What does everyone think of their Smoke Fire now

[Hal4UK]

Reading through these replies, I wonder if some are lemons, or if there's an environmental factor, like the grill is tilted just enough the wrong way to keep pellets from falling properly, or the wind blows through making the thermostat probe reading inaccurate.

It isn't perfect, but I'm enjoying the food I make on it. I use it more like a smoke generating oven. The only thing I grill on mine is steaks, and that's mostly because I like the reverse sear method. Burgers are better on my kettle.

I've only had mine a couple of weeks and I only grilled on it once (not overly impressed). I think I'll stick with my Weber gasser for grilling. But, for smoking... I'm very happy so far. It was cold and *raining* on Thanksgiving morning and my 19# turkey came out excellent. I've also smoked wings, thighs and pistachios; all were very good. No real issues so far and happy with results!

 

[Goneincognito]

What I'm getting from all this (not pointing fingers at anyone) is that some people want things to work first time every time and aren't willing to accept anything else.
That's totally fine but they need to use charcoal or fire moving forward because nothing out there is 100% reliable.
These have been out for almost 2 years now.
You can't tell me you did ZERO research before getting one.

 

[rexster314]

Reading through these replies, I wonder if some are lemons, or if there's an environmental factor, like the grill is tilted just enough the wrong way to keep pellets from falling properly, or the wind blows through making the thermostat probe reading inaccurate.

It isn't perfect, but I'm enjoying the food I make on it. I use it more like a smoke generating oven. The only thing I grill on mine is steaks, and that's mostly because I like the reverse sear method. Burgers are better on my kettle.

I put a bubble level on the grill grates before I did the burn in.

 

[Craig Lares]

I canceled my order back last winter because of all the problems they were having. Now over a year later I was wondering are all the bugs worked out? For the one’s that have owned theirs a while, are they worth it or should I look elsewhere for a smoker. I still notice some people are having problems.

I just gave up on my two EX6 grills and ordered a new RecTeq unit. I've tried everything everyone has suggested including using only Weber pellets, vacuuming out my auger during each cleaning, etc.. The problem has been that both my units won't hold my set temperature and I end up cooking my meat at a much lower temperature than I want to, which also takes longer and screws up the timing of my meal with the sides. I believe that the pellet feed system is defective and the pellets get stuck in the hopper and starve the auger. This has happened randomly with both my grills- one at home and one at the cabin. The other huge annoyance is the frequent replacement of glow plugs. I'll be requesting a full refund from Weber for my $2,400. Why on earth Weber has not corrected this problem and sent me an advisory on how to get it fixed I have no idea- perhaps its an existential financial threat to deal with all the defective units they have sold and they are hiding and hoping.

 

[JpsBBQ]

I just gave up on my two EX6 grills and ordered a new RecTeq unit. I've tried everything everyone has suggested including using only Weber pellets, vacuuming out my auger during each cleaning, etc.. The problem has been that both my units won't hold my set temperature and I end up cooking my meat at a much lower temperature than I want to, which also takes longer and screws up the timing of my meal with the sides. I believe that the pellet feed system is defective and the pellets get stuck in the hopper and starve the auger. This has happened randomly with both my grills- one at home and one at the cabin. The other huge annoyance is the frequent replacement of glow plugs. I'll be requesting a full refund from Weber for my $2,400. Why on earth Weber has not corrected this problem and sent me an advisory on how to get it fixed I have no idea- perhaps its an existential financial threat to deal with all the defective units they have sold and they are hiding and hoping.

Failing glow plugs is assembly error. Period.

You can cook food as fast or slow as you’d like. You act like you cannot adjust the temperatures. Somehow others have managed. Units aren’t defective. The issues you describe suggest an inability to make the most minor adjustments required in all BBQ cooking. Heck the cooking times vary widely depending on the unique protein and it’s fat content and connective tissues. Being married to rigid times and temps is not conducive to great bbqing. Different cookers or types of cookers perform differently. For instance, ceramic grills cook fast due to the very moist environment. Oh well, this ain’t for everyone.

