Thinking of MAK 2-which options to purchase and why? Remind me again about ceramic?

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lrsimpson58

New member
Remind me again why you prefer pellet cooking to ceramic smokers?

Lurking for a while. Have a webber summit 420 grill but after reading this forum and Amazingribs.com forum I am itching to get a smoker. Charcoal was leaning towards the Primo Oval XL and MAK in Pellet smoker? I know that the pellet is easier to use, adjust heat, and clean up but what about taste?
Looking at MAK 2. What options would you recommend buying with the MAK 2 and why?

Thanks for your assistance and those on this forum. I have learned so much from so many here.
 
jimsbarbecue

jimsbarbecue

Moderator
We have two MAK 2 Star Generals and I believe every option. The half shelf option I would say is first. Then the WiFi module.
 
scooter

scooter

Moderator
-Get 2 half upper shelves that way you'll have the option to use them in half or full upper shelf configuration
-Cover (there is no cooler looking cover out there!)
-Rib rack (best I've found)
-WiFi module (works like a dream and no other pellet pit has it)
-Griddle (don't have one but think they're awesome)
 
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dnew

New member
I purchased mine with all options except I got 2 upper half shelves so l could use as either a upper half or a upper whole shelf. I will also order the Wi-Fi when it becomes available. I have used everything except the griddle. I have also used Grill Grates and the MAK grill shelf. I find the MAK to be an amazing piece of equipment.
 
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Silverback51

Member
I got the Super Smoker Box and love it. I have used it to cold smoke 10 pounds of cheese and close to 20 pounds of home cured bacon. Come this fall I will start doing some sausage.

It's also great to warm plates, and or just to keep something warm while you finish up something else on the grill.
 
MAK DADDY

MAK DADDY

Moderator
Silverback51 said:
I got the Super Smoker Box and love it. I have used it to cold smoke 10 pounds of cheese and close to 20 pounds of home cured bacon. Come this fall I will start doing some sausage.

It's also great to warm plates, and or just to keep something warm while you finish up something else on the grill.
Click to expand...

Good to hear you are loving the SSB so much! I use ours way more than I expected too. It's so convenient for storage of the FZ covers, grates, griddle etc. and the warming/smoking trays work awesome. The smoke just hangs out in there instead of being pushed out quickly due to the lower exhaust vents.
 
Pappymn

Pappymn

New member
MAK DADDY said:
Good to hear you are loving the SSB so much! I use ours way more than I expected too. It's so convenient for storage of the FZ covers, grates, griddle etc. and the warming/smoking trays work awesome. The smoke just hangs out in there instead of being pushed out quickly due to the lower exhaust vents.
Click to expand...

MD, do you have a cover that fits over the whole thing with the SSB On?
 
BudGarrison

BudGarrison

New member
I have had #422 for several years now, I cook on it most nights for dinner. I think the options depend upon what you intend to do with the grill and your budget. If money is not a big deal, got for it all, 2 half racks (I bought the full upper shelf and wish I had bought the 2 half racks), the griddle, grill grates, cover, a couple of armored probes, etc. If you are like me, a backyard cook and need to start small, start with the grill grates and a cover. I do love the griddle, I cook bacon on it every weekend and grill veggies on it a couple nights a week. If you are going to be primarily smoking for big groups, get the 2 upper half racks to expand your smoking capacity, and a cover, the covers are just cool!
 
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So Cal Smoker

New member
If I could only have one option it would be the half racks. Ooops I said only one didn't I, well it's just a full rack cut in half. LOL Good luck and good smoking.
 
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MAKinTexas

New member
To your original question - why pellet smoker over ceramic. I recently got the MAK after years of charcoal on WSM and some cooking on my neighbors Egg. I can tell you some of the things I like better about the MAK.
* Easy - turn on the temp and / or program - let it go. Saves alot of time and effort watching the Maverick - adjusting the vents, etc. Don't have to wait for temp to get stable - love running programs - can't wait to get Wifi module
* Duration - I like to do big, long cooks - when coal starts to run out at the end and add more - have to adjust temp again - drops - then moves up with new coal / wood. On the MAK - never got close to running low on pellets - but if I did - just pour some in the hopper
* Versatility - it is working great as a smoker, as a grill, and even as an extra oven - doesn't require reconfiguring - the griddle has enabled some new cooking fun too
* Accessibility - on the WSM - to do the big cooks - had to get to lower and upper racks - meant moving things around to get to bottom rack - not an issue on the MAK
* Smoke on the food, not on me - usually by the time I got chimney going, smoker stable, etc. - I smelled smokey - my wife didn't like. Don't get smokey pushing buttons on the pellet boss
* Temp probes - slightly easier than the Maverick - and can program the temps based on meat temps
* Taste - everything I've had has come out great (to be fair - most things on charcoal / wood was good too)
 
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MAKinTexas

New member
As to options. I like them all - if I had to list them in the order of how much I am using / enjoying:
1. 2 upper half racks
2. extra temp probe
3.frog mats
4.searing grate
5.griddle
6.cover

I'm actually wondering what folks think of grill grates vs. the searing grate and if they think a tube smoker is worth adding?
 
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dnew

New member
I like using Grill Grates over the MAK searing grate but I have not felt the need to use a tube smoker for extra smoke. It does come in handy for cold smoking at times but the MAK does a decent job there also on smoke. I think as options, a cover for your MAK should be first on your list. Love frog mats, need to oder right size for MAK from BPS.
 
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rdpchef

New member
what accessories to buy with Mak 2 star

Hi,
I bought one upper half rack, cover, griddle. I didn't buy the rib rack because I can fit enough on with the lower and half upper for my purpose but I may consider it next year.
rdpchef
 
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