Advice on brands

[Sflsun39]

Hi---- I have been reading pellet reviews and believe this is the way to get a better bbq experience. I currently use a vertical propane water smoker and have had a cheaper offset as well as a caja china for whole hog. I thing I've narrowed it down to the yoda, mak 2 and rec tec. I want to stay around $1500 or less but also want to get a smoker that will produce killer bbq for family and friends and last a long time. Any help is appreciated!!!!

 

[Jables]

For 1500 your real close to a yoder ys640

 

[Sflsun39]

For 1500 your real close to a yoder ys640

I am leaning towards the yoder as it is American made and has a larger cook surface than the mak 1 in my price range. I wonder if scarifying cook space to go to a mak 1 is worth it. When I smoke I like to try a couple different things t a time usually.

 

[Big Poppa]

It comes down to the controller on the MAK...the best controller in the biz....The Yoder is a fine smoker with a good pellet hopper attached Many people like them.

 

[Sflsun39]

Well mak is getting so many props--- meathead is recommending and I love his site. Idk---maybe the wife won't notice the cc and ill go for the mak2--if she does it'll be worth a day of the silent treatment. Lol. I know it's all about temp control like you said.

 

[Big Poppa]

temp control accessories service warm smoker it is a ground up pellet cooker complete with a controller they make whereas all the others farm our their controller All of em.

 

[Sflsun39]

Thank you bP for input Is the mak 1 big enough to handle say 2- full packer briskest at one time or 3- pork butts? 4 racks of St. Louis ribs ---if I get the upper rack?

 

[Big Poppa]

probably 6 racks maybe seven....four buts and two briskets for sure Always get the upper rack with mak if you spring for the two star get the two half racks. The beauty of the MAK is that the smoking area is ture it doubles....but I cook all but steaks on the shelf the height of the food is pretty much dead center and the convection of the pit actually acts like a retisserie only the meat doesnt move the air does.

 

[TentHunter]

Thank you bP for input Is the mak 1 big enough to handle say 2- full packer briskest at one time or 3- pork butts? 4 racks of St. Louis ribs ---if I get the upper rack?

Absolutely. You can fit 2 full packers on at the same time if you want!

Always get the upper rack with mak if you spring for the two star get the two half racks.

Even with the 1 Star, instead of the single full upper rack, I like my two upper half racks. Yes, it costs a few more bucks, but it's a $30 investment in future flexibility.


I also highly recommend the MAK griddle & split grate combo (you need the split grate to use the griddle).

Pair the MAK Griddle with just one upper half rack and you have greatly increased the versatility of your cooker.

 

[Sflsun39]

Wow--great pics and you guys are giving me some good info that I appreciate --- didn't realize so much can fit on the mak 1----BP-- any issues shipping to south Florida?

 

[Big Poppa]

they love going to south florida!