by Mark Smiley | May 16, 2025 | Editorials
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.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 18, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Barbecue season is upon us and this publication will be spending the latter part of spring and summer exploring different products to elevate your cooking experience at home. With warmer temps comes the return to grilling, one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Given all the options available today — from equipment, fuel, and methods to what you can grill (answer: pretty much everything) — your choices may seem overwhelming.
Whether you’re new to grilling or looking to upgrade this year, you’ll want to know about options that grillmasters use that make sense for a backyard experience. Pellet grills have the reputation of being easy to use, but some do not match up with real charcoal flavor, depth of smoke, or searing power of a charcoal grill. And with today’s technology, charcoal grilling is just as easy as working with pellets.
All of this may seem daunting to backyard enthusiasts or even seasoned chefs. “Most things seem complicated or intimidating until you try them,” said Rasheed Philips, Philips Barbeque Co. “It’s like riding a bike; once you do it you never forget it, and it’s never as scary after the first time.”
To help sort out these options, the two pellet grills that can go toe to toe with the charcoal experience come from Z Grills and Yoder Smokers. Stay tuned for an introduction and in-depth review of the Yoder 640s in June. This edition will cover the 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker from Z Grills. But first, we take on the Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill, which is a direct competitor with Big Green Egg.
Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill
Beautiful Design & Construction: The Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill is one of the best kamado grills on the market.
Saffire Grills are premium kamado-style ceramic grills known for their durability, innovative features, and exceptional cooking performance. Manufactured by the family-owned Saffire Grill Co. in Rockford, Illinois, which was started in 2008 by people with a combined 40 years of experience in the BBQ industry.
The claim to fame on this well built and manufactured grill is the crucible firebox, a patented, reinforced firebox designed to eliminate breakage common in traditional ceramic fireboxes. It is a significant upgrade for kamado grill enthusiasts, offering enhanced durability, heat resistance, and ease of maintenance.
This firebox is constructed with firebricks rated up to 2,700° F, 1,000° F higher than traditional ceramic fireboxes, which allows for superior heat retention and cooking performance. In our tests, the performance was outstanding and each cook came off the grill perfectly.
This grill also features a smokin’ chip feeder, a unique front-access port that allows users to add wood chips without opening th
Inside The Saffire Grill: The multi-level cooking system lets you cook in two temperature zones at once.
e lid, maintaining stable temperatures during smoking.
The Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill and all other grills manufactured by Saffire feature high-grade stainless-steel components, including vents, hinges, and cooking grates, ensuring resistance to rust and corrosion.
Another feature that BBQ enthusiasts will enjoy is the multi-level cooking system. This offers versatile cooking options with adjustable cooking surfaces. The multi-level cooking system lets you cook in two temperature zones at once. You can lower one side for a quick searing and keep the other side up for more thorough cooking. With the ceramic heat deflector added to the mix, you can transfer more heat to one side for an intense, radiant, searing heat, while letting the heat slowly work into the food on the other. This grill features a 19-inch cooking diameter with a total possible cooking area of 746 square inches, suitable for serving eight or more people.
In perusing reviews online, customers appreciate features like the wood chip feeder and the grill’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods, making it ideal for smoking. Some users have noted that while the grills are generally more expensive, the quality justifies the price.
At the time of press, the Saffire Platinum Large Kamado Grill retails for $1,649. Visit www.saffiregrills.com to learn more or to purchase.
Z Grills
Pellet Smoker: The Z Grills 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker features 697 square inches of cooking space and a 28-pound pellet hopper.
The Kamado grills use charcoal as their fuel, while pellet grills, as mentioned earlier, are a bit easier to manage on cooks. Z Grills is a U.S.-based brand renowned for its high-quality wood pellet grills and smokers, offering a versatile 8-in-1 cooking experience that includes grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling. With over 30 years of manufacturing expertise, Z Grills combines durable construction with user-friendly features like PID temperature control and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Z Grills built pellet grills for other brands including Traeger, who they worked with for seven years. In 2016, they decided to develop their own brand and first brought Z Grills to the U.S. market via a crowdfunding campaign, so they knew there was demand and the launch was a huge success, causing quite a stir in the pellet grill market.
The 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker features WiFi connectivity, PID temperature control (for precise temperature management), and ample cooking space, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned grillers. This grill has a total of 697 square inches of cooking space, divided between a 504 sq inch main rack and a 193 sq inch upper rack.
The pellet hopper is also unique as it is equipped with a 28-pound hopper, allowing for extended cooking sessions without frequent refills. This grill is built to last as well. It is constructed with stainless steel and rolled steel, coupled with double-wall insulation for improved heat retention.
