SmokeFire Reverse Seared Steaks - Thick New York Strips Medium Rare

[@MrPanthers23]

These videos make me feel even better about my yoder ys640. Nothing but dependable since Dec 2018. Love the recipe though.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Interesting. Seems like they may have made a better grill than a smoker. Great job

[@Searedandsmoked]

it was a very tasty steak... but probably not worth keeping on the patio just for that. so saaad

[@BabyBackManiac]

@@Searedandsmoked I made a great steak today too. So maybe we are on to something.

[@Alex-ii5pm]

@@BabyBackManiac Weber made a pellet smoker that grills as good as a standard weber kettle grill or Webber Q....but it can't do a long smoking session without catching on fire 🤔🤔🤔🤔. They should of focused on it as a smoker as intended instead of a Jack of all trades but a master of none. They should have baked the design a bit longer to work out the flaws. Real shame. Loved your honest opinion on this cooker in your videos.

[@albruce1949]

the main reason i started watching your channel is that i’m very interested in buying a pellet grill and after hearing that weber was introducing one i was gun ho on a weber . But after your experience and others i’m sure it won’t be a weber. i just can’t believe weber didn’t figure out that the pellet hopper has a huge flaw . keep us informed on how weber handles this matter.

[@MrBiggameslayer]

Rec tec rt700 is similar size, slightly more money (maybe 10% more) and solid. Nothing but good reviews. When I was researching pellet grills, I looked at everything out there and I kept coming back to the rt700. Best bang for the buck.

[@Tops1212]

I was very interested in this weber, but the videos over the weekend put me off completely. My money is on a rec tec 700. I wish everyone well, who purchased the weber. I live in Cabada and its $2000 can dollars for the weber....

[@Sevenfeet0]

@@Tops1212 Most of the reviews on Facebook from owners have been better but there the issues that seem to crop up the most are: 1. Hopper void issue (like in this video). Food grade silicon is a good workaround 2. Computer update issues. Some have gotten past this but a few owners have dead machines. 3. Can't get to 600 degrees. No known cause. Otherwise, most of the owners I see online are getting good cooks. What happens next with how Weber handles the problems in the next several days in key, especially since a few of them have KZbin channels.

[@thehawk05]

As a person who is in the market for a Pellet Grill, like many I was very intrigued when Weber announced the Smokefire. I’ve owned a Weber gas grill for 10 years and it has been excellent with zero issues. But with all the issues that have been shown here on KZbin on this channel, numerous others and online reviews since this grill has started to arrive in the hands of end users this one is easily off my list. The whole point of a pellet grill is the “Set and Forget” convenience of it. Weber seems to have inadvertently created the opposite......a “Get it and Babysit it” pellet grill.

[@withinavoid]

Same for me. I have a 15 year old Weber Genesis gas grill that is still going strong. I've only had to replace the igniter and the regulator line which are both wearable items and cheap. This was supposed to be *the* pellet grill but it's definitely a flop. How are you going to do an overnight brisket cook without worrying you have to check on it? I guess you have to hope the app even works and alerts you to a temp drop - wow.

[@tomgates316]

withinavoid How will it tell you about a coming grease fire? Can you imagine leaving some whole chicken or turkey on this as the skin fat renders out? A duck!?

[@40ozbeerbellydude]

Same thing happened to me on my traeger a couple times. I will say both times was when it was winter and cold. I started to only fill the box just less then half full thinking it was jammed/clogged in cold weather, so I can easily unclog it if it happens again. No issues in the summer.

[@4wolverines]

Looks great! Top right corner of the lid is a gap to run your probe wires thru. Keep us updated. Impressed with the searing. How was the ash since you had to crank it up with the fan blowing? Thanks

[@Searedandsmoked]

I do not have big complaints about the ash. It does not blow around too much after the initial heating and the food is on. It does form a gunky mixture with grease at the bottom though. Not looking forward to the first cleaning session

[@karenrice9538]

A few people on the Weber pellet grill forum suggested removing the wire guard in the bottom of the pellet hopper. They feel it restricts the pellet feed. Makes sense to me.

