Game Changing Weber Kettle Accessory (Spider VENOM)

Most fan controllers for your Weber Kettle require you to drill a hole in it. The placement can be difficult and you are left with a hole in your charcoal grill when you aren’t using it. The Venom from Spider Grills solves that problem by replacing the ash catcher with a fan controller that can be managed with an app from anywhere you have an internet connection. I’ve had the Spider Venom for three months and have been able to put it through a bunch of cooks and tests for this video.

[@GrillTopExperience]

Here is the second video review where I answer your questions while smoking a brisket on the Spider Venom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIKacqCXjd2lopY

[@task82]

Great video. But if they gave you a Spider Venom to keep, you absolutely got paid 😂😂

[@MadScientistBBQ]

Very well done! Great meeting you on Friday 👍🏻

[@GrillTopExperience]

Thanks Jeremy! I appreciate you answering all my questions too. Safe travels.

[@markennes5208]

@@GrillTopExperience Some day, Jeremy will just randomly stop by my house. I'm pretty sure of it. ;-)

[@jefflevine9988]

This controller is a game changer for those of us who prerfer to go low N slow on a Webber. If that's the food you're preparing, you wont be disappointed. I've done 20 briskets in the 2 years i've owned the Spider and this controller rocks!! I use the snake method every time, and there are no issues. I find myself not having to open the lid of the kettle so much because it eases my mind to know the food is not burning. which makes for better heat control anyway, and a better overall produce. Great job Spider Venom!

[@bc454irocz89]

when you do snake does the brisket go in the middle? or do you keep it on one side turning the grate so its opposite the fire on the snake?

[@HaroldCundal]

Great review! I'm in Canada and when I saw this a few months ago, I knew I had to have it. Got a buddy to bring it up for me on his last visit and man am I glad... this thing is amazing! I agree with your entire assessment. It holds temp so freakin well! It's got a few quirks like you said but it's super impressive how responsive and reactive Spider Grills is with their updates. Really happy with this purchase! I still drilled a hole, tho... and added a probe port. Happy with that as well. Side note: the Weber Summit Kamado grills (oddly) have the same ash catcher configuration and legacy leg mounts (?!) on the bottom and the Venom fits on there as well. That seals my next purchase!

[@GrillTopExperience]

That is a really good buddy! For a while Canada had better color choices on the kettle too. Would have made a good trade. I didn't know it could fit the summit. Thanks for sharing.

[@crewdawg52]

Got one about 6 months ago. Love it! A game changer for those with a weber Kettle, a true "set it and forget it"

[@MeltedFace707]

I've watched the few reviews of this I could find and felt yours was not only very informative BUT also easy to watch. You didn't ramble or drag things on which helps a ton. I'll be sticking around :)

[@GrillTopExperience]

Thanks! I try not to make videos longer than they need to be. People's time is valuable. Thanks for watching.

[@cliffvictoria3863]

I added a rotisserie to my Venom kettle set up and it's almost like cheating. With the Venom, rotisserie and a wireless temperature probe, it's pretty close to set and forget to get perfect chicken or roasts. I literally had 3 thermometers reading ambient temps. The Venom controller thermometer, the rotisserie thermometer and the wireless probe thermometer. Plus internal readings from the wireless probe. Talk about being well informed during a cook. Love the Venom so far.

[@GrillTopExperience]

That is a pretty sweet setup! I'm jealous. Sometimes you only have time to set it and forget it!

[@kiremarinceski1036]

Just ordered one… need to wait till mid of July due to backorder. Can’t wait to try it!

[@jorgerivers714]

Where did you buy it from?

[@mrallan8063]

Your review is missing some very key aspects... such as pricing, max and min temps ranges, warranty, does it appear durable for outside storage since it can't be easily removed (water proof? store without cover? Sun?), how does the ash catcher work (and size), does it prevent you from using your kettle for other cooks (such as extremely high heat cooking), can you still use the kettle without turning on the device, availability of replacement parts, where to buy? Maybe a part2? I do like how you showed the installation, that was good!

[@VillanuevaMedia]

That pricing and what not is on the website. However you should be good with just a cover and ash catcher is perfectly fine. And yes you can cook without it being connected, just like you would use it regularly.