The Z Grills 700D4E WiFi Pellet Grill & Smoker stands out as a feature-rich option for both novice and experienced grillers. Its combination of ample cooking space, precise temperature control, and modern conveniences like WiFi connectivity make it a compelling choice. While there are minor drawbacks, such as limited searing capabilities and occasional quality control issues, the overall value and performance it offers are noteworthy. The features this grill has are more expensive in competitor brands so the value is there if you are in the market for a pellet grill.
Z Grills currently has a Crowdfunding promotion going. The special offer is where you can purchase a grill for $777 and receive 10 free replacements over the next 50 years (shipping fees apply). For more, visit www.zgrills.com/pages/reward-crowdfunding.
Schmidt Bros
Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife Set
Chef Knife Set: Schmidt Bros Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife Set is perfect for grillmasters and chefs on the go with premium, German stainless-steel blades.
Now that you have decided on the grill you would like to purchase, there are a couple of items to consider having in your kitchen. Whether you’re a professional cook or an enthusiastic home chef, a good knife is a must. Luckily, there are thousands of options available from brands that we all know and love, like Shun, Wusthof, or Zwilling. The knife collection to consider adding to your outdoor kitchen comes from Schmidt Brothers.
The Zebra Wood BBQ 6 Piece Knife set is perfect for grillmasters and chefs on the go. Their premium, German stainless-steel blades are dual-sharpened to maintain their razor-sharp edge while the fully forged, full-tang, Zebra Wood handles will give you strength and flexibility as you slice through your juicy roast.
This set contains: 11” Brisket (Slicing) Knife, 10” Butcher Knife, 8” Chef’s BBQ Knife, 6” Boning Knife, 6” Carving Fork, and a Knife Carrying Roll. Each knife comes with a protective sheath.
“These knives are made of the finest steel and wood I have ever found in a set of knives,” said G. Braswell, a verified purchaser. “Absolutely beautiful and well balanced. My recommendation would be, if you cook inside or outside on a smoker or grill, you need these knives.”
Visit www.schmidtbrothers.com/products /zebra-wood-bbq-6-pc-set for more information or to purchase. At time of press, this set retailed for $149.99.
Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron
Family Owned: The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is a must have for any chef or BBQ enthusiast.
Last but certainly not least, every chef or BBQ enthusiast needs a good apron. The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is one to consider as it is made with high quality materials and are battle tested in real world kitchens. They are hand crafted with 10 oz. cotton canvas, brass hardware, and leather.
“First and foremost, I’d like to say that I thoroughly enjoy these aprons and I use them every day for work at the most maximum potential that they offer (I’ve bought two so far), said a chef who purchased through Amazon. “Virtually everything that I need for a full functioning day of service I am able to store in my apron. The multiple pockets allow me to hold everything that I need.”
The company was founded by Chris Classic (raised in Silverthorne, Colorado) in 2017. It is a small, family company that strives to bring top quality products to your everyday home cook as well as professional and amateur chefs and culinary students across the globe.
The Asaya Chef/BBQ/Work Apron is a versatile and durable apron designed for cooking, grilling, and workshop tasks. The apron features a cross-back strap design to alleviate neck and shoulder strain during extended use. The apron includes three large front pockets, a cell phone pocket, a pen holder, a custom Asaya bottle opener, and a hand towel.
Available in various colors such as black, olive green, and purple, the apron is priced at $35.99 on the official Asaya store.
Visit www.asaya.store/products/chef-bbq- work-apron for more information or to purchase.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 28, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Boots are no longer just for cowboys and cowgirls. They are a shoe that every person should have at least one pair of in their closet. If you had to have one affordable pair in your arsenal, consider the Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot made by Ariat. This boot retails for approximately $149.95 at time of press.
Ariat is a popular brand known for making high-quality footwear, apparel, and accessories, particularly designed for outdoor activities like horseback riding, work, and general outdoor sports. The Booker boot which features a round toe and 1.5” heel is also ideal for dressing up a pair of jeans or even slacks for men.
This boot which has been worn for a couple of months, is durable, comfortable, and a dressy option. The Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot combines elements of Western style with the convenience of a Chelsea boot.
The Booker is designed with a round toe, making it a versatile option for both work and casual wear. Its Chelsea boot design features elastic side panels, allowing for easy on and off without laces or zippers.
This boot is made from premium leather and provides durability and a sleek appearance. The leather construction also allows it to mold to your foot over time, enhancing comfort. The ankle height is perfect for wearing under jeans.