[@esmoglo]

Thanks for sharing I appreciate all your hard work gives a pretty good insight as to what improvements need to be made in the grill before I would even consider purchasing it

[@meatcranium4280]

Very nice. That hopper thing is a big issue.

[@Searedandsmoked]

agreed... not sure how they missed that.... i hope to hear there thoughts on this soon!

[@Tops1212]

Glad you were finally able to get some food from the weber.

[@wichoswld]

Thanks for all the helpful videos and your honesty. I was tempted to buy this grill. You saved me, and I’m sure a bunch of others from heartache.

[@bradyb9929]

Also there is a probe feeder spot on the top right

[@Searedandsmoked]

thank you... I will use that next time!

[@michaellogan2970]

Glad you had a mostly successful cook, and that the searing capabilities are there. EX4 has a steeper chute, so may go that way.

[@livingthedream29]

Those steaks looked delicious. That was the main reason for me looking to buy this grill, searing capability. However, the other issues are keeping me on the fence now. Thanks for your videos and please continue to keep us informed!

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks... I probably will not keep up this same pace for new videos... but will continue to keep posting new content in the coming weeks

[@swifty338]

Maybe your pellets got stuck so to speak because of how cold it is outside? I see some snow on the ground so maybe that's why this void occurred. Just a thought. Perhaps a quick stirring of the pellets at the outset of a cook is warranted? I am a charcoal smoker myself so I don't have any experience with pellet smokers so just offering a thought.

[@engineerat8]

I’m appreciating my good old fashioned kettle and my xl big green egg more and more.

[@bsfaries]

absolutely agree- same setup here, neat new griill though

[@MyEvilLaugh]

Man those looked perfect

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks for checking it out!

[@uglyfacebutthead2446]

Nice job 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@FireWaterCooking]

Why are you not using the port on the top for the food probes?

[@Searedandsmoked]

funny enough.... I just never read that part when going through the manual... I know now though... thanks!

[@ThyronMathews]

Great job on the steaks they look delicious.Perfect Don-nest!! I know how I feel when you have a new product and You are So excited to use it .The Weber company should stand beside it’s product . Thank you for sharing your journey be blessed for one Iowa man to another Iowa Man

[@Searedandsmoked]

right on... thank you! what area in Iowa are you from?

[@ThyronMathews]

Seared and Smoked Oelwein Iowa NE 35 minutes from Waterloo

[@ThyronMathews]

Seared and Smoked Northeast Iowa God’s country 35 minutes north of Waterloo Fayette County

[@444simm]

The smokefire is an amazing cooker for high heat! It lacks in the long slow smoked cooking department

[@Searedandsmoked]

that seems to be the case so far... disappointing no doubt

[@tomgates316]

Bill Braxton Seems they used their gas grill shell and tried to shoehorn the pellet smoker features into that shell. A good smoker and a $60 SearzAll is a wonderful combination. Instead of banging in nails with screwdriver handle or pounding in wood screws with a hammer, have the proper couple of tools.

[@Gielendennis]

Also started watching this channel for the Weber Smokefire feedback and its not looking good for Weber. Was also looking to buy a pellet grill for convenience, but this is everything but... Also other channels are saying that the SmokeFire is not 100% reliable. Problems with the temp drop, fw update, pellets that are stuck... I am curious how Weber is going to respond to this.

[@foodonfire3662]

Weber is undoubtedly aware of all these videos and the numerous issues raised on blogs as well. Their silence speaks volumes. The likely "fix" is that some employees will be fired, it's the corporate way.

[@wisconsinlife3971]

Dennis Gielen GMG Is my cooker.. Never an issue for 4 years.. Don't give up on em yet!

[@jamesarnold5100]

Camp chef does the same thing love my camp chef.

[@frenettaoneal2482]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I’ll keep watching but for right now I’m going to pass on the Smokefire. I’m a “Weber Guy” I have Kettles, Genesis and Smokey Mountain. This one is a rare miss for Weber.

[@michaelconnolly8998]

There is a pass through notch/port for your probes at the top of the door on the right side so you don’t have to run them under the door and let out all that good smoke!

[@Searedandsmoked]

I will definitely do that next time! Thanks!

