Yoder versus Lone Star Grillz versus Traeger Timberline

[Spanky]

This is a great group to empower members to spend money. At least in the Deals section it was lower dollar amounts. Now it is Mid to High End Smokers. The Traeger Price Increase Thread (by overnightbbqryan) started me thinking again about a Yoder as the prices crosses over.

I now have put way too much thought in my next Smoker upgrade. Before I was only considering a Traeger Timberline 1300 or Yoder YS480S or a YS640S. I now have another choice to consider which I will gladly introduce to my valued Friends here for their input. I have now included the Lone Star Grillz Pellet Smoker 20X36 or 20X42 inches (picture below of the Lone Star Grillz 20X36 and Yoder YS480S) . Both Lone Star Grillz and Yoder use Fireboard. I think the shipping will factor in significantly unless you are within pickup of either manufacturer for the much heavier Yoder or Lone Star Grillz. Traeger site shows 49 USD delivery plus they are sold at other retail stores that likely include the shipping to store.


1999 USD + shipping Traeger Timberline 850 (Baseline)
2199 USD + shipping Traeger Timberline 1300 (Baseline)

1969 USD + shipping Yoder YS480S (Hutchinson/Yoder KS)
2229 USD + shipping Yoder YS640S (Hutchinson/Yoder KS)

2395 USD + Shipping Lone Star Grillz 20X36 inch (Willis/Conroe TX)
2695 USD + Shipping Lone Star Grillz 20X42 inch (Willis/Conroe TX)

Open for thought and other ideas from my Smoker Friends here.

Who will be first to cross over to the Yoder and the Lone Star Grillz? I am ok letting others pave the way

Thanks Spanky

 

[Slimpicker]

Yoder Smokers YS480S, Standard, Second Shelf | Smokin' Deal BBQ

smokindealbbq.com

Yoder 480 for only $1779

 

[Spanky]

Yoder Smokers YS480S, Standard, Second Shelf | Smokin' Deal BBQ

smokindealbbq.com

Yoder 480 for only $1779

Slimpicker

Nice find at a better price. This makes it even harder to not proceed if the YS480S is large enough.

 

[YYCRed]

Slimpicker

Nice find at a better price. This makes it even harder to not proceed if the YS480S is large enough.

To me, that's the key right there. Don't get one that is just big enough for what you do now. You will regret it when you need more space (as everybody seems to on occasion).

 

[TheGrumpyGriller]

My only experience is with the T-1300, and while the Yoder seems to be pretty cool, I very often use every inch of the 1300 sq. in. on my Traeger. I've not experienced any other issues, and while I would have certainly preferred it have been manufactured in the U.S.A., I'll stick with it for quite a while. Whenever it goes to the grill graveyard, I'll see what's out there

Good luck whichever way you go!

 

[RustyJake]

My only experience is with the T-1300, and while the Yoder seems to be pretty cool, I very often use every inch of the 1300 sq. in. on my Traeger. I've not experienced any other issues, and while I would have certainly preferred it have been manufactured in the U.S.A., I'll stick with it for quite a while. Whenever it goes to the grill graveyard, I'll see what's out there

Good luck whichever way you go!

I totally agree, had I purchased a larger Traeger I would be satisfied and wouldn't be considering something else. I can live with the issues my grill has, and Traeger isn't tainted in my eyes. Just not my next choice in a pellet smoker/grill
I realize that every choice out there comes with it's own set of issues, and they all come with their unique sets of features. Just choose what works best for yourself

 

[MidwestSmoker]

I am not in the market for another pellet grill, but I like to look at what's out there. One thing I noticed is that Lone Star Grillz incorporated the full FireBoard 2 system we are familiar with, the one with 6 probe ports. Yoder uses a version with only 2 probe ports. Many of you considering purchasing a Yoder already have FireBoard 2 so it should not matter, but if not this is one thing favoring Lone Star Grillz products.

 

[RustyJake]

Here's another American made option

Grills

Pellet-Powered Cooking

makgrills.com

They have a smoke infused mode, which is probably similar to how super smoke functions. I haven't seen too many bad reviews on these (maybe due to their price tag). But have seen posts stating that this brand creates better smoked flavors than most pellet grills.
Smoke flavor is subjective, so not sure how someone would define that.