This boot incorporates Ariat’s signature ATS technology for all-day comfort and support. The technology includes a gel-cushioned footbed, a moisture-wicking lining, and a lightweight composite shank for stability and support.
The outsole is made of rubber, which offers traction and durability, making it suitable for a variety of environments, from ranch work to everyday wear. The boot blends the practical design of a Chelsea boot with Western-style elements, such as a sleek silhouette and sometimes subtle stitching or decorative details, making it perfect for both modern and traditional Western aesthetics.
“I almost sent these back before I had even tried them on,” said Robert Fichera, Amazon customer. “I am so glad that I didn’t; they are like wearing my house slippers. I love the fact that the sides have the stretchy material where your ankles are so much more comfortable.” There are many 4 and 5 star reviews across the board with most reviewers complimenting the comfort and durability.
If you are in the market for a stylish and comfortable boot that won’t break the bank, consider the Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot.
For more information, visit www.ariat.com. You can find a nice selection of Ariat boots at the Boot Barn located at 8500 East Orchard Road in Englewood or 12 other Colorado locations.
by Editorial Board | Feb 19, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
This Editorial Board has scant opportunity to support or praise Denver Mayor Mike Johnston since his swearing in as Denver’s 46th mayor on July 23, 2023, other than to say at least he is not Michael Hancock. This difficulty is in large part due to Mayor Johnston spending all of his time his first 19 months in office on the homeless and the “newcomers” and little else.
That leaves the needs of 99% of Denver’s residents unattended to. A mere walk downtown demonstrates a city badly in decay. Mayor Johnston is a self-described “progressive” and like many other big city progressive mayors, like Karen Bass of Los Angeles and Brandon Johnson of Chicago, he is pretty good at theoretical constructs but lousy at governing.
That is why this Board and most of the city was in shock when he announced that the City and County had swapped 144 acres of industrially-zoned land for the 155-acre former Park Hill Golf Course which will now be a regional park to open this summer.
The swap took some doing. Denver took $12.7 million from a voter approved park fund and acquired from the Denver International Airport 144 acres of industrial zoned land located in Adams County. It then swapped it for the 155-acre old Park Hill Golf Course property located by Colorado Boulevard in the Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. The transaction still needs to be approved by Adams County but that is not expected to be a problem.
On the surface this looks like a bad deal for Westside Investment who paid $24 million for the property from the Early Learning Center and is now receiving property worth half that much from Denver.
But don’t worry. The driving force behind the swap was not Mayor Johnston and Denver but Westside Investments who will, behind the scenes, be making out like a bandit as developers usually do.
But we don’t care. Johnston got the deal done for the benefit of all of Denver, and particularly the residents of Park Hill. All his predecessor ever did was destroy every piece of open space he could hand over to developers.
Now what to call the new park? If there has ever been a “Peoples Park” it is this one. The people of Denver fought against their own government and a favored developer hell bent on turning green land into a pavement covered development.
At the front of the park there should be a very impressive statue of Wellington Webb flanked by Penfield Tate and Woody Garnsey. No one in Denver should ever forget what they accomplished for the people of the City and County of Denver.
— Editorial Board
by Editorial Board | Jan 16, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Lisa Raville, aka “Dr. Death”
When Mike Johnston assumed the mayorship of Denver in 2023, he announced that he would make homelessness in Denver the absolute highest priority for his Administration for the first six plus months of his term. In 2024 he expanded the scope of his concentration to include the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into the city from across the border in Texas. He indicated the City would spend whatever is needed to assist the people he dubbed the “newcomers.”
The two groups will eventually meld into one another, as when the newcomers are cut off from the free rental subsidy the city provides, they too will fit into the category of “residents experiencing homelessness.” So jealously has Johnston guarded his future homeless newcomers that he publicly threatened to send the Denver Police to the Denver border, augmented by ferocious Valkyries from the Highlands neighborhood, to meet and repulse ICE agents coming to Denver to deport any newcomers.
In last Fall’s election Denver voters shot down the mayor’s proposed sales tax increase to help the mayor meet his housing development goals. Instead of modifying and lessening those goals he has told all city departments they must cut their budgets by 12.5%. This should cause all services provided to citizens to significantly drop, but homelessness, of course, supersedes all other needs of Denver’s citizens.
Some Denver residents who are not “newcomers” or homeless have begun to wonder what exactly the city was going to do for them. That is when the Denver City Council had a brilliant idea of expanding the needle exchange centers from three to an infinite amount in every neighborhood. On January 13, 2025, in an 8 to 5 vote, the City Council voted to allow an unlimited amount of these centers and even included a lift on the restriction of no needle exchange centers being within 1,000 feet from a school or daycare center.
