Weber Searwood Review: A Successful Return

Table of Contents

Introduction to Weber’s Searwood Pellet Grill

In 2024, Weber introduced its revamped pellet grill model, the Searwood, addressing the issues that plagued its predecessor, the SmokeFire. Although the initial version offered advanced features for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, it faced significant challenges including inconsistent temperatures, pellet feeding problems, and incidents of grease fires. The Searwood aims to provide a more reliable and user-friendly experience, making it a noteworthy choice for aspiring and experienced outdoor cooks alike.

Key Features of the Weber Searwood

Design Enhancements

Revised Internal Construction: The new design focuses on a simplified pellet feed system, which minimizes the chance of feeding errors compared to the earlier model.
Improved Hopper Location: The pellet hopper has been relocated from the back to the side of the grill. This change not only mirrors the design commonly seen in competing grills but also enhances accessibility and maintains a straight path for pellets to the fire pot.
User-Friendly Control Display: The updated controller is now situated at the front for easy access, featuring bold numbers that are easy to read. Users can track temperature settings, timers, and even monitor fuel levels conveniently.

Mobility and Build Quality

Legs and Wheels: The Searwood features two wheels on one end and sturdy legs on the opposite side. This design makes it slightly more challenging to move since you will need to lift one end to relocate the grill.
Shelf Space: Unlike the SmokeFire, the Searwood comes with a large shelf under the grill, offering extra storage for tools and utensils.

Cooking Performance with the Weber Searwood

The Searwood is designed with versatility in mind, allowing cooks to utilize it for various culinary techniques including low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing. Here are some highlights of its cooking capabilities:

Temperature Range: The grill operates between 180°F and 600°F, enabling a wide variety of cooking methods, from baking and roasting to barbecuing large meat cuts like brisket and pork shoulders.
Efficient Heat Management: The Searwood maintains consistent heat while cooking, recovering quickly after the lid is opened, thanks to its advanced Rapid Reaction system.
Flavorful Cooking: Users can expect a delightful smoky flavor with dishes. The grill particularly excels at slow-cooked meats, enhancing their taste profile.

Innovative Features

SmokeBoost Mode: This feature allows for an increase in smoking flavor, but it is limited to a low temperature of 180°F. While it could offer more flexibility by working at slightly higher temperatures, it still adds value to the initial cooking stages.
Manual Cooking Mode: A significant upgrade is the grill’s manual mode, which permits open-lid cooking without sacrificing heat output. This is perfect for direct-flame searing or utilizing griddle inserts.

Smart Technology Integration

The Searwood is compatible with Weber’s smart grilling platform, the Weber Connect app, which has undergone significant enhancements since its initial launch. Through this app, users can:

Monitor and Control: The app allows remote monitoring of temperatures and grill controls, keeping you informed about the cooking process.
Recipes and Cooking Guides: It also features a variety of recipes and cooking tips for various types of dishes.

Accessorizing Your Weber Searwood Grill

Customization is an essential aspect of enhancing grilling experiences. The Searwood supports various accessories from Weber’s Crafted collection, which includes:

Griddle Inserts: Perfect for cooking eggs and pancakes.
Sear Grates: Ideal for achieving perfect grill marks on your meats.
Rotisserie Kit: For slow-roasting whole poultry and other large cuts of meat.

For additional shelf space, users can purchase folding shelf kits, which can be attached to the grill for extra preparation areas.

Comparing the Searwood with Competitors

Retailing at $899, the Searwood 600 is priced competitively lower than the original SmokeFire at launch. It stands as a reliable option among many alternatives available in the market. Some comparable grills include:

Traeger Woodridge: While it is priced slightly higher at $1,000, it offers larger cooking space and extra features like Super Smoke mode.
Weber’s Newer Models: Weber recently introduced the Smoque series, providing alternative models at the price points of $699 and $899, designed with simplified controls similar to the Searwood.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender for Outdoor Cooking

The Weber Searwood presents a significant improvement over the previous SmokeFire grill. Its various design enhancements, coupled with a reliable cooking performance and the addition of smart technology, make it an attractive choice for grilling enthusiasts. While the construction could be sturdier in the base design, its versatility and ease of use ultimately provide an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. The Searwood is not just a grill; it’s an investment in your outdoor culinary adventures.