by Mark Smiley
USA: Yoder Smokers are made in Kansas and built with high-quality materials.
Solid Pellet Grill: The Yoder 640s has 1,070 square inches of cook space, combined with nearly 12 inches of headroom which means there is plenty of room for anything from briskets and pork butts to beer can chickens and turkeys.
BBQ season unofficially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend and Cherry Creek valley residents are already grilling tasty items on their respective grills and smokers. If you are in the market for a pellet grill and have considered spending a little more money to have something that is built to last, we invite you to explore the Yoder YS640s. This article is the first of a three-part series that will explore the features of this smoker.
The Yoder YS640s is widely regarded as one of the highest-quality pellet grills on the market, particularly for serious backyard pitmasters and even some commercial applications. The 335-pound grill is made of heavy-duty steel and also built in the United States. They are built in Kansas, which allows for better quality control compared to many imported competitors.
The Yoder YS640s pellet grill does not come fully assembled. Upon delivery, it arrives boxed and requires assembly by the user. For instance, if you purchase the competition cart version, it will arrive on a pallet, wrapped and secured with bands. You’ll need to cut the bands, remove the packaging, and assemble the grill following the provided instructions.
Given the grill’s substantial weight it’s recommended to have at least two people handle the unpacking and assembly process. The YS640s is built with 10-gauge steel for the cooking chamber and 14-gauge steel for the hopper, which is significantly thicker than most pellet grills. This smoker also has welded seams and powder coating contributing to excellent durability and weather resistance.
The Yoder 640s features high-temp powder coating that resists flaking and corrosion, even under high heat and exposure to the elements. It has a stainless-steel front shelf that easily pops into place that is solid and useful for prep work.
The grill is heavy but also includes large, rugged wheels that make moving it relatively easy for such a heavy grill. Although heavy, once in place, the Yoder 640s is a fine addition to any outdoor kitchen or backyard. It comes complete with an Adaptive Control System (ACS) with Wi-Fi connectivity which allows precise control and monitoring via the FireBoard app.
The FireBoard app is a powerful companion for the dual thermometers that come with the Yoder 640s. The app is designed to enhance your grilling and smoking experience with real-time monitoring, control, and analysis. You can monitor live temperature readings from all connected probes and easily switch between chart and detail views, add notes or photos, and share sessions via a link.
The entire smoker is built with high quality materials and anyone who has used an imported smoker, will notice the difference. For instance, the tight tolerances on the lid and doors prevent heat and smoke loss and it features high-quality welds and consistent finishes throughout. There is little to no rattling or loose parts, even after extensive use.
The Yoder YS640s is often considered a tank of a smoker — built for longevity, performance, and consistent results. This smoker is ideal for serious BBQ enthusiasts who want pro-level equipment that lasts decades with proper care. Next month, we will cover more of the cooks and how other wood pellets perform in the Yoder 640s. Also, we will examine the additional wood fired oven attachment which retails for $489. The Yoder 640s are sold for $2,699. More information can be found at www.yodersmokers.com.
Jealous Devil’s Jax Legendary Blend BBQ Pellets are a premium choice for grill enthusiasts seeking exceptional flavor and performance. Crafted in the USA from 100% natural, virgin, bark-free hardwoods — specifically cherry, maple, and hickory — these pellets are designed to deliver a clean burn with minimal ash, ensuring a consistent grilling experience. Notably, they contain no fillers, binders, or additives, preserving the authentic wood flavor in your food.
The Yoder YS640S is designed to work with a variety of hardwood pellets, and Jealous Devil pellets are no exception. These pellets are known for their high-quality hardwood composition, producing a clean burn with minimal ash. We found that Jealous Devil pellets burn slightly faster than some other brands, but they also produced more smoke and a richer flavor profile.
Jealous Devil wood pellets are a suitable and effective fuel choice for the Yoder YS640s pellet grill. Their high-quality composition complements the grill’s advanced features, providing consistent heat and flavorful smoke for your cooking endeavors. As with any pellet choice, it’s a good idea to try a few different brands to see which flavor profiles you prefer for various meats and recipes.
The legendary blend is made up of cherry, maple, and hickory hardwoods. One distinct feature is that is comes in a box with a pour spout making it easy to pour right into the Yoder 640s pellet hopper. The Yoder can support over 20 pounds of pellets so the 20 pound Jealous Devil box is a perfect addition. The box is weather-resistant and also features a carry handle.
These pellets are available at various retailers, including Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, Buc-ees, and the Jealous Devil Shop. Visit www.jealousdevil.com for more information.
