Unboxing, Burn In, And Seasoning Your Yoder YS640s Pellet Grill

[@rubenjleal]

Great info! Appreciate it. I’ve got a 640 getting delivered in several days so I’m excited and will definitely be following this.

[@HollerTenn]

Buddy, glad I found your channel… this is essential for my Yoder 640 journey.

[@RumandCook]

Welcome! Happy to help. 🍻

[@ivanfletcher4671]

I just brought my 640 online today. This is a good baseline, thanks for the great work .

[@RumandCook]

Congrats! Thanks for watching. 🍻

[@channinghatcher8580]

Thank you for the information, great video. Got a 640 arriving in a few days and want to start out right. Thanks again👍🏻

[@RumandCook]

Awesome congrats! I’m in the process of launching a new newsletter. You can get my 11 tips to more smoke guide for free when signing up: bbq.rumandcook.com/11-secrets 🍻

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad they stood behind it and congrats on the new one

[@RumandCook]

Thank you sir!

[@johnleden1909]

Captain and Ginger - right there with you. Love the videos!

[@RumandCook]

Thank you sir! 🍻

[@corygegg]

My 640 is arriving in about 10 days so perfect timing. All your videos are super helpful even during the decision making process. Now I can’t wait to cook. Honestly, I want your entire ensemble of grills. 🤔 someday

[@RumandCook]

Congrats! Rust prevention video out tomorrow, it’s a must watch. Thanks for watching and enjoy your new grill!

[@RumandCook]

***QUICK NOTE*** *I put the wheels on backwards, big wheels should go under hopper!* 🙃 ▶ *Free Download* - 11 Secrets to More Smoke on a Pellet Grill: www.pelletgrillsecrets.com ❓ *What video do you want to see next?* 🍻

[@moogs]

Dog is funny. Great pup.

[@ji4804]

I just stumbled onto your channel. Thanks for the good info I’m thinking about getting a Yoder. I love the rum also, try Kailua rum (from Hawaii), so smooth.

[@RumandCook]

No problem, thanks for sharing the rum. I have lots of Yoder videos. Feel free to email me if you have questions. Thanks for watching!

[@LewisShapiro]

I love your videos! The information is spot on. I get my Yoder tomorrow and was wondering is there is a specific type of pellet you would use or recommend for the burn in and seasoning? Thanks so much and keep them coming.

[@RumandCook]

Thanks and congrats. I’m a Bear Mountain BBQ guy so that’s what I use. Any flavor is fine. Can get it at Lowe’s Good luck! 🍻

[@LewisShapiro]

@@RumandCook I thought I read that you can do the burn in and season at the same time. I’m hoping that’s true. At the end you say you bump it up to 450 can I just go to 450 and leave it going for 3 hours or so?Also why does the diffuser look like it has burnt oil on it? I expected it to be shinny.

[@RumandCook]

You can run it at 450 the whole time and do it in one step if you like. No worries either way. The diffuser will rust if it’s not seasoned constantly. It gets seasoned with brisket and pork butt cooks as well. It’s not a shiny metal. 🍻

[@LewisShapiro]

Yes I season just like you and my grates look like they have a brass color. If that normal? Thank you so much.

[@oldmanian]

I’m currently deciding between the YS640, pitts and spitts, and Smokin brothers and your comments on Yoder’s finish backdropped by your obvious attention to care/detail had me worried about Yoder. The fact they warrantied the unit is a factor in my decision. They’re premium product with a price tag to match so all stones need to be turned over in deciding. Great video!!

[@RumandCook]

Thanks, they definitely stand by their product. In my next video I will be applying a product called ACF-50 which is supposed to greatly rust issues, provided it’s applied a couple times a year. Thanks for watching!

[@ugursenturk5860]

Mate before you do anything. Lone Star Grillz. Dont worry about pitts and spitts Check out lone star grillz

[@richardbae9975]

did your second rack, the mesh one, have tons metal dust and industrial grease?

[@RumandCook]

I don’t recall any metal dust. It will have oil on it though. That will burn off during your initial burn in. Just helps prevent the rust. Make sure you season it after your burn off as well. I also have a rust prevention video you might find helpful. Thanks for watching

[@williamkechkaylo7915]

good video. purchased my 640 from a dealer but haven't picked it up yet - snowing still here in michigan. ACF-50? how do you yourself use it and does it or is it toxic? seasoning the grill makes perfect sense . still not in a hurry cause of the beautiful weather here lol!

[@RumandCook]

Congrats! Sounds like perfect BBQ weather 🙃. Check out my rust prevention video. It’s in the Yoder playlist. Works great and you just do the outside of it. Might looks perfect after using it. Thanks for watching!