[@mrallan8063]

@@VillanuevaMedia Is there a video? The ash catcher looks like its latched on, and I don't see any manual controls for the bottom vent? While "pricing and what nots" are on the website, that doesn't help the review. What product review have you seen that doesn't tell you the approximate price? The feedback is to help for better future product reviews.

[@drzoidberg1]

Good overview. I think it is great for briquettes but without the low fuel warning it seems less useful for lump.

[@gacj2010]

Oh man ... I just put a barely used Weber out to the sidewalk and it was snatched in less than 2 hrs... Oh man i wish I saw your video earlier ... this is unbelievable .Hey Grill top .. you have inspired me so I make pizza on the grill now .. Love you , man ..you are the greatest

[@EyeOfRah]

You get rid of a kettle that easy? I would have snatched it up also

[@GrillTopExperience]

Thanks for the support! The good news if you change your mind, you could probably find another used kettle on the cheap. Pizza on the venom is still on my to do list!

[@jakejaket]

It’s so great. Threw away my charcoal starter stack. Starts well and can maintain low and slow. They keep making updates and have the simple backyard guy in mind.

[@GrillTopExperience]

The recent fan curve change helped a bunch to get things going. Thanks for sharing.

[@Two_Bit_Smoke]

New Sub here! Great review of the Venom!! I agree with you on not making a hole in the kettle…it would void the warranty and if you don’t do it correctly, then it would probably be difficult to fix.

[@GrillTopExperience]

It would definitely void the warranty on the bowl to drill a hole. SNS Grill sells the smoke hole covers separately so people can use that to cover it when it isn't in use. If you change your mind or mess up, it'll never be the same! Thanks for checking it out.

[@kristianmccloudmatillano7332]

Thank you for showing an alternative for us kettle Weber cooks!

[@VillanuevaMedia]

I have one of these I really do like it. Used it so far on many cooks and they've all turned out great.

[@GrillTopExperience]

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@petergriffinson1907]

How is it holding up??

[@jeffbeitinger6565]

Great vid! I've wanted one of these since I first heard of them but the price point while justifiable is just too far out of reach. Keep hoping for a giveaway or someone selling theirs used. Neither likely to happen it seems lol

[@GrillTopExperience]

It is pricey, but it's a reasonable value when compared to other controllers. You can buy the cheaper kettle because you don't need the ash catcher and thermometer. You don't need a step bit to drill the hole either. That said, you can make just as good of food without it.

[@alwayslookin73]

Excellent review! Thanks for all the info

[@toosas]

thanks for making me aware of this gadget

[@drzoidberg1]

The website does not provide a lot of information on the features. Are there three temperature ports or two? What is the 'P' port for? How many probes does it come with? Are the temp ports P 1 2 compatible with standard wired probes? It seems that it can be used without the app, just lose some convenience, correct? Another future feature would be to have top vent recommendations (diagram or 1/4 turn increments) on the main display as well if you don't want to use the app.

[@GrillTopExperience]

It comes with two temperature probes. One goes in the "P" port and is required to let the controller know what the pit temp is. The other can be used for the meat. I haven't tried my other probes with it, but they are the same connector size as the others and that could work for the second meat temp port. The Venom will tell you how to set the top vent on the main display and not in the app and it varies based on temp. For low and slow, I think they call it "slightly open." The app isn't required and you can set everything from the venom itself.

[@Seezor]

Very good info and review. 🤔My dream setup would be the Venom with the Weber 26😮😮😮

[@SpiderGrills]

Stay tuned. 😎

[@GobbaGooBBQ]

Might have to pick one up. Thanks for the review

[@gregoryjones4948]

Hey, I really appreciate your reviews. Very professional. If I decide to purchase one the reviewed products how do I ensure you receive credit? Your channel is one of the best. Thank you, Greg

[@ncwoodworker]

Very nice presentation.

[@tonyurquhart7130]

Thanks for the vid. Would like to see you review the Spider 22, their pellet grill attachment. Cheers.

[@larryholland7192]

Great video!! Thanks!

[@ALFsKitchen1]

Great video bud! definitely earned a new sub!!

