Weber SmokeFire 2nd Gen Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 лис 2021
- Sharing my experience smoking and grilling on the 2nd Gen Weber SmokeFire. Find which issues have been fixed, and the one fatal design flaw they haven't changed (plus an easy workaround).
🔥Check Latest Price for Weber SmokeFire here ► amzn.to/3sTNIkg
Smoked BBQ Source's Ryan Black takes you through everything that's changed on the second generation Weber SmokeFire.
✅Check out the full SmokeFire review for more in-depth testing results
www.smokedbbqsource.com/weber...
As an owner of the first Gen SmokeFire, Ryan has been cooking on Weber's pellet grill for over a year. While the food cooked on the Gen 1 has all tasted excellent, there were a number of issues that held this smoker back from reaching its full potential.
In this video, Ryan walks you through the Gen 2 Smokefire and points out everything that has changed. He also runs through what he likes about this smoker including the build quality, smoking ability, grill grates.
He also runs through what he doesn't like, including the flawed grease drain design that can cause dangerous grease fires if you aren't careful.
This is a must-watch review if you are considering buying a Weber SmokeFire.
Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the product links and buy smokedbbqsource will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support us so we can make more videos like this.
Fantastic review! I wish I had seen this video years ago!
Every issue you have mentioned I have found as well with my 1st generation. The forced shutdown process in the middle of a smoke is the most frustrating issue! Weber sent me an entire new 2nd generation hopper free of charge to fix the pellet bridging/cavity issue. So far it has worked flawlessly. I would also mention that the brand of pellets you choose makes a huge difference with how well the smoker functions. Weber pellets do seem to work the best I have found although I have heard good things about Lumberjack pellets. Also avoid pellets that have a lot of fines/dust as the Smokefire seems very unforgiving with fines. I'm now sifting my pellets before using them, but it's impossible to avoid at least a bit of fines. Vacuuming out the auger/hopper frequently also helps with pellet feeding & flameout problems.
One more positive I would add is the App does work well for remote control of the smoker and for viewing progress of your cook (with the available probes). Unless there are any physical issues with the smoker, you can control the smoker from anywhere!
One of the best reviews I have seen done, so detailed and really gets into the pros/cons. I decided to hold off for now. Sticking with my Kamado Joe. Thanks guys!
Nice review. I bought a 2nd Gen EX6 last March. The temperature started to go into a rise and fall cycle after my Thanksgiving cook. Working with Weber it took a month to fix the problem. Turned out to the Auger, Auger chute and the Auger mounting plate. Replacing the parts is an easy job but an extra set of hands is really needed. The pellets in Death Valley can be removed quite easily with aa automobile trim panel removal tool. I use a drip pan and clean the pellet dust with a shop vac. Since the problem I have started to do a decent clean of the cooking chamber every 15 hours of use. I also sift my pellets with a cat litter scoop when filling up the hopper. Once again going back to my problem, part of the malfunction of the parts could have been pellet dust and/or non pellet debris in the hopper. TY for taking the time to do the Indepth review.
One of the more comprehensive reviews I have found for the Gen 2. Thank you.
So appreciated watching this whole video. I saw the first Weber pellet grill today at a store in Jackson, Mississippi & fell in love with it, so Husband & I did some research before buying it. Other videos prove the food cooked on this is far better, but we were concerned with the grease fire probabilities. You proved the safety issues. So its back to the drawing board for us! Thankyou for sparing us anguish. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
You know, you could just sit aluminum grease pans on the flavorizer bars if you're running a long cook.
Absolutely one of the best grill reviews I've ever seen. Nicely done.
Much appreciated!
Appreciate the integrity of your review. One of the best reviews on this Weber Pellet Cooker I've watched. You point out some other small issues that others haven't. I'm a Weber guy but will hold off on this one. Thanks again.
Thank you for this amazing in-depth review!
I have a ex4, bought in April of 2020, I have put roughly 20 40 lb bags through it. I removed the hopper chute addon as it still would not slide any better, I just move pellets by hand, I have had a flame out a few times from bridging issue was from pellets (pit boss) never had issue with weber, tragear, lumber jack, The ignitor is on a algorism that warns you to change, you can remove turn 180 degrees and reset, will get twice the use out of one, The hangers for tent and flavorizer are high speed steel that will rust out, mine have rusted a season and 1/2 for me, and Weber replaced. I am happy with this grill/smoker, and use it 2 to 3 times a week the whole year long. Thanks for the review.
