I had never imagined attempting to make Sinaloa-style chicken. The citrus-marinated, charbroiled chicken that originated in Guasave is, in my opinion, one of the most delectable dishes in the world. However, after two months of cooking on the Yoder YS640S pellet grill, I felt confident and ready for a challenge. I found myself at a Hispanic grocery store, searching for sour oranges and imported oregano, eager to recreate this complex dish.
The process of making Sinaloa-style chicken involves an intricate dance of fire, followed by indirect heat, and then a little more fire. It requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the grill’s capabilities. As an experienced smoker, my go-to grill for the past decade has been a Big Green Egg, an air-tight ceramic smoker modeled on a traditional Kamado grill. The Big Green Egg excels at retaining heat, allowing the lump charcoal inside to smolder slowly over long cooks. Achieving the perfect balance of charcoal and air is the key to success.
However, the Yoder YS640S pellet grill simplifies the process. Like other automatic-feed pellet grills, such as the popular Traeger, the Yoder allows you to dump compressed wood in the hopper, twist the dial, and stick a probe into your meat. The grill takes care of dispensing pellets and regulating the air. It even notifies you when the cooking is complete. While this may not appeal to hardcore barbecue nerds who enjoy the challenge and thrill of tending to the fire throughout the cooking process, it offers convenience and consistent results for those seeking a more straightforward grilling experience.
The Yoder YS640S features a built-in temperature control module made by Fireboard, which can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This module allows you to set the grill temperature and monitor it through a well-designed and intuitive app. You can configure minimum and maximum temperatures, and receive alerts via text or email. Yoder made a smart move by incorporating this system, as Fireboard is known for its reliable temperature control products.
One common criticism of pellet smokers is that they often have a margin of error of around 10 degrees or more. However, this is not the case with the Yoder YS640S. It is as reliable as an indoor oven. When you set the grill temperature to 225, it stays at 225, regardless of the type of wood pellets used or the external weather conditions. This consistency is a testament to the Yoder’s precision and reliability.
The Yoder YS640S is made from bombproof 10-gauge steel, providing excellent insulation once warmed to temperature. While it may not match the heat retention capabilities of a ceramic kamado, it still offers impressive heat retention and even cooking. The 3.2-millimeter thick steel sheets ensure consistent results and a satisfying cooking experience.
In conclusion, while I initially had reservations about using the Yoder YS640S pellet grill for a complex dish like Sinaloa-style chicken, it proved to be up for the challenge. Its temperature control module, made by Fireboard, ensures precise temperature regulation and consistent results. The 10-gauge steel construction adds to its reliability and insulation capabilities. Although it may not provide the same level of hands-on involvement as other grills, it offers convenience and reliable performance. With the Yoder YS640S, I was able to achieve the perfect balance of fire and heat, resulting in a mouthwatering batch of Sinaloa-style chicken.