[@Zman-001]

Great video! Did you spray something on the outside of Yoder? I have heard some spray canola on the exterior body.

[@RumandCook]

I did not spray the outside with oil. Also go very light on the inside. On the outside use ACF-50. I use it a few times per year. No rust issues at all. Thanks for watching.

[@Zman-001]

@@RumandCook thanks again for the quick reply! Your videos are very informative!!

[@RumandCook]

No problem! Glad you find them helpful. 🍻

[@markhicks3148]

Just got a new Yoder 640s, and did a ton of research on the process. Your videos were a lot of help, so thanks for putting them out there. A few questions for you. Apologies if you’ve answered them previously: 1) The Yoder guide recommends burning in and seasoning at the same time. Is there a reason you do those in two separate steps? 2) Do you cover your diffuser plate with aluminum foil? Why or why not? 3) I live in Central Texas, which is super hot and usually very humid in the summers. I have a covered porch, so would you recommend using the grill cover during the summer months when it’s very hot and humid? Just curious if this might cause it to be more prone to rust? 4) Do I need to apply the outside protectant (acf-50) immediately after burning in and seasoning? Thanks in advance.

[@RumandCook]

Congrats! Happy to help. 1. Nope, just how I filmed it. You can do them as 1 step. 2. I used to a lot to keep it clean, but lately I have been lazy. Either way you need to keep the diffuser plate nice and seasoned. No foil does it naturally. I mix it up. 3. If it’s not going to get wet then you can probably leave it uncovered. It’s more about moisture sitting on it. 4. I would do ACF-50 as soon as possible. A year later, and it works amazing. I do it every 3-4 months. You could even do it on day one. Enjoy! 🍻

[@markhicks3148]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply. I also meant to ask about the grill grates for direct grilling. Would you recommend throwing those in for burn in and seasoning, or would you simply recommend washing them and heating and onion and going that route? Thanks again!

[@RumandCook]

No prob. Use the onion method on the grill grates.

[@markhicks3148]

And you sprayed both sides of diffuser plate and “window” on both sides with Canola oil, right?

[@RumandCook]

Yes sir. You should do that regularly to keep it rust free. If it gets rusty just do a heavy coat and you will be good.

[@charlemagne8764]

Very useful video! Why not season your racks as well?

[@RumandCook]

Missed this somehow! I just like to keep them nice and clean :)

[@justintooke8363]

The only other con is it needs a 2nd position for the upper rack 1.5”-2” lower than current position.

[@RumandCook]

I’ve never really had a problem where it sits 🍻

[@kdglock4491]

Nice you got yours. I ordered mine april 29th. Still nothing. On the verge of just canceling order at this point. Emailed me and said it was gonna go out last tuesday. Still nothing 😡

[@RumandCook]

With the pandemic everyone starting cooking at home and grilling. Orders are at an all time high and materials are harder to find. Perfect storm. I have the same issue in the computer world 🙁. I’d give them a call and check the status. I just ordered something else for the patio and estimated ship date is mid Dec. I feel your pain!

[@StealthJackson12B]

Just received mine today after waiting awhile. Definitely worth it if you're willing to hold off. I optioned for a Traeger and Pitboss AND glad I stock with ordering the Yoder. Not a fan boy or bbq master - just someone that wants to learn so I invested in a quality unit. Have some patience and you won't regret it.

[@RumandCook]

Congrats on the new unit.

[@sherri082772]

So yoder gave u a new yoder? Paint issues? Mine cracked paint on lid (door), they sent me just a new door that I got to put on, I guess they take care of the you tube guys better, they always send me the wrong parts or there always damaged, I dont know, guys like you keep me using them, thanks for your videos!!!

[@RumandCook]

I had a ton of rush on front, side, lid, and top. It was pretty bad for the age of the grill. They said it should never be that bad for a 1.5 year unit. Don’t forget to try that ACF-50. Quite welcome!

[@theScienceLabLive]

So do I burn in then season or do I season & burn in simultaneously? Several guys show oiling before the initial burn in.

[@RumandCook]

I don’t think it really matters. I’ve done it both ways. All depends how much time you have. Don’t use too much oil on the inside though. 🍻

[@theScienceLabLive]

@@RumandCook cheers! Thanks for the quick response. Happy Easter!

[@RumandCook]

No problem. Thanks, you too!

[@raydunne9793]

What did you use to season the grill?

[@RumandCook]

Just some spray Canola oil from Costco.

[@StealthJackson12B]

Since ordering. My Yoder I've watched all of your video's. Foolishly I just noticed I didn't subscribe so fixed that. With that said... when you seasoned it why did you leave out your grills and not season them too?

