What We Think
Introduction: Built to Outlast the Competition
After putting the Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill through an intensive 90-day long-term testing period on the patio, one thing is abundantly clear: this machine is constructed like an armored vault. Weighing in at a formidable 335 pounds, the YS640s is forged from heavy 10-gauge American steel. Unlike mass-market cookers that flex under pressure, this smoker holds heat with effortless grace and promises decades of reliable outdoor cooking.
90 Days and 20+ Cooks: Real-World Performance
Over our three-month evaluation, we pushed the YS640s through more than 20 distinct cooks. Our testing lineup included delicate beef jerky, crispy chicken wings, competition pork ribs, overnight briskets, pulled pork, and thick reverse-seared steaks. The FireBoard-powered ACS (Advanced Control System) controller kept chamber temperatures extraordinarily stable, maintaining precise thermal bands whether holding low at 180°F for smoke production or ramping up for fast cooks.
High-Heat Searing & Damper Control
Where most pellet grills struggle to reach true sear temperatures, the YS640s excels thanks to its innovative Variable Displacement Damper. By sliding the damper bar and utilizing direct heat over the firebox, we achieved steakhouse-quality crusts on thick-cut ribeyes during our reverse-searing tests. The thick 10-gauge steel body acts as a thermal mass, preventing sudden temperature drops when opening the lid and maintaining consistent convection even during windy conditions.
Smart Controls & Pitmaster Tech
The integrated FireBoard ACS controller is best-in-class, pairing seamlessly with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Monitoring real-time internal meat temperatures from a smartphone while smoking a 15-pound packer brisket overnight provided total reliability. While the heavy-duty steel construction requires occasional rust-prevention maintenance, it is a small trade-off for virtually indestructible build quality.
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