Smokefire Auger - Rev F

[Gecko]

Weber Germany still seems to believe it is a US issue only .... and as they do not allow any ratings & comments on the SmokeFire products on the German Weber Website it is tough to tell how many customers are having issues

 

[Sudz]

Thats just so wrong in so many ways.

Having spent 35 years in the manufacturing environment it is really difficult to understand how any top echelon company could get so many things wrong. Betting the farm on a major new launch, of significantly new technology, with elements (software) you know nothing about, without prudent vetting of the device, and making your first foray into a global market. Someone at the top of the Weber food chain really blew it.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a staunch Weber supporter and have touted their praises for years. What happened???

Did dad die and leave the reins to junior? I mean, this story could make a best seller. Weber will get this sorted assuming their cash flow holds out. And I'll probably end up getting one of these... but man what a ride this introduction has been.

 

[Smysmy2]

I am convinced that Weber has a quality control issue with their motors. I had all of the temperature problems many have written about. I believe that a poorly sealed auger/chute can cause heat to flow into the hopper and the base of the auger where the motor is mounted (I even saw glowing embers at the bottom of the chute when I let the pellet supply almost run out so I could watch what happens). This may damage the motor. Many of us see that replacing the auger/chute/motor works for a few cooks and then it fails again. Several weeks ago I talked to the Ace hardware store where I bought my WSF. They contacted their Weber rep who came to my house and replaced the Auger/motor assembly (the welded version was not available then). He carefully put a new gasket between my chute and auger tube, replaced the Auger, and replaced the motor. He removed the entire hopper to do the installation. It has worked ever since. I have used it 18 times Since then and it routinely can get to 600 and any other temperature. Occasionally the temp drops as much as 30 to 50% but eventually the re-ignition feature of the new software will kick in. I use Weber or Lumberjack pellets and I see sawdust occasionally but that does not affect the performance. The only conclusion I can come to is that the motor may be the issue. Weber sent me the welded assembly but there is no way I am going to do anything to the WSF as long as it is working well. I don't think the numbers or letters on the motor mean anything. All three of my motors were REV F.

All I know is that my struggles have been worth is so far. When the WSF works it is amazing. I use it more as a grill than a smoker but it is really nice to be able to do a long low and slow smoke as well. Last night I made Jess Pryles' Vietnamese grilled pork (https://jesspryles.com/recipe/vietnamese-grilled-pork-with-lemongrass/) and next weekend I plan to smoke some beef short ribs.

 

[KevinD]

After having the temp drop to 150 on Sunday I tried to start it 3 times yesterday with no luck. Finally emptied the hopper and vacuumed out the auger. Both the auger and the control panel were replaced last month after having trouble out of the box. Using Firmware update 4008. Tried again and the pellet feed rate was MUCH better. I am convinced the welded chute is the solution. Emailed Weber yesterday about 3pm PDT, no answer yet. Tried calling 10 minutes ago twice but they say in a recording to email and then the call ends. I own 7 Weber grills and this is not acceptable. I agree with Sudz. Keep the pressure on!

 

[Smokefire1200]

I just phoned Weber in Germany - and regarding the new Auger - they don't have any clue at all it seems.

They just said, they are in strong contact with Weber USA but they didn't receive any information regarding the new Auger.

But they think, they will get the new Auger as well and will send it out to me. So let's see.

 

[abmet]

Unfortunate the two support locations aren’t sharing information. Hopefully they’ll get it straight for you.

 

[Gecko]

I just phoned Weber in Germany - and regarding the new Auger - they don't have any clue at all it seems.

They just said, they are in strong contact with Weber USA but they didn't receive any information regarding the new Auger.

But they think, they will get the new Auger as well and will send it out to me. So let's see.

Same story here for several weeks already. Very disappointing

 

[KevinD]

No reply to my emails so I called again and was told a 4 minute wait. A rep answered 25 minutes later and I have a welded chute ordered. Two weeks away as they are back-ordered. He has owned one since January and recommends emptying the hopper and vacuuming the auger every several cooks to prevent sawdust buildup. Bottom of the bag or ?

 

[Dassman5]

See anything interesting here? I don’t know what the hell I’m looking for, but Weber asked for the picture.View attachment 546

I believe they were looking to see whether or not you had the welded tube assembly or, like mine, the separate tube and auger with the gasket. They just sent me the newer version with the auger tube welded to the feed hopper.

 

[Bruno]

I believe they were looking to see whether or not you had the welded tube assembly or, like mine, the separate tube and auger with the gasket. They just sent me the newer version with the to be welded to the feed hopper.

Yeah, that was from March, What they were checking for was to see how the gasket was holding up, I was also told it would tell them if the auger was made up by hand or Machine pressed.
I have a welded auger and have yet to install. My SF works perfect after the app and firmware updates.

 

[KevinD]

Anybody having problems with non Weber pellets of late?

 

[Dassman5]

Yeah, that was from March, What they were checking for was to see how the gasket was holding up, I was also told it would tell them if the auger was made up by hand or Machine pressed.
I have a welded auger and have yet to install. My SF works perfect after the app and firmware updates.

Bruno, I have a question...I have the EX4 with the revision “F” motor and it has worked very well for almost 50 sessions. However, when I disassembled the auger to remove a pebble, I noticed some fraying around the gasket and it had partially detached. However, I resassembled it and it works fine.
Question: the sent me the welded assembly, but should I replace now or wait...aI hate to be a victim of “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”...

 

[Bruno]

Bruno, I have a question...I have the EX4 with the revision “F” motor and it has worked very well for almost 50 sessions. However, when I disassembled the auger to remove a pebble, I noticed some fraying around the gasket and it had partially detached. However, I resassembled it and it works fine.
Question: the sent me the welded assembly, but should I replace now or wait...aI hate to be a victim of “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”...

Oh man good question, I’ve waited because of the “ if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and not a whole lot of spare time.”
if you are up to it I’d install it, if it does reduce dust build up it would probably put less strain on the motor. ???? From what I have heard and I could use some help here if someone knows different, The reversing the motor in shut down was packing the augers with dust and smashed pellets, now it doesn’t reverse as long to cut down on this from happening.

 

[Dassman5]

Oh man good question, I’ve waited because of the “ if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and not a whole lot of spare time.”
if you are up to it I’d install it, if it does reduce dust build up it would probably put less strain on the motor. ???? From what I have heard and I could use some help here if someone knows different, The reversing the motor in shut down was packing the augers with dust and smashed pellets, now it doesn’t reverse as long to cut down on this from happening.

Thanks..I need to do a little more research and I will let you know what I find out.

 

[Bruno]

Thanks..I need to do a little more research and I will let you know what I find out.

Please do wish I was more help, I know I’m having zero issues so it’s tough to make a call.