[@PaulColone]

Quick question how long did the cook take for the Pork Shoulder and what temp did you set it at?

[@WeberEnthusiast]

Great video , big Weber fan here

[@TheSeanclark85]

Does it tell you to add more fuel?

[@MrCubansurfer]

I prefer a Lone Star Grillz Pellet Smoker - The best!!! (It has a charcoal add on as well)

[@GrillTopExperience]

I think that one might cost a bit more too : )

[@GONZOFAM7]

I know what I'm getting for Christmas.

[@rickcormier9160]

I am very happy with mine.

[@GrillTopExperience]

That's awesome, Rick. Thanks for sharing.

[@TexicanoAmericano]

I just used my Spider Venom for the first low and slow cook using a slow n seer and drip n griddle. After preheating and confirming nice blue smoke and 225 temp I placed my ribs on my 26 weber. I noticed that with the first opening it registered the drop in temp and the fan started to go really high. It seems like I got a lot of bad smoke for a while after that whenever the fan turned on. It also seemed like that would repeat any time I would open to spritz my apple cider vinegar mix. Anyone have any suggestions? I used to get really nice consistent blue smoke using before the venom with both snake and slow n seer.

[@paulh6517]

The Venom did not play well with my 26" either. I don't use it anymore.

[@toosas]

i have something similar for my kamado (not venom) and they suggested to pause the device/monitoring every time you open the lid, then close, wait a minute and unpause. Tedious but guaranteed method. I hope that Venom has something similar?

[@TexicanoAmericano]

Spider grills has since added a pause feature along with some other improvements

[@AgustinLozada]

My only wish, so I can buy it, is that it can mount to a 4 leg slow n sear kettle

[@vonmajor]

Want to get multiple settings for sausage at 130, 150, and 180 degrees for temperature step up at timed intervals, say 2 hours each or a final internal temperature. Does it work like this?

[@GrillTopExperience]

The minimum temperature is 150F. You can absolutely change the temp whenever you need, but that relies on you changing it at that specific time.

[@Edward135i]

I wonder if this would work on the Weber Summit Kamado since it uses the same ash catcher at the bottom.

[@GrillTopExperience]

I checked there FAQs and they said it works for the summit too.

[@Edward135i]

@@GrillTopExperience that set up would be a real game changer, the ultimate do it all grill.

[@308loneeagle7]

The Summit doesn’t need this at all. Smoked 22lbs of pork for 16 hrs @225f, never had to adjust the vents.

[@FritzFrank]

Nice review. I have one of these and like it as well. 😎🔥🍻

[@GrillTopExperience]

Thanks for sharing. This is the first kettle controller I've wanted to try.

[@kiko784]

I’m hoping someone can answer this question for me as I have yet to find an answer to this question. After installing the Spider, the rubber ring is still exposed on the bottom vent of my Weber. Im a little concern of possible hot ashes from the charcoal. I’m wondering if this is just how it is or am I’m somehow installing it incorrectly. I’ve contacted the company but yet to hear back from them over 2 weeks now.

[@GrillTopExperience]

That's the way mine is on the Weber, but isn't it a felt ring and not rubber? Mine hasn't burned at all. The bottom vents are smaller on the Huntsman to avoid that.

[@kiko784]

@@GrillTopExperienceThank you for helping me with this question. I’m happy that you understand what I was trying to ask even when my description of the rubber/felt ring was not accurate. Now I’m actually exciting to start cooking with it. Thanks again.

[@neilthompson2871]

Thanks

[@carloscadena8976]

Is it water proof or do you have to remove the device after every cook

[@GrillTopExperience]

They say it is weatherproof. I keep my grills under a cover, but not in a garage or shed. That should keep it dry enough.

[@carloscadena8976]

@@GrillTopExperience thank you

[@roll5173]

How has the venom held up over time?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I made a video last fall and left it out in the rain during a cook: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omSpYZqJgN2KaZI

[@SL1CK1307]

Pretty cool

[@CharlieMarno100]

Awesome!

[@leeh9420]

Thanks for the review - I'll go check them out! I'm mainly a low-and-slow cooker, and sometimes struggle to keep temps down. Is the top vent closed when using the Spider?

