Built like a tank, the Yoder YS1500S looks like a classic offset smoker with the convenience of a computer-controlled pellet system. You can make a lot of barbecue on this smoker’s 1000 square inches.

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Specifications
- 1008 square inches of primary cooking area with 1500 square inches of total space
- 150 to 600 degrees F/65 to 315 degrees C temperature range
- 20-pound capacity side mounted pellet hopper
- Chrome plated steel rod cooking grates
- Precision, 5-degree increment control panel
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Single layer, locking lid with counterbalance
- Internal baffle for adjusting airflow and heat
- Smokestack vent to regular smoke retention
- Made in the United States by Yoder Smokers, Inc.
Yoder YS1500 Pellet Grill
Summary
Yoder YS1500 Pellet Grill Yoder Smokers pride themselves on how well their smokers and pellet grills do on the competition barbecue circuit. And it is true that you find a lot of their products used to turn in winning barbecue. This model is specifically configured for big events. The thousand square inches of primary cooking space (plus 500 more on an upper rack) give it plenty of room. Mounted on a heavy-duty cart, this model weighs in at around 700 pounds. The four tires make it mobile as long as you are not trying to get it up a set of steps.
While this monster pellet cooker can cook up a few burgers or steaks, the real use of this model is for serious barbecue. The smokestack is adjustable to help regulate heat and hold in smoke. There is an internal baffle to alter the smoke flow and the large cooking chamber is far better at slow smoking several briskets than it is at grilling us a couple of burgers. At around $4,500 (depending on optional upgrades) this isn’t an inexpensive unit, but it is one of the largest pellet grills on the market.
The combination of pellet cooker reliability and temperature control with traditional barbecue cooking has been a winner for many years. Several competitors on the barbecue competition circuit have done very well with this pellet smoker. There is a wide range of accessories and upgrades available for this model and Yoder is proactive about improving the programming on the computer control unit with occasional firmware upgrades. Support for Yoder products has been very good, though some of that depends on the dealer who sells you the grill.
PROS
- Huge Capacity
- Great Smoker
- Heavy Duty Cart Mounted
- High-Temperature Direct Cooking Capability
CONS
- Huge
- Expensive
About Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In those years I have always endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and is reliable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to make the memories that your children will cherish.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on uses sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links I have provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.