Post by: FSUwelder1212 on December 24, 2017, 11:38:10 AM
Firecraft Q450- looks like a great option, however, no ceramic ignition means I will be replacing ignitors frequently, and limited accessory options (I would like an upper shelf and a front or side shelf, also there is nothing tying the legs together like a bottom shelf, makes me wonder how rigid it is.
Rec Tec RT680- This seems to be a good grill, but I cant help but feel like it is overpriced and overhyped. It lacks a number of features that are becoming almost standard at the price point. I have also seen them make several claims that are false regarding the competition, which really sours me on the company. Also much larger than I need and I view the 40 lb hopper as more of a detractor than a benefit.
Mak 1 star- Looks like a great grill. Its very widely regarded, with a support reputation that is flawless. Made in the U.S. is definitely a plus. only real drawback is price and adding a few accessories quickly puts it at, or over, my max budget. Also as ridiculous as it sounds, I feel like it looks like it belongs on a spaceship.
Kuma Platinum SE- I just cant find a lot of feedback on this, looks like it has some neat features and is US made. I just can't really bring myself to be a guinea pig at the high cost of entry.
Any insight you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated! I am also open to other options. Thanks!
Post by: Ross77 on December 24, 2017, 12:51:29 PM
When I was deciding I was down to RecTec, Blazn and Yoder.
Take a look at Yoder’s. They are built like tanks but it ended up being out of my price range.
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on December 24, 2017, 12:55:53 PM
Post by: Bentley on December 24, 2017, 12:57:45 PM
tmickey@blazngrillworks.com
I had initially decided on a Blaze'n Grand Slam, but after multiple unanswered emails, have major concerns about customer support, if they can't even bother to answer a few questions to sell me a grill what happens after they already have my money and I have an issue?
Post by: FSUwelder1212 on December 24, 2017, 05:31:07 PM
I’ve had a RecTec for just over a year and don’t really have any complaints. What features do you feel are missing? The 40 pound hopper is a little overkill. The 6 year warranty gives me piece of mind about such an expensive purchase. The ignite failed and they sent me a new one within a few days.
When I was deciding I was down to RecTec, Blazn and Yoder.
Take a look at Yoder’s. They are built like tanks but it ended up being out of my price range.
Ross, the Rec Tec doesn’t have a pellet dump, I would think this would be especially valuable considering the rec tecs massive hopper size, also my understanding is the fire pot isn’t easily removable (I could be wrong here) and it lacks a “sear zone†although I put little value on those, I think grill grates at high temp are likely effective enough for what I want. They make good grill no doubt.
Where do you live? It may help me make a recommendation.
Bar B Lew I am in Paw Paw Michigan (southwest Michigan) it seems to be a dead zone as far as distributors go unless I head down to Indiana (Mishawaka area most likely) so I will most likely need to order online.
Pretty sure this is a business email, so I am not violating privacy. Try this email, I know Tim, and I am think you have either got a bad email address or it is not going through to the company. Obviously you are not going to get an answer for 2-3 days...If you don't have an answer by the end of this week, I will be happy to weigh in on this thread...
tmickey@blazngrillworks.comI had initially decided on a Blaze'n Grand Slam, but after multiple unanswered emails, have major concerns about customer support, if they can't even bother to answer a few questions to sell me a grill what happens after they already have my money and I have an issue?
Thank you Bentley, that is the email I was using. They replied initially but went MIA when asking about a specialty powdercoated color and warranty information. It’s disappointing because It really looks like they make a fantastic grill at the price point, but with as competitive as this price point is, I can’t bring myself to chase a company to give them my money. I’m not here to bash, however, just see what others think of all the available options.
Out of those, I would go Mak no question. Quite a bit of difference in build between those options imo. Yoder, Mak, or Memphis if you want to buy and cry once...although they might be a bit over your range. Good luck with your search!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Thanks gtsum, my cousin has a Yoder (I’ve never seen it in person) and is what initially turned me onto the higher end grills beyond Rec Tec. The reason I’m not considering Yoder is, they seem to have finish/rust issues from my research and everyone says they are pellet hogs. I plan to use this regularly including our Michigan winters so, pellet consumption is a real concern. I have also read mixed reviews on their proprietary controller and would kind of like to go with a Roanoke which seems to be regarded as old reliable. Memphis is simply out of my price range, I would love to have one and they are definitely the top of the list. What about the mak do you feel makes it stand out above the others?
