New Weber Smokefire wood pellet grills

[JPSBBQ]

LMAO... not sure why you're here then. And as far as Weber's Smokefire, THEY ARE JUNK AS WELL. My buddy's barely 2 year old Smokefire had the entire firebox and chute rust out, and it's stored under a Weber cover when not in use. Absolute garbage.

Here's a barely 2 year old Weber Smokefire that has been properly stored:

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Yep, that chute is definitely still fine as the pellets don’t ride down the edge but rather in the “chute” portion. The unit looks like it has been left a very long time with highly caustic ash in it and probably moisture. A cover does not prevent moisture and if left unused under a cover actually temps moisture. Those parts would be replaced free of charge I’m sure if he just contacted Weber. These things are tanks. There are definitely parts that will wear out as I openly said in my response. It’s part of my calculus. Still an absolutely engineering triumph the way the unit operates. It’s flat awesome.

 

[DJDDay]

Yep, that chute is definitely still fine as the pellets don’t ride down the edge but rather in the “chute” portion. The unit looks like it has been left a very long time with highly caustic ash in it and probably moisture. A cover does not prevent moisture and if left unused under a cover actually temps moisture. Those parts would be replaced free of charge I’m sure if he just contacted Weber. These things are tanks. There are definitely parts that will wear out as I openly said in my response. It’s part of my calculus. Still an absolutely engineering triumph the way the unit operates. It’s flat awesome

No, it was stored correctly and maintained correctly. Cleaned after every use. No ash build up. Weber uses crappy steel and always has - their Q&A is pretty bad lately. The chute should not be cracking and rusting out like it is, and while the chute still functioned, the burn pot grate literally fell apart and has holes in it (see the circled area). This caused a cook to fail as the entire unit shut down since pellets were falling through the burn pot. This is not parts wearing out under normal wear - this is a critical design flaw/failure.

Weber did send him out replacement parts at no charge. Can't wait to see how long these last.

My point is, both Traeger and Weber use crappy steel and both suffer from similar failure rates. The idea that the SmokeFire is a superior product is laughably unrealistic.

 

[JPSBBQ]

No, it was stored correctly and maintained correctly. Cleaned after every use. No ash build up. Weber uses crappy steel and always has - their Q&A is pretty bad lately. The chute should not be cracking and rusting out like it is, and while the chute still functioned, the burn pot grate literally fell apart and has holes in it (see the circled area). This caused a cook to fail as the entire unit shut down since pellets were falling through the burn pot. This is not parts wearing out under normal wear - this is a critical design flaw/failure.

Weber did send him out replacement parts at no charge. Can't wait to see how long these last.

My point is, both Traeger and Weber use crappy steel and both suffer from similar failure rates. The idea that the SmokeFire is a superior product is laughably unrealistic.

Well, that’s interesting since I’ve owned one since February of 2020. My chute doesn’t look like that and I’m not at all gentle with it and don’t clean it regularly. It does have wear, but like I said they will replace the wear parts. This is a case of buying a ford and expecting a Bentley. Just comical. Good luck. I would assume the put his on marketplace by now and went out and bought a $4000 one that will last longer. I owned a Memphis for a year or so and it’s a beast. That’s an option for you. It will last, of course it was over 5k for that cooker. You can buy 5 Smokefires for less. perspective is a lost art.

 

[DJDDay]

Well, that’s interesting since I’ve owned one since February of 2020. My chute doesn’t look like that and I’m not at all gentle with it and don’t clean it regularly. It does have wear, but like I said they will replace the wear parts.

That's Weber's Q&A for you - looks like you were fortunate. Meanwhile, his SmokeFire is barely 2 years old and is only used once or twice a month, and the photos above speak volumes. This isn't about paying for a Ford and expecting a Bentley - that's an inaccurate analogy that has no basis in reality. The SmokeFire is NOT a cheap smoker by any means, so just stop.

My point is - Weber's grills are not the magical unicorn this thread is making them out to be. Both Traeger and Weber have similar reliability and similar quality. What you prefer is entirely up to you.

 

[CMTiger]

That's Weber's Q&A for you - looks like you were fortunate. Meanwhile, his SmokeSire is barely 2 years old and is only used once or twice a month, and the photos above speak volumes. This isn't about paying for a Ford and expecting a Bentley - that's an inaccurate analogy that has no basis in reality. The SmokeFire is NOT a cheap smoker by any means, so just stop.

My point is - Weber's grills are not the magical unicorn this thread is making them out to be. Both Traeger and Weber have similar reliability and similar quality. What you prefer is entirely up to you.

I don’t think I’ve ready anyone calling Weber (or Traeger) a magical unicorn.

 

[DJDDay]

I don’t think I’ve read anyone calling Weber (or Traeger) a magical unicorn

A few comments in this thread seem to hold Weber in a far higher regard than they deserve, that much is clear.

 

[CMTiger]

A few comments in this thread seem to hold Weber in a far higher regard than they deserve, that much is clear.

I guess it depends on what you think they deserve. In general Weber has always made quality products for the residential owner. And why some may consider them to be expensive they as a whole are very affordable and nowhere near the higher end. I've got a 12 year old Genesis that still cooks like a champ with every part on it the original one.

 

[JPSBBQ]

That's Weber's Q&A for you - looks like you were fortunate. Meanwhile, his SmokeSire is barely 2 years old and is only used once or twice a month, and the photos above speak volumes. This isn't about paying for a Ford and expecting a Bentley - that's an inaccurate analogy that has no basis in reality. The SmokeFire is NOT a cheap smoker by any means, so just stop.

