My old BBQ shit the bed this past fall. To be fair, we've always bought cheap BBQ's which never last for more than a few years. This time I want to buy a proper BBQ. IT's between Weber, Napoleon, and Broil King.
I'm leaning towards Weber. I want a decent 4 burner BBQ. I don't care for any 'extra' features like side burners or anything. I just want a decent quality, basic BBQ that will last. I'm thinking something like Weber Genesis S-315 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-genesis-s-315-gas-grill?_pos=75&_fid=a2683aa7d&_ss=c). I think I prefer the stainless steel cooking grate over a cast iron grate, as it should be longer lasting, and more tolerant of poor maintenance and abuse. While I like the price of this one, I could wish that it was a little larger, and had an extra burner. When I cook wings on the BBQ, I tend to cook a LOT of wings, and space to move them around is appreciated.
Then there's something like the Napoleon Rogue Pro 425 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/napoleon-rogue-pro-425-ir-sib-gas-grill?_pos=138&_fid=d74ea1a27&_ss=c).
It's also a 3 burner grill with stainless steel grate, but this one has a side burner, which comes in handy perhaps a few times a year.
Finally, we have the Broil King Baron 420 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/broil-king-baron-420-pro-shadow?_pos=170&_fid=431ffe838&_ss=c). This is a proper 4-burner grill, also with a stainless steel grate. No frill on this grill. Does a Broil King hold up to a Weber when it comes to overall quality and longevity?
Somebody here must have some thoughts, experience, and preferences?
I'm a Weber fanboy. My current one is about 35 years old and still on the original burners. The biggest thing is that you can easily get replacement parts for grills of any age. And there's lots of after market options. For Weber's, the Genesis line is the way to go. And the sear station(4th burner) is nice if you grill lots of burgers and steaks, but not mandatory. Definitely get the stainless gates if you can, but stainless replacements aren't crazy expensive.
Napoleon grills are also very good, but I am not sure the parts availability is the same as Weber.
We had a lower tier Broil King at the cottage. It was good for a few years but eventually started falling apart. In my experience, they don't hold up as well as a Weber.
For my money, I be getting a last gen Genesis Weber (with the controls on the front) from FB Marketplace. Even if it needs $200 in replacement parts to get it back to new, you're way ahead. I managed to find a mint Genesis with stainless grates for the cottage for $200. And I brought it home in the Highlander!
But, there's deals on the Genesis II models as well: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Y42GYLah/ (natural gas, but you get the idea)
Hmmm, used grills. I'm not gonna lie, I've bought used grills off Kijiji before. I bought a Broil King one time and got a few years out of it. I think this time, I'd like something new that I can keep for 10-15 years.
If I stick with Weber (which I'm really leaning towards), I could spend a little more money and get something with some more features, like this one: Weber Genesis S-335c (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-genesis-s-335c-gas-grill?_pos=27&_fid=f49fe7f08&_ss=c). This one has a side burner, and a sear zone. At least, I'm assuming that's what that little red knob does?
Are these features worth the additional $300?
If you're keeping it for 15 years, that's 20 bucks a year extra. I'd say they are worth it. I prefer the enamel lids, but they don't come with stainless grills. You could save a few bucks with this and replace the grates in 5 years or so: https://www.weber.com/CA/en/gas/genesis/genesis-e-335c-gas-grill/1500583.html
A used Weber will still likely last you 10-15 years, and it's only frame rust that will do it in. The one I bought for the cottage has to be about 10 years old, still looks and works great.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO4oPgSDArlnBreqWVAlesr-HmQ5C_3iKLh_aWg_N9t9VaADGUVOtLe6Vh2H6Vvou47veXws5MvdBuum7nUHPcPxixgc-8M7cynLLE6jS4CmBqqN3QQ=w2400)
I was a LONG time Napoleon fan boy, having bought one in 96. Kept it until about 2020. Just wanted something smaller, 2 burner. Was still running like a champ and sold it for decent money, too.
Bought a Weber as a replacement. Big mistake. Quality not up to par compared to Napoleon. I essentially bought the same grill you're looking at...but not stainless and only 2 burner. Same guts.
It's been a disappointing BBQ. It just feels cheap. Had a wheel fall off. Igniter failures. Parts have been readily replaced..but still. Definitely feels cheap and like a step down.
That being said, it cooks fine.
Since I cook most of my steak Sous Vide these days, it's mostly used for burgers, dogs and the like. I'll probably replace it with a Camp Chef flat top and a searing burner. If I get rid of my smoker too, I'd likely replace with a Camp Chef Woodwind.
If you had a two burner you had the Spirit model, which are indeed not as good as the Genesis models.
^^^That answers my next question: I can find Spirit models for less money, but it sounds like they're not up to par with quality, therefore I should just stay with the Genesis.