Thank you everyone for your feedback thus far!
Post by: RWhyman on December 24, 2017, 06:08:51 PM
By the way, I saw Rectec on sell on Amazon recently.
Post by: rwalters on December 24, 2017, 06:21:04 PM
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on December 24, 2017, 07:24:15 PM
Post by: Bentley on December 24, 2017, 08:29:09 PM
Post by: Ross77 on December 24, 2017, 09:01:58 PM
I wanted the size and for the price, it’s hard to beat the RecTec. I don’t have any issues with the build quality so far.
Post by: bregent on December 24, 2017, 11:45:55 PM
Post by: FSUwelder1212 on December 25, 2017, 11:12:53 AM
When was the last time you contacted him? And did he respond or someone else?
I don't care what you buy, but one of my smokers is a Blazn' Grill and Tim has given me nothing but top notch service. It is a small business and it is the holidays.
By the way, I saw Rectec on sell on Amazon recently.
Gentlemen, the emails that went unanswered were sent a little over a week and a half ago, I believe. I thought it was Tim I was speaking with but can’t say for sure. Again, debating blaz’n support wasn’t the intent of the thread and isn’t a path I wish to go down. Those that have them say the support is phenomenal, my experience is otherwise, there is also more than one post on reddit about blaz’n leaving someone in the cold when inquiring about a purchase. Perhaps I just had bad luck, or maybe my money just isn’t green enough, rather than dwell on it I am moving on. I only mentioned them initially to explain why they weren’t being considered and to head off the inevitable recommendations. The beauty of the capitalist system is I have other options that I’m sure are more than happy to take my money. The intent of this thread was to get honest opinions and feedback on those options.
Save up and get a 2 Star MAK. Buy the accessories as you have more money.
Bar B Lew, is there a major difference between the 1 star and 2 Star? Other than the stainless lid and the included flame zone, they appear to be functionally the same?
Can anyone tell me if the MAK has a pellet drop/chute feature to combat burn backs and hopper fires? I’m not sure how common burn backs are but it is a fear of mine.
You are correct on the yoder. Mine has rust after 8 months. Not a major deal, but irritating at the same time. It does suck some pellets down too. Again not a big deal for me as I buy em by the pallet.
Imo, and I have never cooked on them, but have seen them, the build quality and robustness of rec tec just isn’t good (compared to the three I mentioned...there is a reason the other 3 are a good bit more money). Lots of people like rec Tecs though. I keep waiting for Mak to come out with a smaller portable unit for the camper
GTsum if you had it to do over would you still pick the Yoder or go with something else?
Thanks everyone for the feedback I think I am starting to lean towards the Mak. I’m surprised I haven’t seen any love for the q450, I thought for the money it seemed extremely well featured/thought out.
Post by: Bentley on December 25, 2017, 11:37:38 AM
Good luck with your purchase.
Gentlemen, the emails that went unanswered were sent a little over a week and a half ago, I believe. I thought it was Tim I was speaking with but can’t say for sure. Again, debating blaz’n support wasn’t the intent of the thread and isn’t a path I wish to go down. Those that have them say the support is phenomenal, my experience is otherwise, there is also more than one post on reddit about blaz’n leaving someone in the cold when inquiring about a purchase. Perhaps I just had bad luck, or maybe my money just isn’t green enough, rather than dwell on it I am moving on. I only mentioned them initially to explain why they weren’t being considered and to head off the inevitable recommendations. The beauty of the capitalist system is I have other options that I’m sure are more than happy to take my money. The intent of this thread was to get honest opinions and feedback on those options.
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on December 25, 2017, 11:47:18 AM
The MAK 2 has a side warm under the stainless lid on the right side. You can buy a side smoke chamber as an accessory to place in that warming box by flipping the lid open and setting the box on top. I use it for smoking cheese and for keeping things warm while still cooking. The stainless will also help keep it outside in your weather in MI without a cover.
The prices of the accessories are not cheap but they are top notch products with great build quality IMO.
I have a MAK, Memphis, Traeger, and a used Blazn. I am recommending the MAK as it is slightly north of your price point as a one time buy, but also has tons of accessories to help you enhance the grill and cooking options should you want to buy them down the road as you save more money.
