Yoder YS640 vs RecTec RT-680

[karateauditor]

I'm trying to decide the same thing lol. I was at first going to get the rec tec 700 but the more I look at the Yoder ys640 the less certain I am of what I want. I like the looks of the Rec Tec and the WIFI capability but I really like the solid build of the Yoder but not the cost. Which did you go with?

 

[John D]

I'm trying to decide the same thing lol. I was at first going to get the rec tec 700 but the more I look at the Yoder ys640 the less certain I am of what I want. I like the looks of the Rec Tec and the WIFI capability but I really like the solid build of the Yoder but not the cost. Which did you go with?

So to totally confuse you I actually decided on the MAK I Star General. Its price is more than both but comes with free shipping so more inline with the Yoder YS640. If you live near a Yoder dealer and can pick it up you can save some cash.

I think both the Yoder and Rec Tec have a larger cooking surface than the Mak but at 858 sq the Mak is plenty big for me. Yesterday I had a 13lb brisket and 10lb pork butt going at the same time. I could have easily fit 2 more pork butts on if needed. After reading reviews here and on other sites I was most drawn to the quality of the Mak, the customer service, made in the USA (like the Yoder). The Yoder is a tank and very well built but I had read about it taking time to come to temp in cold weather because it is such a heavy gauge steel. The Mak is up smoking temp in 10-15 mins even in 20 degree weather (I got mine in January and smoked almost every weekend this winter). You will read a lot about the size of the hopper on the Rec Tec. The Mak has 20lb hopper (vs 40lb on the Rec Tec) but will still go for a solid 12 hours (even in the 20's ) before you would need to add pellets. I'm very happy with my Mak but I'm sure you won't be disappointed in whatever you choose. The pellet smokers are great. Set-it and forget it! Hope this helps

 

[tjmitche]

Wife and I have had a Yoder YS640 since February 2012 and are very happy with it, no regrets. Often this model is referred to as built like a tank, it is. Made in the USA, 10 gauge steel cook chamber

December 2017 we got a Blaz’n Grid Iron, very impressed with the quality of the build. In comparison to the YS640 it has a larger cook chamber and hopper, center mounted burn pot is easily removable for cleaning and the pro rack system has well over double the square inch grate space. So far very happy with purchase. Made in the USA, 16 gauge steel cook chamber with strategically placed double wall construction.

We purchased the Blaz’n for its ability to cook low ‘n slow 4 grates of ribs for cook offs over the Yoder’s 2 grates. In my opinion the sear kit in the Blaz’n is a disappointment and does not grill or sear with direct heat. We did not purchase it for the feature and will never try it as have plenty of grills for that. Yoder on the other hand has a nice set up, again in my opinion for direct grilling and searing.

Only other experience we have cooking on a pellet grill was doing a few racks of ribs on a Rec Tec Mini, it performed well for us. Made in China, sheet metal construction.

Have the YS640 and Grid Iron out today smoking meat sticks so got a side by side pic of them.

I've been comparing the same grills as well as trying to understand which ones do the best job with sticks and summer sausage. We do lots of cured meats in my vertical but I want American made and I want a good reliable pellet grill. Do you do summer sausage? If so, how do you place them. Same for sticks?
Feedback is appreciated. Leaning toward the Yoder at this point...
Thx!

 

[Mikejmartino]

I have a Rectec 680 with the upgraded wifi controller and it has been the biggest disappointment for me. It actually ran better with the non wifi controller. This is the second wifi controller from Rectec. First one would not get the temp over 300. This one has useless probes. They read 230 when my thermoworks smoke reads 70. Who would you believe? The temp swings for the smoker are aweful too. I have the older powder coated steel body. It is peeling in the front. Rectec told me to scrape the powder coat off and sent me a can of Rust-Oleum High Temp Paint. Worthless. I ordered a Yoder YS680s and it just shipped today. I saw an older Yoder at a BBQ I was invited to and I am now embarrassed of the Wrecktec. It is not half the grill the Yoder is as far as build quality. Not to mention the Yoder is built in the USA and the RecTec is from China.

No knock on anyone that has one that works great. I just didnt have that experience.