Yoder Smokers YS 480, Operation Instructions Manual, Page: 9 / 44

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Yoder YS 480
Leveling the Smoker
The smoker must be level front to back and side to side. Use a level to help you with
this. If the smoker is not level there could be problems with grease running towards the
burngrate which could result in a grease fire.
Operating the Smoker
Initial Burn Off
Before cooking on your smoker/grill for the first time, burn off the grill to rid it of any
foreign matter. Follow the instructions on Page 18 for initial start-up. Operate the grill
at 350°F with the heat diffuser/drip pan and grates in place with the lid closed for one
hour.
Lighting Your Smoker
Always go through the Pre-Grill Checklist (Page 15).
Should the igniter fail to ignite the pellets, it is easy to light your grill manually with a
match and lighting agent (Page 21).
Pre-Heating
There are two ways to cook on your Yoder grill. When the grill is set up for direct cook-
ing, start the grill 10 to 15 minutes prior to cooking. When the grill is set up with the
heat diffuser/drip pan in place, start the grill 20 to 30 minutes prior to cooking. This al-
lows the body of the grill to heat up improving heat retention and shortening the recov-
ery time after opening the cover.
Lid Position
Preheat and cook with the lid closed. This allows for faster heat-up and keeps the
cooking temperature even; the food will cook faster while using less fuel.
Pellet Usage:
Pellet usage will vary depending on the type of pellets, cooking temperatures, ambient
air temperature, wind and whether or not the Yoder is equipped with a thermal jacket.
Generally, usage is about two pounds per hour at grilling temperatures (350 to 450° F.).
At smoking temperatures (225 to 250° F.) usage is about 1 1/2 pounds per hour. Con-
sumption can vary from 1 1/2 pounds to 4 pounds per hour.
NOTE: If the Yoder runs out of pellets, the controller will continue to drive the auger
and attempt to regain the set temperature so it’s important to monitor the cooker and
assure an adequate pellet supply.