Yoder YS640s One Year, 5 Thoughts

It’s been 14 months since I purchased my YS640s and I thought I would share some thoughts. I didn’t want to do a traditional review. I decided to pick 5 areas, and give 5 thoughts on each.

Yoder Smokers YS640s One Year Review - Click to Watch Video

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Having owned a couple Traegers in the past, I didn’t plan to have another pellet grill on my patio. Fourteen months ago I gave in and decided to try out a Yoder. Most pellet grills can’t sear, so in the past I have found them very limited. The last thing I want to do is cook meat and have to sear it elsewhere.

Most pellet grills can’t sear

Yoder changed things by allowing you to buy an optional heat diffuser that has a removable door. This allows you to cook directly over the firebox. Add in some grill grates and you have a searing machine.

Rather than a traditional review, I broke this video out into 5 sections and shared 5 thoughts on each:

Things I Like About The Yoder

1. It’s built like a tank - It’s made from heavy steel and holds temps extremely well.

2. Removable diffuser plate - Gives you the ability to sear.

3. Easy of use - You don’t have to babysit your food because there aren’t direct flames.

4. Fuel Choice - There are many different pellets available so you have a very wide range of wood flavors

5. Range of use - Goes to 180F to 600F. Can cold smoke, smoke, grill, and sear in one unit.
   

Common Concerns (Pellet Grills / Yoder Specific)

1. Cleaning a pellet grill - It’s really not that big of deal, the upgraded diffuser makes it easier, and it only takes 10 mins.

2. Rust Spots- They ship with paint and it’s a matte black paint. Just sand, paint, and it blends in. Not a huge deal.

3. Operating Cost - Buy pellets in bulk, by the pallet. You can save a ton of money.

4. Food Flavor (Too Smokey?) - It’s a smoky wood flavor, but not overly intense. It’s a great flavor, even to those who are smoke sensitive.

5. Can it Sear- Yep, no problem. Yoder has you covered.

Maintenance Tips

1. Dep 505 - Best degreaser around, you need it in your life.

2. Sheila Shine - A must have for all your stainless steel cleaning

3. Bucket Liners - Get some Traeger bucket liners, will make your life easier.

4. Use foil on diffuser - Change every 2 or 3 times, makes clean up much easier.

5. Research your pellets - Not all pellets are created equally. Get 100% flavored wood.

Must Have Accessories

1. Removable Heat Diffuser - Searing - enough said.

2. Grill Grates - Gives you the ability to sear at even higher temperatures.

3. Stainless Steel Shelves - These make the wire racks solid which I think is a must have. I hate wire racks.

4. Half Rack - Make it easier to use the full bottom rack and still have room up top.

5. Cover - Pellet don’t like moisture. Keep your pellet grill covered.

Suggestions for Yoder

1. Cover - Could use some improvement, it’s not quite waterproof.

2. Removable Diffuser Plate - I think it should be included.

3. App - Traeger wins here, they have recipes included. I think there is room for improvement.

4. Pellet Access Door - Add a way to empty pellets so you can change flavors.

5. Improve Diffuser Plate - It rusts, can it be coated or something to improve it.

Overall, very happy with my Yoder. If you are in the market for a pellet grill, I think Yoder is a solid choice.

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