GoodRevrnd
New member
In my compulsion for new toys, I've now landed on smoker. These are mostly MAK questions, and I realize I'm deep in MAK territory around here, but since I haven't committed yet, please forgive any non-MAK comments/questions.
After first looking around, I nearly bought a Yoder since it seemed like it offered the most in terms of space, build quality, [claimed] max temp, etc. at a decent price. Glad I held off though, because between the weight, thermal inconsistency, fuel burn, etc. it looks like there's more compelling options in that price range. I was initially rolling my eyes at recommendations like MAK and Memphis due to price, but became more receptive once I discovered you can generally grill on the better pellet units. So...
I'm almost sold on MAK, but still have some concerns given the high price, and find the Porsche-like option pricing a bit off-putting. Spare me your "Well you wouldn't drive a Kia around the Nurburgring," comments. Look forward to everyone's input.
After first looking around, I nearly bought a Yoder since it seemed like it offered the most in terms of space, build quality, [claimed] max temp, etc. at a decent price. Glad I held off though, because between the weight, thermal inconsistency, fuel burn, etc. it looks like there's more compelling options in that price range. I was initially rolling my eyes at recommendations like MAK and Memphis due to price, but became more receptive once I discovered you can generally grill on the better pellet units. So...
- MAK vs Memphis... It appears MAK has better smoke and Memphis does better grilling? The Memphis is a fair bit cheaper once you consider that it comes with Wifi.
- What are the actual differences between the 1 & 2 Star? I see FlameZone, warm/smoke box, full panel sides, and tool hooks. I'm sure I want the FlameZone, but unclear if the other bits are really worth another $600.
- Is there actually enough space in the stock 2 Star smoke box to do any useful smoking like a large batch of jerky?
- I've read a meager handful of negative comments about uneven temperature from one side to another on MAK, possibly related to drip tray design (or some heat diffuser plate or something). However, I noticed these parts were all redesigned in the 2017 models? How is everyone finding their temp consistency, on new or old units?
- Please explain why Teflon sear grates and griddle are a good idea. I love that they offer these fitted options, but Teflon in a grill?? MAK's site says teflon coated, but I found an old post on this site from MAK stating they're teflon impregnated anodized aluminum. But TIA is kind of sketchy. At best the process traps some teflon in the pores to further reduce friction and improve durability, at worst it's a glorified coating. Either way, the bulk of the teflon will bake off after a half dozen high temp cooks, so what's the point, why even expose us to the PTFE risk, and what are we actually getting with MAKs grates? I'm probably making too much of this when I can just buy regular hard anodize GrillGrates if I'm really worried.
- Is anyone successfully doing sears on the stock wire grates, perhaps using the flip every minute method?
- Not important enough to influence my buying decision, but I'm curious what temp you're able to get a pizza stone to.
- Is getting two 50% upper grates the best choice for flexibility?
- What am I REALLY getting for the large price increase over say a RecTec? I have seen almost no negative comments about MAK, but the RecTec doesn't appear to have any glaring flaws other than being ugly as sin.
I'm almost sold on MAK, but still have some concerns given the high price, and find the Porsche-like option pricing a bit off-putting. Spare me your "Well you wouldn't drive a Kia around the Nurburgring," comments. Look forward to everyone's input.