[@GrillTopExperience]

It tells you how to set up the top vent. Low and slow is just barely open. I haven't had issues with high temps, but that is usually only a problem for me doing it manually on a hot day in the sun.

[@fragm3gaming]

Does it fit the standard 22 Weber kettle or only the deluxe?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I put mine on the original. It'll work with any 22 inch kettle or 26 inch if you buy the adapters. The only drawback for using the higher end models is taking off the ash catcher.

[@jimware1502]

in your opinion or known facts from the manufacturer how difficult to attach to Performer? I suspect I would have to remove bowl from table/cart in order to do so...thanks for your informative channel

[@GrillTopExperience]

It'll fit because the performer still has the spots for legs. From my experience, it would be difficult to get it attached without removing the bowl.

[@GrillTopExperience]

Actually... Now that I'm home and looking at my performer, I would flip it upside down and try to attach it without removing the bowl first.

[@jimware1502]

@@GrillTopExperience Thanks, I'll take a look

[@Ultrajamz]

Low fuel warning would be nice especially with changing weather / people at different experience levels

[@GrillTopExperience]

Agreed. I think the low temp alarm would be easy to implement. We will see!

[@darrenj9013]

Can you still use the grill without turning the venom on?

[@GrillTopExperience]

Yes, you can remove the Venom at any time and use the grill like normal. You can also keep the venom on and open the bottom vent to adjust it like you normally would.

[@darrenj9013]

@@GrillTopExperience thank you! I'm totally getting one now.

[@markennes5208]

Another great review. THANKS - EDIT: I don't suppose this would work with the SnS kettle, right? Edit x 2: No it wouldn't because the SnS has four legs. THANKS

[@GrillTopExperience]

The good news is the SNS kettle has a smoke port for a fan controller and a cover for the hole. This one won't work, but you have lots of options.

[@markennes5208]

@@GrillTopExperience Hi, yeah, I know, I have a Billows, but the intake blades at their tips lift up from the bowl and leak like crazy. Thanks

[@Berkana]

Neat device, but the brand name seems really odd to me.

[@stevethea5250]

does it work with premium grill bucket too?

[@GrillTopExperience]

You'll need to remove the ash catcher on the Premium and Master Touch models to install the spider venom.

[@EyeOfRah]

No link?

[@txikitofandango]

costs more than the grill! I would hope a $400 grill would have something like this built in

[@plugnut4713]

Problem with this fan control is that it only comes with a three month warranty (from manufacturer website). Yikes, that's not a good sign. Buyer beware.

[@chuckychuck]

Too bad, wish I had known this earlier, just spent a lot of money on a pellet grill.

[@GrillTopExperience]

I'm sure you'll make good food on the pellet grill too. You probably have a bit more room to work with!

[@VillanuevaMedia]

After I’ve updated my venom or maybe user error I don’t know, I’d set my temp to 250 but then it’d fluctuate from 225 to around 275. Not really locking down to the temp I’d set. How do you start your process? I’m using about 5 fully Lit coals and the slow n sear. Also, do you have the slow n sear on the side where the venom is at or across from it since I see you have some foil placed down in the video.

[@GrillTopExperience]

Thats about the right amount of coals to start with. I didn't think it mattered which side you put the SNS on, but usually put it on the side with the lid bale to keep it out of the way. The foil was to make sure the air only went into the SNS to avoid having the fan spin up more than it needs to. It's also pretty hot right now in most places and it can be hard to keep the temps down in those circumstances. That's a bigger range than I would expect though.

[@mikethompson3812]

Did you ever get this figured out? Did you have to stop using the slow n sear?

[@KI4TZA]

How do you clean out the ashes? Is that an easy process?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I've got a follow up video in the works and plan to address that better. You can remove the ash catcher and dump the ashes, but it impedes the one touch ash clean out system a bit. Totally doable, but takes a bit more effort.

[@chrisarias8308]

So cool! Will this work on the Slow N Sear kettle?

[@GrillTopExperience]

Sadly, no. The SNS kettle has four legs so it won't fit without some modifications. That kettle has a controller port predrilled and has a cover so you could use a standard fan controller.

