Back in 2018, I replaced my first smoker - a Green Mountain Daniel Boone - with a Yoder YS-640. I purchased the Daniel Boone in early 2017

and used it extensively throughout the year, whetting my appetite for smoking.

My experiences with the Daniel Boone were largely positive, but it did suffer some short comings. Although some of them may have been self-inflicted by too many temperature adjustments, which was way too easy over wifi. Generally, they were in reaction to variations reported by my ThermoWorks Smoke. But having said that, the results were good enough that I was willing to part with the substantial cost of the Yoder upgrade.

I was amazed at the immediate difference I found using the Yoder. While the control panel temperature generally was higher than what I saw from the Smoke, it remained relatively constant, which was an improvement over the Daniel Boone. There was also a noticeable increase in the smoke imparted to the meat. Smoke rings were much more pronounced. It was an immediate win. Five years later, I'm still in love with the results. One upgrade that has made cleaning much, much easier was the addition of the 2-Piece Heat Diffuser with Access Door. It replaces the standard heat diffuser shipped with the smoker, and despite the price, I would recommend it as standard equipment.