“Before you buy a smoker go look. After a month of reading and researching I went and looked at most if not all of the big names in the market. After I found a dealer that sells Yoder I made the trip. They had a 480 in stock but I elected to order a 640 competition. I’ve cooked on it about ten times and absolutely love it. Don’t let the price scare you because if do your homework like I did you will be buying the Yoder brand.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 weeks ago

“The beast of all pellet grills. I've had mine now for around 3years now and it's been a wonderful asset to my outdoor cooking. Unfortunately it wasn't my first pick as I found that the Weber is absolute junk. Love the fact that it's 100% American made and weights in at over 300 lbs. I use it for everyday cooking, steaks, burgers, fish in a boat, chicken, pork as well as a longer smoke for brisket, ribs, turkey and ham. It's works great for it all. If I had it to do all over the only thing I'd change was buying the Weber first. The only thing I wished it had was a smoke stack that curves 90°, the smoke is turning my breezeway ceiling black. In all the time I've had it and I cook 5-7 days a week year round I've never had anything break. That to me is so worth it. Buy it you'll love it and will never look back.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 month ago

“It's ridiculous that I spent over $3k on this thing and I have to spend more to buy the grill grates. I didn't realize you kind of have to buy the grates to grill on this thing. The grates sort of act as a diffuser plate for the open flame and allow the temperature sensor to more accurately show the temperature on the grilling surface. Without them, the flames hit the sensor and it doesn't seem to heat up the rest of the grill like you would expect. And with the open flame, it blows quite a bit of ash on everything. Also, I'm not sure the variable displacement damper does anything. I've tried it in every position. The 640s should come with at least one grill grate set at this price point. The grill construction is solid though. It really is built like a tank. It starts up and shuts down like a dream. The adjustable smoke stack is awesome, but grease does seem to leak out of it. The biggest issue is not coming with a set of grill grates. I would update this to 5 stars if the unit came with a set of grill grates.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 month ago

Chris, thank you for the detailed feedback and for recognizing the YS640s’ construction, startup, shutdown, and overall build quality. The YS640s is designed to grill over direct flame using the standard cooking grates. GrillGrates are an optional accessory that provides more concentrated heat, pronounced sear marks, and additional protection from flare-ups. We understand your perspective that including a set would add value to the grilling experience. The Variable Displacement Damper is designed to adjust heat distribution across the cooking chamber, with its effect typically being more noticeable at smoking and roasting temperatures. Some ash movement should be expected when the two-piece diffuser door is open, as direct-flame cooking takes place in a forced-air environment. The grease near the smokestack deserves a closer look. Please contact our customer service team with your grill’s serial number so we can review the setup, airflow, grease management, and maintenance with you and confirm that the grill is functioning as intended. We appreciate the candid feedback and your investment in a Yoder Smokers grill.

Posted 1 month ago

“Like the pit it smokes good but there paint jobs suk. Mines been under cover an it's rusted in under a year the stand every thing”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we’re glad to hear the YS640s is smoking well for you. The YS640s is built from heavy-gauge steel, and some basic care and maintenance are necessary to protect its finish. Following the cleaning, touch-up, and storage recommendations outlined in the owner’s manual can help mitigate surface corrosion and provide an excellent service life. Keeping the grill covered is important, but moisture can still become trapped beneath a cover, particularly in humid environments. Please contact our customer service team with your grill’s serial number and photos of the affected areas. We would be happy to evaluate the finish and recommend the appropriate maintenance and touch-up steps.

Posted 1 month ago

“I have had my 640 since 2016. Like most backyards cooks I have multiple choices in the old trusty treager the original 075, barrel pit, smokin tex, and so on. The 640 is truly the go to for most cooks regardless of the protein choice. I recently bought the upgraded fireboard and fan upgrade wow what a game changer this has been. A very awesome grill just became more than amazing. The ability of the fireboard system with new fan upgrade just absolutely sets this grill apart from all my choices and certainly be the go to more often than not. Yoder product is not done cheap knock off of someone else's ideas. They have a very well engineered grill that has serviced my friends family and many events over and over flawlessly. The price point for what you receive is well worth it this grill will last lifetime.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 months ago

“One option I use my YS640s other than cooking is a cold smoker. Most pellet smokers turn the fan, auger and igniter on when they start up. With the Yoder the fan is independent from the ignition and pellet auger. When making sausages at home I've hung them in the cooking chamber with only the fan running to dry before the smoking/cooking process. Use it as a cold smoker by simply placing a pellet smoke tube near the fan in the smoke chamber. Works great for smoking fish that way. Ive even lightly cold smoked other raw meat like pork chops, chicken and steak that I later Sou Vide. Quality built with excellent features is what sold me on Yoder. After owning one for a few years it's the versatility these smokers that keeps impressing me.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 6 months ago

“I have had my YS 640 since 2017 no issues and it’s a beast of a pellet grill! Hands down the BEST on the market!!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 7 months ago

Michael Johnson

Unverified Reviewer

“When you can call their telephone number and the owner picks up the phone, you know you have a business you can trust. I received my Yoder 640s this week. It arrived, very securely packaged and in great shape. After owning a Traeger for 4 years, I can feel and see the quality that is Yoder. Buy with confidence and you will never look back! No regrets!!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 7 months ago

YS640s Pellet Grill Reviews