Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill on Competition Cart

Overview of the Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill on Competition Cart

The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill on Competition Cart makes light work out of family gatherings, catering events, and BBQ competitions. The foundation of the cart begins with the American-made durability of a robust cart chassis combined with 8” semi-pneumatic tires for unmatched mobility. The grill’s versatile performance is always reliable under pressure, thanks in large part to an Adaptive Control System that helps the grill achieve precise temperatures from 150 °F to 600 °F. 

Competition-Grade Features & Specifications

Locking Tournament Caster System

Able to remain stable on uneven terrain, the YS480s Pellet Grill on Competition Cart features tool–free caster locks for instant setup. Simply apply pressure to the foot pedals on the right side of the cart to reliably secure the wheels in place for worry-free cooking.

When unlocked, the caster system makes the grill easy to maneuver around the yard, up and down ramps, and into tight spaces, such as those at BBQ competitions. For added mobility, 10” tires are available as an optional upgrade to make traveling over irregular surfaces even smoother. 

Integrated Wire Shelves & Tool Hooks

Simple storage solutions within arm's reach mean less time tracking down gear and more time focused on cooking. Dual wire shelves provide ample space for food preparation, while tool hooks offer a convenient home for spatulas, tongs, and other utensils. 

ACS Wi-Fi Precision Control

The revamped Fireboard Adaptive Control System (ACS) delivers ultra-precise temperature consistency, which is essential for reliable results with set-and-forget convenience. The ACS learns and adjusts throughout every cooking session, quickly recovering and holding steady temperatures when weather conditions change, the grill door is opened, or you switch out pellets.

The Fireboard app is available for both iOS and Android devices, enabling you to remotely monitor cooks and receive custom push notifications wirelessly when needed. It even allows you to create custom cooking programs that can hold food at a specific temperature once it’s done cooking. 

• Advanced Control System with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Adjustable temperature range of 150º to 600º in 5º increments
• Two integrated food probes for a complete picture of your cook

Dual-Level Cooking Area (480 sq in + 320 sq in)

The YS480s boasts 800 square inches of total cooking space, featuring a dual-level cooking area that allows for versatile multi-zone cooking. While known for its ability to smoke and roast foods well, the YS480s can also direct flame sear and over-the-flame grill at high temperatures by simply removing the access door over the firebox on the heat diffuser plate. 

• 480 square inches of main grate cooking surface (20" x 24")
• The standard 2nd shelf (15.5” x 20”) brings total cooking space to 800 square inches

Customizable Options & Upgrades

Choose Your Shelf Type

Wire shelves come standard with the YS480s pellet grill. Constructed from lightweight, easy-to-clean rods, they provide ample space for food preparation, staging, and storing any tools, rubs, or sauces you want to keep handy.

The upgraded Stailness Steel Shelves (+$100) deliver a full-width, corrosion-resistant work surface ideal for prep and cleanup. They are easy to wipe down, negating any worry of wire imprints on tools. 

Select Your Tire Size

The standard 8″ Semi-pneumatic tires easily outperform other grill wheels on smooth surfaces, and are adequate for some uneven or unstable surfaces. Unlock true maneuverability with upgraded 10″ All-Terrain Semi-Pneumatic Tires (+ $300) and roll confidently over grass, gravel, or dirt to your preferred spot at every tailgate or competition. 

Performance & Versatility of the YS480s Competition Cart

Unlike other pellet grills, the YS480s isn’t limited to low and slow cooking. While it certainly excels at traditional BBQ, it is also capable of handling a wide array of cooking methods. 

The Variable Displacement Damper (VDD) makes searing, roasting, and oven-style baking possible when utilizing the included second shelf, allowing you to adjust the grill’s airflow. Positioning the VDD closer to the firebox creates multiple cooking zones by concentrating heat on the left side of the grill, whereas setting it toward the right side of the grill evens out the temperature in the cooking chamber. 

Another under-the-radar feature that opens up cooking opportunities is the access door on the heat diffuser plate. Located directly over the firebox, the access door is easily removable, allowing for cooking over direct flames at higher temperature points. 

