. Looking for your expereince/input. Thanks in advance!

 

[sweetride95]

I was saving for a Yoder, but eventually realized I couldn't convince myself it was twice the cooker. A thousand extra bucks isn't always life changing money, but now a days a consumer needs to be smart.
I personally went with Rec Tec. Reviews seem very positive from Camp Chef users. The Grilla stuff looks very sharp too. It's a tough one to decide on.

 

[ofelles]

I have a non S model 640 Yoder and really like it. If you get the grillGrate and diffuser with door options it will sear very well. I understand the addition of the Fireboard probes and WiFi are great and will upgrade mine when and if the controls fail. And I don't think you can beat the build quality.

 

[mikelens]

I'm a happy owner of the Grilla Silverbac. Built like a tank. Hold temps like a champ; 225-500. I run it with a Fireboard & couldn't be happier.

 

[kstone113]

Biased Rec Tec guy here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Rec Tec Bull! Through my research, I thought Rec Tec gave the most bang for your buck materials wise and their customer service is unmatched by far.

Good luck!

 

[Buttah Butts]

You should at least take a look at the Rec Tec line. They are excellent smokers

 

[Blues1]

I was going to order the Smokefire too. Withdrew that thought after seeing all the issues. After much debate, I bought a RecTec Bull. Could not be happier. Stainless steel, 6 yr warranty and terrific customer service. Plus they are 1 hr from me. Lots of good pellets out there. This one was best for my budget.

 

[ap89]

Thank you! I'll take a closer look at the Rec-Tec. For the Yoder owners....how likely is 600 degrees? Do you use the diffuser plate? How would you describe the smoke flavor your get?

 

[jmtyndall]

I'm a big fan of the Grilla. Build quality is nice and temp control is good. Searing on pellet grills is not a strong point, even with the gimmicks like grill grates and sear stations etc. If you insist on searing on the pellet grill then toss a cast iron pan on the grates, or better on your stove. I just sear on my charcoal grill though.

Regarding smoke flavor, all pellet grills are going to be about the same given you're using the same pellet brand. The smoke flavor is light, which some people like. Many people end up adding smoke-tubes to get a more pronounced smoke flavor more similar to what we're used to from charcoal or offset smokers.

For WiFi, Grilla announced they'll be releasing a WiFi controller later this year that will retrofit into the current controller spot so that people can upgrade. A word of caution regarding WiFi if you consider it a must-have feature: Don't just "check the box" that a grill has WiFi, look at the reviews in the app store of your choice to see how the feature works in the real-world. App store reviews aren't moderated in the same way that other forums or groups might be. There are some grills out there that have WiFi controllers, but connectivity is actually trash and they might as well not have it.

 

[ofelles]

With diffuser door open and the GrillGrates on 600F is not a problem. Pelltet grills arte stickburners smoke wise. I find the smoke levels good and if I want mot=re smoke I will put an Amazn tube in there. Keeping the temp lower helps also. Sometimes I will start the meat out at 200F for an hour or two then bring it up to temp. Putting COLD meat in the grill also helps.

 

[ososmokeshack]

Are you guys with grills topping at 500 happy with them to sear?

 

[jmtyndall]

Are you guys with grills topping at 500 happy with them to sear?

You got a BGE and a kettle. Sear on charcoal. Grill grates can give some good looking lines on the food, but charcoal or cast iron is just flat out better.

 

[kstone113]

You got a BGE and a kettle. Sear on charcoal. Grill grates can give some good looking lines on the food, but charcoal or cast iron is just flat out better.

This pretty much. If it is a steak like a ribeye or any thicker steak, the grill grates make a huge difference and are worth the money! But pellet grills don't really do the job with searing something like skirt steak. You need direct heat source below.

 

[ap89]

Thanks for everyones input. I went with the Yoder YS640s. I 'm picking it up tomorrow!

 

[ososmokeshack]

Thanks for everyones input. I went with the Yoder YS640s. I 'm picking it up tomorrow!

Awesome! Youre gonna love it. I get to use one at a buddy's every once in a while.

 

[kstone113]

Thanks for everyones input. I went with the Yoder YS640s. I 'm picking it up tomorrow!

Post some pics when you get it!

Remember some of these comments about smoke flavor. Doesn't matter(at least from what I hear and research wise) what pellet grill you get, the smoke flavor is lighter compared to offset/charcoal ones. I added the SmokeDaddy Magnum PIG to my Rec Tec for the times when I want extra charcoal/wood flavor added and works great! I've seen people add them to their Yoders also.

Enjoy your badass grill/smoker!