The not having a diffuser is the reason it gives off the most smoke flavor for a pellet grille so don’t be to upset, mad scientist bbq posted a recent video of him and another guy cooking 4 racks of ribs on 4 different smokers and the webber smokefire gave the best flavor.
Green Mountain Grill has a pellet sensor 5 years ago as well as on the app, great video on the smokefire thank you for the input.
Great review, much appreciated !
That shut down issue is a deal breaker for me, great review. Thanks
Hi. Great review. Thank you. I almost went with the Gen 1 when they were first coming out. I saw the first reviews at the Weber demos. People loved them. Then I saw the "real world" reviews. I Ended up going with a rec tec. I have loved it. I will say I don't like the way the weber vents the smoke at all. I do love weber grills and I have my trusty Genesis that has never let me down. But I don't think they have this yet. Great company for sure.
I have an EX4 1st gen with the weber supplied upgrades and enjoy it immensely
In depth and honest! Thanks👍🏻👍🏻
Probably the best Smokefire overview on this site. The real ups and downs. I have an EX4 and I like it, but it definitely has it's quirks. I hated having to use aluminum pans, but I am, used to it now.
would you buy it again? Or get something else now? Looking to see if the stealth version is any different when its released
@@user-et3kk4tn4s This is my only experience with pellet cooking so it is hard to compare. I would probably get something a bit cheaper, as I don't think the Smokefire does anything extremely unique. I think clean up is easier with other smokers as well.
I cook good food with it, but looking back I could do the same with something cheaper.
@@dskillzhtown thank you. I was looking at the pit boss elite as its around the same price and clean up is apparently really easy and comes with all the shelves and some other accessories..... But just can't find it anywhere. Thanks man
@@user-et3kk4tn4s none are perfect .
Great review. I really wanted this to smoker to work for me, but after many reviews much like yours, I think the problem issues are big enough to look elsewhere. After hours of UA-cam vid's, and other personal research, I decided on the RecTeq RT1250. It's not perfect, but I really like it and am very happy with my purchase.
I have had an RT-700 for a year now, what don’t you like about the 1250?
@@mikepotapa5773 Not much - most of my complaints are picky. Like, wish there was a pellet dump for changing out wood without having to scoop, the lid leaks smoke which stains the exterior, although, I fixed that by placing a gasket between the lid and the barrel. Also, not crazy about the hopper being in the back - much like the Weber. But all-in-all, very happy with it.
Love the review…I would like to add that the side shelf has a bottle opener and a Weber cutting board storage insert. I purchased some kingsford pellet storage containers to avoid for any fallen soldiers, or in your case “Pellet Death Valley”. Overall I love this purchase, but agree with all of cons.
Appreciate your review. From your review I can get how much you love it, but also how much you're frustrated with it.
Very accurate assessment. It's still my #1 go to for smoking and for large crowd cooking. Some parts of the design are like "wow, that's a cool idea or feature". Other items are like "really guys? Clearly, you guys didn't spend much time testing this did ya?"
Great review!! Was On the fence and will wait till all the kinks are worked out. Use a metal coat hanger to clean out the pellets. Cheers 🍻
Cheers!
great review. keep it up. the grease management system/fires and shutdown/start up/crashing are 2 deal breakers for me. maybe Gen3 will resolve these issues.
Thanks for the feedback! I keep holding my breath hoping that Weber will do a software update and add some sort of shutdown bypass mode just in case.
Thank you for the in depth video, good info here!
On the grease/fire issue: I saw another video where they smoked on the top shelf with an aluminum drip pan under as you mentioned. The benefit of the Weber flavor bar system is more of a direct smoke flavor to get closer to a stick burner, however, it appears to lead to more maintenance. I'm not a Weber guy, never owned one, but the concept is interesting and that's what lead me to your video.
I'm still researching, but getting closer to stick burner smoke is a motivating factor to me in a pellet grill.
BTW, that video was a rib cook off between 2 high end pellet grills: yoder, Pitts and spits, and 2 less expensive smokers with a GMG, and the Weber. Interesting the order of finish was Weber, Green Mountain, P &S, then Yoder. High end units finished last.
what video was that?
@@gosman949 mad scientist bbq is the channel name
Great comment I have a Rectec and although the temp is consistent, I feel the smoke flavor is lacking. I really like the concept of this smoker and may give it a try. As long as you are prepared for the grease, I think it’s a no brainer for better wood smoke flavor.
Excellent video !!
I loved the SF when it worked. I had 3 1-ex 4 gen 1 worked great never had an issue liked so much that I decided to upgrade to a ex6 big mistake returned it. Then when the Gen 2 came out I got one and I had issues too, it would take 45+ min to reach 225° temps, but my biggest problem was that it always runs at lower temps, if I set it at 225° the controller would show 225° but the temp inside the barrel was 185-200°.
Good video. It seems like weber nailed the grilling and smoking, but failed with the pellet hopper and ability to feed. I have the ex4 that i picked up in May. The performance has been great,but keep it clean and check your pellets regularly. Shelves and 5in wheels should be included. Great but has quirks is so true.
I have a traeger ironwood, and it's caught fire twice at temps of 500+.. i think what people don't understand stand is that smokers and pellet dust is more likely to catch fire so you have to clean ur grill more often if you are using it for searing.. i don't think anyone has issues of catching fire at the lower temps.. what i have learned is that i can go up to 6-7 cooks for low temp recipes before cleaning.. if I'm searing i vacuum every 1-2 cooks.
I have an e x 4 and I don't mind the system you can put a water tray under fatty foods it's not a problem and it's nice to have a grill and smoker that goes up to 600 Degrees it's not a big deal
I was drooling a little bit about the new blacked out EP6 gen2, but I think I'll hold off for gen3 or 4. I've always been something of a charcoal purist and some of my favorite BBQ UA-camrs have had great results with these Weber pellet smokers but I'm not in a position to spend $1100-1400 on something on its second iteration that still sounds like it wasn't ready for market.
They make charcoal pellets. I haven't tried them yet.
On the shutdown issue I was able to unplug my unit for a couple of minutes and plug it back in and all was good.
My smokeboost causes the burnpot to overflow with pellets, the glowplug burns out and must be replaced, and I have to take everything apart and clean it. I went through three glow plugs in one day. My fix: I bought a smoke tube, and that works perfectly. Otherwise, the grill works great, and I use it almost every day, and have cooked almost every meat imaginable with fabulous results. For extremely fatty meats, I do what you do: I place a pan underneath and it works like a charm. One comment: the instructions with my grill say to keep the lid down during the startup procedure.
yup it drives me nuts that those accessories(shelves) doesn't come with grills. Traeger does the same. I think if you are paying that type of money for any grill it should come with shelves. Thanks for the unbias review. I also think a simple solution to the pellets falling into death valley is to have the hinge on the other side of the hopper!😂😊
Simply slip the lid around 180 degrees and place the hinge side toward the grill. this will cover the black hole better and allow you to get your bucket right against the opening and you won't spill anything. Just a thought of mine to solve one of your issues.
Very good video. Question - about fan blowing pellet dust - does that mean that the dust gets blown up and on the food? For pellets stuck in the back - maybe use a ruler to slide them out should be quick and easier than blowing it out.
To a certain extent, yes, but that happens to some degree or another with any pellet grill that has a direct flame mode. There is a shield and a deflector plate directly about the burn pot that knocks down a good percent of the pellet dust. Thanks for the tip on the ruler!
Later model Traegers have pellet sensors too. And they give you the percentage of pellets left in the hopper which I think is better than the Weber system.
Thanks for pointing that out Noskos, we'll need to do a video looking at the Traeger pellet sensors in more detail!
Good video. Use a small 18v shop/leaf blower for the Death Valley :-) I hope you graciously welcome one disagreement. I DO NOT recommend the front shelf. It’s a great idea the way it splits. Great idea. But please know. It is NOT a shelf. Rather a really good spice & drink holder. It is TOO short to hold a tray or pan that you would put a brisket or ribs on. Which is why you buy a pellet smoker in the first place. When you place your tray on that thing you better hold onto it. Because if you lift your lid, you will bump it off every time. I mean, Weber, 3 or 4 inches deeper/forward would have fixed it. Would gladly have paid the extra $20 for that depth to have useful shelf. To be fair, that the same with most pellet grills. GMG has a good usable depth, but It’s not stainless. I will say that this is the most beautiful grill in this price point. From the front. That back pellet lid gets ugly.
I hope you can get around to reviewing the stealth version that came out s free months ago. Interested to know if any of their changes are meaningful
Great common sense video you hit on all points with Truth and Honesty. Weber on Sunday morning took my call and is sending the big retrofit to correct my issues. I'm very happy about that. I'm still going to work to perfect the issues but I guess all corporation are using us a Beta testers at our expense which is not right on what we have have to pay for the promises theses grills are suppose to perform. Not giving up I love my smoke fire grill. Maybe they should hire us as Experience Mechanical Field test grill pit masters :)
what kind of sealant are you using on the stone? Now for the grill thanks for the review torn between this and pitboss elite 1600 for first time smoker/grill...my girl broke last year and looking for something a little more flavor than propane but can still sear a steak/burgers etc...
Love the video.
I'm having a weber spirit, a weber smokey Mountain and a charcoal grill but I'm now thinking about buying a smokefire EX6 but can it replace all my old grills or do I need to keep some of them? And whitch?
I wouldn’t. I’m in the same position but I have a flat top instead of a gas grill. I just don’t think for the money it can replace my Smokey mountain and kettle. Sad someone can’t release something that can, but Camp Chef did just release their Apex combination pellet smoker and gas grill. I would look at that but it is very new so not sure if it works as well as it should.
My 2nd gen never worked right. I exchanged it and the next one was just as crappy. Now I have a reqtec and I'm good.
Plenty of grills have pellet sensors many of them before Webber Smoke fire ever came out
this makes me happier that I went with recteq. I am however always looking at different pellet smokers.
So how much less pellets are you able to put in because of the new ramp thing? How many lbs does it take to fill up?
I've never had a grease fire in mine and I do long cooks briskets pork butt ect
I think a lot of lazy people buy these thinking just keep pouring in pellets. Clearly the issue is caused by repeated uses without some basic cleaning. You wouldn't use a charcoal or gas grill repeatedly without cleaning but somehow people think you don't need to do the basics with these.
The exhaust vents for these dump right on top of the lid for the pellet hopper. If you're lucky enough to have one that works more than once the paint on the lid is going to shit in a hurry.
Yes, this is accurate. I really wish they would have done this a different way.
My GMG from several years ago had a pellet alarm and I think they still do ?
Would you recommend buying this in a number rate
1 thru 10
Someone has given me this smoker (used) . Trying to learn how to use. You lift the lid to “start”? When do you lower the lid?
Nice review! Have you tried any Recteqs?
I have not, but I hope to!
They are almost there imo...
I love weber grills I have a summit 650 that is almost 15 years old never broke once yet Weber grills are the best not sold on thier smokers though
I made mine the 2nd gen bypassed on that message for interrupted shutdown, you have to turn off the unit twice, and then it the message disappears. and Yeah I know it is an annoying issue.
Great honest review. Is there a perfect pellet grill out there? That is what I am searching for.
the lone star....I almost just ordered one but the shipping fee got me :( I get it all made the U.S. and they ship it to you assembled.... so its speciality delivery...
@@user-et3kk4tn4s I’m lucky. Live in DFW area and can drive to Conroe to pick up the smoker.
@@gosman949 Well that's awesome. How much will you charge for shipping? :) I never thought getting a good grill would be so hard for a good price. I did notice Weber is still doing the 100 money-back offer so that is really cool for a risk fee trial n
@@user-et3kk4tn4s I’ve heard that Lone Star grill charges $500 for shipping.
@@gosman949 600 to my address :(
Since we released this video Weber has released the Stealth Edition, which adds some improvements and new features to the larger EX6.
We have a full Stealth Review you can check out here ua-cam.com/video/EWminsADbLY/v-deo.html
Both sizes of the Gen 2 are still available, but if you want to go with the larger smoker then the Stealth is worth considering for a little extra $$$.
Do these smokers comes with a ceramic igniter system?
How do you tell if u have 1st generation or 2nd? Is there a serial or part # reference?
Can you fill the pellet valley with aluminum foil?
You can see with other Reviews on the New Gen 2 Webber Pellet Grill how much Ash is kicked up on startup. About the only real advantage I can see w/ the Webber is it's ability to reach 600 degrees, for Actual Grilling. I bought a Camp Chek Smoke Pro and it does everything I want in a Pellet Grill, except actually getting hot enough to Sear a good steak. So I just added their gas "Sear Box" attachment/accessory and it hits 1500 degrees easily which got the "Grilling" back into Pellet Grills. Different types of Hardwood and blends burn at different temps for the same given amount used. Oak, Apple and Pecan (and others) reach the higher temps easily while other types and blends struggle to hit the max temps. Pellet Grills are a tradeoff and cannot duplicate that charred flavor a hardwood coal Grill can deliver, but that Smoked Flavor, once you get it right, is tough to beat. Good Review, you came prepared !
Thanks for the kind words. Different strokes for different folks. I have had this grill for several years now, and it has is advantages and disadvantages. The actual controllability and temp consistency is really good! This is one of my favorite smoker combos for actually "smoking". There are also others in the industry that are catching up as well. It does get really hot, which I like, but it will cool down quickly as well. When grilling at hot temps, you gotta open the lid, do your business quickly, and shut the lid, as quickly as possible. With all the corrections and software updates that they have done to the smokefire, it has turned into a pretty great grill. But as always, this grill will not suit everyone!
Side note: I really like your choice as well! I have been impressed with Camp Chef stuff.
Im getting a rec tec
i only sear at 500 any ways lol. them shelfs take the beauty away from this pit. i all ways use drip pans in my pits when i do low and slow. allways clean your pit before you go high heat, i own over 30 pits i have had grease fires in every 1 of them
Sorry to see that Gen 2 hasn't solved the problems. What about reduced pellet capacity from the hopper insert?
You don't really lose enough pellet space to hurt anything. I have still smoked 9 hours without having to add some.
The black scraper tool included with the grill will clean out the pellets between the grill and the hopper easily. They do look like a fire hazard if you let them build up.
That's a good thought, Chris! I hadn't considered that. I found that black scraper tool so useless for actually cleaning the grill, I didn't pay it much attention. lol. Thanks for the idea!
If you could pick this up for 300 bucks for your first ever smoker would you buy it ?
How many gens of these greasefires are they going to release before they put a drip tray in it?
Great question!
On the ash grease problem. Can you just use some foil pans in the spot where the grease is supposed to go in. It would collect the ash and grease all at once and you can just throw it away and put new ones in.
Lol!! Two seconds later you said exactly this.
@@coreycrum76 Yes, the drip pans are a must for the fatty meats with this smoker! Granted, drip pans and/or aluminum foils helps the clean up on most smokers/grills.
Suggestion: Those pellets getting stuck in between the hopper and the grill is indeed annoying. How about try reaching in the groove with long chopstick to push those pellets out? Shouldn’t have to, but….. watcha gonna do?
Hi Steve,
I have tried about everything else, but I haven't tried a chopstick. I will try that. So far, compressed air has worked the best.
I also have the gen 2, purchased late October while they were still on sale ($200 off).
I’ve had it tell me it was out of fuel, when the hopper was completely full. It shut down on me.
I’ve had mine bridge, and killed the fire.
It’s wildly inconsistent temps from side to side, with the right side being MUCH hotter. Sucks but it is what it is.
I hate the shutdown mode. It takes too long. My GMG Davey Crockett, I accidentally kicked the cable and jiggled it loose (on a cook where the Smokefire failed actually...) so I plugged it back in, hit the button, and she kept on keeping on. It would have been a 30 minute delay at best with Smokefire.
It’s frustrating having a $1000 grill/smoker that you can’t rely on. It’s beautiful, good build quality, and know the porcelain will absolutely outlast anything else on the market. But I fire it up and have a kettle at the ready, and my GMG ready as well. And that’s just sad.
Oh, and I’ve only gotten it to get to 485. Granted, it was probably single digits out.
And yes, she’s a hungry girl.