Post by: Ross77 on December 25, 2017, 12:21:20 PM
Post by: Canadian John on December 25, 2017, 01:27:13 PM
Some considerations could be; service*,parts availability, ease of maintenance (a must for a pellet pit),finish ;paint and powder coat can be scratched leading to rust. Stainless isn't maintenance free, but close depending. Warranty. Size - height/width /depth. Tables/shelves. Double walled for cool and cold weather. Does it look right to you?. Have you seen one in person?
* If you are new to cooking with pellets, there is a learning curve that combined with any pit problems makes life more difficult. Communicating with factory service can be a big help.
I would send you my magic wand if I had one.
Post by: okie smokie on December 25, 2017, 09:28:44 PM
Its your decision and you can do as you choose. But your 1st paragraph of your very 1st post is about Blaz'n and how you wanted to look at purchasing a pit from them and because you did not get a response from them at probably their busiest time of year, you say they are not reliable. Yes you ca do this, but I personally know these people. Have met with them, been around them and they are friends. And yes their product and customer service is top notch And yes, I don't like people coming on my site and belittling my friends! So now you know my feelings!Agree with Bentley. I suspect the email was wrong. Tim is easiest to just talk to. Just call Blaz'n and ask for Tim tomorrow. I have gotten great service from him and last week had my first hot rod failure after 2.5 years. Called Tim and one is on the way as we speak. All their new units have the Ceramic starter on them now so that is added incentive.
Good luck with your purchase.Gentlemen, the emails that went unanswered were sent a little over a week and a half ago, I believe. I thought it was Tim I was speaking with but can’t say for sure. Again, debating blaz’n support wasn’t the intent of the thread and isn’t a path I wish to go down. Those that have them say the support is phenomenal, my experience is otherwise, there is also more than one post on reddit about blaz’n leaving someone in the cold when inquiring about a purchase. Perhaps I just had bad luck, or maybe my money just isn’t green enough, rather than dwell on it I am moving on. I only mentioned them initially to explain why they weren’t being considered and to head off the inevitable recommendations. The beauty of the capitalist system is I have other options that I’m sure are more than happy to take my money. The intent of this thread was to get honest opinions and feedback on those options.
Good luck and welcome to PF. :clap:
Post by: lyork on December 26, 2017, 07:04:51 PM
I ended up making a spreadsheet with all the pros and cons of about a dozen different units.
Ross77.....could you share that spreadsheet with us please??
Post by: Ross77 on December 26, 2017, 07:47:19 PM
Post by: Vision on December 26, 2017, 08:56:19 PM
Want the best and to cry once? But the mak and you'll love it. It's a league above the other cookers and this will be obvious quickly. You can add on accessories as needed. I only have the front shelf and full grate.
Post by: TLK on December 27, 2017, 10:22:44 AM
Thanks gtsum, my cousin has a Yoder (I’ve never seen it in person) and is what initially turned me onto the higher end grills beyond Rec Tec. The reason I’m not considering Yoder is, they seem to have finish/rust issues from my research and everyone says they are pellet hogs. I plan to use this regularly including our Michigan winters so, pellet consumption is a real concern. I have also read mixed reviews on their proprietary controller and would kind of like to go with a Roanoke which seems to be regarded as old reliable. Memphis is simply out of my price range, I would love to have one and they are definitely the top of the list. What about the mak do you feel makes it stand out above the others?
Thank you everyone for your feedback thus far!
You are correct on the yoder. Mine has rust after 8 months. Not a major deal, but irritating at the same time. It does suck some pellets down too. Again not a big deal for me as I buy em by the pallet.
[/quote]
turned my yoder into a "built-in" (3-4 years ago) so it lives outside year round in Central Ohio. I keep a cheap cover on it when not in use. Not a single spot of rust on it anywhere.
Post by: lyork on December 27, 2017, 04:18:15 PM
On the Yoder, rust is going to be an issue just like any steel that’s subjected to the elements. Keeping it touched up will be an ongoing battle.
