Weber grills are known for being a quality brand. The company is known for its high-end products and impressive warranties. However, Weber is not known for manufacturing pellet grills. That changed in 2020 when the company released the SmokeFire wood-fired pellet grill.
The Weber grill has taken customer feedback into account to improve designs, creating the most accessible grill possible. Thanks to this, the Weber pellet grill stands out for its design and performance, making it a solid choice for individuals who may be interested in something other than a gas or charcoal grill.
In this article: Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen), Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
After the first SmokeFire grill came out, the reviews were harsh. It seemed some elements were a little rushed, and the app wasn’t even fully functional. The issues ranged from flare-ups and grease fires to pellets not feeding correctly and more.
The second generation of the SmokeFire addressed many of these issues, making those early scathing reviews no longer valid.
Instead of charcoal or gas for fuel, a pellet grill uses organic matter compacted into tiny pellets. Weber’s SmokeFire pellet grills use hardwood pellets made from various all-natural woods with no filler added. The benefit of a wood pellet grill is it combines precision temperature control, like a gas grill, with the robust flavor of a charcoal grill. Additionally, a pellet grill has a wide temperature range, making it possible to either cook low and slow or to sear.
On the back of the SmokeFire pellet grill, there is a hopper that holds the wood pellets. Beneath the hopper, there is a short, variable speed auger that feeds the pellets to a chute above the heating element. The pellets slide down the chute into the heating element, and the heat from the burning pellets is evenly distributed throughout the grill to deliver consistent cooking.
The amount of fuel you go through on a wood pellet grill varies depending on the cooking temperature. For example, at lower temperatures, you may use 1 or 2 pounds of fuel per hour, while higher temperatures may use as much as 4 pounds of pellets per hour. One of the great design features of the Weber pellet grill is the hopper size. The SmokeFire holds over 20 pounds of pellets so that you will have plenty of fuel for any type of cooking.
The Weber SmokeFire pellet grill has many impressive features that make the unit stand out.
The Weber SmokeFire pellet grill has a temperature range of 200 to 600 degrees. You can smoke, sear, bake and more on this versatile outdoor appliance.
As noted above, the hopper on the Weber SmokeFire pellet grills holds over 20 pounds of fuel, which is an entire bag. This allows for all-day cooking without worrying about adding more pellets.
The SmokeFire grills utilize the same flavorizer bars found on the company's gas grills. These inverted “V” shaped bars help deliver consistent heat while reducing flare-ups and intensifying that cooked-on-a-grill flavor.
SmokeBoost is a special mode used at the beginning of your low and slow cook time to add an extra wood-fire taste to your meals. The method keeps the temperature below 200 degrees to allow the smokey flavor to penetrate the cold, raw meat better.
When it is time to clean up after cooking, use the included scraper to push everything down into the grease management system. There is a removable drawer at the bottom of the grill, where all the grease and ash fall. Simply slide this drawer out and clean, and you’re good to go, without any disassembling or vacuuming needed.
If you prefer a little high-tech grilling, the SmokeFire pellet grill is WiFi- and Bluetooth-ready. Using the Weber app and the meat probes, you can cook your meat to the precise temperature you desire without needing to be near the grill.
Currently, there are two versions of Weber’s SmokeFire pellet grill: EX4 and EX6. The difference between the two models is size. The EX4 offers 672 square inches of dual grilling space and lists for $999 but is usually available for $799. The EX6 offers 1,008 square inches of dual grilling space and lists for $1,199 but is often available for $999.
This is Weber’s largest pellet grill. It has 1,008 square inches of dual grilling space, making it suitable for larger events.
If you are looking for a grill that can easily handle your family’s outdoor cooking needs, this small pellet grill from Weber is the one to get. It has a cooking area of 672 square inches.
Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill
As far as size, this Traeger pellet grill falls between Weber’s EX4 and EX6. The Traeger grill offers 780 square inches of cooking space.
Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
This Cuisinart pellet grill weighs just 39 pounds and features a locking lid with a handle for easy transport. It's the perfect portable pellet grill for picnics, tailgating and more.
If budget is your primary concern, this pellet grill is available for less than half the price of Weber’s EX4. In addition, it is large enough to cook meals for the average family and the temperature controls provide a range of 180 to 450 degrees.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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