Yoder Smokers YS 480, Operation Instructions Manual, Page: 24 / 44

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Yoder YS 480
Getting the Most From Your Yoder:
Direct & Indirect Grilling, Smoking & Baking
Heat Up Times and Grate Temperatures
The question is regularly asked: “How long does it take from the time I press “start”
until I am ready to cook?”
When the cooker is setup traditionally (diffuser plate installed) the heat up time is 20 to
30 minutes. When the cooker is setup for direct and indirect grilling (diffuser plate out)
the heat up time is about 15 minutes.
It is also important to note that when the cooker is setup “direct” the temperature at
the center of the grate is hotter than the reported temperature. How much hotter de-
pends on the set point, at 350° F. on the display, the grate center is approximately
425°F at 475°F on the display, grate center is approximately 625°F The difference is
caused by the reduction of airflow to the thermocouple when the direct grates are in-
stalled. This is true with the diffuser in or out.
Finally, precise temperature management is not important when you are doing short
cooks where you are opening and closing the pit frequently. Find a set temperature that
works well for the type of food you are grilling… for instance burgers and brats do well
at a 350°F set point.
The versatility of your Yoder is realized by choosing one of its three unique setups: with
the diffuser in place: smoking at 150 to 275°F; indirect grilling, 275 to 350°F and baking
at 350 to 400°F Finally, for direct grilling where searing temperatures are desired simply
remove the heat diffuser plate and install the Grill Grate Direct Grill option.
The traditional setup for the Yoder has the heat diffuser plate between the fire box and
the cooking grates. With this setup, the cooking style is best described as a wood-fired
oven. This setup is ideal for all of your smoked and baked foods.
Setup #1: Smoking and Baking. Heat diffuser plate in and standard cooking grates
installed. See FIG 20.