My point is - Weber's grills are not the magical unicorn this thread is making them out to be. Both Traeger and Weber have similar reliability and similar quality. What you prefer is entirely up to you.

At one point maybe when he purchased they were discounted to $700 for the EX6 and to this day they offer a 90 day money back guarantee. That’s very inexpensive for what you get as far a performance and the refund pledge really puts it on you. All the manufacturers have issues. These get higher scrutiny as they are the top grill manufacturers measured by sales, by miles. I own two Traeger currently and they are also a great cooker. The Smokefire is in a league its own as far as versatility and performance. I maintain that people’s expectations for these appliances is crazy. I laugh when I hear people talk up their pit boss because all I ever hear is problems from the folks that own them. My point is they all have issues because of the nature of their chore and the environment they reside and work in. Like I said, it’s a price point analysis for these big guys in particular they have to make them good but not too good. To not understand this sorta thing in this day is ridiculous.

 

[JPSBBQ]

That's Weber's Q&A for you - looks like you were fortunate. Meanwhile, his SmokeFire is barely 2 years old and is only used once or twice a month, and the photos above speak volumes. This isn't about paying for a Ford and expecting a Bentley - that's an inaccurate analogy that has no basis in reality. The SmokeFire is NOT a cheap smoker by any means, so just stop.

My point is - Weber's grills are not the magical unicorn this thread is making them out to be. Both Traeger and Weber have similar reliability and similar quality. What you prefer is entirely up to you.

How do you know what the Weber is? Do you own one? Have you personally used one for an extended period ? What is your background or expertise? Have you owned or used 5-10 premium brands? Do you know anyone in the industry or are you in the industry? Every single manufacturer has reliability issues in the pellet cooker arena. It’s baked in the cake. Therefore, it’s a non issue. I will also say that a huge amount of issues turn out to be user error or ignorance. Not all by any means, but you’d be shocked. The Smokefire outperforms cookers 3-5x its cost. Cheap, no. great value, yes. Expensive by today’s standards, no way.

 

[CMTiger]

Smokefire EX4 - $1100
Traeger IW (not XL) - $1800
Yoder 480 - $2140
Recteq 700 - $1200
Camp Chef woodwind - $1200
GMG Peak - $1100

The Smokefire isn’t cheap, but it isn’t exactly expensive in 2023 either

 

[JPSBBQ]

Smokefire EX4 - $1100
Traeger IW (not XL) - $1800
Yoder 480 - $2140
Recteq 700 - $1200
Camp Chef woodwind - $1200
GMG Peak - $1100

The Smokefire isn’t cheap, but it isn’t exactly expensive in 2023 either

Yeah and that’s after this historical inflationary period. The Weber was like 700 for a while back when this jokers buddy bought it. The woodwinds have increased 20+% also.

 

[CMTiger]

Yeah and that’s after this historical inflationary period. The Weber was like 700 for a while back when this jokers buddy bought it. The woodwinds have increased 20+% also.

I’m 90% sure when/if I upgrade from my 575 it’s going to be to one of the higher end Smokefires if I leave the Traeger family

 

[JPSBBQ]

I’m 90% sure when/if I upgrade from my 575 it’s going to be to one of the higher end Smokefires if I leave the Traeger family

There are parts on the Smokefire that will wear out. I openly discussed that earlier. The ability to actually grill kinda accelerates the wear. That said, they are very good about getting new ones to you and usually at no cost to you. You might have to do some install that’s not a huge deal. The performance is where they shine. In true Weber fashion they have very little flashy parts but they simply work. Things like the lid and upper rack designs are brilliant you can access the food easily and even sauce things without taking the proteins out of the cookbox footprint. This saves a mess you often get with others. The space between the grids is well thought out. I could go on and on. These things often go overlooked by less experienced backyard chefs but when you’ve used a bunch of different products you notice the small things that make cooking easier and more fun. Again, I’m a Traeger fan and own both. They both have certain strong points. I would not hesitate to recommend a Weber to anyone that loves to bbq And grill.

 

[DJDDay]

That’s very inexpensive for what you get as far a performance and the refund pledge really puts it on you.

Just. NO. You're sounding like a corporate apologist - this is not on the buyer no matter what their customer satisfaction policy claims. At the end of the day - Webers are expensive no matter which way you slice it - just like Traeger and Pit Boss. None of these are cheap. Full stop. Their parts wear out and fail, some faster than others.

My buddy's experience with his SmokeFire is inexcusable. They shouldn't have rusted out that fast, and certainly not started to lose chunks. The fact that I have to argue this seems insane, but here we are.

 

[JPSBBQ]

Just. NO. You're sounding like a corporate apologist - this is not on the buyer no matter what their customer satisfaction policy claims. At the end of the day - Webers are expensive no matter which way you slice it - just like Traeger and Pit Boss. None of these are cheap. Full stop. Their parts wear out and fail, some faster than others.

My buddy's experience with his SmokeFire is inexcusable. They shouldn't have rusted out that fast, and certainly not started to lose chunks. The fact that I have to argue this seems insane, but here we are.

I bet you’re a peach to deal with, full stop. Who says that anyway but pretentious blow hards. Here’s a news flash, grill parts wear out, some faster than others. Mind blowing insights. Corporate apologists or cheap ah***. I’ll take the former. You can have the latter. you seem to wear it well anyway.

I flat out don’t believe your story. I assume it’s partially true, maybe even mostly true but not all true. So you can take that for what it’s worth. The word cheap is ambiguous and you use ambiguously on purpose. I suggest you buy a “cheap“ cooker and see what you get there. definitely don’t buy a Weber because you clearly aren’t the person for that level of cooker.