Wanting desperately to enter the pellet smoking world. However, I'm having information overload from the manufacturers/retailers... Please, I need unbiased opinions from real world users... what's best and why??? Wanting primarily for home/family, with ease of use, quality, predictability, reliability, longevity... PLEASE HELP. Thanks in advance.
HELP!!! MAK vs. Memphis vs. ?????
- Thread starter SMOKES
- Start date
FLBentRider
New member
I have a MAK 2 star.
It is built like a tank. Customer service from BP and MAK is awesome.
It is built like a tank. Customer service from BP and MAK is awesome.
TentHunter
Moderator
Both companies offer top quality grills, made in the USA. Based on my experience with my MAK and what many other Memphis and MAK users have expressed, it boils down to what type of cooking you do most.
If You do more grilling, then the Memphis Select, Pro & Elite go to higher temps, offer the Direct Flame insert, and are better insulated. This allows them to be more efficient at getting to the hotter temps you want for great grilling, but also lets you do low & slow BBQing.
If you do more smoking/BBQing and some grilling, then the MAK's are known for putting out more smoke. And while they don't get quite as hot, they do feature the FlameZone drip pan, so you can also grill (It takes a little longer to get up to grilling temps).
If you're looking for versatility, then the MAK offers some unique features, such as: the MAK Griddle, Searing Grates, Cold smoke chamber & optional smoking cabinet (2 star model only), & the Remote Boss. Soon they will also have the WiFi option that will let you control your grill via any internet capable device.
Hope this helps!
If You do more grilling, then the Memphis Select, Pro & Elite go to higher temps, offer the Direct Flame insert, and are better insulated. This allows them to be more efficient at getting to the hotter temps you want for great grilling, but also lets you do low & slow BBQing.
If you do more smoking/BBQing and some grilling, then the MAK's are known for putting out more smoke. And while they don't get quite as hot, they do feature the FlameZone drip pan, so you can also grill (It takes a little longer to get up to grilling temps).
If you're looking for versatility, then the MAK offers some unique features, such as: the MAK Griddle, Searing Grates, Cold smoke chamber & optional smoking cabinet (2 star model only), & the Remote Boss. Soon they will also have the WiFi option that will let you control your grill via any internet capable device.
Hope this helps!
Last edited:
SoDakSmokerGolfer
New member
I am another MAK owner/user and like you I debated between the it and the Memphis Pro. I will echo what others have already said when I say you can't go wrong with either of them. The feature that was the tipping point for me is the quick change pellet hopper door plus easy access to the hopper. I use this all the time. This allows me to change pellet flavors easily and save pellets from sitting outside too long if I am not going to be cooking for a while.
Whatever you go with buy from Big Poppa their support and service is second to none... I often find myself asking myself "what would big poppa do". When it comes to my own biz and customers.
Hope you pull the trigger soon... Grilling season is here!
Whatever you go with buy from Big Poppa their support and service is second to none... I often find myself asking myself "what would big poppa do". When it comes to my own biz and customers.
Hope you pull the trigger soon... Grilling season is here!
Big Poppa
Administrator
hahahahaha
Here is the slippery slope that we all walk here...This is a very common thread and we are happy yto answer...What has happened lately is that some people really already have theri minds made up and on this forum you have so many happy MAK users that some actually bristle at the responses. I sell both and cook on both of them.
What is happening now is that I think some that have raved about their cooker are reluctant to offer feedback because of getting slammed for expressing their feelings.
I wont sell anything that isnt great it is what you are using it for just like tent said...
The other key point is true smoking capacity...the MAK wins hands down...their rack system truly doubles you cooking...the Memphis is stairstepped and is limited even though they claim similar cooking area. If that isnt important to you refer to Tents advice.
I would love to be your dealer.
Here is the slippery slope that we all walk here...This is a very common thread and we are happy yto answer...What has happened lately is that some people really already have theri minds made up and on this forum you have so many happy MAK users that some actually bristle at the responses. I sell both and cook on both of them.
What is happening now is that I think some that have raved about their cooker are reluctant to offer feedback because of getting slammed for expressing their feelings.
I wont sell anything that isnt great it is what you are using it for just like tent said...
The other key point is true smoking capacity...the MAK wins hands down...their rack system truly doubles you cooking...the Memphis is stairstepped and is limited even though they claim similar cooking area. If that isnt important to you refer to Tents advice.
