Indirect Cooking: Smoking, Baking, and Roasting
One of the great features of a Yoder Smokers pellet grill is the versatility of various setups. Making minor adjustments opens up entire cooking genres and innumerable recipes to try. While we have learned how to hone and harness these capabilities over the years, the first and most basic configuration to master is the indirect cooking setup, which is ideal for smoking, baking, or roasting.
What is Indirect Cooking?
Indirect cooking is when food is cooked without being placed immediately over the heat source. In the case of the Yoder YS640s this is achieved by placing food adjacent to the firebox and by cooking with the heat diffuser plate in place to help even out cooking temperatures.
The key element in this setup is the Yoder Smokers Two-Piece Heat Diffuser. Made from 12-gauge steel, this large plate protects food from direct heat by distributing heat evenly across the cooking chamber, creating a more consistent cooking environment. Because the plate is strategically angled in the chamber, it also channels fat and grease to a drip container on the far end of the chamber, making it easier to clean.
Heat Diffuser Installation for Indirect Cooking
The heat diffuser plate attaches to the hook on the auger shield and rests on the grease divider on the right-hand side of the grill. Once installed, ensure that the edges are approximately one-quarter inch below the grate rails at the hopper end and that the plate is adjusted evenly from front to back. When properly installed, the diffuser will angle down to the right side of the grill toward the grease container, and the sides of the plate will be angled up to efficiently channel airflow.
Standard Grate Setup for Indirect Cooking
Your Yoder Smokers YS640s comes with four standard 8-inch hard chrome cooking grates. Aligned side-by-side on the rails directly above the heat diffuser, they span the entire base of the cooking area. The grates should all lay flat, creating an even cooking surface.
The top rails in the Yoder YS640s cooking chamber can also accommodate a second shelf or a half-depth second shelf for additional cooking area. Because the second shelf sits higher above the diffuser plate than the cooking grates, temperatures tend to run about 20 degrees lower on these surfaces. However, some Yoder owners prefer the higher cooking position for smoking and delicate dishes.
Beginner Recipes for Indirect Cooking
As you break in your new grill, here are some simple classic recipes that will leave you with enough mental bandwidth to learn the ins and outs of the Yoder Smokers YS640s. After you’ve broken in your grill with a couple of these options, you will be ready to explore our comprehensive library of recipes and other grill setup options.
Chipotle Barbecue Pulled Pork
Because of their high-fat content, pork shoulders are very forgiving and are an excellent cut for helping season a new grill. Chipotle Barbecue Pulled Pork is an easy starting point that produces smokiness, sweetness, and spiciness all at the same time. It’s also a crowd-pleaser with the versatility of turning it into everything from sandwiches to tacos.
Barbecue Smoked Meatloaf
This Barbecue Smoked Meatloaf is an ATBBQ favorite, renowned for its perfect balance of smoky, tangy flavors and a rich, robust glaze that elevates a classic dish. Each bite delivers tender, expertly smoked meat infused with savory spices, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any cookout or family dinner.
Texas Pork Belly & Quick Pickles
Bring the heart of Texas to your table with this irresistible Texas Pork Belly & Quick Pickles recipe! Imagine biting into smoky, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, perfectly seasoned with bold flavors and paired with tangy, crunchy quick pickles that add just the right kick.
Herb Roasted Chicken
This herb roasted chicken is cooked to perfection, boasting a crisp, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. Infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, the aromatic blend brings a burst of flavor to this classic dish, making it a standout centerpiece for any meal.
As you embark on your journey with a new grill, remember that we are here for you every step of the way. For nearly twenty years, we’ve been building a knowledge base on how to get the most out of Yoder Smokers, and we are happy to share that experience.
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