Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill Reviews

4.9 Rating 103 Reviews

About All Things Barbecue:

It all started simply enough: just a few friends and family gathering in the backyard, enjoying good company and good food. Somewhere along the line, this simple family tradition turned into a passion, culminating with the 2009 opening of All Things Barbecue.

Located in America’s heartland and shipping across the country. All Things Barbecue has a simple goal: to spread the passion for outdoor cooking to as many people as possible.

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“Why I chose the YS640S: 1. Made in the U.S.A. (this was very important to me and helped to narrow down my choices significantly. Be careful, many grills are assembled in the U.S.A. with major components manufactured in China, including a well known Oklahoma brand). 2. Exceptional quality. The steel, the construction, everything even the grill cover is what you'd expect and more from a grill at this price point. You'll need to change your will to include who gets the Yoder after you're gone, it is that good. 3. Versatility. From smoking to open flame grilling, the YS640S does it all. Accessories from either Yoder or third parties are available for almost anything you'd want to do. For me, the YS640S could be a one-grill solution whether it's grilling a few chicken breasts, making breakfast for the grandkids, hot roasting a Thanksgiving turkey or smoking a brisket. 4. Simplicity. The controller and app make this smoker very easy to use and get professional results, even for someone who has never used a smoker. The Bonus: 1. All Things BBQ excellent customer service. They answer the phone when you call, respond/reach out quickly and personally by phone/email.They're a small biz in Wichita KS who keep their customers first. 2. Chef Tom probably has a recipe (including Youtube video) using the YS640S for almost anything you'd want to cook. Of course, there's tons of other BBQ/smoker recipes, videos and advice out there but I really appreciate Chef Tom's style. Here's a little about me because in the end, this review is most meaningful to those who share a similar perspective: I love smoked beef, chicken and pork but have been reluctant to do it myself as it always seemed complex and very time consuming. I'm 50 years old and have grilled for most of my adult life. I consider myself a casual griller doing the simpler things like brats, burgers, chicken breasts, steaks, etc. I've used propane, natural gas and charcoal grills. This is my first smoker and first pellet grill. I rarely write reviews, good or bad. I've had my YS640S since late July 2021and here's the results so far: - Open flame and indirect grilling of burgers, brats and chicken breasts were great. - Smoked beef ribs for the first time ever, excellent results. - Hot roasted a spatchcocked Turkey for Thanksgiving (10 adults and 7 children) using Chef Tom's recipe. By all accounts, our family's best Thanksgiving turkey ever. I normally would not have risked failing at the main dish for a once-a-year full family get together, but the Yoder and Chef Tom both gave me the confidence to try (and succeed!). The Yoder is definitely an investment. No regrets. Every time I pull the cover off to prep the smoker, I'm impressed. Buy it.”

16 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I’ll say what everyone else has said with some more context. I smoke: pork spare, baby back, St. Louis, and rib tips, pork butt, pork chops, pork loins, beef brisket, beef tenderloin, steaks (filets, strips, ribeyes, cowboy ribeyes), beef rib roasts, beef ribs, whole chickens, chicken quarters, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken wings, whole turkeys, potatoes, okra, zucchini, plantains, breads, muffins, cakes, pies and pizzas. I smoke EVERYTHING. I work 7 out of 14 days so I smoke every day I’m off. I started smoking in August 2020 with a Pit Boss PB1230 Pellet Grill. I made some really great food using this, but there were obvious design flaws that kept me from maximizing the quality of food. The PB is thin steel so that has very poor heat retention during cold season or if there is too much wind. Because the fire pot is in the center with a thin heat baffle, the center of the grate would burn any meat you place on it, leaving a very narrow space you could actually smoke. The PB had a fairly inaccurate temp control probe, even in sunny, warm, no wind conditions the PB was consistently +/-75 degrees. For example, you’d set the PB temp to 200, the smoke will think it’s at 200, but if you place a meat probe on the grates it’s actually anywhere between 125-275 — Not good when smoking delicate pieces like fish. Lastly, during the cooldown process, the PB would often start smoldering into the pellet hopper which was super concerning. This contrast is important because the YS640S addresses every single one of these points. Thick ass steel, incredible heat retention in ALL conditions, 100% surface area usable for smoking, incredibly stable temps after warmup (+/-5 degrees), heat baffle for 2-zone cooking, and it’s built very well. I have had the YS640S since July and have cooked on it nearly 100 times. The only construction flaw I’ve noticed is a singular weld point is sloppy where the arm to hang the secondary shelf is attached to the inner wall. This does not affect its performance. Everything I’ve made on here is orders of magnitude improved over the PB1230. Consistent textures, consistent smoke (much smokier flavor than PB when cooked at same temp for same time). The only aspect the PB has over this more conservative pellet consumption. This is really a non-factor consider the YS640S is a much larger smoker and provides a higher quality cook every time compared to the PB1230. I would also like to see a a pellet drain to make changing wood types more convenient.”

12 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“the best and only pellet grill i have even considered. built like a tank and overall product is amazing.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I looked at a lot of pellet grills before I picked the Yoder. I went with the Yoder YS-640 for the following reasons 1) Made in the U.S.A. 2) It weighs 345 lbs. This thing is a beast and I don't think I can wear it out. 3) Size. I cut 10 Sams Club or Costco roasting chickens in half and they all fit on the grill. When done I vacuum pack and freezethe ones we don't eat then, and when we want smoked chicken I throw the vac pack in the microwave after stabbing it a time or two and it tastes like it just came off the smoker. 4) The digital temp controller is dead on. 5) Quality of construction and customer service after the sale. This isn't an inexpensive smoker but you'll never regret your choice. Everything about it is high quality. My advice is get the cover, it keeps it looking new. Get the thermal jacket, you'll save tons of $ in pellets if you grill where it's cold.(I'm in Colorado and I smoke when it's 10 degrees out)”

7 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I can't say enough about this smoker! From the box it comes in to the final setup, this thing is a beast!! Only wish I had bought it sooner!”

5 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“This is one of the most amazing purchases I have ever made in my life. I have waited 8 years to get this smoker, this was my dream smoker. This is what American Made Quality is about, I can not find anything cheap on this smoker it is well thought through. The app works very well also. My friend in Georgia will be purchasing one later this year, I am telling everyone how great this. Thank you Yoder team for a great product your awesome.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Was worth the wait!”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I had a trager timberline as I said had, put up with the smoke screen "around 5 minutes worth"on start up the 50` fluctuation in heat levels and watching them blow up on u tube I ordered a ys640 with all the bells and whistles set back in the waiting box 5 months and I can't say all the great things that can be said about this product it is a back yard bbq's dream come true.PS the show and tell ain't bad either”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago