@JAY1924 I ended up purchasing the PG500. If I'd have gotten the MAK 2, it would have been last year's model at a discount from Big Poppa's, but they are out of stock now, so my decision was made for me! From what I've read and heard, I would've been perfectly happy either way I went, but truthfully I was leaning toward the PG500 anyway because I like the idea of smoking, then searing without having to remove hot parts from the grill to convert it for searing. With the PG500, I can just toss the meat into the warming drawer and crank up the heat until it's ready for searing. I know that might sound petty...