Yoder Smokers Y640 Review: Mastering the Art of Open Flame Grilling

Unleash your inner pitmaster with the Yoder Smokers Y640! This review dives deep into the experience of grilling perfectly seared steaks on this high-performance smoker. We'll explore the process step-by-step, from preheating the Y640 to its impressive heat retention and even cooking capabilities. Discover how this robust smoker achieves exceptional searing at high temperatures, while maintaining a surprisingly manageable exterior temperature, even exceeding 700°F. Prepare to be amazed by the results – juicy, flavorful steaks with beautiful grill marks that will elevate your grilling game to a whole new level.This in-depth review will guide you through the process of achieving restaurant-quality steaks using the Yoder Y640's open flame grilling capabilities. We'll cover the seasoning techniques used, the precise cooking times needed for a perfect medium-rare sear, and finally, the overall performance and build quality of the Y640 itself. Find out if this premium smoker is worth the investment and whether it truly lives up to its reputation for delivering exceptional results for serious grilling enthusiasts.

review.pros_cons

Yoder Smokers Yoda Y640
  • High heat capability (700 degrees)
  • Does not get hot on the exterior even at high temperatures
  • Efficient at cooking
  • More expensive than GMG brand
  • Thicker gauge metal than GMG brand

Read more: Nexgrill Revelry 4 Grill: A Comprehensive Review and Walkthrough

Prepping the Yoder Y640 for Steak

First, I preheated my Yoder Y640 smoker to 500°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving those beautiful sear marks.

Preheating Yoder Y640 smoker to 500°F.
Preheating Yoder Y640 smoker to 500°F.

Next, I removed the top rack and the middle baffle to maximize heat exposure and allow the flames to directly kiss the steak.

Smoker grill prepared for steaks.
Smoker grill prepared for steaks.

Finally, I placed the grill grates in position, ready for the seasoned steaks.

Yoder Y640 smoker prepped for searing steaks.
Yoder Y640 smoker prepped for searing steaks.

Seasoning the Steaks

I used Killer Hogs TX Brisket Magic rub on the steaks. This rub is known for its incredible flavor.

Seasoned steaks in aluminum tray
Seasoned steaks in aluminum tray

After generously applying the rub, I let the steaks sit for a bit to allow the seasoning to adhere and penetrate the meat.

Seasoned steaks in aluminum pan
Seasoned steaks in aluminum pan

This step enhances the overall flavor profile and ensures a more flavorful and tender result.

Seasoned steaks in aluminum pan
Seasoned steaks in aluminum pan

Grilling the Steaks

I cooked the steaks for two minutes per side, aiming for those perfect grill marks. The high temperature of the Yoder ensured a nice sear.

Seasoned steaks ready for grilling
Seasoned steaks ready for grilling

After flipping, I continued cooking for another two minutes per side. I monitored the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Grilling steaks on a hot grill
Grilling steaks on a hot grill

Once I reached an internal temperature close to medium (around 145°F), I moved the steaks to the upper rack to finish cooking.

Grilled steaks on a grill, sear marks visible
Grilled steaks on a grill, sear marks visible

The Yoder Y640 Experience

The Yoder Y640 performed exceptionally well, reaching and maintaining high temperatures consistently. The solid gauge metal absorbed the heat efficiently.

Steaks grilling on Yoder Y640
Steaks grilling on Yoder Y640

Even at nearly 700°F, the exterior of the grill remained surprisingly manageable. This makes for a safer and more comfortable cooking experience.

The design and build quality of the Yoder Y640 are superior, creating a more even and controlled cooking environment compared to other grills in its class.

Results and Conclusion

The steaks were cooked to a near-perfect medium-rare, boasting beautiful grill marks and a delicious crust. The flavor was enhanced by the Killer Hogs rub.

Grilled steak, medium-rare, delicious crust
Grilled steak, medium-rare, delicious crust

The Yoder Y640 excelled in achieving consistent heat and sear, leading to evenly cooked, flavorful steaks.

Delicious medium-rare steak, perfectly seared.
Delicious medium-rare steak, perfectly seared.

Overall, the Yoder Y640 is a high-quality smoker that delivers exceptional results. While it's on the pricier side, the superior build quality and performance justify the cost for serious grill enthusiasts.

Perfectly grilled medium-rare steaks
Perfectly grilled medium-rare steaks