Two-Star General Description
Since we introduced the MAK Two-Star General Grill in 2009, we’ve constantly improved our flagship model to make it one of the best performing pellet grills on the planet. Not only does this pellet grill look great, it smokes (grills, bakes, roasts, etc.) as good as it looks! And every MAK is designed, crafted, and shipped with pride right here in the USA.
One of the biggest differences between MAK Grills and other pellet smoker manufacturers is our unending quest to engineer and design pellet grills as close to perfect as possible. MAK’s Two-Star General is a top-quality outdoor cooking appliance that eliminates the need for multiple backyard cooking units. From cooking over direct heat at high temperatures to making sure all the grease goes to the right place, our constant goal is to make your barbecue experience stress-free. Once you start cooking on a Two-Star, any other outdoor cooking device will quickly be forgotten.
Here are just a few of the outstanding features that set the Two-Star apart from other pellet grills:
- Easier assembly with two leg panels instead of four individual legs.
- FlashFire™ ignition for sure start-ups every time you want to cook.
- We have the ONLY pellet grill igniter with a Lifetime Warranty.
- FlameZone® with improved grease run-off, quicker high-temperature attainment, and better heat recovery.
- Classic black high-temp powder coat finish helping hide grease and sauce drips.
Each MAK Two-Star General Grill ships with:
- 1 twenty-pound bag of pellets
- 2 K-style meat probes
- Your choice of upper grate
Ron Coates –
I recently purchased the Two-Star General. From pre sales questions to delivery it was easy to see Mak was the right choice. Mak uses top notch carriers for delivery. The freight company called to schedule the delivery a day prior to arrival. The next day I received a call about an hour prior to delivery. On time and no damage. Mak does a great job packaging the grill for shipping. Everything was protected well.
Assembly of the Two-Star was a breeze. It definitely helps to have another person. While asembling my new Mak the quality is quite evident. The fit and finish are awesome. You can also tell by the gauge of the metal used that this is a product made to last.
Once I completed putting the grill together it was time to load it with pellets and do an initial burn in. The Pellet Boss powered up and worked flawlessly. For anyone questioning the decision to purchase a Mak, relax once you get one you will be more than happy.
I have really enjoyed the cooks I have had so far. My first cook of baby back ribs turned out awesome. I followed that with a brisket that had a smoke ring that was out of this world. My other two cooks were a pork shoulder and a whole chicken. My results nay not have been competition worthy but I will say my food was better than ninety percent of the locals places. My coworkers love it when I bring in leftovers.
I purchased several accessories with my grill. The most important of which I think is the upper rack. To me either get a full or three quarter upper to give you the best capacity. I also purchased the sear grate to make my Mak more friendly while doing direct heating tasks. The Teflon finish on it and the griddle are awesome.
If you are looking for a pellet smoker made of high quality materials by American Craftsman that will last for a long time, invest in a Mak.
Richard W –
I have had a 2 Star General since Oct, 2011, and it’s been a solid workhorse for me. Great for slow or fast grilling. Pork butts to steaks and smoked salmon. Solid, quality built cooker. I’ve never regretted this purchase. Had an issue a year ago with the temp probe. MAK tested my probe and controller, and returned them to me but with a new probe. Excellent service! I highly recommend a MAK grill.
Rob Powell –
I got my 2 Star General back in 2017. Been in love ever since. I requested that my 2 Star be buried with me when I die. This is hands down the best grill I have ever owned. I have owned a lot of grills and smokers in my lifetime as I am sure a lot of you all have too. Most grills/smokers are great the first season and then the problems start, and they make the slow death to the junk pile. NOT the 2 Star, many season on it now, and it is still like it is brand new. The quality of the construction is fantastic, and very easy to use. I use it year round. I live in North Idaho were we measure snow by the feet. It has never let me down. When I first bought the 2 Star I was concerned about being able to be grill a good steak.
It wasn’t a problem at all. Popped out the smoke plates and set it to grill let it come up to temp. Grilling is simple. Clean up is simple to, comes apart easy and goes back together simply as well. Customer service is the best. I ordered the super smoker attachment from a third party vendor. It was dropped shipped from MAK. I had put a PO box as the shipping address and they where shipping FedEx. They called me to verify that that the post office would accept the shipment. Who does that in this day and age. MAK has earned my respect and a customer for life. That last thing I will leave you with is, is don’t be put off by the cost and don’t be hesitant about spending the money. It is worth every penny, and it will last a lifetime in my opinion. If I added up all the money that I have spent over the years on grills and smokers, I would be money ahead if I would have just bought a MAK grill years ago. Made in the USA.
jon neumann –
I have grill number 857 cant begin to remember when I bought it but other than a few upgrades this has been the best smoker/grill i have ever had in over 40 years of bbq. Totally the best service and technical help in the industry!
