YS 1500
23
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 (diuser plate installed) the heat up time is 20 to
30 minutes. When the cooker is setup for direct and indirect grilling (diuser 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
depends 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 dierence is
caused by the reduction of airow to the thermocouple when the direct grates are in-
stalled. This is true with the diuser 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 diuser 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 management plate and install the Grill Grate Direct Grill option.
The traditional setup for the Yoder has the heat management plate between the rebox
and the cooking grates. With this setup, the cooking style is best described as a wood-
red oven. This setup is ideal for all of your smoked and baked foods.
Setup #1: Smoking and Baking. Heat management plate in and standard cooking
grates installed. Leave the heat management plate closed. See FIG 20.