Good luck. The Rec Tec is a solid pellet smoker but is not a versatile cooker. Depending on your specific needs, it just might be a perfect fit for your style.

 

[rexster314]

I just gave up on my two EX6 grills and ordered a new RecTeq unit. I've tried everything everyone has suggested including using only Weber pellets, vacuuming out my auger during each cleaning, etc.. The problem has been that both my units won't hold my set temperature and I end up cooking my meat at a much lower temperature than I want to, which also takes longer and screws up the timing of my meal with the sides. I believe that the pellet feed system is defective and the pellets get stuck in the hopper and starve the auger. This has happened randomly with both my grills- one at home and one at the cabin. The other huge annoyance is the frequent replacement of glow plugs. I'll be requesting a full refund from Weber for my $2,400. Why on earth Weber has not corrected this problem and sent me an advisory on how to get it fixed I have no idea- perhaps its an existential financial threat to deal with all the defective units they have sold and they are hiding and hoping.

Still using a glow plug from 2020. And didn't do the hose clamp thing. Took the finger (lawyer) guard off before even doing the burn in. We use our EX6 at least once a week. Often going 2 months before cleaning out the bottom and ash pan. Sure sounds like operator malfunctioning instead of the grill.

 

[Bruno]

I put a bubble level on the grill grates before I did the burn in.

Did the same, I actually didn’t realize I was on sloped ground, the 5” casters fixed that no problem.
I am also on my original glow plug and no clamp.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Still using a glow plug from 2020. And didn't do the hose clamp thing. Took the finger (lawyer) guard off before even doing the burn in. We use our EX6 at least once a week. Often going 2 months before cleaning out the bottom and ash pan. Sure sounds like operator malfunctioning instead of the grill.

Exactly

 

[Goneincognito]

I just gave up on my two EX6 grills and ordered a new RecTeq unit. I've tried everything everyone has suggested including using only Weber pellets, vacuuming out my auger during each cleaning, etc.. The problem has been that both my units won't hold my set temperature and I end up cooking my meat at a much lower temperature than I want to, which also takes longer and screws up the timing of my meal with the sides. I believe that the pellet feed system is defective and the pellets get stuck in the hopper and starve the auger. This has happened randomly with both my grills- one at home and one at the cabin. The other huge annoyance is the frequent replacement of glow plugs. I'll be requesting a full refund from Weber for my $2,400. Why on earth Weber has not corrected this problem and sent me an advisory on how to get it fixed I have no idea- perhaps its an existential financial threat to deal with all the defective units they have sold and they are hiding and hoping.

Had mine for over 12 months and never had an issue (including a failed glow plug).
The first thing I did when I got it was remove the finger guard. I also stir the pellets during a cook and don't have voids.
When my glow plug eventually fails I will contact Weber and get a replacement under warranty.
If I ever find things are cooking too slow I will increase the temp.

But hey... good luck new RecTeq unit.

 

[Bruno]

Had mine for over 12 months and never had an issue (including a failed glow plug).
The first thing I did when I got it was remove the finger guard. I also stir the pellets during a cook and don't have voids.
When my glow plug eventually fails I will contact Weber and get a replacement under warranty.
If I ever find things are cooking too slow I will increase the temp.

But hey... good luck new RecTeq unit.

An RT-700 would be a great choice.
I’ve noticed my SF cooks low sometimes and did have an issue with a PB taking FOREVER!!
I’m with you in cranking up the temp. I only cook in the top grate and now let my smoke thermometer dictate temps I adjust too.
Getting better every time.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Had mine for over 12 months and never had an issue (including a failed glow plug).
The first thing I did when I got it was remove the finger guard. I also stir the pellets during a cook and don't have voids.
When my glow plug eventually fails I will contact Weber and get a replacement under warranty.
If I ever find things are cooking too slow I will increase the temp.

But hey... good luck new RecTeq unit.

