Here are a couple of tips that make assembly slightly easier kzread.infoUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . 1) One person can assemble, but if you have a buddy to help, it will make it go faster - especially steps 1-3 and 8 (the legs aren't heavy but can be difficult to hold while screwing things in). Step 8, 1st part will take some time unless you have two more hands OR are really lucky. 2) Use a socket wrench! 3) Step 7, 3rd part - the flame carry over tube has an open side, MAKE SURE THE OPEN SIDE IS FACING THE FRONT. If it's facing the back, the tube won't work. 4) Step 10, 3rd part - if you don't have small hands (I don't, they're gigantic) getting the nut on is really difficult (but not impossible). It took me about 4 hours to assemble, but I took a "union break" every 60-90 minutes and ate a quick lunch. Also, I'm really OCD so I took my time, looked at the instructions carefully, and cleaned up as I went.

Man, I am so grateful for these videos! I know it's not the same as you owning and using all of these smokers, however, you have produced a better piece of content in this niche than I have seen from anyone else in my many hours on the internet in relation to pellet smoker research! I appreciate you, sir.

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You're welcome

Yoder uses an ACS controller or Adaptive Control System which works perfectly for temperature control. There's lots of great pellet smokers that you reviewed, for me it's Yoder!🤘☆YS☆

Excellent video. I bought the ys640. Love it so far.

I have the Gator Pit 24x36 . Love it. Never had a bad cook. Those guys know what they are doing. You can use the two stacks to adjust the heat in the cooking chamber. Liked the review. You did a great job.

Excellent video, research and presentation on the top pellets in the market. Well done. Helped tremendously. I live in Houston so for me the LSG is the way to go. I have been doing as much research as possible. I've been to P&S, Gator Pitts and LSG. I would agree with your assessment.

@user-fb2hv9cy7y

4 ай бұрын

you will like the LSG pellet grill, I have had one for several years, the ability to do an overnight cook and run a program that allows you to set pit temperature until it reaches the target internal temp then change pit temp to a new IT temp makes an easy reliable cook.

Awesome video! Exactly what I was searching for, actually more informative than I could’ve hoped for and I’ve been trying to decide between the smaller LSG and the smaller Yoder.

Tank you for this very informative video. It took a lot of work on your end and it’s appreciated.

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

On the Pitts and Spitts. You do not have to take out the grates and grease tray to direct grill. The deflector/heat diffuser will easily slide away to the left or right exposing the fire pot when direct grilling. Just a note to correct the statement requiring removing all the internal pieces to direct grill.

@SmokeMasterD

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for that correction 🙂

Great content brother. Thanks for your research and data share. New sub from 🇨🇦. Shipping costs are gonna kill me!!

@stevelarge5215

4 ай бұрын

If your reasonably close to a boarder use Kinek that’s what I did for my Y640 save 1000

MY 20"x42" LSg never stops smoking, NEVER. With the fire pot design along with the mini oscillations on the FireBoard 2 controller LSG has finally designed a pellet grill to be a smoker not an oven. The damper should never be closed when you are using it as a pellet grill, only use that for the charcoal insert or for storage. Good job on the video!

@thegalleryBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

My man coming in hot!!!!

@bbqtaverntalk5416

2 жыл бұрын

@@thegalleryBBQ Heck ya brother!!!

@briansupermag3918

2 жыл бұрын

There's my favorite YT cooker. RICER. Enhancing and amplifying my backyard BBQ fun. ALSO this is why i have on order the best pellet smoker out there. LSG 20x42. I have it ordered and hope to see it around Christmas. Nothing smokes like it in the pellet world.

@bbqtaverntalk5416

2 жыл бұрын

@@briansupermag3918 Heck ya brother!

@carolinemiller4917

2 жыл бұрын

that damper is so you can close it to focus all the heat under the drip try opening to sear your steaks, according to yoder

I'm checking in from the Dash City as well. Thanks for compiling this info for the video!