Post by: okie smokie on December 27, 2017, 09:45:17 PM
Thanks for the spread sheet. I’d like to think a pellet drop feed is safer than the standard feed style. I’ll add that to the list of pros and cons.I doubt that the yoder will ever rust thru even if you don't repaint. (unless you are in sea air or monsoon atmosphere). Keeping it in use helps, and it should have a cover. On the other hand Rustoleum grill paint is very helpful and does not require much prep. Just a little sanding and and wet rag, and then spray and use it the next day.
On the Yoder, rust is going to be an issue just like any steel that’s subjected to the elements. Keeping it touched up will be an ongoing battle.
Post by: Ross77 on December 28, 2017, 07:58:57 AM
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 10:38:36 AM
This is after owning it for 10 months. I have a cover and sometimes use it and other times not. I’m in central va, so bot on the coast with salt, etc. hasn’t went through a winter yet. You can see the discoloration of the metal from heat. The internal sides of the cook chamber should be reinforced here imo. I’ll clean it up in the spring, as this is the only complaint I have with the yoderOh man!! I can see now why the Memphis is whispering your name
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171228/5f02866aaac735c14ffe30868ffd0c21.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 12:22:23 PM
Curious...what other grills do you own? I love my MAK a lot!!!... but for serious grilling/searing power, I have not found a setup that outperforms my 26.75 Weber kettle w/ Slow n Sear. It flat out rocks for that duty. And you know the ruggedness of the kettles porcelain finish...darn near bullet proof with high temp cooking.This is after owning it for 10 months. I have a cover and sometimes use it and other times not. I’m in central va, so bot on the coast with salt, etc. hasn’t went through a winter yet. You can see the discoloration of the metal from heat. The internal sides of the cook chamber should be reinforced here imo. I’ll clean it up in the spring, as this is the only complaint I have with the yoderOh man!! I can see now why the Memphis is whispering your name
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171228/5f02866aaac735c14ffe30868ffd0c21.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Exactly:).
This is my only complaint about the yoder. Performance wise, it’s fantastic. Great smoke profile and ability to sear almost as good as my kamados..and lots of space to cook stuff. It just shouldn’t rust like that so quickly imo. Zero rust anywhere else on the cooker
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: Bentley on December 28, 2017, 12:45:33 PM
Post by: okie smokie on December 28, 2017, 01:15:37 PM
Cosmetic issues have never bothered me if the unit performs the way I expect. But I can see how it troubles some. 5 minutes with a power brush and some engine block paint and you would probably be good for 2 years!I agree. It seems that most of the more active PF's have pits that are less than pristine. Some even look downright nasty. If you go into the pit area of most of the successful BBQ joints in my area, most of the pits are heavily stained. Those with the commercial stainless pits are a bit cleaner, but the old stick burners are usually layered with creosote, drippings and other unknowns. It sort of suggests that it is hard to be :bbq: :bbq: an immaculate Q chef and be a winner at the same time. (Apologies to the exceptions). I'm sure that keeping the grates clean is more important and I am sure that is done universally (except for my son who refuses to go to that extreme). All in all a good topic for discussion but---- :2cents:
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 01:59:37 PM
Cosmetic issues have never bothered me if the unit performs the way I expect. But I can see how it troubles some. 5 minutes with a power brush and some engine block paint and you would probably be good for 2 years!As much I I enjoy a clean pit exterior, which I feel adds to a nice overall clean backyard, I absolutely agree... that rust on the Yoder would be a cinch to fix. I must confess that I have OCD when it comes to keeping the exterior of my pits clean.
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 02:00:43 PM
Great post! But I have had some pretty good Q from clean pits...lol...including mineCosmetic issues have never bothered me if the unit performs the way I expect. But I can see how it troubles some. 5 minutes with a power brush and some engine block paint and you would probably be good for 2 years!I agree. It seems that most of the more active PF's have pits that are less than pristine. Some even look downright nasty. If you go into the pit area of most of the successful BBQ joints in my area, most of the pits are heavily stained. Those with the commercial stainless pits are a bit cleaner, but the old stick burners are usually layered with creosote, drippings and other unknowns. It sort of suggests that it is hard to be :bbq: :bbq: an immaculate Q chef and be a winner at the same time. (Apologies to the exceptions). I'm sure that keeping the grates clean is more important and I am sure that is done universally (except for my son who refuses to go to that extreme). All in all a good topic for discussion but---- :2cents:
Post by: Conumdrum on December 28, 2017, 02:29:18 PM
This is after owning it for 10 months. I have a cover and sometimes use it and other times not. I’m in central va, so bot on the coast with salt, etc. hasn’t went through a winter yet. You can see the discoloration of the metal from heat. The internal sides of the cook chamber should be reinforced here imo. I’ll clean it up in the spring, as this is the only complaint I have with the yoder
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171228/5f02866aaac735c14ffe30868ffd0c21.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Wow, I'm amazed! That sucks! That's just crazy! I have had mine for over 3, maybe 4 years now (YS640). I have only done about 7 direct sear cookings on my yoder, and always remove the diffuser. I think I have done about 4 cooks at 375 for turkey etc with the diffuser to get good skin at the end. I probably have 100 cooks on it, usually big slow cooks for chicken, pork, chuck roasts, some smoked fish and other things of course. Not a lot of high temp cooking.
