Yet Another Equipment Advice Thread

[Jason@Texas]

Hi,

Sorry for what is likely a thread that's been asked 1,000 times. Asking "Dr. Google" turns up old posts/articles and sites making money off of Amazon links, which only gets one so far. This site and forum looks to be well-informed and objective.

I live in North Texas and am setting up an outdoor kitchen. I'm going to stock it with a pellet smoker for slow cooking, a Green Egg (or equivalent) for high heat cooking and a Weber for quick charcoal BBQ.

I'm agonizing over the choice of pellet smoker. Looking at Yoder 640, Pitts & Spitts Maverick, or RecTec 700 -- but open to other choices.

Stuff that's important to me:

• Good smoke is the priority, it would be nice to be able to grill/sear (like on the Yoder), but I can finish stuff on the Green Egg or Weber (i.e. I don't want to sacrifice smoke quality for grill capability)
• This will live outside under a outdoor patio roof (i.e. it will be covered, but it will be exposed to the elements, which I've heard anecdotally can be an issue with the Yoder)
• Will be entertaining people, so the capacity of the 640/Maverick/Bull seems about right
  
• I commute/work 8 - 7, so I would like to be able to set up in the morning, monitor remotely (i.e. WiFi) come home and eat
• I'd like to spend $2k or under (which eliminated Mak from the list)
  
• I don't want to have to buy another one of these in five years

Can y'all help a dude out?

Thanks!

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Rec-Tec Bull is highly recommended and used by many forum members.
However, the MAK One-Star General is under $2K if it meets your needs/wants.
If I was in the market for a pellet pooper and budget was a factor, then Rec-Tec all the way.

 

[texomakid]

My Yoder has been in a screened in area behind the shop for over 1 year - covered when not in use for a while (which is rare) - no issues.

The new S model might fit your need for wifi but you'd have to check with yoder - my 2018 model does not have wifi.

After you add expanded metal shelf, heat defuser with door, & 3 piece grill grates you'll probably be just over $2K. Someone else will have to chime in on the Rec Tec or Pitts & Spitts. I'm sure any of the 3 will make a great addition to your outdoor kitchen. You can see many of these models (and more) for yourself @ Dave's Stove shop if you are ever around Weatherford Tx.

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Rec Tec Bull based on the parameters listed.

 

[ofelles]

My vote is for the YS640, that's what I have. As mentioned the new S model has the WiFi built in. I use the ThermoWorks Signal on my 2018 model. In any of the cookers you will need to protect the electronics from getting wet.
All the models you mentioned get good reviews.

 

[Jason@Texas]

Thanks to everybody for the replies! Checked the RecTec site and they seem to be having a heck of a sale right now (but maybe they're always on sale). Think I'm going to get set up with a bull. Sent them a request to see how much amperage it draws (we're finalizing plans on for the outdoor kitchen, including electrical), can't imagine it will be much.

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Great choice, if the Bull is the route you decide to go.

But whatever choice you make, here's to wishing you the best luck and experiences with it.

 

[texomakid]

My vote is for the YS640, that's what I have. As mentioned the new S model has the WiFi built in. I use the ThermoWorks Signal on my 2018 model. In any of the cookers you will need to protect the electronics from getting wet.
All the models you mentioned get good reviews.

Dude, I just ordered the Signal along with a classic pen due to your reply. I may need a 12 step program or something.....My name is TK and I'm a smok-a-haulic....................

Post some pics of that new Rec Tec when you get it that outdoor kitchen finished in.

 

[ofelles]

texomakid wrote: "Dude, I just ordered the Signal along with a classic pen due to your reply. I may need a 12 step program or something.....My name is TK and I'm a smok-a-haulic...................."
I am familiar with them. More is better! One Day at a Time.

 

[bregent]

Good smoke is the priority, it would be nice to be able to grill/sear (like on the Yoder),

Consider the CookShack PG500. Probably one of the best in terms of smoke profile due to the unique way smoke flows across the food. Also has the best dedicated char griller of any smoker. All stainless so outdoor storage not an issue. I don't own one, but it's top on my list if I ever clear enough room on my deck.

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Consider the CookShack PG500. Probably one of the best in terms of smoke profile due to the unique way smoke flows across the food. Also has the best dedicated char griller of any smoker. All stainless so outdoor storage not an issue. I don't own one, but it's top on my list if I ever clear enough room on my deck.

I don't doubt that the CookShack PG500 makes great food.

But that double door "convenience store ice chest look" makes it, at least to my eye, hands down the ugliest cooker on the market today.

 

[bregent]

I don't doubt that the CookShack PG500 makes great food.

But that double door "convenience store ice chest look" makes it, at least to my eye, hands down the ugliest cooker on the market today.

Well I personally don't see that - to me it's a great looking cooker, certainly better looking than many barrel type pellet grills. But the bottom line is how well does it cook. Everyone that I know that owns one says they smoke better, and grill better, than any other pellet grill they've owned. One drawback might be space, but you can actually fit a lot more on it than it might seem at first.

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Our posts illustrate that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

But yes, the Fast Eddy’s do enjoy a stellar reputation.

Well I personally don't see that - to me it's a great looking cooker, certainly better looking than many barrel type pellet grills. But the bottom line is how well does it cook. Everyone that I know that owns one says they smoke better, and grill better, than any other pellet grill they've owned. One drawback might be space, but you can actually fit a lot more on it than it might seem at first.

 

[Smoken@LakeFork]

Well I personally don't see that - to me it's a great looking cooker, certainly better looking than many barrel type pellet grills. But the bottom line is how well does it cook. Everyone that I know that owns one says they smoke better, and grill better, than any other pellet grill they've owned. One drawback might be space, but you can actually fit a lot more on it than it might seem at first.

I have owned the PG500 for over two years now... This is an Awesome Smoker and will not disappoint.