To fully realize the versatility of the YS480s pellet grill, consider the Yoder Smokers Wood-Fired Oven. The optional accessory simultaneously cooks from both the bottom up and top down, producing crispy Neapolitan pizza crust in under three minutes, as well as perfectly crispy wings and deliciously roasted vegetables. The top of the oven can also be used as a high-powered cooking surface by using cast-iron or carbon-steel cookware.

Competition Accessories & Add-Ons

• Yoder Smokers Pellet Grill Grease Shield
  
  This grease shield fits onto the front of your cooker, catching salt, acid, and grease before they can cause problems.
  
  
• Yoder Smokers Thermal Insulating Jacket
  
  A five-layer thermal construction prevents heat loss that occurs as the temperature outside begins to drop, maximizing pellet efficiency and preventing temperature fluctuations in the cooking chamber.
  
  
• YS480s Half-Depth 9" Cooking Shelf
  
  Increases ease of access to the back of the main cooking area, while still providing second-shelf space for side dishes or smaller cuts of meat. 

Shipping & Assembly

Flat-rate shipping via freight for the YS480s Competition Cart is available for $300, or you are welcome to pick it up at our Wichita, KS, store location. Shipped orders are sent in 3-5 business days, largely pre-assembled

Quick-Start Tips & Best Practices

The YS480s start up with the press of two buttons. Once the pellet hopper is loaded, push the “POWER” button. Once the ACS has cycled on, hit the “START” button, and you’re good to go. The auger will move pellets into the burn pot for approximately 30 seconds, and then the ceramic igniter will power on to initiate the induction heat combustion process.

You’ll see visible flames within four minutes, as the fans and auger work together to bring the grill up to its target temperature. For best results:

• After every cook, prepare for your next session by cleaning the burn pot of any ash or debris.
• Prime the grill by placing a small handful of pellets (approximately ⅛ cup) in the burn pot prior to turning on the smoker. 
• Maximize airflow by pulling the Variable Displacement Damper completely to the right side of the grill.
• Start the grill 20 to 30 minutes prior to cooking to allow the cooking chamber and grates to heat thoroughly. 

Compare YS480s Configurations

At its core, every Yoder YS480s pellet grill is built with the same functionality for maximum versatility and convenience. Each of the six available YS480s configurations features identical cook chambers and ACS units. However, the multiple housing formats function to meet the different stylistic and accessory preferences of anyone considering a Yoder Smokers Pellet Grill.

• Standard Cart (ACS) — This bread-and-butter model, which each of the following variations is built around, consists of 480 square inches of cooking space on an open-frame cart with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth PID control. It’s a high-performance grill, perfect for both low-and-slow cooking and direct over-the-fire grilling, and is built to last.
  
  
• Competition Cart — Replacing the standard cart with 8-inch flat-free tires, locking casters, and built-in tie-downs, this configuration is ready for life on the road, featuring improved maneuverability and a sleek, closed-cart design. It’s readily available in four standard colors, with options for upgraded stainless steel shelves and 10-inch tires.
  
  
• Competition Cart + Storage Drawer — This upgraded Competition Cart features a full-width pull-out drawer with a capacity of over 4,900 cu. in. and the ability to hold up to 150 lbs. An integrated heat shield diverts heat from the cooker and away from the contents of the drawer, so your Yoder Smokers Wood-fired Oven, grilling grates, gloves, tools, and cast iron griddle stay in pristine shape while protected from the elements.
  
  
• Outlander All-Terrain — The most rugged of the available YS480s carts, the Outlander combines unmated maneuverability with bold design elements. Oversized pneumatic tires, a reinforced chassis, and an integrated handle make it perfect for off-road cookouts or as a backyard statement piece.
  
  
• Built-In with Valance Kit — Formatted to fit into any luxury outdoor kitchen design seamlessly, this grill comes ready-made for flush-mount installation onto custom fixtures.
  
  
• Built-In with Double Access Doors — This ready-to-finish frame kit features dual panels that can be used to access storage or shut-offs in a custom outdoor kitchen. The frame is designed to align with a standard 36” tall outdoor kitchen counter and places the grilling surface at a comfortable height.