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure 🙂

very good video. I'm happy to be a owner of the LSG 20x42

I just ordered one 20x42 Pallet Smoker from Lone Star Grillz :) I was looking at his grills for a while :) finally decided to get one ☝️:)

@gosman949

2 жыл бұрын

and what do you think about your Lone Star Grillz!?

Very good review!

I’ve owned a Gator Pit and a Pitts and Spits. I can tell you that there is no comparison between the two. The Gator Pit is a far better build and design. The roll top lid of the Pitts and Spits is good for someone without enough strength to left a heavy lid, but That’s probably not a concern for most people looking at smokers in this category. As far as grilling goes, there are better options, like a PK, so keeping the pellet smoker a smoker of the best qualities fine with me. 🐊 is the way to go.

@rickstevens3027

2 жыл бұрын

Bro. Aren’t you the actual Gator Pits guy?

@brettmarquez562

2 жыл бұрын

No. The Gator Pits Owner is Rich Robbins. I am just speaking from experience. My experience also tells me that a Memphis isn’t even in the ballpark, unless you’re cooking hot dogs and can get by with a minimal grill grate.

Hugely helpful. Thanks.

I have a Yoder YS1500s, only 1 thing I would change. Add the slider like the 640 to make the cooking chamber smaller. Other than that, it’s been amazing.

Thanks for sharing been looking for a pellet grill to invest in that will last for years to come I stay in kernersville

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Then we live pretty close together. Hope you get a great smoker 🙂

Great Video! Coming from Belews Lake NC near Stokesdale.

I agree. I owned a Pitts and Spitts. Actually I would call it a P of S . I have the Yoder 640s and a LSG Charcoal Grill. Both are awesome, my yoder is new and I do have a shutdown pro lem after 2 weeks, well see how they handle it. The LSG charcoal grill is a beast.

Smoke-stack dampers.. I would also say they're a great idea to keep the rain out when you don't have a cover on. Just my .02

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Definitely helpful in that way as well.

Lone Star Grillz has added a pizza oven option also. there is also an off road package option that changes the wheels out to a larger wheel system so you can move it over the ground easier.

Loved this video. I’ve been researching for about a year and a half to upgrade my 18 year old, now rusting Treager. I’ve had it down to the new RecTec 1250 Bull , the Pitts n Spitts Maverick and now the Lone Star Grillz. I’ve been saving for a long while so budget isn’t an issue. The Lone Stars innovations I think has them all beat. I’d love to know which one of these grills would you pick for yourself if budget wasn’t an issue??

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I like the Lone Star Grillz a lot. However, I also really enjoy using my Heavy D Stick Burning Heat Diffuser from Smoke Daddy, which will only work in a more standard center firepot kind of pellet grill. If money was no issue to me, I'd probably get the Texas Premier from Gator Pit just to use my heat diffuser. The diffuser is not a perfect piece of equipment (it can affect temperature in the chamber), but I really like the smoke flavor I'm able to get with it.

@jerrysimotas7784

2 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for your input. I have researched the heavy D and I think it’s a great idea to help bring more smoke into a pellet grill. I have been adding some chunks of wood directly on my heat defuser for years when I feel I need a smoke boost. So I feel like that’s kinda the same thing? Your video and a few others has tilted the scale. My lottery number came up after a three month wait and I placed my order for a new Lone Star Grillz 20x36. Just 15 week to wait for fabrication. I guess my old, last of the American made Treagers is heading out to pasture then. Keep the videos coming. They are great!!

I really liked this video! Ever thought about a Santa Maria style grill video comparison?

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I intend to eventually get to every corner of the bbq world. Maybe I can do Santa Maria grills soon.

@19Clutch69

2 жыл бұрын

@@SmokeMasterD that would be great

Anyone know of some good pellet smoker/gas griddle combos? I know there’s the Pit Boss KC Combo, but I was hoping to see some other options and searching has been frustrating.

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think you will find many combos like that. Many pellet grills could have a griddle insert (I looked at such a one on my most recent episode for Smokin Bros). You may want to look at the Camp Chef Woodwind with sidekick flat top. That's the closest I can think of.

Good video.

I hated the way my Yoders paint retention was. I'm leaning toward Pitts and Spitts for my next.

Have you looked at the Kando Gear smokers out of Central Texas? The bigger model weighs 670 pounds and is made with 10g steel.

@SmokeMasterD

10 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/aGWmrpmFl5DUlNI.html

Looking at a blazn grill from Nebraska is it in the same category as these

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

From what I can tell, blazn grills are high quality. The main thing about the ones in this episode is that they have been derived from offset smokers. Blaz'n doesn't have that lineage, but that doesn't mean they aren't good. Maybe I will cover them in an episode sometime.

Great video but anyone in the know would never buy a Yoder over a Pitts & Spitts. The controller is one if not the most important part of the smoker.

Great vid. FYI, a grill ability is already in design and is expected to hit the market 2022. :)

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I look forward to seeing it :-)

@_DST0NE_

2 жыл бұрын

Hell yeh!!

@GatorPitofTexas

2 жыл бұрын

Our Gator Grill Sear Insert is now in production and orders are already in. :)

@GatorPitofTexas

2 жыл бұрын

@@_DST0NE_ Already in production and available for sale for our 20" and 24" diameter Gator Pellet Grills. :)

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Where could I see an example of the Gator Grill Sear Insert?

What do you think of Myron Mixon's Generation 3 BARQ 3600 smoker? It has the highest capacity but I've never heard anyone talk about cooking on it. Have you heard anything?

@SmokeMasterD

Жыл бұрын

I have not. But I know they partnered with Smoking Brothers to make it, which is why I have high hopes for its performance.

@drwaynebyrd

Жыл бұрын

@@SmokeMasterD Thank you for the response

Not sure I agree with the shipping cost breakdown and comparison. Yes it is real world but some grills have distributors and when comparing head to head, feature to feature. I don't think shipping cost should play as an important role, as head to head/feature to feature. I was lured by availability and chose the loaded Yoder 640s on competition cart over the more feature rich LSG due to wait time of 3-4 months (got my LSG 42 in 14 weeks). I got my Yoder in less than a week, a good grill, don't get me wrong, but LSG is definitely better. Yoder has some issues that others have addressed/fixed and I ended up "paying" for my mistake when I sold my Yoder within 2months (for a chunky 20% loss) to get in line for the much better Lonestar Grillz 42 - which was the feature winner before (19% larger, thicker steel, better heat retention, less temp swings and variation, Fireboard2 with space for 6 probes, almost a foot taller to cook on, double the pellet hopper size at 40 lbs with Dump; sliding first cooking grate, easier access to the firebox for cleaning, etc)). Definitely a costly mistake for me. Buy once, cry once. I bought twice and cried both times! My experience owning both.

I think smoking Brothers should be on the list

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I hope to get Smokin Bros' new line in on one of these episodes. They use a double wall to increase heat retention on the bottom of their grills. Unfortunately, they don't make the 1/8th inch thickness cutoff for this episode.

so living in NJ what am i to do. No one nearby carries any of these. thx

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Shipping costs aren't your friend, especially right now. Check out the second episode in the American made pellet grill series (kzread.info/dash/bejne/aGWmrpmFl5DUlNI.html), the sawtooths require some putting together but are much better on shipping.

Anyone have any have any experience with black earth grills ?

I had my heart set on getting the lone star grills 20x42 with all of the options until I went to place my order. Shipping is 18% on top of the nearly $4200 price tag.😱. That makes that thing a $5000 pellet grill. So I’m looking at Yoder ys460 competition now. It is $2800 but I do need to drive 120 miles one way to get it.

@Pete_or_Peter4Long

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t do it!!! Pitts & Spitts all day over Yoder.

@Rudevette

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pete_or_Peter4Long I may still look at the pitts and spitts. I don't need to stick to only one pellet grill. :-) (I do need to move a few into storage or something though.....my wife is getting less and less appreciative of my "collection" the bigger it gets)

@derekp3963

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve owned 2 Yoder’s. One pitts and spitts. Also owned Fast Eddys. GMG. Louisiana etc. do yourself a favor. Get a Pitts. Hands down. No contest. Not even close.