My 640 has staining on the front outside, but no paint loss at all. I'll U/L a pic to show a recent pic.
I know you live in the 'salt air area', but that's just not good. I think they dropped the ball on that one. I'd say a wire wheel, naval jelly, and repaint somehow.
I just don't know your usage for high temp cooks, I never did any high temp cooks above 375 without the diffuser removed.
Lastly, I reduced size to fit here. If it's sideways, I dunno.
Post by: Conumdrum on December 28, 2017, 02:33:20 PM
Cosmetic issues have never bothered me if the unit performs the way I expect. But I can see how it troubles some. 5 minutes with a power brush and some engine block paint and you would probably be good for 2 years!As much I I enjoy a clean pit exterior, which I feel adds to a nice overall clean backyard, I absolutely agree... that rust on the Yoder would be a cinch to fix. I must confess that I have OCD when it comes to keeping the exterior of my pits clean.
It's about the 'Q' and time with friends and other things to do. A pretty pit is a seasoned pit.
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 02:36:46 PM
The inside of my pits are WELL seasoned, does that count?Cosmetic issues have never bothered me if the unit performs the way I expect. But I can see how it troubles some. 5 minutes with a power brush and some engine block paint and you would probably be good for 2 years!As much I I enjoy a clean pit exterior, which I feel adds to a nice overall clean backyard, I absolutely agree... that rust on the Yoder would be a cinch to fix. I must confess that I have OCD when it comes to keeping the exterior of my pits clean.
It's about the 'Q' and time with friends and other things to do. A pretty pit is a unseasoned pit.
Post by: cookingjnj on December 28, 2017, 07:11:21 PM
Post by: Conumdrum on December 28, 2017, 09:36:06 PM
I was replying to gtsum2 and that screwed up rust issue. I don't keep mine any cleaner than a backyard mechanic. Mebbe less hehe. :rotf:
My Yoder shows none of that stuff.
BTW, I fixed my post it was really wrong, I didn't notice that major sad screwup. SEASONED is the way to be!!!! ???
Post by: rwalters on December 28, 2017, 10:22:16 PM
I’ll get on it with a wire wheel and some paint in the spring and see how it goes.Not sure if this is possible, or if it would help... but would there be room in the belly of the cooker to lay a fire brick or two up against the wall that is taking the brunt of the heat (where the paint is failing) and allow the bricks to buffer and insulate the exterior wall from the direct heat?
I never cook over 400 when using the full deflector plate. All my sears are with the trap door removed...but obviously there is an issue with too much heat there in the front left of the cooker
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: rwalters on December 29, 2017, 09:28:00 AM
Cool! Do you fave an IR thermometer? Would be interesting to run the Yoder at 500° and see what the temp of the exterior wall is with and without the bricks in place.I’ll get on it with a wire wheel and some paint in the spring and see how it goes.Not sure if this is possible, or if it would help... but would there be room in the belly of the cooker to lay a fire brick or two up against the wall that is taking the brunt of the heat (where the paint is failing) and allow the bricks to buffer and insulate the exterior wall from the direct heat?
I never cook over 400 when using the full deflector plate. All my sears are with the trap door removed...but obviously there is an issue with too much heat there in the front left of the cooker
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
You sir, are a genius! Don’t know why I didn’t think of that before. Nice call! Go figure...I had about 15 firebricks leftover from my original pizza cooker sitting around and I tossed them about 2 months ago:(. Think I will pick up a few and try t. Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro