Title: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: cigarman20 on February 15, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
Post by: cigarman20 on February 15, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
Well, at least it's the first I've seen...
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: DaveG74 on February 15, 2020, 05:37:16 PM
Post by: DaveG74 on February 15, 2020, 05:37:16 PM
And 200$ under retail.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 15, 2020, 06:11:16 PM
Post by: bamakettles on February 15, 2020, 06:11:16 PM
Saw one at Lowe's this weekend....flimsy and cheap was my impression. I'd hoped for something much better.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Jan M. on February 16, 2020, 09:06:33 AM
Post by: Jan M. on February 16, 2020, 09:06:33 AM
According to many YouTube videos and reports from a friend (California) I stoped my preorder today.
I appears to be a disaster.
Looks like no smoke fire out there works properly.
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I appears to be a disaster.
Looks like no smoke fire out there works properly.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 16, 2020, 10:31:44 PM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 16, 2020, 10:31:44 PM
I'll be honest and say that I haven't really followed the SmokeFire that closely as I think that Weber's current product development over emphasizes, aesthetics, and cost reduction over long term durability. With that said, I was curious why the SmokeFire has been having so many issues during the recent release. After some research, the firebox design of the SmokeFire is terrible. It seems like the grease has pools at the bottom of the firebox, then ignites on fire since it's so close to the fire bowl! Traegers don't have this problem as there is a completely separate grease tray that separates the fire from the drippings while evenly dispersing the heat Does Weber actually think that tiny fire heat shield is going to evenly heat up the inside of the grill? It's like cooking on a gasser with only one burner/giant flavorizer and expecting the inside to be even temperature. Why do the louvered exhaust vents point downward the back of the barrel? Grease and condensation will just drip down the exterior! This all doesn't make sense to me. Go buy a proven Traeger, Rec Tec, or similar grill and know and work around it's limitations. It seems like the SmokeFire design is pandering to those that are familiar with gassers but the actual execution has missed its mark.
On a positive note, the grill is attractive looking and the short inclined auger and new school PID temp controller are interesting.
On a positive note, the grill is attractive looking and the short inclined auger and new school PID temp controller are interesting.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 04:25:28 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 04:25:28 AM
Following this thread, interesting thoughts Lawrence. I have to see one of these first hand. Watching the initial release videos it seemed like a solid design but may be fools gold.
and to Add to your list Lawrence"Go buy a proven Traeger, Rec Tec, or similar grill" like Grilla grills my personal favorite. :) Most people on this forum won't give a rip about being a push button pitmaster but I am a convert, not that I will ever give up charcoal.
and to Add to your list Lawrence"Go buy a proven Traeger, Rec Tec, or similar grill" like Grilla grills my personal favorite. :) Most people on this forum won't give a rip about being a push button pitmaster but I am a convert, not that I will ever give up charcoal.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on February 17, 2020, 04:48:33 AM
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on February 17, 2020, 04:48:33 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 04:25:28 AM
Following this thread, interesting thoughts Lawrence. I have to see one of these first hand. Watching the initial release videos it seemed like a solid design but may be fools gold.
and to Add to your list Lawrence"Go buy a proven Traeger, Rec Tec, or similar grill" like Grilla grills my personal favorite. :) Most people on this forum won't give a rip about being a push button pitmaster but I am a convert, not that I will ever give up charcoal.
I doubt it is fools gold (at least not yet at this point), but unfortunately I don't think they worked all of the kinks out and really should have spent some more time working on the app from what I have heard. It probably also doesn't help a lot that a few of the first arrivals are happening in winter where performance isn't going to be ideal. Hopefully, they will get everything worked out in the next few months and take care of the people who took the early leap of faith.
If they don't get things worked out they might just ruin a lot of the buzz they had going and make others who were interested just forget about future iterations that might be greatly improved. I don't currently have a pellet grill, but if they got it together who knows I might be in the market in a few years.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 17, 2020, 05:35:54 AM
Post by: bamakettles on February 17, 2020, 05:35:54 AM
I'd be more inclined to try the Spider Grills adapter with a kettle. Not a bad price and I'm seeing some good reviews on long cooks now using it.
Title: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 17, 2020, 06:04:26 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 17, 2020, 06:04:26 AM
.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: crowderjd on February 17, 2020, 07:02:01 AM
Post by: crowderjd on February 17, 2020, 07:02:01 AM
I had high hopes for this, and after watching some Youtube videos I'm super bummed that things seem to not be going well. I have a friend who has a Rec-Tec, and I have to be honest, I love it...Love the look, love the convenience of their ap, and the BBQ he's made on it has been good. I was hoping the Smoke Fire would equal, if not surpass it...I was even saving up for one. But for now, I'm going to just stick with the 26er...I am truly hopeful the early kinks get worked out, and that Weber takes @pbe gummi bear comments about their current product development to heart. This all reminds me a bit of the old adage, "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
I may pursue a pellet grill down the road...maybe. I want to see if these initial failings are indeed product related or simply user related. It's too soon to tell but so many instances are pointing more to the former than to the latter.
My original fear was that there were so many players in the pellet game already, the Weber pellet grill would have to be flat out amazing to compete in an already crowded market. Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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My original fear was that there were so many players in the pellet game already, the Weber pellet grill would have to be flat out amazing to compete in an already crowded market. Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PM
Quote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: PKSullivan on February 17, 2020, 12:55:54 PM
Post by: PKSullivan on February 17, 2020, 12:55:54 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMQuote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
I got an Alpha OG back last Halloween and love it.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:59:06 PM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:59:06 PM
Lawrence shared with me a series of videos but a guy on youtube named Tony Ngo. Whoa, I am trying to see where he is screwing up and I can't. When I initially saw the design I thought it was a game changer, now not so sure. to be continued
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 01:00:17 PM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 01:00:17 PM
Quote from: PKSullivan on February 17, 2020, 12:55:54 PMQuote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMQuote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
I got an Alpha OG back last Halloween and love it.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/xTiTnD7ukUQWbwmcCI/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 01:02:41 PM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 01:02:41 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMQuote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
Lol I knew I forgot a few. Lots of good options these days for the pellet game.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 17, 2020, 01:17:16 PM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 17, 2020, 01:17:16 PM
I love my Traeger. All this talk about the SF inspired me to fire it up again today. I really hope Weber gets the SmokeFire sorted out. It seems like hardware and software will be required to do so.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 01:29:13 PM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 01:29:13 PM
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on February 17, 2020, 01:17:16 PM
I love my Traeger. All this talk about the SF inspired me to fire it up again today. I really hope Weber gets the SmokeFire sorted out. It seems like hardware and software will be required to do so.
