Lack Of Searwood Reviews On Major BBQ Sites?

[Slapshot]

It may just be that the Searwood grills have only fairly recently become available. But I am surprised at the almost complete lack of reviews by any of the prominent BBQ sites online.
Usually, those guys jump on reviewing new products.

I am looking for the best pellet smoker that's available for anything like a reasonable price. For me, that would be roughly $1,200.00 and under for a medium sized pellet smoker. I'm only cooking for two of us and don't need any larger versions. I have also been a lifelong fan of Weber kettle grills and currently own the Master Touch and feel it can perform as well or better than anything out there.

I am seriously considering the Searwood, but would like more input from pro reviewers. It would be used for 90% for smoking. I've already gone through two pellet grills that lasted only 2-3 years each, and absolutely need to know that the next one I purchase will be reliable and perform well.

 

[Tyler6590]

I would recommend the Searwood. I have the Searwood 600 and it is plenty big for my family of 4. I also do host most holidays and between my gas grill and the Searwood, I have plenty of cooking capacity. If you do multiple briskets and pork shoulders at the same time, the XL version may be a better fit. My dad only used Weber when I grew up and I've only used them now with my family so I may be a bit biased but they have always had great support and stood by their products.

Cleaning the Searwood is a breeze. It's only been out for a few months so longevity and potential grease fire issues haven't come up yet but the materials and design is solid. I've done 15 cooks so far and haven't had one issue. I did about 10 cooks without cleaning it all and never had an error or issue. When I did clean it was straightforward and pretty quick. No need for a shopvac.

Smoking works nicely and the app has a lot of information regarding temps, fluctuations, smokeboost, etc. I found it to produce a good amount of smoke flavor and a LOT of smoke compared to the Smokefire.

Grilling is fun on this thing. It heats up quick. I would probably use manual mode for most instances where you are searing or doing any open lid cooking. I found it works good for pizzas too as I constantly open and turn every few minutes. Edges run hotter than the center but you can get searing heat there too.

Lots of accessories for the Searwood also make it a good option. There's a rotisserie, weber crafted stuff, and it can use any pellets, which is a big plus for me.

Good luck!

 

[Daverich4]

I would recommend the Searwood. I have the Searwood 600 and it is plenty big for my family of 4. I also do host most holidays and between my gas grill and the Searwood, I have plenty of cooking capacity. If you do multiple briskets and pork shoulders at the same time, the XL version may be a better fit. My dad only used Weber when I grew up and I've only used them now with my family so I may be a bit biased but they have always had great support and stood by their products.

Cleaning the Searwood is a breeze. It's only been out for a few months so longevity and potential grease fire issues haven't come up yet but the materials and design is solid. I've done 15 cooks so far and haven't had one issue. I did about 10 cooks without cleaning it all and never had an error or issue. When I did clean it was straightforward and pretty quick. No need for a shopvac.

Smoking works nicely and the app has a lot of information regarding temps, fluctuations, smokeboost, etc. I found it to produce a good amount of smoke flavor and a LOT of smoke compared to the Smokefire.

Grilling is fun on this thing. It heats up quick. I would probably use manual mode for most instances where you are searing or doing any open lid cooking. I found it works good for pizzas too as I constantly open and turn every few minutes. Edges run hotter than the center but you can get searing heat there too.

Lots of accessories for the Searwood also make it a good option. There's a rotisserie, weber crafted stuff, and it can use any pellets, which is a big plus for me.

Good luck!

This is going to sound like an odd question from someone looking for a smoker but is it possible to set it for minimal or at least less smoke? My wife is a little sensitive to things that have a really pronounced smoky flavor.

 

[Tyler6590]

Yes, definitely. So, first off it isn't overpowering with normal settings. But they have a smoke boost option that you can select during your cook to add additional smoke. You can also do things cooking-wise to further reduce the smoke. Cooking at higher temperatures will help too. For example: smoking at 250 vs 225 on long cooks.

Most people do things to boost smoke on pellet grills (water pans, spritses, smoke boost). I am certain that if you just run it normally it won't be overpowering at all for you guys.

 

[Daverich4]

Yes, definitely. So, first off it isn't overpowering with normal settings. But they have a smoke boost option that you can select during your cook to add additional smoke. You can also do things cooking-wise to further reduce the smoke. Cooking at higher temperatures will help too. For example: smoking at 250 vs 225 on long cooks.

Most people do things to boost smoke on pellet grills (water pans, spritses, smoke boost). I am certain that if you just run it normally it won't be overpowering at all for you guys.

Thanks, I’ve been cooking on an XL Green Egg for 15 years and only get actual smoke flavor if I add wood chunks to the lump charcoal. I’m itching to try a pellet grill but have never been around one that was on let alone try something that was cooked on it. Just need one little push to pull the trigger, not really sure why I haven’t yet. Thanks again.

 

[Slapshot]

I would recommend the Searwood. I have the Searwood 600 and it is plenty big for my family of 4. I also do host most holidays and between my gas grill and the Searwood, I have plenty of cooking capacity. If you do multiple briskets and pork shoulders at the same time, the XL version may be a better fit. My dad only used Weber when I grew up and I've only used them now with my family so I may be a bit biased but they have always had great support and stood by their products.

Cleaning the Searwood is a breeze. It's only been out for a few months so longevity and potential grease fire issues haven't come up yet but the materials and design is solid. I've done 15 cooks so far and haven't had one issue. I did about 10 cooks without cleaning it all and never had an error or issue. When I did clean it was straightforward and pretty quick. No need for a shopvac.

Smoking works nicely and the app has a lot of information regarding temps, fluctuations, smokeboost, etc. I found it to produce a good amount of smoke flavor and a LOT of smoke compared to the Smokefire.

Grilling is fun on this thing. It heats up quick. I would probably use manual mode for most instances where you are searing or doing any open lid cooking. I found it works good for pizzas too as I constantly open and turn every few minutes. Edges run hotter than the center but you can get searing heat there too.

Lots of accessories for the Searwood also make it a good option. There's a rotisserie, weber crafted stuff, and it can use any pellets, which is a big plus for me.

Good luck!

Thanks very much for taking the time to provide your experience with the Searwood. It's extremely helpful!