Glow plug should last for many years unless you are unlucky. I remember assembling my EX4 almost two years ago and I made note to my wife that getting the plug seated and adjusted properly was a little pain and I could see people not doing it correctly. It’s just one of those things that if you don’t have some mechanical or assembly experience you might very well think it’s seated when it’s not.

My experience is like others. I had some growing pains a year ago and more but since the upgraded auger and improvements to the software it’s just been rock solid. Like rexster said I clean mine very infrequently. I am seeing some wear on the little pieces that hold the heat deflectors and such but I think I’ll just send some pictures to Weber and I’ll bet they get me new ones. Just an awesome product. I think people who have ample experience with cookers will definitely appreciate the abilities of the Smokefire.

 

[ravkesef]

No... They can also happen when lazy people don't empty or replace the tray after cleaning the inside. Keeping it clean applies to the whole thing.

Sorry, old chap, but grease fires are an unfortunate issue with the SF. Yes, keeping it clean is a necessity, but the SF is prone to grease fires regardless. You have simply been fortunate so tar.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Sorry, old chap, but grease fires are an unfortunate issue with the SF. Yes, keeping it clean is a necessity, but the SF is prone to grease fires regardless. You have simply been fortunate so tar.

This is not true. It is always operator error. Grease fires can and will happen with any and all brands of grill that the temps exceed 375. Just educate yourself and do a google search of any popular brand with key words grease fire. I have been cooking on pellet grills for longer than you’ve known they existed and I’m here to tell you this design is NOT MORE susceptible to fires in fact less likely due to design. The fire result from laziness, lack of awareness and the fact that it’s a far superior grill than competitors. Far more high heats cooks with the Smokefire than any other brand. I’ve literally done thousands and thousands of cooks on various pellet grills and any of them can have a fire if you’re negligent enough. Cleaning is not nearly as important as is awareness of what you have cooked prior. I do dozens of high heat cooks without cleaning or incident. If I was to cook three pounds of bacon however and then crank it up to 550-600 to sear a steak, we’d have an issue. This goes for ANY cooker. I blame the IDIOT BABY BACK MANIAC for this terrible misinformation. He basically intentionally started a grease fire and acted like he was surprised. I repeat IDIOT! He should be ashamed of himself. What a turd! Go watch the thread I started with the YouTube video as a start. The guy there does well in describing a part of the issue.

 

[Hal4UK]

This is not true. It is always operator error. Grease fires can and will happen with any and all brands of grill that the temps exceed 375. Just educate yourself and do a google search of any popular brand with key words grease fire. I have been cooking on pellet grills for longer than you’ve known they existed and I’m here to tell you this design is NOT MORE susceptible to fires in fact less likely due to design. The fire result from laziness, lack of awareness and the fact that it’s a far superior grill than competitors. Far more high heats cooks with the Smokefire than any other brand. I’ve literally done thousands and thousands of cooks on various pellet grills and any of them can have a fire if you’re negligent enough. Cleaning is not nearly as important as is awareness of what you have cooked prior. I do dozens of high heat cooks without cleaning or incident. If I was to cook three pounds of bacon however and then crank it up to 550-600 to sear a steak, we’d have an issue. This goes for ANY cooker. I blame the IDIOT BABY BACK MANIAC for this terrible misinformation. He basically intentionally started a grease fire and acted like he was surprised. I repeat IDIOT! He should be ashamed of himself. What a turd! Go watch the thread I started with the YouTube video as a start. The guy there does well in describing a part of the issue.

I was "apprehensive" myself about grease fires because my EX6 is my first pellet cooker (I've had plenty of other smokers). But, I'm not the least bit worried anymore. I'm sure I could set my EX6 on fire if I tried, but I ain't gonna try. I could set all kinds of things on fire if I tried. I'm just not gonna try.

 

[Bruno]

I had a grease fire ish episode, I was drunk and being stupid. Glad I was able to catch it quick and learned a good lesson. When drunk use a drip pan! Hahhahahhaha and you thought I was gonna say don’t drink and cook!!