That Traeger is awesome Lawrence
Title: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: sonofabutcher on February 17, 2020, 02:09:27 PM
Post by: sonofabutcher on February 17, 2020, 02:09:27 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMGrilla makes a fine pellet grill. We used 2 Grilla's for a grilling class with Malcom Reed and Mark Williams couple weeks back. Smoked wings and grilled 2 ribeyes with perfect grill marks you would swear came off charcoal. I prefer the Grilla over my traeger timberline 1300Quote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 18, 2020, 07:01:38 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 18, 2020, 07:01:38 AM
Quote from: sonofabutcher on February 17, 2020, 02:09:27 PMQuote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMGrilla makes a fine pellet grill. We used 2 Grilla's for a grilling class with Malcom Reed and Mark Williams couple weeks back. Smoked wings and grilled 2 ribeyes with perfect grill marks you would swear came off charcoal. I prefer the Grilla over my traeger timberline 1300Quote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
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I own the pre Alpha OG and the Chimp. Love them.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 08:46:58 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 08:46:58 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 18, 2020, 07:01:38 AMQuote from: sonofabutcher on February 17, 2020, 02:09:27 PMQuote from: LightningBoldtz on February 17, 2020, 12:26:07 PMGrilla makes a fine pellet grill. We used 2 Grilla's for a grilling class with Malcom Reed and Mark Williams couple weeks back. Smoked wings and grilled 2 ribeyes with perfect grill marks you would swear came off charcoal. I prefer the Grilla over my traeger timberline 1300Quote from: Mike in Roseville on February 17, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
Why would you buy a weber instead of a MAK, GMG, Yoder, Rec Tec, or even a Traeger? Those are all proven.
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Or Grilla Grills my personal favorite. I own 2 of them. ;)
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I own the pre Alpha OG and the Chimp. Love them.
That round Grilla is a sexy pellet grill. Do you use the pro mode or pid mode more?
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: PKSullivan on February 18, 2020, 08:51:19 AM
Post by: PKSullivan on February 18, 2020, 08:51:19 AM
Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 08:46:58 AM
That round Grilla is a sexy pellet grill. Do you use the pro mode or pid mode more?
I haven't tried the pro mode yet; it's been cold here in Chicago since I got it so I've just been using the PID. Will definitely be trying out the "more swing, more smoke" mode when it warms up a bit this spring & summer.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 18, 2020, 08:58:39 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 18, 2020, 08:58:39 AM
Quote from: PKSullivan on February 18, 2020, 08:51:19 AMQuote from: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 08:46:58 AM
That round Grilla is a sexy pellet grill. Do you use the pro mode or pid mode more?
I haven't tried the pro mode yet; it's been cold here in Chicago since I got it so I've just been using the PID. Will definitely be trying out the "more swing, more smoke" mode when it warms up a bit this spring & summer.
For the chimp that has the alpha I prefer pro mode, little more swing but produces really good results.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 12:29:02 PM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 12:29:02 PM
Just watched a couple videos on the smoke fire. I don't know anything about pellet grills but the open design of this one looks like a nightmare for grease management and clean up. Definitely does not look easy or convenient.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 18, 2020, 01:14:13 PM
Post by: bamakettles on February 18, 2020, 01:14:13 PM
Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 18, 2020, 12:29:02 PM
Just watched a couple videos on the smoke fire. I don't know anything about pellet grills but the open design of this one looks like a nightmare for grease management and clean up. Definitely does not look easy or convenient.
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Agreed. I saw a few today and it's not looking good for this model. One guy had a video of a ton of grease mixed with pellet ash that went on forever. I would not like to deal with that!
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 19, 2020, 07:31:47 AM
Post by: jhagestad on February 19, 2020, 07:31:47 AM
Disappointing news for sure. If you're late to the game, you better arrive with a superior product that does the brand proud. Everything I've read on this makes it seem like the issues are design-related, which is inexcusable, really.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 19, 2020, 07:36:29 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 19, 2020, 07:36:29 AM
Quote from: jhagestad on February 19, 2020, 07:31:47 AM
Disappointing news for sure. If you're late to the game, you better arrive with a superior product that does the brand proud. Everything I've read on this makes it seem like the issues are design-related, which is inexcusable, really.
Your are spot on here, when I first saw it in the youtube pre-product release videos I thought the design was a "game changer" and thought that weber was going to take over the pellet community. Having grease fires is not something to just brush off. I hope they fix this, I love weber grills. I also have my own personal favorite pellet manufacturer and in my back yard they can coexist nicely.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Lemans on February 19, 2020, 09:17:00 AM
Post by: Lemans on February 19, 2020, 09:17:00 AM
I have a spider adapter and it works great. Doesn't have any bells or whistles. The temp control goes in 50 degree steps. But all and all for $200 it's worth it!
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 19, 2020, 09:25:39 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 19, 2020, 09:25:39 AM
Quote from: Lemans on February 19, 2020, 09:17:00 AM
I have a spider adapter and it works great. Doesn't have any bells or whistles. The temp control goes in 50 degree steps. But all and all for $200 it's worth it!
talk to me about the flavor profile? Charcoal v pellet
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: nitis on February 19, 2020, 10:50:33 AM
Post by: nitis on February 19, 2020, 10:50:33 AM
I'm still going to get mine kind of irritated it's not here yet to be perfectly honest
Observation by me is they designed this as a grill first even when they did their demos they were grilling not smoking
The flare ups and fires are nothing I haven't seen in my genesis
Also even though they say the design shouldn't need drip trays or pans. I don't want to clean that up anyway so I'm going to use something to catch those drippings anyway
Now maybe it'll work better for me because I have other grills to fill the needs I need but maybe this goes to show that a one size fits all grill is more of a unicorn than we thought
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Observation by me is they designed this as a grill first even when they did their demos they were grilling not smoking
The flare ups and fires are nothing I haven't seen in my genesis
Also even though they say the design shouldn't need drip trays or pans. I don't want to clean that up anyway so I'm going to use something to catch those drippings anyway
Now maybe it'll work better for me because I have other grills to fill the needs I need but maybe this goes to show that a one size fits all grill is more of a unicorn than we thought
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 05:03:46 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 05:03:46 AM
Quote from: nitis on February 19, 2020, 10:50:33 AM
Observation by me is they designed this as a grill first even when they did their demos they were grilling not smoking
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Maybe that's true but it sure looks like a genesis would be a hell of a lot easier and better for grilling. Weber does such a great job with charcoal and gas. I think they should stay in their wheel house.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 05:43:10 AM
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 05:43:10 AM
In watched about an hour of Smokefire YouTube videos last night......yikes.
Many problems. Some very frustrated and vocal customers. Hard to hear being such a Weber fan.
I hope Weber's response is strong and swift.
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Many problems. Some very frustrated and vocal customers. Hard to hear being such a Weber fan.
I hope Weber's response is strong and swift.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 07:12:09 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 07:12:09 AM
So I wanted to address the comments that I have seen saying Weber should stick to their bread and butter or what they know meaning propane and charcoal grills. This is the worst thing for a company to do is to sit high on the hog and only do what they do best. If you are a grilling company you have to adjust with the times. Think of where Weber would be if in 1985 they only stuck with charcoal grills and didn't recognize that propane was the future of backyard grilling. This is a good move by Weber, pellet grills are not going away, as one who uses them I have seen the most basic grilling novice turn out some really good BBQ. Convenience is king in a busy world.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 07:37:35 AM
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 07:37:35 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 07:12:09 AMI agree. You cannot claim to be a premier manufacturer of grills and not compete in the pellet space. They are late to the game. I have little doubt they will fix these issues. They've invested too much.
So I wanted to address the comments that I have seen saying Weber should stick to their bread and butter or what they know meaning propane and charcoal grills. This is the worst thing for a company to do is to sit high on the hog and only do what they do best. If you are a grilling company you have to adjust with the times. Think of where Weber would be if in 1985 they only stuck with charcoal grills and didn't recognize that propane was the future of backyard grilling. This is a good move by Weber, pellet grills are not going away, as one who uses them I have seen the most basic grilling novice turn out some really good BBQ. Convenience is king in a busy world.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 08:10:03 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 08:10:03 AM
I don't think that's true at all as long as there will always be demand for the products that you do make. There will always be demand for charcoal and gas grills. I personally don't see pellet grills directly competing with gas grills. Two different products for two different customers.
This is just my opinion but if you continue to make quality timeless designs that are durable and better than your competition in that category, then the future of a business should be sound. Take lodge cast iron for example. At their price point, they are the best.
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This is just my opinion but if you continue to make quality timeless designs that are durable and better than your competition in that category, then the future of a business should be sound. Take lodge cast iron for example. At their price point, they are the best.
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Title: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 08:11:33 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 08:11:33 AM
I'm guessing people thought charcoal grills would vanish from backyards when gas grills came out
Just my opinions. I'm not saying I'm right
Fun discussion though.
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Just my opinions. I'm not saying I'm right
Fun discussion though.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 20, 2020, 08:52:19 AM
Post by: jhagestad on February 20, 2020, 08:52:19 AM
Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 20, 2020, 08:11:33 AM
I'm guessing people thought charcoal grills would vanish from backyards when gas grills came out
Just my opinions. I'm not saying I'm right
Fun discussion though.
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Agreed!
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 09:06:48 AM
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 20, 2020, 09:06:48 AM
In fact, not only has charcoal not gone away, I'd say it's having a renaissance. Between WKC, the grillgiant fb page and other social media, interest appears to be growing.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: nitis on February 20, 2020, 09:33:43 AM
Post by: nitis on February 20, 2020, 09:33:43 AM
Also when you (Weber) make a superior product that you don't have to throw away and replace every year you have to come up with new things to maintain your sales volume right?
The more and more I read posts on FB and watch YouTube videos I see people who refuse to read between the lines and adapt and not many using common sense either. Yeah there's some lemons out there but I'm seeing more and more that people haven't even updated the controller properly and are bashing the product
Also to say it was rushed to the market I'm pretty sure they didn't start working on this last September this has likely been in development for a few years
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The more and more I read posts on FB and watch YouTube videos I see people who refuse to read between the lines and adapt and not many using common sense either. Yeah there's some lemons out there but I'm seeing more and more that people haven't even updated the controller properly and are bashing the product
Also to say it was rushed to the market I'm pretty sure they didn't start working on this last September this has likely been in development for a few years
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 09:38:20 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 09:38:20 AM
My point is, Weber is not a nitch company, it is one of the tops in the BBQ industry. Weber like Band-aid, like Q-tips is the name in the industry of BBQ for the normal everyday person. So while none of us know what the next 5 to 10 years will look like for them to stand on the sideline and not dip their toes in a market that has grown exponentially since Traeger lost it's patent, would be foolish.......IMO
I will say while charcoal has not gone away, if you look at the currently layout of Gas Grills vs Charcoal grills in the backyards of the USA Had Weber not gotten into the gas grill market it would be a entirely different company.
I will say while charcoal has not gone away, if you look at the currently layout of Gas Grills vs Charcoal grills in the backyards of the USA Had Weber not gotten into the gas grill market it would be a entirely different company.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 09:40:23 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 09:40:23 AM
Quote from: nitis on February 20, 2020, 09:33:43 AM
Also when you (Weber) make a superior product that you don't have to throw away and replace every year you have to come up with new things to maintain your sales volume right?
The more and more I read posts on FB and watch YouTube videos I see people who refuse to read between the lines and adapt and not many using common sense either. Yeah there's some lemons out there but I'm seeing more and more that people haven't even updated the controller properly and are bashing the product
Also to say it was rushed to the market I'm pretty sure they didn't start working on this last September this has likely been in development for a few years
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I agree, I think the controller issues are really overblown and unfair considering the tech they have in the grill and this is the first revision of them.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 20, 2020, 10:55:52 AM
Post by: jhagestad on February 20, 2020, 10:55:52 AM
If you purchase the first generation of anything, you should expect there to be some bugs. Having said that, if I bought a $1,000 grill from the #1 grill manufacturer in the U.S., I would have expected them to have already identified and addressed the issues being raised before bringing it to market. The most egregious of these aren't issues of wear and tear - they appear to be design flaws. I don't doubt that Weber's been working on this for a few years, which makes it even more baffling/disappointing. I absolutely love my Weber kettles and I fully support Weber's branching out into this space, but if you want me to part with a grand for something new because it has your name on it, it had better work as advertised.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 20, 2020, 08:12:03 PM
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 20, 2020, 08:12:03 PM
I agree. At one point, Schwinn was actually credited with the biggest innovation in off-road cycling, but that was their introduction of balloon tires. I think "off-road" may have also meant something other than what we think of it now, perhaps riding across the park or on a reasonably well-groomed forest preserve trail. By the time moutain bikes came along, Schwinn thought it was a niche market & they just kept making what they had been making.
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 20, 2020, 09:38:20 AM
My point is, Weber is not a nitch company, it is one of the tops in the BBQ industry. Weber like Band-aid, like Q-tips is the name in the industry of BBQ for the normal everyday person. So while none of us know what the next 5 to 10 years will look like for them to stand on the sideline and not dip their toes in a market that has grown exponentially since Traeger lost it's patent, would be foolish.......IMO
I will say while charcoal has not gone away, if you look at the currently layout of Gas Grills vs Charcoal grills in the backyards of the USA Had Weber not gotten into the gas grill market it would be a entirely different company.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 20, 2020, 08:25:52 PM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 20, 2020, 08:25:52 PM
Idk what it is about this SmokeFire but it seems to have attracted a pretty toxic demographic online.
I also find it interesting that Weber outsourced the controller to the startup June, especially considering their acquisition of iGrill. Designing a pid bbq controller is not hard. This leads me to believe that Weber, as a private equity owned company, was trying to increase their valuation by working with an up and coming venture capital backed startup.
I also find it interesting that Weber outsourced the controller to the startup June, especially considering their acquisition of iGrill. Designing a pid bbq controller is not hard. This leads me to believe that Weber, as a private equity owned company, was trying to increase their valuation by working with an up and coming venture capital backed startup.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 06:01:52 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 06:01:52 AM
So Justin from BabyBack Manic is taking his back, another Youtuber EverydayBBQ is taking his back. I watched a long video from Harry Soo where he demoed the grill on someone elses, because Harry is still waiting for his. If you read the comments people are not happy with his review as he did Brisket and Pork butt hot and fast for only 2 hours, then finished with foil in the persons oven. One thing I did notice if you watch the video, the bottom of the brisket looked like it was getting pretty dark.
I had not planned on getting a Weber pellet grill as I have mentioned, I love what I have currently but I was hoping for a better rollout than this.
I had not planned on getting a Weber pellet grill as I have mentioned, I love what I have currently but I was hoping for a better rollout than this.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 21, 2020, 06:41:58 AM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 21, 2020, 06:41:58 AM
Imo this is the best and most objective overview of the SmokeFire features and issues: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Me-dfmlZFmw
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
wow what a cluster :(
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 07:18:26 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 07:18:26 AM
Quote from: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
wow what a cluster :(
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
Troy, you have to go with Charcoal Summit on this one, I absolutely love mine, Weber really did a great job on it, only complaint I have ever had with it is the price. all units should have sold for $400 to $500 less than what they do.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: mcgolden on February 21, 2020, 07:38:22 AM
Post by: mcgolden on February 21, 2020, 07:38:22 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 07:18:26 AMQuote from: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
wow what a cluster :(
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
Troy, you have to go with Charcoal Summit on this one, I absolutely love mine, Weber really did a great job on it, only complaint I have every had with it is the price. all units should have sold for $400 to $500 less than what they do.
I totally agree. The Charcoal Summit is fantastic and the quality is top notch. But yes, Weber should drop the price.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 21, 2020, 07:49:33 AM
Post by: bamakettles on February 21, 2020, 07:49:33 AM
I watched both BabyBack Maniac and Harry Soo's videos as well. Justin did a well thought out low and slow cook and had a ball of grease and ash mixture in the bottom that caught on fire which is a design issue IMO. As you said, Harry cooked fast and only for two hours finishing in the oven inside. There was ash everywhere in Harry's video too along with him having to manually adjust the pellets in the hopper just to keep it going. Reading through the comments on each demo I can tell that Justin is concerned with the product and Harry is concerned with himself and not serious. I don't have a pellet grill and don't want one. Happy with my kettles and WSM. I do hope that Weber addresses the issues. Will be interesting to follow......
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 01:20:37 PM
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 07:18:26 AMQuote from: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
wow what a cluster :(
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
Troy, you have to go with Charcoal Summit on this one, I absolutely love mine, Weber really did a great job on it, only complaint I have ever had with it is the price. all units should have sold for $400 to $500 less than what they do.
Yeah i'm pretty much decided now.
I'm moving again this spring though, so it will have to wait until "grilling season"
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 21, 2020, 01:28:13 PM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 21, 2020, 01:28:13 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 21, 2020, 07:18:26 AMQuote from: Troy on February 21, 2020, 06:51:55 AM
wow what a cluster :(
I hope Weber can get this turned around. I've been considering the smokefire or a charcoal summit, but after seeing the recent videos the answer is clear
Troy, you have to go with Charcoal Summit on this one, I absolutely love mine, Weber really did a great job on it, only complaint I have ever had with it is the price. all units should have sold for $400 to $500 less than what they do.
I think the summit would be selling itself short at that price point. If the Kamado companies can get away with what they charge and not include all the required accessories, then the CGS is right to be at that price point.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Brain_STL on February 21, 2020, 08:41:19 PM
Post by: Brain_STL on February 21, 2020, 08:41:19 PM
I just watched the shotgun of Kevin Kolman hastily produced videos the Weber put out a few hours ago. I was kinda embarrassed for them by seeing the backpedaling as well as the new introduction to drip pans between the grated and the flavorizor bars underneath your meat. Talk about CYA! I love this company's products, but this is unreal. Aside from Harry Soo, I haven't heard a good thing about it and I also saw a guy already making mod's to try to make it work correctly. I'll wait for Gen 2...
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 09:47:22 PM
Post by: Troy on February 21, 2020, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: Brain_STL on February 21, 2020, 08:41:19 PM
I just watched the shotgun of Kevin Kolman hastily produced videos the Weber put out a few hours ago. I was kinda embarrassed for them by seeing the backpedaling as well as the new introduction to drip pans between the grated and the flavorizor bars underneath your meat. Talk about CYA! I love this company's products, but this is unreal. Aside from Harry Soo, I haven't heard a good thing about it and I also saw a guy already making mod's to try to make it work correctly. I'll wait for Gen 2...
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saw the same
i hope they're putting equal effort into fixing as they are into covering up
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: crowderjd on February 22, 2020, 08:55:13 AM
Post by: crowderjd on February 22, 2020, 08:55:13 AM
Holy cow, just saw Baby Back Maniac's grease fire and "I'm taking it back to Lowes" videos. Honestly, I kind of feel bad for everyone involved EXCEPT Weber. I think we all love Weber and want Weber to succeed...but, we have ALL noticed the shifts in quality and products over the last few years. I'm not a China basher, as we all use Chinese made products every single day, and in almost every possible way...good grief, my garage is full of Chinese made Harbor Freight tools, and I'm generally thrilled with Harbor Freight, and I know what I'm getting going into it.
I think Weber's real problem is the fact that they were sold to a PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM, BDT Capital Partners, in 2010. Since then, the shift has CLEARLY been maximizing profit first, quality second. taco handles, lighter legs, overseas Spirit production, and SOME of the new generation Genesis production...with the move to more plastic and less steel parts on the new gen Genesis...and now the dumpster fire (or should I say grease fire) that is the Smoke Fire. I'm afraid of two things. First, there's going to come a tipping point where Weber loses its long earned reputation for quality, and second I'm afraid they are going to become Char Broil...just another example of a disposable product not built for generational use, but a thing that will be designed to fail and re-buy in quick succession. To be clear, I want Weber to succeed, and I get companies need to change with the time, but I'm afraid they've had a decade long drift away from what made them great.
Finally about Private Equity Firms. They're the lurking shadow running our modern economy. Look up BDM Capital Partners. They don't even have a website. They're run by the mysterious Byron Trott...and if you didn't know they now own a lot of brands we may love. This link (a bit of clickbait I know, but a decent overview) lets you know what they own.
https://heavy.com/news/2019/06/bdt-capital-partners/
I think Weber's real problem is the fact that they were sold to a PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM, BDT Capital Partners, in 2010. Since then, the shift has CLEARLY been maximizing profit first, quality second. taco handles, lighter legs, overseas Spirit production, and SOME of the new generation Genesis production...with the move to more plastic and less steel parts on the new gen Genesis...and now the dumpster fire (or should I say grease fire) that is the Smoke Fire. I'm afraid of two things. First, there's going to come a tipping point where Weber loses its long earned reputation for quality, and second I'm afraid they are going to become Char Broil...just another example of a disposable product not built for generational use, but a thing that will be designed to fail and re-buy in quick succession. To be clear, I want Weber to succeed, and I get companies need to change with the time, but I'm afraid they've had a decade long drift away from what made them great.
Finally about Private Equity Firms. They're the lurking shadow running our modern economy. Look up BDM Capital Partners. They don't even have a website. They're run by the mysterious Byron Trott...and if you didn't know they now own a lot of brands we may love. This link (a bit of clickbait I know, but a decent overview) lets you know what they own.
https://heavy.com/news/2019/06/bdt-capital-partners/
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: GrillGuyMosier on February 22, 2020, 12:16:36 PM
Post by: GrillGuyMosier on February 22, 2020, 12:16:36 PM
I just want a light blue 26
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 22, 2020, 12:45:06 PM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 22, 2020, 12:45:06 PM
Just picked up this old girl. Haven't cleaned it up yet but I can put some pellets in a smoke tube and I'll have a poor mans smoke fire 
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: MagnoliaTom on February 22, 2020, 04:34:28 PM
Post by: MagnoliaTom on February 22, 2020, 04:34:28 PM
Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 22, 2020, 12:45:06 PMThat grill is awesome. I have the redhead with wood slats version of it and it's by far the best gas grill I've ever owned and I got it used....and it's over 20 years old!
Just picked up this old girl. Haven't cleaned it up yet but I can put some pellets in a smoke tube and I'll have a poor mans smoke fire
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 03:55:15 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 03:55:15 AM
Quote from: crowderjd on February 22, 2020, 08:55:13 AM
Holy cow, just saw Baby Back Maniac's grease fire and "I'm taking it back to Lowes" videos. Honestly, I kind of feel bad for everyone involved EXCEPT Weber. I think we all love Weber and want Weber to succeed...but, we have ALL noticed the shifts in quality and products over the last few years. I'm not a China basher, as we all use Chinese made products every single day, and in almost every possible way...good grief, my garage is full of Chinese made Harbor Freight tools, and I'm generally thrilled with Harbor Freight, and I know what I'm getting going into it.
I think Weber's real problem is the fact that they were sold to a PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM, BDT Capital Partners, in 2010. Since then, the shift has CLEARLY been maximizing profit first, quality second. taco handles, lighter legs, overseas Spirit production, and SOME of the new generation Genesis production...with the move to more plastic and less steel parts on the new gen Genesis...and now the dumpster fire (or should I say grease fire) that is the Smoke Fire. I'm afraid of two things. First, there's going to come a tipping point where Weber loses its long earned reputation for quality, and second I'm afraid they are going to become Char Broil...just another example of a disposable product not built for generational use, but a thing that will be designed to fail and re-buy in quick succession. To be clear, I want Weber to succeed, and I get companies need to change with the time, but I'm afraid they've had a decade long drift away from what made them great.
Finally about Private Equity Firms. They're the lurking shadow running our modern economy. Look up BDM Capital Partners. They don't even have a website. They're run by the mysterious Byron Trott...and if you didn't know they now own a lot of brands we may love. This link (a bit of clickbait I know, but a decent overview) lets you know what they own.
https://heavy.com/news/2019/06/bdt-capital-partners/
RE, what Weber will be in the future, with what I have seen out of their gas grills I have been saying for some time now that it is only a matter of time before they are in the Charbroil category. The reason they I got into Weber's 10 or so years ago was because I seek products that are not made for the dump. I am so frustrated with planned obsolescence. While I still think the Genesis II line still has quality(not like previous Genesis) I would not recommend at all the new Spirit grills, they are garbage. They are clearly using the Weber name to keep prices high and cut many corners.
Now back to this, I was at Lowes the other day and l looked at the SmokeFire. I honestly don't think this is a quality issue, I think the quality of the grill is actually pretty good. I just think they didn't think through some of the issues at hand. More design than quality.
The hopper needs a better angle so the pellets drop properly, how they are going to solve that mid stream? not sure.
The grease fires, this is rather simple, they need a defuser for "smoke setting" that sits on the flavorbars. From the post above, it looks like they may have already proposed this. I have not seen the Kevin Kolman videos.
Other issue is ash, I have a couple of pellet grills ash happens, not sure this is an issue.
They clearly tried to make this a grill that any backyard gas grill user could used for burgers, and oh btw cook ribs too.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 04:05:41 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 04:05:41 AM
Watching this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lxkhz_UZiU
I think they should make something specifically for smoke setting that covers both sides of the flavorizer bars. Just my thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lxkhz_UZiU
I think they should make something specifically for smoke setting that covers both sides of the flavorizer bars. Just my thoughts.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 24, 2020, 06:33:56 AM
Post by: jhagestad on February 24, 2020, 06:33:56 AM
Quote from: crowderjd on February 22, 2020, 08:55:13 AM
I think Weber's real problem is the fact that they were sold to a PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM, BDT Capital Partners, in 2010. Since then, the shift has CLEARLY been maximizing profit first, quality second. Finally about Private Equity Firms. They're the lurking shadow running our modern economy.
Excellent point on ownership - everything flows from the top.
I clicked the link, and, naturally, the site has several quotes from previous majority shareholders (now minority shareholders) gushing about how BDT Capital Partners "hasn't changed the culture" or "doesn't sacrifice quality", etc. Having been on both sides of buyouts (several as the private equity company's auditor and once as the acquired accounting firm of a larger firm), I can assure you that BDT has three main objectives with any company it acquires: 1) make money, 2) make money, and 3) convince customers that nothing has changed. I've never seen a business owner execute a deal with a private equity firm and then NOT say it wasn't the best thing to have ever happened to the company. It's all PR, and it's all BS. All acquired companies are tinkered with by their private equity firms (costs, people, culture, logistics, pricing, policies, etc.) to make them profit centers. Weber is no different.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 07:28:50 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 07:28:50 AM
Anyone looking for some positive (not bought and paid for) feedback on this grill check out TRENDKILL BBQ on Youtube. He seems to like what he has.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux5WwCUWhR-qgBPUl8ZssA
My son and his son used to play on the same soccer team back in 2016, then he and his wife moved and then I found out the guy is big into BBQ and does competitions.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux5WwCUWhR-qgBPUl8ZssA
My son and his son used to play on the same soccer team back in 2016, then he and his wife moved and then I found out the guy is big into BBQ and does competitions.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 24, 2020, 09:14:00 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 24, 2020, 09:14:00 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 24, 2020, 07:28:50 AM
Anyone looking for some positive (not bought and paid for) feedback on this grill check out TRENDKILL BBQ on Youtube. He seems to like what he has.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux5WwCUWhR-qgBPUl8ZssA
My son and his son used to play on the same soccer team back in 2016, then he and his wife moved and then I found out the guy is big into BBQ and does competitions.
I've been watching. He has a pretty nice bbq area he has been working on a talking about. I noticed he decided to make a permanent built in spot for the smoke fire.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: CurtP on February 24, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
Post by: CurtP on February 24, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
You can add me to the long list of beyond pissed. The GreaseFire has already been returned, I have unsubscribed from Justin's channel and will be selling my Genesis II LX S-340. The Summit Charcoal grilling center will probably go too.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: RRRanger99 on February 24, 2020, 05:30:28 PM
Post by: RRRanger99 on February 24, 2020, 05:30:28 PM
WOW! @CurtP, that bad huh? Maybe Weber can make it up to us, by releasing a limited run Glen Blue 26er, & bring back the Weber 6520 Pizza Oven, to the good ole U.S. of A.! I'm pretty sure Weber reads the WKC forums, for
social feedback and product reviews.
social feedback and product reviews.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:16:44 PM
Post by: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:16:44 PM
What issues did you have?
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Quote from: CurtP on February 24, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
You can add me to the long list of beyond pissed. The GreaseFire has already been returned, I have unsubscribed from Justin's channel and will be selling my Genesis II LX S-340. The Summit Charcoal grilling center will probably go too.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:20:09 PM
Post by: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:20:09 PM
Hi club, I didn't know this thread existed. I have a SmokeFire that I absolutely love. If anybody needs help or has questions I can answer feel free. With all the mixed reviews, I decided to document my experiences and upload them to YouTube.
Here's a link to my NOT MONETIZED channel.
https://m.youtube.com/user/scion93247
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Here's a link to my NOT MONETIZED channel.
https://m.youtube.com/user/scion93247
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: CurtP on February 25, 2020, 03:32:33 AM
Post by: CurtP on February 25, 2020, 03:32:33 AM
Quote from: RRRanger99 on February 24, 2020, 05:30:28 PMI'm done with Weber. I have a new grill on order, but it isn't a Weber. It didn't help that I was already unhappy with the Summit Charcoal.
WOW! @CurtP, that bad huh? Maybe Weber can make it up to us, by releasing a limited run Glen Blue 26er, & bring back the Weber 6520 Pizza Oven, to the good ole U.S. of A.! I'm pretty sure Weber reads the WKC forums, for social feedback and product reviews.
Quote from: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:16:44 PMIll-fitting lid, pellet hopper not feeding, ash EVERYWHERE (except the foil pan), issues with updates and grease fires.
What issues did you have?
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 25, 2020, 05:40:57 AM
Post by: bamakettles on February 25, 2020, 05:40:57 AM
And now $999 at Lowe's........
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 25, 2020, 09:26:29 AM
Post by: jhagestad on February 25, 2020, 09:26:29 AM
Quote from: CurtP on February 24, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
You can add me to the long list of beyond pissed. The GreaseFire has already been returned, I have unsubscribed from Justin's channel and will be selling my Genesis II LX S-340. The Summit Charcoal grilling center will probably go too.
It's a total bummer that Weber let you and others down. Just curious - you mentioned that you unsubscribed from Justin's channel. What was the reason?
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: MagnoliaTom on February 25, 2020, 10:00:23 AM
Post by: MagnoliaTom on February 25, 2020, 10:00:23 AM
Ok I'll be that guy 
.....
When are you putting the grills up for sale?
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.....When are you putting the grills up for sale?
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 25, 2020, 11:36:49 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 25, 2020, 11:36:49 AM
Yeah, I don't understand the frustration, am I happy with everything Weber does? nah, I think they really tried with this and with a few tweaks to correct the issues they will have a solid grill, IMO.
The comment about the Summit Charcoal grill, not sure where that is coming from as I love mine had it for over 2 years and solid as a rock.
The comment about the Summit Charcoal grill, not sure where that is coming from as I love mine had it for over 2 years and solid as a rock.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on February 25, 2020, 11:48:12 AM
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on February 25, 2020, 11:48:12 AM
Not gonna lie. I did look at his location. :p
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Quote from: MagnoliaTom on February 25, 2020, 10:00:23 AM
Ok I'll be that guy
When are you putting the grills up for sale?
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jp217p on February 25, 2020, 12:16:18 PM
Post by: jp217p on February 25, 2020, 12:16:18 PM
Quote from: CurtP on February 25, 2020, 03:32:33 AMThe lid has adjustments left and right inside the cooker.Quote from: RRRanger99 on February 24, 2020, 05:30:28 PMI'm done with Weber. I have a new grill on order, but it isn't a Weber. It didn't help that I was already unhappy with the Summit Charcoal.
WOW! @CurtP, that bad huh? Maybe Weber can make it up to us, by releasing a limited run Glen Blue 26er, & bring back the Weber 6520 Pizza Oven, to the good ole U.S. of A.! I'm pretty sure Weber reads the WKC forums, for social feedback and product reviews.Quote from: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:16:44 PMIll-fitting lid, pellet hopper not feeding, ash EVERYWHERE (except the foil pan), issues with updates and grease fires.
What issues did you have?
The auger not feeding isn't normal, did you ignite the grill before doing the update?
As for the pellet hopper and grease management. They both rely on gravity to work the best. Did you level your grill? I have had 0 issues with mine.
Quote from: CurtP on February 25, 2020, 03:32:33 AMQuote from: RRRanger99 on February 24, 2020, 05:30:28 PMI'm done with Weber. I have a new grill on order, but it isn't a Weber. It didn't help that I was already unhappy with the Summit Charcoal.