I would love to be your dealer.
Silverback51
Member
I'm an engineer (sorry) and do a lot of research for most things I buy. Did my research on this and went with the MAK 2 Star. My only regret is not buying it sooner.
Silverback51
Member
Materials used in the build. Fasteners. The ease of removing the fire pot. The trap door for the pellet hopper. The design of the smoking chamber and cold smoke box.
What I seen was a unit that had either a lot of up front thought into it, or a number of lessons learned incorporated over time.
I was impressed by what I seen.
Not a heck of a lot different when I bought this.
If you buy quality right off the bat, you will never regret the purchase..
What I seen was a unit that had either a lot of up front thought into it, or a number of lessons learned incorporated over time.
I was impressed by what I seen.
Not a heck of a lot different when I bought this.
If you buy quality right off the bat, you will never regret the purchase..
I love my MAK 2. I cannot compare it to any other pellet smoker as it is the only one I have owned or cooked on. It has made everything I have cooked on it better than any charcoal,gasser or electric smoker I have cooked on.Between MAK and BP there products and customer service is the best,including pellets,spices,rubs,sauces accessories . Another point I like is MAK sends prototypes to educated customers for input and changes before putting them into production. Then they strive to make upgrades available for older models making the need to buy a new model a personal choice. However if they were not both great products BP would not carry both of them.
Smokinman88
New member
I debated for months between these two companies before upgrading my Traeger. I'm very happy with my decision in going with a MAK and have done everything from smoking to grilling and never had anything that didn't turn out fantastic. Honestly you probably can't go wrong with either of these units, it really comes down to what you want the grill to do, but my vote is for the MAK.
I went through this same decision process a few months ago. While I haven't yet finalized my order, I ultimately came to the conclusion that the MAK 2-Star was a better pellet smoker. I am waiting for my new deck to be built next month before ordering. I did allot of research, went on many forums and spoke personally to many people. In the end, I have yet to hear any complaints about MAK. I have heard, however, that Memphis has some service and quality control problems which has resulted in considerable user frustration. While the Memphis is basically a "set it and forget it" smoker/grill, the fact is that the MAK can be used the same way, but has the advantage of considerably more flexibility. One of the key elements that moved me away from Memphis was absence of a pellet release door. Just imagine having to scoop up pellets every time you want to change. First you have to remove the safety shield and then reach your hand in through the auger and scoop out the remains. Moreover, removing the fire pot seems considerably easier on the MAK vs. Memphis. Finally, and critical, is the backward compatibility that MAK builds into all new units. If they come up with a new hardware or software idea, it is built to be installable on older models. That is a very positive feature and I do not believe that Memphis builds this into their new designs. I do like the fact the the Memphis was better insulated and had a better grease management system then just a pail, but overall, I came to the conclusion that MAK stood in a class by itself. No, you won't make a mistake buying a Memphis, you just won't be in a class above all the rest. Anyway, that is my take for what it is worth. I look forward to ordering my MAK from BP next month and entering the world of pellet smoking. All the best in your decision-making.
txpgapro
New member
I'm a Memphis Pro owner for about 3 years now. I love it. Memphis and MAK owners are both happy owners. I will say that I think the MAK has better options and conveniences especially concerning the hopper. I think the Memphis is better insulated and will go hotter when doing steaks. Whatever you decide, using Big Poppa is a no brainer. Some of the best customer service people around, always making sure that you're happy, not to mention the best pricing around. Also whatever you buy, get the upgrade package with the GrillGrates etc. GrillGrates really are something!
I too went through the tough decision of upgrading from a Traeger to something else. Both the Memphis and MAK has their strong points and those could be debated forever but my suggestion would be to purchase which works better for you. I have no regrets with the decision I made and I suspect you will not regret yours. Happy Smoking!
Colorado Smoke
New member
I agonized over this same problem last year, torn between the MAK 2-Star and the Memphis Pro. At the time, they were about the same price. I went with the MAK and couldn't be happier. The main thing that separates pellet grills is the controller and, in my opinion, the MAK Pellet Boss is the best available. Add to that fantastic customer service and continuous innovation (e.g. the add-on smoker box and the app to control your grill from your smart phone) and, at $500 less than the Memphis Pro, to me the MAK is the clear choice. I agree with the other commenters that you'll be happy with either one, but you'll be happier with the MAK.