Learning the Weber SearWood Manual Mode with the NEW Weber Griddle

[@WiscTJK]

Good series of videos Sambo! Good job!

[@sambosplace]

Todd, thanks for checking in and for the supportive words!

[@michaelgartman4320]

We have the Weber slate griddle so don't need a griddle insert but would be fun to try the pizza or searing inserts. Also would love to hear your opinion on getting the smaller 600. Everyone says to get the bigger one but $300 difference in price could be used for accessories.

[@sambosplace]

Michael, if you are not grilling for a bunch now, or ever see yourself smoking a large quantity, stick with the 600. It will heat faster and be more pellet efficient. However…. It’s like anything else you wished you had more room and bought the larger camper, house, shed, or grill first. Along with cook space, the only other pro I see is you can both griddle and toast buns with the larger XL, at the same time, on the same plane. Thanks for checking in!

[@michaelgartman4320]

@@sambosplace Went ahead and ordered the smaller one. It will fit better under the grill gazebo I have set up too. I agree with you that it will get the job done more efficiently! Do you plan on trying the pizza insert? I am curious at how it will do. I suspect just putting a pizza stone in on top of the grate would probably do just as well. Thanks for all the detailed videos. I subbed after watching a couple. It's good to see frank and honest reviews!

[@sambosplace]

Michael, thanks for the supportive words. Appreciate you. I think you made a good choice based on your needs. I have the Weber Crafted insert that will take the pizza stone and I have a larger pizza cook surfaces I tried with my FireCraft. But I have yet to buy a Weber stone insert. There are several possibilities, and not counting out trying the griddle. TBH, I have failed in my previous pizza attempts and really need to focus on the dough. Thanks for checking in!

[@denniskeane5862]

Just ordered a Searwood XL, my first pellet grill. Heard there's a problem with moisture and pellets, so my question is with the rain in this video, did you encounter any pellet problems during or after the cook. Thanks

[@sambosplace]

Dennis, I have zero issues with moisture and feed. But I did drop the remaining pellets as soon as the smoke was done.

[@jeffchapman160]

Just purchased the Weber 600 XL as well. Happy so far after two cooks (Chicken BBQ and steaks which turned out very well). I want to attempt my first smoke this weekend but the weather shows showers on and off all weekend long. I was hesitant about whether I should attempt to do a long smoke with the grill plugged in for a long period of time. I see you did some cooking in the rain. Any problem using a pellet smoker like this in rain showers? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@sambosplace]

Jeff, good questions. In the same predicament here today. Since you assembled the pit, did you notice the rubber gasket sandwiched inbetween the frame of the PID controller? It should be good to go. I have no choice but to smoke today in the rain and see how she goes. I think you should be ok as long as you’re using a quality extension cord.

[@johnfreeman440]

I usually get one of my larger sheet pans and put on top of the pellet hopper and it overhangs the front and rear to keep large amounts of water off of the controller and pellet dump. Worked on my GMG for years and has worked on my Searwood XL a couple times already.

[@SmokeHoff]

@@johnfreeman440good idea. Thanks for sharing

[@sambosplace]

John, that sounds like a plan! Thanks!

[@jeffchapman160]

Makes sense, thanks!​@johnfreeman440

[@rask4p]

For the potatoes, are you par cooking them at all before the smash?

[@sambosplace]

@Rask, yes indeed. Probably could have boiled another 2-3 minutes, but we were running late! Next time!

[@trailheadjunkie]

Im having difficulty getting grill marks on chicken using the Manual mode level 10. Any suggestions you have is appreciated?

[@sambosplace]

Trailhead, how long are you letting it heat up on 10 before you drop the chicken?

[@trailheadjunkie]

@@sambosplace 15 minutes and I do get it very hot but it’s not searing.

[@sambosplace]

Trailhead, this was the issue I was having with my SmokeFire. Could never get it to sear. Have you tried temping the grill grates with a temp gun to see if they’re getting up past 500?