[@jamesb.2064]

What about putting larger wheels on the right side. Tipping the smokefire up an extra inch may help gravity move pellets to the auger. Just wondering. 🤨

[@normpang]

wouldn't that create a slope for the grill too...?

[@jamesb.2064]

Yeah...hoping it wouldn’t be enough to upset how the grill fires and drains...but enough to get the pellets going. ??//

[@plmn93]

This grill has such impressive performance, but between the reports I am seeing with the pellet feed, the electronics, the way grease mixes with the ash in the bottom, and how easily ash gets outside the grill, I am starting to wonder if Weber fully tested this design. Thanks for the videos.

[@4wolverines]

plmn93 It looks like they just tested it in a garage & not in the real world. I wanted this grill too! Might have to make those exhaust vents a little smaller to avoid the wind affecting it from what others are saying.

[@ccaldwellre]

However, one reads where they tested it for 3 years or something like that. If so, amazing these glaring (on several KZbin sites) issues such as hopper not steep enough, failed temperatures, ash/grease issues - all are common. I purchased a Traeger Ironwood (absolutely love it) last April and was wondering if I should have waited a year for this Weber. I think anyone needs to wait for 2.0.

[@plmn93]

@@ccaldwellre I know, it's hard to believe how a company with Weber's resources and reputation could screw it up so badly. I bought a RecTec last summer before there was any word of this thing. When I saw the initial Weber-supervised cooks I was kind of bummed that I didn't wait. Now I'm very glad I didn't. I wouldn't be surprised if Weber is forced to recall these, with the grease/ash management it appears fires are inevitable.

[@Sevenfeet0]

I think that the final solution for this void issue is a simple one....a taller hopper with a more angled ramp. A workaround for existing owners is probably using food-grade silicon or carnuba car wax on the ramp to lower the friction coefficent.

[@bobbykimble6358]

That grill is possessed

[@hammerslap5639]

The simple fact is, you cant rely on this grill to cook anything low and slow on the entire right side of the cooking level, this grill gets a no from me. Its a shame since I am a huge fan of their weber spirit propane grills, I thought that quality would follow through over here, but I guess not. Imagine if it was the EX4, you wouldn't even be able to smoke a whole pork shoulder. Since these are currently on the market for sale, i think its time for reviewers to give a complete and honest opinion on if this is worth the money. So far from what i see its not but everyone keeps saying they will keep trying and hope it works out... That's not an unbiased view. $1200 and you gotta update firmware to keep a fire going, only use half the grill, keep a close eye on the pellet feed, and hope and pray that at some point your meat will come out OK... sorry but woulda gone back on day 2.

[@Sevenfeet0]

I think the right side of the grill issue was a misaligned firebox upon assembly. Most other owners I've seen on Facebook don't have that problem. The WSF is a bit hotter in the center than the sides but i would expect that in the design.

[@hammerslap5639]

@@Sevenfeet0 there are several reviews on Weber's own website reporting the same issue, and after having realigned it you can still see if blasting flames out the side.

[@Searedandsmoked]

if it was easy to take it back, it would probably already be gone... but it's not. so, I at least want to see how they respond to these issues before going down that road.

[@pitis2flie]

Weber just needs to own up to the mistake on the pellet hopper design and change it ASAP. That includes replacing it for all customers that already have it. That issue makes this cooker a definite no go for me. The other issues such as the grill turning off/ freezing up can hopefully be fixed with software/ firmware updates.

[@Searedandsmoked]

agreed! hopper is my main issue right now

[@daveo8955]

@@Searedandsmoked my ex6 has worked perfect so far. No fires and great food. The app though is just no good right now. Hope weber makes all the issues right though. There are definitely issues

[@nobrien1]

I saw elsewhere that the probes are supposed to run through the indent up by the hinges. You are exceedingly patient; I would have taken it back by now. I don't see how they are going to fix the pellet feed issue without serious modification. The best case is they will do an insert you can drop in that will give a steeper angle but that will reduce the hopper capacity.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Yeah... If I had an easy way to return it, it might be gone by now. I will give them a little time.

[@nobrien1]

@@Searedandsmoked If Weber doesn't make this 110% right for you and all the other early adopters I think we should organize a Weber boycott. If they can't get this late to the party pellet grill right, after having all the time in the world to alpha and beta test it, they don't deserve to have anyone buy their products. There but for the grace of God I would be standing with you. I had an order, but a little voice told me to wait for reviews and I cancelled it.

[@joeydoesthings4955]

F. Neil O'Brien you want to march??? 😂

[@nobrien1]

@@joeydoesthings4955 Great idea! You charter a bus to Chicago (Weber's HQ) and I will work on protest songs and chants!

[@Smegs1989]

Remove the guard at the bottom of the hopper and you won’t have an issue. I ran the smoker for 24 hours straight without refilling and with an issue of pellets feeding

[@operator2904]

Thanks for the video. If you like charred food, looks like this unit is the way to go. A little expensive though.

[@bsideadventures2180]

You look just like 8 bit guy on youtube. Good video man

[@Searedandsmoked]

ouch... i had to look him up...i think i'm aging better than him... but he's killing it on youtube... so what do I know

[@bsideadventures2180]

You are definitely aging better. But you're making great content keep it up sir

[@karlbalzuweit1613]

Pellet feed issue, clean out the hopper and use food grade spray silicone and wipe down the inside. Also remove the stupid wire guard over the auger (note don't stick fingers in after, lol). Even a $2500 Yoder can have feed issues. Did you do the software update? My first SmokeFire EX4 was an early build and could not update, returned and the second one is a rockstar.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I did do the update. I will have to look into the food grade silicone. Do you apply that once a month or more/less?

[@Steve-n-Tango]

Seared and Smoked I would venture to I believe one coat will be all that is necessary. Over time the pellets will polish the metal and the coefficient of friction will decrease. I have seen this in our machines at work. Not in your case, but I am suspecting that some folks new to pellets do not know how sensitive pellets are to moisture. It does not take much to start softening up the surface. Just a thought.

[@stevenkereszturi7479]

Wanted to buy that grill but I thinking I better off with rt700

[@wisconsinlife3971]

Brisket! Take ya 2 days on that cooker!! Ida had that back to the store after day one of issues!

[@bradyb9929]

And this is where the Smokefire dominates other pellet grills

[@k9m42]

Too bad it wasn't designed to smoke it fails in that area

[@livingthedream29]

Yes but as it sits now it’s a glorified gas grill only!

[@timkline162]

Would this grill be good for a beginner who's never smoked anything before? Or is there a better grill from another brand?

[@wichoswld]

Tim Kline I wouldn’t buy it. Not now.

[@treetopflyersofva2]

Thanks for all your reviews on the SmokeFire. I ordered the smaller one and it isn't here yet. I am thinking about sending it back but I don't want to give up on it yet. One guy on KZbin had a disaster smoking on his. It kept catching fire and the grease didn't drain right. It looked like the ash mixed with the grease and made a mud like substance that would not drain. I noticed Traeger and Rec Tec have plates that keep the grease away from the ash and it makes clean up look so much easier. You vacuum out the ash instead of scraping a burnt mess that looks like you have with Weber. Are you having this clean up problem or has it been easy for you?

[@Searedandsmoked]

it does get mixed together close to the burn pot and grease drain area. I have not cleaned it yet, but I am not looking forward to it! I would think you have to clean it every time you do a big cook to be safe

[@atlgator1928]

@@Searedandsmoked The Yt'ers grease fire happened during first cook. Enjoy your cooker, but do let us know when you smoke something longer and how it works for you - thanks!

[@rickrude1689]

I kinda want to think it's the size of some of the pellets that cause that void

[@mikearellano3180]

Curious if the long cooks that created the golfer hole is the weber pellets? Would like to see if other pellets would cause this void as you mentioned. If the pellets are not at fault, then to me it sounds like the auger is mistimed or the space between the auger is hanging up the pellets. Which causes the pellets to reverse themselves and create that hole. For instance on a pit boss you have that p setting the pause setting which times the auger movement. The auger controller could be out of sync and that would be a software update or the auger needs to be redone. Weber owes me a grill if that is the problem.

[@Searedandsmoked]

complicated I guess... I have no idea

[@therealliveguy]

How long did it take to get to the 100 degree internal temp with the grill set to 200?

[@Searedandsmoked]

it was a long time a go... but I think it took 30 minutes or so? that being said, mine ran hot... no matter what the temp said... so definitely do not rely on this result for your own.

[@therealliveguy]

Seared and Smoked with Keegan cool. thanks!

[@gaspipe1]

Would it have been better to sear the steaks over the center plate? If it’s hotter, perhaps on 60 secs per side. Also, can you put some sort of sliding weight on the right side hopper? Pushing the pellets to the center?

[@ccaldwellre]

Looks like she “flames” are either in right or left side. The center has the metal deflector - plus you wouldn’t want grease to drop into the firebox.

[@4wolverines]

Cooking that hot, the grease dripping down should get vaporized. It’s the low & slow grease that will cause issues. Also, if they can’t design a gravity fed hopper, then what’s the point??!

[@Searedandsmoked]

from playing with the grill, when there have been grease fires from previous cooks, such as after my ribs, it has been the drippings from the center plate, so I decided to stay away from that area

[@ROgletree]

Too bad Weber won’t man up and publicly comment on your issues. I’m sure they are following social media and have seen your videos.

[@Searedandsmoked]

i believe they have. I sent them a link with my comments

[@DJaquithFL]

Just return the damn grill. Yes "I bought the EXTRA WIDE SmokeFire so I can use the 8" sweet spot" otherwise the beef on the left still Moo's or it's a flaming cinder block on the center right." 🥴😂🔥 or ❄️ I've come to the conclusion if you want low & slow and *easy* then yep buy a pellet grill. For now anything else than a Weber. If you like to sear then I'd find a grill with at least an infrared side.

[@Searedandsmoked]

yup... seems to be tough to do both on the same rig... think I will just go with a good low and slow pellet smoker... as I already got too many "grills"

[@bnrlabs5923]

How long did it take to get from 200 to 600?

[@Searedandsmoked]

one of the few real positives is how fast it can ramp up once its up and going. takes a little while for the initial heat to develop, but only takes 5 min or so from 250 - 600

[@doubleedge7250]

Just give those pellets a stir every now and then. Won’t have any problems with them making a void after that

[@Searedandsmoked]

unfortunately, the pellet feed system was garbage. you could not leave it alone for a few hours... let alone overnight

[@doubleedge7250]

@@Searedandsmoked really? That’s ridiculous! I would expect more from Weber. I have a pit boss and it has been flawless

[@xxtitanfallxx2075]

have you removed the auger guard mesh?

[@Searedandsmoked]

I do have that removed now, for my next round of tests (after a new computer from weber and auger). we will see what happens next...

[@BlackCountryLad]

Next years Mark 2 SmokeFire might iron out All of the current flaws! 1 pellets sticking, 2 Small wheels, 3 Unreliable software, 4 Temperature gauge readings. 5 lack of Iron Grates, 6 Costumer support, 7 cheap and noisy fan. Have I failed to mentioned anything?

[@robertpoche1585]

Black Country Lad ...uneven temperature distribution

[@Searedandsmoked]

I will add... lack of drip pan or the drip collection system is not good

[@foodonfire3662]

Your equanimity is impressive but I fear, misplaced. When GRAVITY fails, all is lost!

[@dman357]

You must of been a lucky Beta tester cause everybody eles Ive viewed has problems with theirs from grease fires to the feeder not properly dispensing and etc. Opps guess I spoke to soon.

[@Searedandsmoked]

yup... i have had my issues too... working with weber support on some possible fixes... but no promises yet

[@dman357]

@@Searedandsmoked I know you want it to work out but weber needs to just stick with what works and thats there charcoal grills. Have you ever looked into yoder smokers they seems to have a nice one that does the job right

[@ausskiguy]

Tables a bit wonky mate...... :O :P

[@Searedandsmoked]

I know... damn it! lol... one of those things I only noticed after filming and into the shoot.... that shit will be fixed next time : )

[@blackboy424]

Not worth finding bigger issues... I would unplug this thing and return it immediately. Too Dangerous!

[@littlebob1261]

Man, this weber smoker is the worst product ever made. Everyone is getting grease fires on top of it not working, what a joke