Worth The Plunge?

[rexster314]

Today I did 2 prime briskets in the Smokefire. I used a PitBoss mix of apple, cherry and maple with some pecan thrown in. I love the way you can custom choose what flavor you're looking for.
But to answer your question. The 1050 is sort of like hit you over the head with flavor. Nothing subtle about the flavors it gives. It takes a little more watching since you have to replenish the wood/charcoal, but not too bad if you're doing low and slow. The Smokefire has a more subtle flavor profile, but imparts an excellent smoke flavor and a great natural smoke ring.

And yes, if Weber-Stephens put their collective minds together, they could come up with a gravity feed with their great porcelain coatings and attention to details at a price point I could live with, I'd be the first in line, but only after my Smokefire gives up the ghost. I've spent over 2500$ this year on grills (MB 560, MB 1050, Weber Smokefire) But it's been a learning experience.

 

[Kmdodge]

The SF isn’t perfect but it’s a hell of a grill and can put out great low and slow. My first pellet smoker but I think it adds a lot of flavor. I’ve all but retired the kettles and the WSM 22 at this point.

You're spot-on, Bruno....this is my second pellet smoker (had a Louisiana Grills previously), and the SF puts out a MUCH better and more consistent smoke - especially on low temps. I have the SF4, and I love mine.

 

[Sudz]

Today I did 2 prime briskets in the Smokefire. I used a PitBoss mix of apple, cherry and maple with some pecan thrown in. I love the way you can custom choose what flavor you're looking for.
But to answer your question. The 1050 is sort of like hit you over the head with flavor. Nothing subtle about the flavors it gives. It takes a little more watching since you have to replenish the wood/charcoal, but not too bad if you're doing low and slow. The Smokefire has a more subtle flavor profile, but imparts an excellent smoke flavor and a great natural smoke ring.

As a long time Weber fan I waited anxiously for the SF. The launch caused me to pause and wait for the smoke to settle. As time dragged on I stumbled onto the MB560. I have a highly modded WSM which does an excellent job with slow smokes but it has never been what I would call convienent.

I was familar with the MB reputation but took a chance fully expecting to eventually move to the SF. Initial experience with the MB560 was frustrating only because of the controller and app set up. This did get addressed and from that point forward there have been no issues. It's easy to use and maintain, and fun I might add. The food is as good as the WSM and in most cases better. It hits temps very quickly and changes from slow smoke to sear in a few minutes. It is also very quiet. The quality is better than I expected but it's still no Weber.

I continue to follow the SF and play with getting one but honestly don't know what I should expect making that change. The only factor I'm trying to gage is the ultimate results of the food cooked and the flavor.

Rexster314, you have a very good stable of grills and obviously are serious with your grilling. Now that you've had time with your SF, what will be your future grill of choice. Why?

Thanks Rexster314

 

[bbqking]

Knowing how my EX6 works...and having cooked many things on my SF, if it went capoot tomorrow I would weep, and gnash my teeth, until I had it replaced with another SF. There are probably more popular and even maybe higher end pellet cookers out there. But I’m a Weber fan, enthusiast, and grill/bbq/smoker lover. SF for life!

 

[Sudz]

Thanks bbqking. Clearly you think highly of the SF as do many folks. Thanks for the feedbck.

I was specifically trying to get a response from rexster314 since he owns and uses both the SF and MB. I'm trying to understand the flavor differences between the two grills and what someone who has both prefers.

 

[rexster314]

EDITED for briefness

Rexster314, you have a very good stable of grills and obviously are serious with your grilling. Now that you've had time with your SF, what will be your future grill of choice. Why?

Thanks Rexster314

The main difference I've noticed is that the Masterbuilt GF can hit you over the head with flavor and the Smokefire is a more mellowed out flavor and attains a better smoke flavor. My wife prefers the SF over the GF. Future grill? LOL, I have NO more room for anything else. If anything were to go it would be the 1050 Masterbuilt. I'd keep the 560 because I have the rotisserie kit for it and it takes up less room

 

[Sudz]

Thanks rexster314. Really appreciate your feedback!