Michael Waynick –
After months of research and years with a Weber Smokey Mountain, I decided to purchase a Mak 2-star for my grilling and smoking needs. I was worried about jumping into pellet smoking with buying such a high end product, but I couldn’t be happier with the grill or the customer service, which is bar none. The shipping process was fast and the unit was unloaded right in my garage. It took a couple hours to assemble and the instructions were clear. I fired it up that day and tested it out with grilled chicken. That weekend, I tried a brisket and pork shoulder and they turned out amazing. I was always concerned the pellet grill wouldn’t have the smoke flavor I enjoyed so much with the WSM. I can honestly say, I like the pellet smoker results even more.
The can tell the features on the Mak are well thought out. The new roaming thermocouple is genious, and I love being able to get the exact temperature right at the grate. I’m not sure of any other grill on the market that allows you such precision and I’m grateful to have it. The pellet drop is amazing for quickly changing out which pellet you want. The grill is also capable of reaching temperatures that allow for a great sear.
I’m no doubt a life-time customer of Mak. In 30 years when I’m ready for a new pellet grill (not because this one will be broken, becuase it’s built like a tank), I’ll be turning to Mak for my next grill. Keep up the good work, you make a lot of people proud to own your product.
Bill Conyers –
I have owned my MAK Grill for over 7 years. During that time, I have never eaten better tasting food anywhere. There are many types of pellet grills on the market and I’m sure they all have their special niche. But if you want to sear a steak and then slow cook ribs, not too many grills have that capability. Another thing to think about, these grills are made in Oregon and the support staff is second to none. Through the years of owning this grill, I have needed some support. I’ve always received outstanding service and technical advice. I will go as far as to say, I have never gotten better service and support from any company anywhere. So when you’re in the market for a Pellet Grill, these are the guy’s you want to buy from. I’m so happy I made the investment on my MAK Grill!!
Danny –
Wish it was possible to give 10 stars for my 2 star! I am very happy I decided to invest in this grill. The best thing since sliced bread IMO!
Ben Butler –
We love our two star general. In fact this is our second one. I was your 49th customer when you guys first started. Now I’m your 2003 customer. Your customer service is second to none do anything I can think of.
Thanks you guys for such a wonderful product. Will enjoy it for years.
Greg Lafferty –
Absolutely love this thing! I am going on year 3 and use it all the time. There is a guy 4 doors down who also smokes and we have a smoke off competition about 3x eavh year and then everyone in the neighborhood brings different dishes and hang out and enjoy… the Mak 2Star makes me look good! Here is what i like about it
Produces plenty of smoke, easy to controll, long smoke from 1 fill of the hopper, consistent temp, large temp rang with great 180 degrees smoke setting, cold smoking on warmer tray, thick heavy duty stainless steel, built to last, plenty of room (smoking a 17# Turkey today)
Brandon Reinhart –
Just excellent. A day after I got my Two Star General I’ve been cranking out the best smoked chickens and ribs I’ve ever been able to make. Temperature control is excellent. Cleaning is easy. Everything is accessible and manageable. Definitely designed with heavy use in mind. I get very consistent smoke and consistent results.
James P. –
I’ve had my 2-star general since 2008. I knew it was a beautiful piece of art with some really awesome features. I definitely told myself, this is a lifetime product, which is kinda how I justified the cost. But I certainly didn’t really know how long it would last or would Mak even be around in 10-20 years to sell me parts to keep it going? Well, Mak is still here and I’m still able to get parts at a super great price with excellent customer service. The grill still looks just about brand new. People cannot believe how old it is. I still use it almost every night. I’m still figuring out new ways to use it. I used to be all low and slow. Lately I’m going higher heat for grilling chicken wings and cooking pizza. I love the cold smoke option on it. Many years at Christmas I’m giving smoked cheese as a gift. I probably shouldn’t spill my secret but I make smoked Cheez-it crackers on the cold smoker and blow people away with that complex flavor! Anyway, the grill is so awesome and I still love it so much.