The problem is they tried to make it to much like a grill the flavorizer bars were a mistake amongst other things
Thanks for an even-handed, reality-based product evaluation. Still, I take issue with the idea of listing the pros and cons after you explain (and you are not the first) the fact that the fundamental design of the unit is a fail. It doesn't matter that it has a great pellet sensor or can achieve a certain temperature when you can't rely on the fundamental management of the ashes and grease. THIS IS THE REASON SO MANY PEOPLE REPORTED GREASE FIRES. The idea of a pellet stove is, among other things, is that it should be a set-and-forget" appliance.
The "cult of Weber" really needs to come to an end. I find that their products become flimsier and flimsier with each iteration. Compare a Genesis or Kettle from just a few years ago with the current models. The transition to cost savings has created.vastly inferior versions in every case but the company survives by riding on their reputation. You can find a superior, nationally available version of anything they make for the same or often, less, money. Look at a Napoleon gas grill vs a Genesis. And as your video shows, there are many superior pellet grills available for far less money. Compare a Smokey Mountain to a Bronco Pro... the difference in price/performance/build quality is just absurd.
I don't have a UA-cam channel or represent any brand but I do have over 50 years of experience as both a backyard BBQ enthusiast and many years as a professional chef. It is sad that the UA-cam platform has driven so many people to the wrong products, be it grills, toasters, computers or whatever. Thanks again for a review that should open the eyes of unwary BBQ'rs.
just clean the grill and you will not have grease issues. grease fires are from overheating and thus combusting grease.
I disagree. For me the single most important thing is flavor on grilling and the reviews agree that the smokefire is the champion. On the fires just educate yourself and use common sense and it's a non issue.
WRT the grease thing, why would you smoke something without a drip tray or pan anyway? I do all my smokes on a wire rack that fits into a shallow pan. Way easier to clean up a pan than the bottom of a smoker. I know some will claim that the bottom of the meat won't get enough smoke this way, but this is not my experience.
There are plenty of smokers out there that don't need a foil pan directly under the meat. While I agree, it can help the clean up process and it doesn't affect the smoke flavor, some people don't want to be forced to use foil pans. To each his own, I guess.
So why do you keep buying them, just curious? Thanks for the video.
I'm sorry, I don't understand the question.
What are max grill temps can it hold with the lid open? Do you have to close the lid to do searing?
It loses heat in a hurry. I never tested the grill with the lid open to see. In the instructions, they tell you to close the lid as soon as possible. It will drop 100-200 degrees rather quickly.
@@ryanblack7550 I thought it might. Not really a good place to sear then IMO. You might get a good sear on one side but then you have to bake whatever you are searing to do the other side. Maybe cast iron grates would help with this. It’s a shame they cheaped out on the grates.
i would change the pellets your using to Lumberjack, or Cookinpellets or Knotty Wood, Will be better tasting and produce less ash
Hi Laurie,
I was using Lumberjack during the testing of this gen 2.
This grill was in my top 3 when they first came out. Then the youtube videos of real life users having issues. So I waited a bit to see how Weber addressed them. In the end I decided on a Camp Chef Woodwind wifi 36". Glad I did. Has a couple more features that I like plus the sidekick propane burner for a griddle, pizza oven, or grill box. Covers a lot mote cooking options. Also like the 1-10 smoke control setting. It seems like Weber rushed their model to market to get into the game of pellet grills and came up short in a few areas. JMHO.
Don't get me wrong, the Smokefire is a top contender, but the Camp Chef Woodwind is hard to beat as well. They both have their strengths. I go over that some in the full written review on the website. It's shown in the link above.
Good review! The 'bads' are not that bad - except the fact that this is Weber; a name that this should not be happening with. And the fact that for that much $, those should have been worked out!
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Why in the world would they not hinge the pellet hopper door to where it folded down against the back of the hopper? You know, with piano hinge or something like that. Looks like a PITA to dump pellets into. Look at all the pellets between your hopper and back of the grill itself. Built in pellet trap, brilliant. Engineers doing so much engineering.
So the solution to avoiding grease fires with this unit is to clean the bottom regularly & using a foil container under the meat for long cooks….I don’t see why people see this as being a dealbreaker. You should be regularly cleaning the unit regardless of which brand it is to prevent fires anyway yes?
