Yoder Smokers YS640S
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Yoder Smokers is what happens when a company that makes competition stick burners decides to build a pellet grill. The YS640S is built from 10-gauge steel and weighs 315 lbs. This is not a lifestyle product — it's a cooking instrument.
What We Love
- +10-gauge steel construction (thickest in class)
- +Made in USA (Hutchinson, Kansas)
- +Exceptional heat retention and distribution
- +Two-tier cooking with diffuser options
- +Competition-proven results
- +Built to last decades
Watch Out For
- −315 lbs — you're not moving this casually
- −$2,099 is significant for a pellet grill
- −No WiFi (ACS controller available for extra)
- −Long lead times during peak season
Specifications
Cooking Area
1,070 sq in (total)
Main Grate
640 sq in
Steel
10-gauge (3.4mm)
Weight
315 lbs
Controller
Yoder ACS (optional WiFi)
Warranty
Limited
The Full Review
The Yoder YS640S is the first pellet grill I've used that a stick-burner purist would respect. At 315 lbs of 10-gauge American steel, it has more thermal mass than most offset smokers.
That mass translates to performance. Temperature swings are minimal even in a Minnesota January. I ran a 16-hour brisket cook in -10°F ambient temps and the YS640S never deviated more than ±8°F from set point. Pellet consumption was higher in extreme cold, but the results were flawless.
The cooking area is enormous — 1,070 total square inches across two tiers. I've fit 6 full packer briskets simultaneously for competition prep. The heat distribution is remarkably even thanks to the diffuser plate and thick steel walls.
The optional ACS controller adds WiFi capability, but the standard controller is solid. I prefer the simplicity of the standard version — it holds temp accurately and doesn't require an app.
This grill will outlast you. The 10-gauge steel doesn't warp, doesn't rust easily, and takes decades of heavy use without complaint.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoder Smokers YS640S (this) | 4.9 | $2,099 | Competition-grade pellet smoker built like a tank. |
| Traeger Ironwood 885 | 4.7 | $1,799 | Traeger's premium pellet grill with WiFIRE, Super Smoke mode, and double-wall insulation. |
| Camp Chef Apex 36 | 4.5 | $1,499 | Pellet smoking plus gas searing in one grill — the dual-fuel hybrid that solves the pellet grill's biggest weakness. |
Who Is It For?
Competition BBQ teams who need consistent results. Serious backyard smokers who cook for crowds. Anyone who values American manufacturing and tank-like build quality. Cooks who want a pellet grill they'll never replace.
Final Verdict
The Yoder YS640S is the pellet grill for people who think pellet grills are toys. It's built like industrial equipment, cooks like a competition smoker, and will be grilling long after you're gone. Worth every penny of $2,099.
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