HiggsBoson
New member
Hey everyone. Got my MAK Two Star delivered today, so I guess Im officially a pellet smoker now. Or maybe its not official since its still in the box in my garage 
I've had a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker for about 15 years now (on my 2nd one actually, 18") Its a great little smoker. I also have a Weber Summit (E-470) 4 burner gas with rotisserie and side burner, also a great grill, although the side burner is not that useful.
In any case I was one of those people that for years said that pellet smoking wasn't real BBQ, because it was too easy
and Ive read some of the common complaints people have with the cheaper ones and was turned off.
As I've gotten older I've found I was doing less and less long cooks (pulled pork, brisket) on the WSM because I no longer enjoyed getting up at 4 AM, or trying to do overnight cooks and get up every four hours to check on it. I got no complaints for the price and would totally recommend one for someone who wanted to get their feet wet making BBQ, or a smaller portable smoker.
My neighbor has a Green Mountain smoker and honestly I was surprised how good some of his BBQ coming off it was, and how much less work it was! That got the gears turning in the old brain and I've been doing research on and off over the last year or so. I know Im not the only one here that spent an obscene amount of time researching grill, reading blogs and reviews, watching youtube videos etc.
I almost pulled the trigger on several other smokers but eventually decided to go with the MAK for several reasons:
1. Quality and reliability; the thing looks like it is built to last. Another reason I had shied away from pellet grills in the past was the dislike for the moving parts and early research on cheaper (but not cheap) lead me to believe augers and pellets were just a PITA. But from what I can tell in my research is MAK probably makes one about as good and reliable as it can get. Even cooking, temperature control look exceptional.
2. Versatility; the ability to do some high temp more traditional grilling was a big plus. My plan was to get rid of the Weber Summit grill because I don't really have room on my patio for two big grills. (But I have to say I think I'm going to see how the 2 Star works out for grilling before letting it go). I also like how much you can fit in with the additional racks, the additional add-ons they have available (cold smoke, griddle, etc), and the multiple probes and programability of the pellet boss. I didn't get the wifi upgrade but something I might consider in the future (honestly wish it was included for the price).
3. Bragging rights; I know my neighbor will be jealous AHAHA
4. This was a minor factor, but being able to support an Oregon company (Im in Portland) especially in these times, was a nice bonus.
Now to decide what to cook first, once I get it assembled that is.
I've had a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker for about 15 years now (on my 2nd one actually, 18") Its a great little smoker. I also have a Weber Summit (E-470) 4 burner gas with rotisserie and side burner, also a great grill, although the side burner is not that useful.
In any case I was one of those people that for years said that pellet smoking wasn't real BBQ, because it was too easy
and Ive read some of the common complaints people have with the cheaper ones and was turned off.
As I've gotten older I've found I was doing less and less long cooks (pulled pork, brisket) on the WSM because I no longer enjoyed getting up at 4 AM, or trying to do overnight cooks and get up every four hours to check on it. I got no complaints for the price and would totally recommend one for someone who wanted to get their feet wet making BBQ, or a smaller portable smoker.
My neighbor has a Green Mountain smoker and honestly I was surprised how good some of his BBQ coming off it was, and how much less work it was! That got the gears turning in the old brain and I've been doing research on and off over the last year or so. I know Im not the only one here that spent an obscene amount of time researching grill, reading blogs and reviews, watching youtube videos etc.
I almost pulled the trigger on several other smokers but eventually decided to go with the MAK for several reasons:
1. Quality and reliability; the thing looks like it is built to last. Another reason I had shied away from pellet grills in the past was the dislike for the moving parts and early research on cheaper (but not cheap) lead me to believe augers and pellets were just a PITA. But from what I can tell in my research is MAK probably makes one about as good and reliable as it can get. Even cooking, temperature control look exceptional.
2. Versatility; the ability to do some high temp more traditional grilling was a big plus. My plan was to get rid of the Weber Summit grill because I don't really have room on my patio for two big grills. (But I have to say I think I'm going to see how the 2 Star works out for grilling before letting it go). I also like how much you can fit in with the additional racks, the additional add-ons they have available (cold smoke, griddle, etc), and the multiple probes and programability of the pellet boss. I didn't get the wifi upgrade but something I might consider in the future (honestly wish it was included for the price).
3. Bragging rights; I know my neighbor will be jealous AHAHA
4. This was a minor factor, but being able to support an Oregon company (Im in Portland) especially in these times, was a nice bonus.
Now to decide what to cook first, once I get it assembled that is.