I agree, keep the unit clean and using foil containers will help prevent grease fires. I think the main gripe for people, including me, is when the Smokefire first came out, it claimed to have a grease drain system that will do ALL that FOR YOU with no need for anything else. But when people actually started trying them, the grease drain systems were not actually working as advertised. I agree, there are work arounds, but the reality is the grease drain system is a great idea that was never really thought through or tested appropriately. It only takes an hour of using the Smokefire to see that the ash from the pellets in ejected onto the floor of the smoking box all around the grease system area, and then it mixes with the grease to form a paste that will block the grease from draining. Notice that Weber doesn't make these big claims much anymore. Now they tell you straight up to use foil containers as often as possible.
Two years later and Weber has abandoned the Smokefire name and has a 3rd new pellet smoker in just a few years. I'll wait for the reviews on the new one.
First look review has been posted.
My 1st Gen consistently got to 600 degrees. Also, Weber put out a software update so you can get max smoke by lowering the temperature under 200 degrees. Just saying.
My 1st gen rarely got to 600 degrees for me. I ran it for 2 hours one time and the hottest it got was about 550. But once they did a software update and send me and updated auger system, it hit 600 every time! I think it wasn't feeding pellets fast enough.
I agree on the software update, I love the Smoke Boost feature!
Why would you want your smoke to hit 600 degrees?
Why is no one talking about that stamped concrete patio?!
The reason they rushed it to market was so they to get a cut of the revenue in the pellet grill mkt because they saw it taking off....i have owned many Weber grills but this one was a huge disappointment....I would never buy a Smokefire....I own Traegers and Grilla Grills....they work brilliantly. Weber, get your shit together!
These are not worth the money. I bought mine for labor day weekend. Inconsistent temp readings, difficulty with downloading software update and mine failed 3 1/2 hours into its first cook. I'm returning it and looking into other manufacturers.
What's wrong with your camera. Is it a fisheye?
You are incorrect I have had my Trager Timberline 1300 D2 for over 2 years and it has a low pellet alarm both audible and on the app. I am going to be honest with you Weber copied alot of rhe features already in the Trager Timbline Model. The only thing I can say I like that the Weber offers that my Trager is the temp it is able to achieve for searing steaks. Nice try Weber you will get there.
Still an expensive piece of junk, I will stick with Pit Boss and others. Thanks for your honesty.
I have to say, as thorough as this video was, some of it was completely the user error. If you can't put pellets in a grill without them going everywhere like that, then I can't help you. If that's an issue for you, then why not put your pellets in a container where you have more control to get the pellets actually in to the hopper, and not the back side. I mean that's just pure laziness and apathy. Same with the grease thing, get you some aluminum foil pans under your meat, hell you need moisture anyway, put you some water in them, and they will keep your meat moist as well as catch the drippings, then dispose afterwards. It's not rocket science here. I doubt you will find 1 single smoker that is absolutely perfect with everything about it. There are pluses and minuses with all of them. Nit picking is just sad. Ok, the first gen had issues, and Weber fixed them FOR FREE! Should they have known? Sure, but I have yet to hear anyone say that their food was ruined over issues with the first generation smoker. Not one. Irritations? Issues? Sure.... welcome to life. It's not ever going to be perfect for you. Roll with the punches and keep moving.
As for the gripe about the smoke coming out the back and causing blemishes on the top cover of the pellet hopper, seriously? Yes, I want my smoker to look brand new, like it's never ever been used at all times, else I am going to gripe about it. How dare they make a smoker that blows on top of my shiny hopper!!! Unbelievable. Here's a tip, don't like that? Then LEAVE THE HOPPER DOOR OPEN DURING YOUR COOKS!!!! What a concept. Unless it's raining, it shouldn't be an issue. I think we are just looking for things to gripe and whine about here. Sorry, I'd have preferred a video showing the good sides of this smoker, and that more focused on that the pet peeves. There were solutions to every single issue he brought up. EASY solutions at that. It just amazes me how people whine and bitch about everything.