Regardless of what you get, I've been using Grill Grates for YEARS and will not own a grill without them. They work that well.
https://www.grillgrate.com
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 02, 2026, 11:11 AMIf you had a two burner you had the Spirit model, which are indeed not as good as the Genesis models.
My bro looked at the Genesis line and compared it to the Rogue and Lex Napoleons.
Weber Genesis was inferior to both. In both our opinions.
They just feel cheaper than Napoleons.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 11:16 AM^^^That answers my next question: I can find Spirit models for less money, but it sounds like they're not up to par with quality, therefore I should just stay with the Genesis.
Correct.
I've actually heard from a few different people that Weber Genesis is the one to get, and online reviews back those statements up. So, I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from, RRocket.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 11:37 AMIand online reviews back those statements up. So, I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from, RRocket.
Well I bought my Weber based on those same people...and here we are! LOL 😆
If you want to bury yourself in research, AmazingRibs.com has a truly exhaustive BBQ test area. A very good website IMO (my grill had the highest award there, too) Also bought my smoker based on their recommendations, too. And it has been spectacular! Just for fun, I checked pricing. I paid $500...they now retail for about $1500 now!! Yikes!!
Also, Napoleon Prestige is made in Canada, and the Rogue in China. In case that matters to you.
As nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
Let me tell you, I walked into our local BBQ specialty store (luxe BBQ Company), and honestly, even though I'm planning on spending $1000-$1500 on a BBQ, I'm looking at the lower end of quality BBQ's. Most of their stock were in the $2300 - $5000 range, and they even had a few at $12k - $16k, and even one at $20k. Just insane!!!!
I'm thinking that BBQ's are like mountain bikes. You've got your budget brands that you can buy at Home Depot and Superstore. Those are like the Canadian Tire and Walmart Bikes. Then, when you got to a specialty BBQ store, that's like walking into an actual bike shop, with quality stuff, and sales staff who know what they're talking about.
Honestly, I felt like the average non-cyclist Joe Blow who would walk into my bike shop and not have any idea what he's looking at, and have to be guided through the process.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 11:55 AMAs nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
Let me tell you, I walked into our local BBQ specialty store (luxe BBQ Company), and honestly, even though I'm planning on spending $1000-$1500 on a BBQ, I'm looking at the lower end of quality BBQ's. Most of their stock were in the $2300 - $5000 range, and they even had a few at $12k - $16k, and even one at $20k. Just insane!!!!
I'm thinking that BBQ's are like mountain bikes. You've got your budget brands that you can buy at Home Depot and Superstore. Those are like the Canadian Tire and Walmart Bikes. Then, when you got to a specialty BBQ store, that's like walking into an actual bike shop, with quality stuff, and sales staff who know what they're talking about.
Honestly, I felt like the average non-cyclist Joe Blow who would walk into my bike shop and not have any idea what he's looking at, and have to be guided through the process.
Truth be told, they'll all get the job done..especially so with mods like Grill Grates. Just be sure to do a bread test when you get your new grill to see if and where you have cold spots if you care about such things.
I'd say have a look at a Woodwind if you want to smoke, too. They used to be $1200 or so. But I'm scared to see what they are now!
I bought our Weber off my parents about 5-6 years ago and it was about that old when I bought it. I love that Weber has actual parts availability and its built well. Call me a Weber fanboy, but I've never met anyone that has one and had problems with it or didn't like it.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 11:55 AMAs nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
-gasp!-
$2300 is too much for a grill.
I have read that the grills in the big box stores (HD, Lowes, etc) are not the same as those in the dedicated shops. But I haven't been able to confirm for myself.
Damnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
I have a Saber that I bought about 14 years ago. Its been great. Solid construction, stainless fasteners. I don't think I've seen a better built grill. That said, the Saber website seems to be going downhill, with little information about parts, etc. I wonder if they're on their way out. I could be wrong.