@Rudevette

2 жыл бұрын

@@derekp3963 the nearest dealer that stocks pitts & spitts is 300 miles away so I may look at them one day. So far the Yoder is fun as far as pellet grills go. I had a pitts rondezvous travel pellet grill and was very disappointed with it. The heat is too close to the food on them small pellet grills. Same problem as my GMG davey Crockett. I still consider my Big Green Egg as my go to for great bbq. All of my grills have their great points and it’s fun to rotate equipment to keep it interesting.👍🏻

@derekp3963

2 жыл бұрын

@@Rudevette makes sense. Availability does matter for sure. I love BGE. Yoder is a good smoker. I was frustrated with one of mine. Controller kept going out. Hot rods went out. Rust etc. but it cooked well.

Could somebody provide some details (or a link to.....) about the LSG "oscillations" that are now part of the controller?

@19Clutch69

2 жыл бұрын

@Fred Wills feature?

@CH-eb2ny

2 жыл бұрын

The PID logic behind many controllers is focused on maintaining precision temperatures in the cooking region, as opposed to maximizing the production of good quality smoke in the combustion region. If you want to optimize good quality smoke, then what you want is more consistent combustion temperature/airflow in the combustion region, but that will likely cause the cooking region to eventually overheat. Thus, your combustion process will need to sort of cycles in terms of pellet delivery, airflow, or whatever else your algorithm thinks is appropriate to get that good smoke while averaging out temperatures in the cooking region. It's sort of one of those things where you can't have your cake and eat it to, so you have to choose one approach or other. However, that doesn't mean you must always use one method or the other. For example, if you look at Grilla Grills Alpha Smoke controller, you'll see that it offers you either mode - "precision temperature" or "more swing, more smoke".

Man. Good video. First I’ve heard of Some of these. I think I like the lone star. The gator might be too heavy duty. Puts the price up where I’d go with Coyote or a Memphis instead. But I’ll give it this. Gator is the only one with a legit front shelf. Sometimes I don’t understand these manufacturers. At this price point why would you not include a shelf that is not stainless surface and can’t hold a hotel pan that won’t fall off when you open the lid to load your brisket? I don’t get it.

@Chris-wp3ew

2 жыл бұрын

I have the 20 x36 LSG pellet smoker on order. I already own the LSG 20x42" offset and the LSG "Peewee" Insulated vertical cabinet smoker. The quality is amazing. The vid didn't even touch on the integrated wifi Fireboard controller, cold smoking ability, wheel options, etc., on the LSG.

@gosman949

2 жыл бұрын

@@Chris-wp3ew so why are you ordering the smaller one if you already have the larger one? I have small family and may be ordering the 20x36. But I don't know if it will be too small?

@Chris-wp3ew

2 жыл бұрын

@@gosman949 The smaller one was the pellet smoker... Larger is an offset stick burner.

@Chris-wp3ew

2 жыл бұрын

@@gosman949 As for small? No- way. It's plenty big for a family (or bigger).

If you had to buy 1 and 1 only to last a lifetime, which would you buy? American made

GPT for me!!!

Great grills. I will stick with my rec-teq Rt700.

@-MOYST-

9 ай бұрын

China China China

You forgot about the cold smoke feature on the LSG

@SmokeMasterD

Жыл бұрын

True, but I did happen to mention it in this video kzread.info/dash/bejne/d5hottuzd6_Qo6Q.html

Its nice to know what performs well but more importantly, the durability, longevity and customer service of these brands are critical!! So far, based on Trust Pilot reviews many if not all of them have terrible customer service and durability ratings. Many have main parts that do not last and are difficult to replace. I want a smoker that I do not have to deal with other than keeping it clean for several years. Warranties are meaningless if the product requires constant repairs.

@SmokeMasterD

Жыл бұрын

Pellet smokers are the most technically complicated smokers there are, so it's not a surprise that they have issues. They may not be for you. Fortunately, there are many more kinds of smokers that are non-electric, non-technical and will work no matter what. I hope you find and enjoy one of those. You may want to check out this episode for recommendations of other kinds kzread.info/dash/bejne/eYGfk8qziprAh6g.html Good luck!