At a needle exchange center a drug addict can turn in dirty needles and syringes for new ones along with other drug paraphernalia free of charge. Advocates for this program argue this will limit the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infections. Of course, an addict could buy his or her own needles and syringes but that would cost money and advocates indicate the program will free up more money for items that drug addicts value, like more drugs.
The best part from the addict’s perspective is that the staff at these sites are forbidden from bringing up the subject of treatment for the addiction unless the addicts foolishly bring up the subject themselves.
The new ordinance also does away with the 1997 law prohibition of having needle exchange centers within a thousand yards of a school or daycare center. Not that the provision was really an impediment as the city simply granted exceptions when asked.
The passage of the needle exchange ordinance is a triumph for Lisa Raville the executive director of The Harm Reduction Action Center. Her critics have dubbed her “Dr. Death.” having earned her doctorate not from an educational center but the mean streets of Chicago and Denver. She views herself as a tireless advocate for intravenous drug users, caring for their needs and wants.
She in many ways resembles John Parvansky the CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. In his 37 years of service from 1985 until he retired in 2022 he grew homelessness from a relatively manageable problem into a behemoth social quagmire that literally has become the primary concern of the entire city government.
Dr. Death has headed up the Harm Reduction Acton Center since 2009. In that time the number of intravenous drug users and drug overdose deaths has steadily increased. In the last four years alone the number of drug overdose deaths has nearly doubled while recently decreasing nationally.
Dr. Death’s needle exchange centers are the first part of a three-part scheme. Next up is turning the needle exchange centers into supervised “safe use sites” which will eventually be provided with a “regulated drug supply” of quality heroin and meth.
Under the full program addicts will have across the city places to go for free drugs, needles, and syringes at taxpayer expense. Addiction and drug deaths should skyrocket.
You do not have to guess what the result will be because the full “harm reduction” program was introduced in British Columbia by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, As a result deaths in British Columbia from drug overdoses have risen to unprecedented levels. The disastrous results of the Canadian “harm reduction” program is one of the reasons the Prime Minister is resigning come this March.
To the shock of some in Denver, Mayor Johnston vetoed Dr. Death’s needle exchange plan on the evening of January 14, 2025. Apparently, the mayor does not want anything to interfere with his homeless and “newcomer” initiatives. Don’t think Dr. Death is going anywhere Like Parvensky, she is in it for the long haul. She will be back next year and the year after until her goal of making Denver the intravenous drug user capitol of the United States. God help us all.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Dec 13, 2024 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
The Mile High Beer Festival is set for March 1, 2025, and will be at The Refractory in the Santa Fe Art District. Over 40 beer vendors will be pouring their specialty beers for unlimited sampling.
In addition to beer, guests will be able to enjoy canned cocktails, ciders, food from local food trucks, and non-alcoholic brews. Ryan Cox photo
One of Denver’s favorite beer celebrations is returning with new breweries and some old favorites. The 2025 Mile High Beer Festival returns on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and early bird tickets are on sale now. Prices go up as it gets closer to the event so act now for the savings.
General Admission includes unlimited sampling, a commemorative sample glass, and access to 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits from Colorado’s best (and some favorites outside of Colorado too.). Early entry includes everything above plus 45 minutes to get the first sips in before the crowd files in (1:15 p.m.). The VIP experience includes 90 minutes of early access (12:30 p.m.), plus an exclusive commemorative pint glass.
The Mile High Beer Festival will be the first event at the new venue, The Refractory located at 890 Navajo Street, in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver. “We are really excited to transform this space and create an open industrial atmosphere for the beer festival,” said Lacey Spruce, Mile High Beer Fest.
A lineup of 40+ vendors serving 100+ brews, including local breweries like WeldWerks, Left Hand, and Wiley Roots will be in hand. “I feel like the people that like to attend our events every year are self proclaimed beer nerds,” said Spruce. “They find it exciting to meet new breweries and try new things as well as see their old favorites.”
Three breweries will make their Mile High Beer Festival debut in 2025: Wiley Roots (Greeley), Milieu Fermentation (Aurora), which opened in 2024, and Second Dawn Brewing (Aurora). “I think a lot of people want variety in events they attend, said Spruce. “For a lot of people like us who produce these events, we try to give the people what they want. This is a beer fest so we try to keep it mostly beer. But people tend to appreciate having some options like trying some canned cocktails or ciders so we try to sprinkle some of those in.”
General admission tickets are $48.57, early entry are $60.41, and VIP tickets are $78.16 and all fees are included. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.milehighbeerfest.com. Also, stay tuned for information on the second annual Denver Ramen Festival which will be held at the Stockyards Event Center in April.