WOW! @CurtP, that bad huh? Maybe Weber can make it up to us, by releasing a limited run Glen Blue 26er, & bring back the Weber 6520 Pizza Oven, to the good ole U.S. of A.! I'm pretty sure Weber reads the WKC forums, for social feed and product reviews.Quote from: jp217p on February 24, 2020, 10:16:44 PMIll-fitting lid, pellet hopper not feeding, ash EVERYWHERE (except the foil pan), issues with updates and grease fires.
What issues did you have?
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 25, 2020, 12:22:29 PM
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 25, 2020, 12:22:29 PM
I guess I wasn't the only one who smelled a buying opportunity. I was going to start a second account with the screen name OldManPotter and then post the following:
"There is a rumor around town that you closed you are going to sell your grills. Is that true?
Are you all right? Do you need any firemen?
Well, fires get pretty ugly sometimes, you know. I'm going all out to help in this crisis. I've just guaranteed the bank sufficient funds to meet their needs. They'll close up for a week and then reopen.
I may lose a fortune, but I'm willing to guarantee your people, too. Just tell them to bring their grills over here and I will pay 50 cents on the dollar."
"There is a rumor around town that you closed you are going to sell your grills. Is that true?
Are you all right? Do you need any firemen?
Well, fires get pretty ugly sometimes, you know. I'm going all out to help in this crisis. I've just guaranteed the bank sufficient funds to meet their needs. They'll close up for a week and then reopen.
I may lose a fortune, but I'm willing to guarantee your people, too. Just tell them to bring their grills over here and I will pay 50 cents on the dollar."
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: bamakettles on February 25, 2020, 12:25:28 PM
Post by: bamakettles on February 25, 2020, 12:25:28 PM
LOLOL....
"Aw, you never miss a trick do you Potter?"
"Wish I had a million dollars.......Hot Dog!"
"Aw, you never miss a trick do you Potter?"
"Wish I had a million dollars.......Hot Dog!"
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 25, 2020, 01:37:16 PM
Post by: PotsieWeber on February 25, 2020, 01:37:16 PM
Thanks. Couldn't help but think about Old Man Potter having Weberitus. Although, when I looked up the script, I was surprised offered 50 cents on the dollar. I assumed it would have been a lot less.
Quote from: bamakettles on February 25, 2020, 12:25:28 PM
LOLOL....
"Aw, you never miss a trick do you Potter?"
"Wish I had a million dollars.......Hot Dog!"
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: mcyork28 on February 25, 2020, 06:35:03 PM
Post by: mcyork28 on February 25, 2020, 06:35:03 PM
I have an EX6 that I haven't had any problems with. The pellet hopper could have been designed better, I do shove the pellets down every once in a while.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM
Just looked over the smoke fire for the first time in person at Lowe's.
Looks nice but it looks like you get more metal for your money with a summit charcoal. Interesting my Lowe's is stocking this one. They have never stocked a summit charcoal or even a 26" for that matter. Nor have they ever stocked a charcoal go anywhere.
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Looks nice but it looks like you get more metal for your money with a summit charcoal. Interesting my Lowe's is stocking this one. They have never stocked a summit charcoal or even a 26" for that matter. Nor have they ever stocked a charcoal go anywhere.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 26, 2020, 07:45:02 PM
Post by: pbe gummi bear on February 26, 2020, 07:45:02 PM
I also looked at a SmokeFire at the store today. The built quality seems pretty nice. More like the original e310 genesis with mostly metal parts vs today's metal and plastic Genesis II. It would have been nice to play the controller but they had a dummy installed.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 05:20:41 AM
Post by: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 05:20:41 AM
Quote from: jhagestad on February 25, 2020, 09:26:29 AMIt's a total bummer that Weber let you and others down. Just curious - you mentioned that you unsubscribed from Justin's channel. What was the reason?Shill. Unsubscribed from Harry's channel too for the same reason.
Quote from: MagnoliaTom on February 25, 2020, 10:00:23 AMI haven't posted them because I haven't taken pictures yet, but they're available now to anyone who wants to strike a deal. Accessories are included - however many unopened bags of Jealous Devil and Kingsford blue I have left, BBQ Guru CyberQ, the USA made Slow 'N Sear low profile and an extra charcoal grate. I think the only accessories I have for the gasser is a couple of smoke boxes and some foil drip pans.
Ok I'll be that guy
When are you putting the grills up for sale?
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 25, 2020, 11:36:49 AMI'm not Weber's beta tester and there were claims of "truckloads of pellets" during their testing. The app wasn't even ready - couldn't control the temp, only set a timer. And the thing that drove me nuts is the temp reading was way off - like 50+ degrees and it would show a steady temp even though it was going through wild temp swings.
Yeah, I don't understand the frustration, am I happy with everything Weber does? nah, I think they really tried with this and with a few tweaks to correct the issues they will have a solid grill, IMO.
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 25, 2020, 11:36:49 AMThe comment about the Summit Charcoal grill, not sure where that is coming from as I love mine had it for over 2 years and solid as a rock.Mine arrived with a handle that was already rusting, deep gouge marks in the table around the control and emblem where someone went crazy cutting the protective film and a vent that self-closed every time you opened the lid. Not to mention all the corners they cut on a $2k charcoal grill - from the pull-out basket that should have been on ball bearing slides, a plastic tub that scratches the hell out of the shelf, non-stainless charcoal grates and chintzy plastic wheels. For the price it should have included a controller. It is a nice grill, it just isn't $2k nice.
I'm not as pissed as I was, but I am very disappointed. I don't really care if I sell the grills or not, but I will if the opportunity arises. I know I'll be looking at Weber with a much more critical eye and I think it's cured me of Weberitis.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 05:55:32 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 05:55:32 AM
Sorry about your experience with the summit, I agree with the basket thing that has scratched my shelf quite a bit and I am not happy with it. I have said for a long time that 2K for the grill is extreme. $1500 for the one with the table is more acceptable.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 06:12:39 AM
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 06:12:39 AM
I can understand your disappointment. What did Weber do to make it right?
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Title: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 27, 2020, 06:22:50 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on February 27, 2020, 06:22:50 AM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 05:55:32 AM
Sorry about your experience with the summit, I agree with the basket thing that has scratched my shelf quite a bit and I am not happy with it. I have said for a long time that 2K for the grill is extreme. $1500 for the one with the table is more acceptable.
Totally agree with that. Would love to see a third version without gas assist as the most affordable version. You would think they would sell a hell of a lot more of them if you could get $999 or less.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 07:21:43 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 07:21:43 AM
Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 27, 2020, 06:22:50 AMQuote from: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 05:55:32 AM
Sorry about your experience with the summit, I agree with the basket thing that has scratched my shelf quite a bit and I am not happy with it. I have said for a long time that 2K for the grill is extreme. $1500 for the one with the table is more acceptable.