[@RumandCook]

Thanks appreciate it! Just personal preference, they don’t rust at all so I like to keep them nice and clean. Thanks for watching!

[@diegopiccinelli9548]

Ciao e complimenti per i tuoi video. Da mesi sto cercando il bbq ideale per me. Dopo diversi ragionamenti son giunto alla conclusione che devo indirizzarmi ad uno smoker a pellet. Chiedo a te: perché yoder e non Louisiana, Traeger ecc? Sono italiano ma son appassionato delle grigliate americane e low and slow. Hai qualche suggerimento in merito o magari qualche video confronto? Grazie e buona serata, in caso non mi capisci proverò a scrivere in inglese.👋👋👋

[@RumandCook]

Hi There, I was able to translate your message using google :) Thanks for the note and question. The easiest answer is, you get what you pay for. Traeger is the best marketed and most well known pellet grill, but the quality of food or grill is not there. I've owned several Traeger's and they just don't stand a chance. They can't get hot enough, don't offer direct searing, and the smoke quality is poor compared to Yoder. I don't have any experience with a Louisiana, but I can tell you I swore I would never own another pellet grill after trying Traeger twice. Lots of research later, I added a Yoder to the patio and am quite happy with it. My Komodo Kamado can cook circles around it in various ways, but a pellet grill can cook some good food. Check out my most recent brisket videos and the smash burger video. They don't put out the most smoke, but you can use quality pellets and some other tricks to improve the smoke if you want more. Thanks for watching!

[@diegopiccinelli9548]

@@RumandCook grazie per la risposta celere e completa, riguarderò volentieri i tuoi video e farò altre domande inerenti. 👍

[@RumandCook]

@@diegopiccinelli9548 Sounds good!

[@gsmoneygsmoney1479]

Very strange why my post would get deleted , All I said was great video, glad Yoder stood behind the smoker and couldnt wait to see the next video.?????? very strange

[@RumandCook]

Wasn’t deleted. I uploaded the video again because I added text to it. Had to delete original because I couldn’t do it once it was uploaded.

[@gsmoneygsmoney1479]

@@RumandCook thanks I thoght I said a bad word thanks

[@RumandCook]

Haha no not at all :). I didn’t want to delete it since that video had over 200 views quick , but I had to fix an issue so didn’t have a choice.

[@mikem7687]

I forgot to season the damper but I sprayed everything with oil is that ok?

[@RumandCook]

Yep no worries, just get the damper next time. Just helps keep it in great shape.

[@mikem7687]

@@RumandCook thanks for the quick reply. Appreciate all your videos they help a ton for a newbie like myself who is learning how to smoke and cook in general

[@RumandCook]

No problem, happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@kdglock4491]

Did you send them back the old one?

[@RumandCook]

Yep, strapped to a pellet and away it went.

[@imaginaryforce8454]

In your video you are doing the actual opposite of what the Yoder YS640 instructions say. In the instructions, Yoder says to spray the grates with vegetable oil and that's it. You spray everything else but the grates. I was confused so I called Yoder to confirm and they told me I do not need to spray the inside of the grill as it will season naturally. Do you mind explaining how you got to this solution and why?

[@RumandCook]

Great question - first let me say at a minimum you will want to season your diffuser plate like this. It will rust if you don’t. As for the rest, for me I have a couple other smokers so intend to do more of my long and slow cooks on them. I use my Yoder for a lot of high temp cooks like chicken (wings, breasts, whole). With this type of cooking you don’t get as much of the natural seasoning. If you do a lot of briskets and other long smoked it will def season itself. I did it once when they video was shot and haven’t done it since. There isn’t any rust inside so it def helps. You do this in other pits and while not necessary, it certainly won’t hurt it. As for the grates. I prefer mine nice and clean. When I do a deep clean I often soak them and they come up brand new. Hopefully this helps. Congrats on your pit!

[@imaginaryforce8454]

@@RumandCook Thanks for the response! It makes perfect sense. I'm just very confused as of why Yoder wouldn't recommend seasoning the diffuser as well to prevent rusting.

[@RumandCook]

No problem, happy to help. Not sure of that one. Even if it does rust, a quick spray of oil like this and you will be back in business. If you cooked a bunch of fatty slow cooks it would self season as well, but I think it’s worth doing.

[@ugursenturk5860]

Mate this must be a review unit or your 2nd unit since youre talking in past and present tense about what you do. İf its a review unit do you have to give it back?

[@RumandCook]

I have a full one year review of my original unit here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLUdaSAa7GdpsU That unit was replaced a couple of weeks ago due to a paint defect. I sent that unit back.

[@ugursenturk5860]

@@RumandCook ah interesting. Thanks