Maybe upgrading my Traeger to one of these. Want a grill/smoker that maintains Temps more accurately, want a grill that SMOKES, but can also direct grill with high temps for searing. I have a local supplier of the Memphis grills, but would have to internet buy and have the others shipped. All thoughts welcome. Thanks.
Mak Gen Star 2 vs Memphis Pro vs Fast Eddy's PG500
- Thread starter ShawnH25
- Start date
TentHunter
Moderator
Shawn, welcome to the forum!
I can relate to the choice you're looking at.
Personally, I just don't care for the "Zone Cooking" design of the FE PG500. It's too restricting for my tastes. There are times, for example, when I want to fill my grill up with pork shoulders, and that just isn't all that feasible with the PG 500. There's one zone dedicated for smoking, another for grilling, etc.
For me it came down to the Memphis or the MAK. Both grills are top notch and either will do what you want, but they each have their strengths depending on the main type of cooking you want to do:
Memphis Pro: Gets hotter and is insulated. If your forte is grilling, then get a Memphis.
MAK 2 Star: MAK's are known to produce more smoke. Grilling with the FlameZone works very well, but will take a little longer to get up to grilling temps. If you want to do more indirect cooking/smoking than grilling, then you will love a MAK and all of it's options.
Give Big Poppa Smokers a call. They can give you all the details between the two grills.
P.S. If you go with a MAK get yourself a MAK Griddle and at least one upper half rack. That MAK griddle is so versatile, and if you prefer an all over sear (like you get in a cast iron pan), the griddle is the tool to do that.
I can relate to the choice you're looking at.
Personally, I just don't care for the "Zone Cooking" design of the FE PG500. It's too restricting for my tastes. There are times, for example, when I want to fill my grill up with pork shoulders, and that just isn't all that feasible with the PG 500. There's one zone dedicated for smoking, another for grilling, etc.
For me it came down to the Memphis or the MAK. Both grills are top notch and either will do what you want, but they each have their strengths depending on the main type of cooking you want to do:
Memphis Pro: Gets hotter and is insulated. If your forte is grilling, then get a Memphis.
MAK 2 Star: MAK's are known to produce more smoke. Grilling with the FlameZone works very well, but will take a little longer to get up to grilling temps. If you want to do more indirect cooking/smoking than grilling, then you will love a MAK and all of it's options.
Give Big Poppa Smokers a call. They can give you all the details between the two grills.
P.S. If you go with a MAK get yourself a MAK Griddle and at least one upper half rack. That MAK griddle is so versatile, and if you prefer an all over sear (like you get in a cast iron pan), the griddle is the tool to do that.
Thanks for your insight. I agree with your thoughts on the PG500. Since I cannot get my hands on one to view in person I was wondering about the limiting factor of the 2 zones. For me direct grilling is a nice feature to have, but the smoking and space is more important. So that eliminates the PG500. Now if I could only get my hands on the Mak to see it in person.
robertwhite
New member
I have to agree with everyone else. My MAK is WAY better than the Traeger I got rid of. Couldn't be happier with it. I got a great deal, so I was able to also get a griddle, 1/2 upper, and a sear. haven't used the sear grate yet, but the griddle works great.
And BTW, there in no finer customer service than MAK. I was instantly sent a couple of things that were not included with my grill and was kept up to date the whole way.
I'm very happy that a certain member here
p) convinced me MAK was the way to go.
And BTW, there in no finer customer service than MAK. I was instantly sent a couple of things that were not included with my grill and was kept up to date the whole way.
I'm very happy that a certain member here
p) convinced me MAK was the way to go.
KyNola
Member
Ditto on upgrading from a Traeger L'il Te to a MAK 2 Star General. The MAK is an awesome all around cooker and if you're looking for something more towards the smoker end of the spectrum vs a grill, the MAK is the right choice. As Cliff said about the Memphis, it will get hotter and is probably better for grilling but it doesn't smoke nearly as well as a MAK and I have cooked on both.
Either way you go, you're going to be happy with your choice. They're both good units. I just prefer the MAK. So much so that I am on my second one!
Either way you go, you're going to be happy with your choice. They're both good units. I just prefer the MAK. So much so that I am on my second one!
jimsbarbecue
Moderator
When purchasing our MAK. I compared the Memphis and the MAK. No matter which we decided on. We knew it would be purchased from Big Poppa Smokers. I had the chance to use look and see touch operate both. We choose a MAK (we have two now). Honestly no matter which you decide on you will have a great pellet cooker. We own MAK #68 and #186. I literally abuse-use these almost daily. We have owned a lot of smokers present count in the yard is 10. If we had to limited to only two. It would be our MAK with the super smoker box and our Ole Hickory Pits Ace BP. MAK service is great. Both of ours run on WiFi ,which we use mostly in the colder part of the year.
Thanks for the input. Seems like most say the MAK will provide more smoke and will also do a decent job of grilling when needed. While the Memphis will provide less smoke, but a better grilling experience. Since smoking is the main objective, I think I would go with the MAK, but the problem with the MAK for me is there is no local dealers. I would have to buy online and pay a hefty shipping fee into CAN. I do have a local Memphis dealer.
So Cal Smoker
New member
You can buy a MAK from Big Poppa Smokers with NO charge for shipping. Give them a call if you want best price, free shipping, and excellent service.
TentHunter
Moderator
I'd give Big Poppa a call and see how much extra the shipping/brokerage fees to Canada will be before you decide. And I want to echo what So Cal Smoker said about Big Poppa Smokers customer service.
TentHunter
Moderator
You will be getting a good grill! If you want a little more smoke, you can always add one of the pellet smoking tubes.