Totally agree with that. Would love to see a third version without gas assist as the most affordable version. You would think they would sell a hell of a lot more of them if you could get $999 or less.
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Agreed the gas assist is worthless to me.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 08:15:07 AM
Post by: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 08:15:07 AM
I use the gas assist on my performer to light my chimney 95% of the time. It works very well. The burner on the lower level in the summit seems to be a bad compromise and not work well. The top level is too far from the flame and you you have to rearrange the grate to get it close on the bottom.
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 10:10:21 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 10:10:21 AM
Quote from: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 08:15:07 AM
I use the gas assist on my performer to light my chimney 95% of the time. It works very well. The burner on the lower level in the summit seems to be a bad compromise and not work well. The top level is too far from the flame and you you have to rearrange the grate to get it close on the bottom.
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That is kind of the point, when I am grilling on the top level I cannot light the charcoal with gas assist. I tried to put the grate on the lower level and move up but that is a PITA.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 11:56:12 AM
Post by: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 11:56:12 AM
Quote from: michaelmilitello on February 27, 2020, 06:12:39 AMWith the Summit Charcoal? They sent a replacement lid handle, a new table and 3 vent assemblies. All 3 vent assemblies were floppy and I ended up drilling out the rivet, tapping the base plate and using a stainless bolt with a jam nut. I'm pretty confident that I'm the only guy around with an ARP 12-point nut and bolt holding the vent together.
I can understand your disappointment. What did Weber do to make it right?
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on February 27, 2020, 10:10:21 AMThat is kind of the point, when I am grilling on the top level I cannot light the charcoal with gas assist. I tried to put the grate on the lower level and move up but that is a PITA.I bought an extra charcoal grate for this very thing. I put one grate in the lower position, and remove the upper charcoal grate ring. I set my charcoal chimney on the lower grate and use gas assist to light. Once lit, I remove the chimney, install the upper charcoal grate, then dump the charcoal on it. You don't have to get a 2nd charcoal grate, but I didn't want to handle it while hot.
Believe it or not, gas assist will eventually light charcoal on the upper position. It takes forever and you'll end up using just about an entire propane canister doing it.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jhagestad on February 27, 2020, 12:42:49 PM
Post by: jhagestad on February 27, 2020, 12:42:49 PM
Quote from: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 05:20:41 AMQuote from: jhagestad on February 25, 2020, 09:26:29 AMIt's a total bummer that Weber let you and others down. Just curious - you mentioned that you unsubscribed from Justin's channel. What was the reason?Shill. Unsubscribed from Harry's channel too for the same reason.
Harsh, but I understand. I'm not an avid fan of Justin's, but with all the turmoil with the SF, I watched his vids to get his perspective. I'm not subscribed to Harry's channel as I don't like his style. As for Justin, after the issues he encountered during his first cook, he certainly appeared to feel terrible about having advocated for the SF based on the Weber promo event. Bottom line for me is I think we're all entitled to make mistakes. Whether you want to believe him or not, he acknowledged more than once that he screwed up by tacitly endorsing a product before testing it himself. If you were a previous fan of his, hopefully you won't hold this against him forever.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: crowderjd on February 27, 2020, 02:51:54 PM
Post by: crowderjd on February 27, 2020, 02:51:54 PM
Quote from: jhagestad on February 27, 2020, 12:42:49 PMQuote from: CurtP on February 27, 2020, 05:20:41 AMQuote from: jhagestad on February 25, 2020, 09:26:29 AMIt's a total bummer that Weber let you and others down. Just curious - you mentioned that you unsubscribed from Justin's channel. What was the reason?Shill. Unsubscribed from Harry's channel too for the same reason.
Harsh, but I understand. I'm not an avid fan of Justin's, but with all the turmoil with the SF, I watched his vids to get his perspective. I'm not subscribed to Harry's channel as I don't like his style. As for Justin, after the issues he encountered during his first cook, he certainly appeared to feel terrible about having advocated for the SF based on the Weber promo event. Bottom line for me is I think we're all entitled to make mistakes. Whether you want to believe him or not, he acknowledged more than once that he screwed up by tacitly endorsing a product before testing it himself. If you were a previous fan of his, hopefully you won't hold this against him forever.
I really feel for Justin...he seemed very genuine as to how disappointed/embarrassed he was over this whole thing.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: jp217p on March 01, 2020, 07:16:17 PM
Post by: jp217p on March 01, 2020, 07:16:17 PM
I've had really good experiences with mine but I did have one issue with the controller freezing. I turned it off and back on and was at temps in 10 minutes. It's on my video where I smoke two pork butts without drip pans.
https://www.youtube.com/user/scion93247
Also, here's another video Harry Soo just uploaded.
https://youtu.be/jsUri_VoKag
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https://www.youtube.com/user/scion93247
Also, here's another video Harry Soo just uploaded.
https://youtu.be/jsUri_VoKag
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on March 03, 2020, 05:42:07 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on March 03, 2020, 05:42:07 AM
Looks like Weber has already fixed the hopper issue.
https://youtu.be/YWFP4uDL71o
People will complain they are losing 2 lbs of pellets but going from 22 to 20 is not a big deal to me as 20 is industry standard. Good on Weber for doing this so fast.
https://youtu.be/YWFP4uDL71o
People will complain they are losing 2 lbs of pellets but going from 22 to 20 is not a big deal to me as 20 is industry standard. Good on Weber for doing this so fast.
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: CurtP on March 08, 2020, 12:40:33 PM
Post by: CurtP on March 08, 2020, 12:40:33 PM
The replacement arrived Friday :)
Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: smokeyjoe on March 08, 2020, 05:02:07 PM
Post by: smokeyjoe on March 08, 2020, 05:02:07 PM
Quote from: CurtP on March 08, 2020, 12:40:33 PMGuess you'll be joining a Memphis grill club now
The replacement arrived Friday :)
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: sonofabutcher on March 08, 2020, 05:58:39 PM
Post by: sonofabutcher on March 08, 2020, 05:58:39 PM
Quote from: CurtP on March 08, 2020, 12:40:33 PMmy buddy has one and absolutely loves his.
The replacement arrived Friday :)
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Title: Re: First used Smoke Fire?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on March 09, 2020, 03:55:28 AM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on March 09, 2020, 03:55:28 AM
Quote from: CurtP on March 08, 2020, 12:40:33 PM
The replacement arrived Friday :)
Wow that is a helluva replacement. Memphis is a nice grill for sure.