[@markknister6272]

Does it blow ash back onto the food?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I haven't had an issue with that on low and slow or hot and fast cooks.

[@EyeOfRah]

How easy is it to clean the ash with the spider attached?

[@GrillTopExperience]

The one touch ash cleanout system gets a little sticky when the Venom is attached because the arm is connected to the door on the Venom. It still works, but takes a bit more effort.

[@ryanwinklevoss]

I'd really be curious how well this will hold up in humidity and the weather under a grill cover outside not all of us have the option of storing our grills in a garage or shed.

[@GrillTopExperience]

That's an important question. They say it is weather proof, but I live in a desert and won't be a great test. I've kept mine under a cover so it stays dry.

[@ryanwinklevoss]

@@GrillTopExperience also i know it needs to be hooked up to mains to use i live in an apartment building and have no access to an outdoor outlet, I did see they have plans to release a battery pack for it any plans on testing that when its released?

[@OrphanTube210]

How do you grill at high heat i.e. searing a steak? It seem it is air tight, so does the fan blast the charcoal with air?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I've seen others turn it up to 550F and bake a pizza. If I wanted to sear a steak I would probably use the fan to crank up the heat, then turn it off and sear without the lid on. I didn't try the high end of the range because it's easy enough to dump a chimney of charcoal and let her rip!

[@chuckychuck]

👀👀

[@chukwe]

Will this work on Weber Summit Kamado?

[@GrillTopExperience]

Spider Grills had a post showing one hooked up to a Summit.

[@brandonrickard2645]

Do they make one for the WSM?

[@GrillTopExperience]

Not yet, but other manufacturers have fan controllers designed for the Weber Smokey Mountain. I haven't tried them, so I can't provide a recommendation.

[@michaelmilitello5644]

Is it a good value for the money?

[@GrillTopExperience]

That depends on what you value. When you consider you can buy the base 22" Weber Kettle and the venom for less than a cheap pellet grill or that another controller plus an ash catcher and a big drill bit is more expensive, then yes it is a good value. Can you make the same food without it? Absolutely, but it'll take more of your time.

[@randymullins5525]

Work on chargriller akorn???

[@GrillTopExperience]

No, it only works to replace the ash catcher on a few Weber grills. There are few other fan controllers with adapters for the Akorn that might work. I haven't used them though.

[@OlesonMD]

For their price ($200), you could buy another 22" Weber Kettle. Passing on this one. We have done low & slow on our Kettle, and the temps lock in easily between 235 and 250F.

[@markennes5208]

Yeah but are you going to go to bed and sleep all night like a baby while your brisket is in an unmonitored Weber?

[@OlesonMD]

@@markennes5208 We use a Smoke from Thermoworks for monitoring.

[@spencerstarr4131]

Compatible only with 22” or will it also work on an 18”?

[@GrillTopExperience]

It's not compatible with the 26", but I'm not sure if the 18 inch has the same leg spacing and notches for the ash catcher. I don't have one to test. Sorry!

[@GrillTopExperience]

Update: I found out the ash catcher on the 18 is a couple inches narrower, so the venom won't fit.

[@spencerstarr4131]

@@GrillTopExperience Ahh…too bad-thanks so much for chasing that down. I love your channel!

[@dagobaker]

so pellet grill ease with charcoal and wood flavor......hmmm maybe i need to treat myself

[@petergriffinson1907]

How is it holding up?

[@GrillTopExperience]

Still works, but they just sent out and updated controller to everyone to fix connectivity to the app. Mine is well out of warranty, but just got it.

[@VillanuevaMedia]

@@GrillTopExperience Yeah getting mine soon. Do you still use your torch to start up the charcoal?

[@elmin2323]

How good is ubquiti

[@GrillTopExperience]

Good eye! 6 bajillion times better than my old Netgear router. I've been running it for a year and haven't had any stability issues. That's the 6 lite with two antennas. I just set up the 6 pro for a local shop to give them a cleaner look. They are hard to get though.

[@RRWerken]

I install ubiquiti equipment professionally for 3 years running now. Once installed and properly set up, no matter the size of deployment, we have 0 issues *knocks wood* and customers are very happy.