I suggest you do a series of only American made smokers.

bring you up 1 more Woop!

For me it's between LSG and Yoder, help me decide. I really wish one of these had an optional, Smoke Cage like the P&S Maverick, to add more smoke & more bark.

@nicklombardi4160

9 ай бұрын

I'm going with LSG @@bdiddlemcgriddles

This guide isn't complete without Outlaw Pellet Smokers made in Boise, Idaho. The OL450 on my patio will compete with anything on this list when it comes to standard features and performance, and it also has a unique clean-out door that beats everything else for ash removal.

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

The OL450 does look like a quality pellet smoker and with 11 gauge steel, pretty thick too. You are correct, it would make a worthy addition to this episode. Maybe I will be able to feature it another in the near future.

@billbryant1288

2 жыл бұрын

@@SmokeMasterD That would be great! You do good work.

Where is the recteq?

@SmokeMasterD

2 ай бұрын

It's been a while since I covered reqteq. Maybe time to revisit? kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZXibypqeiqWTgNY.html

MAK didn’t make this cut?

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

Mak is mostly (if not completely) made from stainless steel. Some might call it a "cut" above. I intend to one day do a stainless pellet grill episode. Cheers

@TOB-uk2xy

2 жыл бұрын

@@SmokeMasterD I have a MAK and love it but I am honestly giving some thought to the Lone Star. Both are built well. Would be an interesting comparison. The FireBoard system seems to be a step above MAKs.

@shawnsgear

11 ай бұрын

I had to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this thread to finally see someone mention Mak. I'm been torn between a Mak and LSG. I really like the louvers on the Mak instead of the vertical pipe. What's making you think about going to LSG?@@TOB-uk2xy

@TOB-uk2xy

11 ай бұрын

@@shawnsgear Well since that last post of mine, I now have both. The MAK is great and very versatile. The LSG is a very well make pellet smoker and it does great. I tend to use the LSG for long overnight smokes and the MAK for easy stuff like ribs. (I don’t have both at the same house but I also have each paired with a green egg). I just like to collect the toys. All of them are great and you can’t go wrong with Mak or LSG.

@6PlanesShawn

11 ай бұрын

@@TOB-uk2xy Dang man! You DO have all the toys! Thanks for letting me know! I’d think the Mak would handle long slow overnight smokes too. Is there a reason you don’t do those on the Mak?

No Traeger Timberline REVIEW?

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

While the Traeger Timberline might warrant a review in an episode, this one only features pellet smokers by builders who also make offset smokers.

No Smokin Bros.....

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I may at some point make an episode including Smokin' Bros. (in actuality, I do have one, but not featuring their latest models). Thanks for the input. Cheers

How many of these have you actually cooked on to be offering criticism on any of these units?

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't cooked on any of them. Some people have, and will hopefully add their reviews to the comments. There are people out there who do reviews of single smokers. BBQ Buyer's Guide is not that. It's about comparison from what can be known from the data available. If it is useful to you, good. If not, then you have my best wishes for whatever smoker you purchase.

Absolutely no one would purchase a Yoder over a P&S if they know anything about high end Pellet smokers. The controller is 100x better. Temps don’t budge and are 98% accurate. Vs yoders are all over the place. Ask me how I know. ( I’ve owned two Yoders and one maverick 1250)

@SantiagoHernandez-bj3mb

2 жыл бұрын

Damn that’s good to know. I’m leaning towards a P&S 1250 now.

@gosman949

2 жыл бұрын

@@SantiagoHernandez-bj3mb what is the lead time to get a P&S?

I have a question.. What makes you the authority on reviewing these grills? What is your background? I'm just curious because everyone seems to be an expert on KZread too.

@SmokeMasterD

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not an expert. I have a degree in library science. I enjoy research. This show is just me pulling numbers together, doing some general overviews of products, giving my opinions, and showing how the numbers compare. I learn as I go, put it out there, and hopefully it's useful to somebody. I hope that helps. Cheers