Yoder Smokers
36" El Dorado Santa Maria by Yoder Smokers
Best open-fire grill for serious pitmasters seeking precise heat control.
The 36" El Dorado Santa Maria by Yoder Smokers embodies the tradition of Santa Maria-style grilling, offering a premium tool for both home cooks and professionals. Its robust construction, featuring a firebrick-lined firebox and double-wall design with 10-gauge steel inner and 12-gauge steel outer shells, ensures durability and efficient heat management. This grill is designed for open-fire cooking, perfect for searing steaks or slow-roasting meats over charcoal or wood. The cantilever arms provide 15 inches of vertical adjustment for the grates, allowing precise control over cooking temperatures. It includes stainless steel v-channel grates, a drop-down front door, and stainless steel side shelves for convenience.
$5930.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
70
/ 2087
#70 in Outdoor Grills
Price vs Category Average
+95%
Above average
Who it's for
- Serious pitmasters seeking a lifetime of durable performance
- Grillers needing precise heat control for perfect searing
- Purists craving authentic wood-fired Santa Maria flavor
Who should skip it
- Casual backyard cooks on a limited budget
- Homeowners needing a portable grill for frequent relocation
- Busy owners wanting a low-maintenance, set-it-and-forget-it grill
Performance breakdown
Thermal Retention
Double-wall steel and firebrick lining create unmatched heat stability.
Heat Control
Cantilever system offers precise vertical adjustment for perfect searing results.
Build Durability
Heavy-gauge steel construction ensures this grill lasts for generations.
Cooking Versatility
Handles wood or charcoal with ease for diverse open-fire techniques.
Surface Efficiency
Air-gap design keeps the exterior cooler during high-heat cooking sessions.
Ergonomic Utility
Stainless side shelves and drop-down doors streamline the cooking workflow.
Key Specs
Made and Handcrafted in USA
Full firebrick-lined firebox
Double wall construction
Inner Firebox
10-gauge steel
Outer shell
12-gauge steel
9” deep firebox
12-gauge Stainless Steel v-channel grates
10” cast-iron casters
Features
- Elevated culinary tool for open-fire cooking
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Handcrafted innovation
- Optimal heat distribution and efficiency
- Multiple heat zones with firebrick-lined floor
- Accommodates various fuel types (charcoal, wood)
- Cantilever arms for full access and 15” vertical adjustment
- Cooler outer surface due to 3-inch air gap and 12-gauge outer shell
What customers say
Owners consistently praise the 36 inch El Dorado for its exceptional build quality and heavy duty steel construction. The design allows for precise temperature control through the adjustable grate height which makes open fire cooking accessible and enjoyable. Many users highlight the durability of the materials and the smooth operation of the hand crank system. This grill represents a significant investment in outdoor cooking gear that delivers professional results for home enthusiasts. Its classic aesthetic and rugged performance make it a centerpiece for backyard gatherings.
Know before you buy
The Santa Maria style features a height-adjustable grate system that allows you to control the intensity of the heat by moving your food closer to or further from the fire. This precision is ideal for searing steaks at high heat or slow-roasting meats over a gentle flame.
Yes, the grill is designed to accommodate both wood and charcoal. The firebrick-lined firebox is built to handle the intense, direct heat produced by burning wood logs or lump charcoal.
The double-wall design, featuring a 3-inch air gap between the 10-gauge inner shell and 12-gauge outer shell, provides superior heat retention and efficiency. It also keeps the exterior surface of the grill cooler than a single-wall unit, which is a significant safety and performance advantage.
The stainless steel v-channel grates are designed to channel grease away from the fire, which helps reduce flare-ups. Because they are made of stainless steel, they are durable and can be easily removed for scrubbing after the grill has cooled.
The cantilever arm system provides 15 inches of vertical adjustment. This range gives you extensive control over your cooking temperature, allowing you to transition from a high-heat sear to a low-and-slow roast with a simple turn of the crank.
Despite its heavy-duty construction, the El Dorado is equipped with 10-inch cast-iron casters. These large, robust wheels are designed to handle the weight of the grill and allow you to maneuver it across most patio surfaces with relative ease.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.