[@thibodauxdud]

Did you send the unit back to spider grills? If not, you were paid for the review.

[@SkunkMonkey991]

Tried to contact those guy to find out if they are American made. No response from them.

[@GrillTopExperience]

Like most grill parts, it is made in China, but the company is in the USA.

[@SkunkMonkey991]

@@GrillTopExperience Yep found out after doing a tiny bit of research. Decided to forgo a purchase when they chose not to respond. I'm a charcoal guy anyway so no loss to me. Keep up the great work.

[@robk5865]

Why do companies use the cheesiest names for their products? I don't want to be "invenomated", "snakebit", "cobra struck" or "tsunamied" by bbq sauces, rubs or temp controls. I blame the 90's for this. Back then, you could buy "extreme avalanche" underarm deodorant. 3 decades later and no let up on crazy names for products?

[@GrillTopExperience]

I heard on a podcast that they came up with the name because a spider hangs off your web-er. The challenge with spider venom is a general search for "spider venom" won't pull it up.

[@Isovapor]

If you can’t control the temps on any Weber kettle with the included lower and upper lid vents, you probably shouldn’t be playing with fire. Weber kettle is a 2nd grade bbq tool. If you are too ignorant and need a venom to manage your fire, I would suggest that you sell your Weber kettle and venom. Drive 1/2 mile down your street to your local bbq restaurant and enjoy!! Cheers!!

[@GrillTopExperience]

There are a million and one ways to make good BBQ, but not everyone has the time to tend to their pit. If the end result is good food, I say more power to them.

[@Isovapor]

@@GrillTopExperience As I stated in my previous post, if you don’t have the time to properly manage your cook then you should drive down the street where the do have the time to properly cook barbecue. If you can’t manage temps on a Weber kettle with the supplied vents, you either don’t care or have no desire to learn how to cook barbecue. The Weber kettle is where we all started. No bbq pitmaster uses a Weber kettle. It’s a tricycle with training wheels we all started on. I still have my Weber kettle under a Weber cover sitting outside of my garage in the weather. My grills and smokers are inside my garage. I love my Weber Genesis gas grill it’s 20 years old. I used it yesterday. Cheers!!

[@bassman7496]

Came here to read this comment, I heard it from your other video 😂 Cheers! 🍻

[@Isovapor]

@@bassman7496 Thanks for stopping by. Kids with pellet grills. These are the times in which we live. I can’t watch a thermometer on a Weber kettle. I’m too busy on Instagram and watching Netflix. Just go buy barbecue if that’s the best you can do. Cheers my friend!

[@Isovapor]

@@GrillTopExperience go buy bbq down the street where they do have the time. Save your $1000 on your outdoor pellet oven. Pellet grills produce very little smoke flavor if any. Use liquid smoke and cook it inside for a much better cook.

[@infomutt2339]

I'll PASS ......just grill regularly bro!!!!

[@GrillTopExperience]

I still use my other kettles without a controller, but sometimes I just want to "set it and forget it!"

[@PDXTundra]

Lol this is ridiculous. Get it over with and get a Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980.

[@GrillTopExperience]

The Char-Griller costs twice as much. If you already have a kettle, it's worth it.

[@spf-92.5]

Char griller is pretty bottom of the barrel might as well Expert Grill great value lol.... If your getting any gravity fed make it the masterbuilt or weber.

[@peteprizzi8508]

Terrible name! Just got my MT kettle up + runni g + i don't see the need for this gizmo. BBQ is not set + forget. I'm happy with what i got.

[@GrillTopExperience]

The name SOUNDS cool, but googling Spider Venom doesn't get you there.

[@ronaldpatton5906]

Game changer is a phrase that is used to often and mostly inaccurately as in this case.

[@deanvoss7098]

Omg... just buy a pellet grill

[@GrillTopExperience]

They have one of those attachments too, but I prefer the taste of charcoal and wood.

[@lenmil8421]

Pretentious garbage, don't be lazy and monitor your vents. Buy a traeger if you want an oven smoker.

[@GrillTopExperience]

The only thing that is pretentious is thinking your way is better than something you haven't tried.

[@lenmil8421]

@@GrillTopExperience garbage. Learn how to control your fire without crutches.