Pulled the trigger today on a SF EX6 2nd gen

[Adcom 565]

I read all of the reviews I could find good and bad but was hooked on the searing option. I was worried about all of the issues I read about, smoke fires, pellet issues, software issues, but knowing that I can have only two grills. I have a blackstone griddle that I use once in awhile but a gas grill 4-5 times a week i just don’t have room for a 3rd grill. My gas grill was old and starting to fail anyway so it was time to upgrade. I got hooked on a taste of a pellet smoker last summer and started to look into brands, from Treager, Louisiana grills , pit boss and so on but I keep coming back to the Weber Smoke fire as it just seems to be built good and does the searing I like from a gas grill. I was nervous to see it being pulled at all the retailers around me and thought I better start reading more about it. Then I came across this forum and gave me hope as I wish it did what it supposed to do then I can get the best of both worlds. But it just seems like I am taking a risk as every retailer was pushing the Treager as they claim no returns in general. Just wondering if I’m crazy or did I order the wrong thing. I ordered through Ace Hardware for 999.00 seemed like a good price for the EX6 as it was the same as the Weber website. Did they fix the issues with the pellet issue, temp and fires? Thanks for your help! It is supposed to come on Thursday next week.

 

[Bruno]

you’re going to love it!!

$999 it’s a bargain! A lot of grill for that money!

 

[JpsBBQ]

I would remove the wire guard from above the chute/auger. One screw at a time. Take out screw carefully as to not drop it. Bend wire. Reinsert screw. Repeat. The screws hold the chute assembly in place and therefore shouldn’t all be removed at one time.

 

[topkatt4518]

You made a smart choice. I looked for over a year before pre ordering the SF. The concept was intriguing. I worked thru all the issues from being an early adopter. Looking back would I do it again, absolutely. Weber always answered my emails and when warranted sent out new parts. Were there time I wanted to push it off my deck down the hill, yes, but always took a step back, glad I did. I owned a WSM for 6 years, moved to the SF and have never looked back. Keep it clean, remove the pellet guard and plan out your cooks. At that price for an EX6 you won't be sorry. Reverse searing a steak, Perfection on a SF....

 

[Adcom 565]

Thank you guys I feel a lot better now, due to the issues Ace was not pushing it as they were not aware of the fixes but were fans of Weber and felt they will stand behind their product so worth the chance. I have been stressed trying to make a decision so now I am more at ease. Ace guys said they will try to help me out as much as they can. They were excited to see if I have good luck and will be happy to push it more in the future. I’m lucky to have found this forum and build confidence in this product. Just wondering why Weber just don’t take the wire out in the gen2 if that solved most of the issues. Also can I only use Webber pellets or does other brands work fine. I thought I read somewhere that other brands can jam. Also the concern of fires is that overblown? Thanks again for the welcome responses.

 

[topkatt4518]

I guess liability issues causes Weber to leave the wire guard in the SF. As far as pellets, I have tried a few other brands early on. But even before all the Gen 2 fixes I had the least amount issues with the Weber brand. It could have been coincidence that the grill worked best with the Weber pellets, so I have just stuck to them. As far as grease fires, I have never had 1 issue with my EX4. A little precaution with long fatty cooks le: clean grill and maybe a grease tray under the meat works wonders. When you get the grill if ACE puts it together before delivery just make sure the burner table and chute are installed correctly per the instructions. Perform any of the software / firwware updates first. Fire that sucker up, do the initial burn in and enjoy the GREAT FOOD it produces with little to no babysitting. Start posting some pics once you start cooking.

 

[Adcom 565]

I will keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks again for the support!

 

[bbqking]

I’ve had my EX6 for almost a year. I use drip pans or wired cookie sheets to help keep the grill cleaner. I shop vac it out every 4-5 cooks. Only issue I’ve had is had to replace a fuse. I have the ramp attachment, doesn’t help. I left the finger guard on. I’ve used treager pellets, yucky! Pit boss mostly, different flavors for pit boss all good. I’ve also used Weber pellets. Weber pellets are the best as they produce more consistent smoke. It’s just cheaper to buy pit boss. If I found a retailer that I could buy Weber pellets I’d do it. Shipping is a killer. I just recently started doing steak on my SF. It does an excellent job. You made the right choice. The SF can do it all. Low and slow, hot n fast, searing, all of it.just keep it clean and you’ll be turning out great food in no time.

 

[abmet]

Definitely remove the wire guard, and I’m sure Weber would say not to from a liability stand point, just don’t shove your hand down there when it’s running. Also make sure you update and have the most current firmware and software on the grill before you fire it up.
I’ve only used Weber pellets so can’t help with suggestions on other brands but I’ve had good luck with them. I like the Grillmaster blend the best but also use the hickory pretty regularly.
I’d also echo to double check the the glow plug, burn pot, and pellet chute if someone else put the grill together. Seen more than one person have issues that were related to something not being installed correctly.
The only time I’ve had any flame up was after doing a couple of bigger chickens that must have been extra fatty and I cranked the temp up to 500 to burn off the grates. Had a little flair up on the middle heat shield. Wasn’t a big deal since didn’t have any food on the grill at the time. I only use drip trays when doing long fatty cooks like pork butt mostly for cleanup purposes. If you have a lot of grease in the grill from a long fatty cook, just be sure to clean it out some before trying a high temp cook. I’ve had way more flair up issues on my Weber Genesis than I’ve had on my SmokeFire.
There are some awesome people on this forum that are always willing to help and share their experiences and cooks too.
Welcome to the SmokeFire!

 

[AHoneyman]

Assemble it yourself........

 

[rexster314]

Yes, put it together yourself. You'll have a better understanding of how the thing works. The including Allen driver and a phillips head screwdriver is all it takes.
I've had mine now for 2 weeks with at least 7 cooks on it with various meals. It has done everything it's supposed to

 

[Adcom 565]

I can’t wait to try it out next week. Thanks guys!

 

[Progman]

Adcom- any updates? I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on the EX6 as well and it sounds like we shared the same concerns.