It's my job to give the good with the bad for this grill and let people decide if they accept them or not. Is there a fix for every issue or hassle that was stated? Yes, but I gave my experience and let people decide for themselves whether that is acceptable to them or not. As for pouring the pellets in the hopper, I have tested and reviewed many pellet grill/smokers, and this one is the only one I have spilled a single pellet trying to get pellets in the hopper. Yes, the accessibility of this hopper is poorer than any hopper on the market that I have tested. I generally transfer my pellets to a leafproof 5 gallon bucket. But regardless of whether pouring from a bag or a bucket it is awkward and inconvenient to use this hopper versus other hoppers on other grills. Those that have Smokefires that have used any other pellet grill, I bet, can also attest to this.
I agree with your comment, there is no perfect smoker. THAT IS THE POINT OF THE REVIEWS. So people can get feedback on grills and smokers and decide what THEY want to purchase.
The shutdown mode.???..I'm out
Here are some real world solutions and suggestions.
First, cleaning and vacuuming the Smokefire is ten times easier than those with grease drip shields. The amount of ash you showed is far too much ash from lax maintenance and using a lot of pellets that are needed to show off and entertain your friends that the SmokeFire van attain 600°F.
As for the fading paint, SERIOUSLY? Instead. Wax it or place a heat shield.
Your grease fire was due to lax maintenance and the unsafe mindless practice of trying to burn off grease which is a no-no in commercial kitchens. Use better maintenance and drip pans as the rest of do.
BTW, you can buy portable prep tables for far cheaper than those shiny small shelves you love.
Next, the SmokeFire is not cheap, but it is far cheaper than Yoders and others and it is 99% American made, unlike most of the Communist Chinese built junk out there. If Weber made everything perfect, you couldn't afford to buy one.
As for your complaint about the lack of an easy resume program, get a UPS or uninterruptable power supply. Most UPS also smooth out power flow to prevent damage from power drops and brownspikes. They are worth the investment to protect your investments.
Last, you forgot or ignored the most important reason to buy a SmokeFire, everything cooked on it is superior to what other pellet grills produce.
For me, using drip pans, vacuuming every time before the Smokefire is used, adding the protection of a UPS are all minor issues against the far superior food the SmokeFire produces.
And I do not care if smokes from the scientifically placed vents causes discoloration because to me, the SmokeFire is a tool and not a toy or collectible. And I like my sizeable and portable work table instead of those cute and shiny little folding shelved.
Jeez, do you work for Weber or what?
@@TXsilvy I sure don't work for those other brands who sell cheap and poorly made Communist Chinese JUNK with fake PID controllers like my Pit Boss that has 60° swings far worst than my Franklin offset smoker! Do you realize I can smoke Terry Black quality brisket with my Franklin and produce a brisket that is 90%-100% as good on my EX6? (Including smoke ring and level of smoke infused flavor?) I have spent 2.5 years trying to get CONSISTENT and HIGH RESTAURANT QUALITY results out of other brand of pellet grills and have found that it is not possible. Danson customer service and other CSR (for Pit Boss, Louisiana Grills, Recteq, GMG, Traeger, Okie Joes, Lone Star Grillz, Yoder, etc) all acknowledge their controllers cannot avoid wide temp swings and unwanted variances which prevent you from producing consistent top quality cooks. Camp Chef is an exception to this herd of so-so smokers. I have obtained great briskets with one.
The Weber IS NOT PERFECT, but its shortcomings have zero effect on producing consistent and excellent quality foods
Mad Scientist BBQ has a great pellet smoker comparison review including Yoder, P&S, GMG and SFire 2nd gen. interesting results for sure.
@@jqmachgunner2577 Do you place drip pans in the bottom of the smoker or on the flavor bars? I just bought my gen 2 but haven’t received it yet. Just wanting to hit the ground running and get the best quality out of it.
@@Miiike604 yeah i wish the campchef woodwind was included in the lineup. I’m beating myself up trying to decide between the weber and campchef.
38 minutes too long
I have one and this thing is sack of shit. Piss poor quality control and the engineers should be fired that made this thing. total disappointment and waste of time.
Heck no they didn’t get it right. The only way to ever get it right would be a total redesign! I mean did they even test thing! The only people talking positive about it , liars , are people who sell it or people who work at Weber!
The shut down problem seems to be a no go for me.