I'd be looking at the same brands you are if I was buying in that price range today. I haven't looked close enough at a Weber or Napolean lately to know which I'd prefer. I did buy a beaten up Broil King Regal for the lake and am surprised how solid it is, better than I was expecting. I had to replace a few parts and they were easily attainable from a Canadian grill site. Not much help I guess, but get your hands on all three if you can and see what you like.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I'd still scour FB Marketplace & Kijiji for grills. I got lucky back in 2021 and found a brand new in the box Napoleon LEX on Kijiji, the Costco version for $200 less than retail. It replaced my Vermont Castings (that I bought used 12yrs earlier) that was Made in Canada and still solid. I ended up giving the Vermont Castings away to one of the kids buddies and it still might be going. I do like the Napoleon, its' been fantastic!! It does have the side sear station, that I used MORE often than anticipated to sear certain cuts, and I've used it to boil water during power outages. It does also have the rear rotisserie burner that I have yet to use. I looked into purchasing the rotisserie for it, just never have bothered. I use my BBQ's year round, so between the Napoleon & the Louisiana Grills egg, they get a lot of use and both are still in fantastic shape & operating condition.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Apr 02, 2026, 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I asked these questions, specifically about needing a gas grill to accompany. And for most pellet smokers, yes that is the case. But with this Weber pellet grill, it's intended to completely replace gas, and be just as convenience. Maintenance is a little higher, as you need to routinely empty the ash tray, but as far as day-to-day cooking, it should be just as convenient as a gas. Also, at higher heat it produces less smoke, as it's burning the wood more completely in order to make that heat.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Apr 02, 2026, 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 02:09 PMQuote from: Bridgecity on Apr 02, 2026, 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I asked these questions, specifically about needing a gas grill to accompany. And for most pellet smokers, yes that is the case. But with this Weber pellet grill, it's intended to completely replace gas, and be just as convenience. Maintenance is a little higher, as you need to routinely empty the ash tray, but as far as day-to-day cooking, it should be just as convenient as a gas. Also, at higher heat it produces less smoke, as it's burning the wood more completely in order to make that heat.
Yep, same as the Woodwind.
Not only can you control the heat..you can also control how much smoke.
I'd look into the cost of pellets before making that call.
A friend of mine bought the previous version of the Weber Searwood. Once he realized the thermometer was reading in Celsius he seemed to like it.
Already did. They're about $33/40lb bag, and the average burn rate is 1 lb/hr. So, given how often I BBQ in the summer, I'd get about a month out of a bag of pellets, perhaps a little more. I usually get about a month or two out of a tank of propane, and these days, a propane fill is $25 at Co-op. So the wood pellets will end up costing more, but not like an astronomical amount.
I am by no means a grill expert, but I will chime in a couple of thoughts.
One is definitely purely go with stainless steel grill grates. I had one with cast iron and rust becomes an issue.
Secondly, while that pellet grill is good concept, I still think it might be more of a pain than a gas grill. I can't imagine having to wait 10-15 minutes to grill some hotdogs and burgers. Sure if you are doing steak it's more acceptable.
I will most likely be replacing the current one I bought from Costco, Nexgrill is the brand name. It's a bigger grill, 4 burner, side sear zone, even has a rotisserie burner and came with the motor and spit. Honestly haven't used the rotisserie before. I believe I bought it around 9 years ago and it's the heat shield that is rusting out, just put an old baking pan over it and will get through another summer.
I will probably go with a Weber Genesis grill of kind in similar size, maybe find an end of season special this fall.
I have a cheap electric smoker that is about the size of a mini fridge and it's been excellent. I think it's 5 years old and we paid around $250 for it. It's nice because it's a digital display so easy to set and forget. I call it my "man slow cooker" because it's about the same amount of effort in cooking to a traditional slow cooker. Every 1.5 hours I empty the chips and replace with new ones and spray the meat with some kind of liquid, usually apple cider vinegar.
Like most things, a dedicated "tool" is typically better than one that does multiple jobs and I would assume a pellet grill/smoker might be the same.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 02, 2026, 04:05 PMAlready did. They're about $33/40lb bag, and the average burn rate is 1 lb/hr. So, given how often I BBQ in the summer, I'd get about a month out of a bag of pellets, perhaps a little more. I usually get about a month or two out of a tank of propane, and these days, a propane fill is $25 at Co-op. So the wood pellets will end up costing more, but not like an astronomical amount.
I've used $8 bag hardwood pellets from CDN Tire for smoking many times. Would be great in a BBQ UNLESS you're looking for a very specific smoke profile.
I also have chunks of apple, cherry, mulberry and some 10+ year aged whiskey barrel chunks.
I was in a Rona today and poked around the grill section.
This Rogue was on sale and I have to admit, you seem to get way more than the equivalent Weber. It also felt more substantial.
https://www.rona.ca/en/product/napoleon-rogue-propane-gas-grill-with-4-burners-57-000-btu-stainless-steel-r525sbpss-2-66265039
I still think the best option is a used Genesis with the front burner knobs. I often see them for $300 or less.
My mind is made up on the Weber Searwood. It's a good enough griller for the quick weekday meals, and I'm looking forward to spending weekends slow cooking, smoking, then grilling meats.
I'm just waiting for the snow in the backyard to melt, then I'll pick it up. I have a new hard roof gazebo that I'm waiting to assemble, too. I'll also have to extend my stone patio in order to have a space for the new grill.
Sweet! I'm looking forward to seeing it in action.
Last year, I replaced the natural gas Napoleon I had since 2007 with a new Napoleon Rogue. Rona had a "special edition" model just for them with no frills (no side burners or infrared), but 4 burners with stainless grilles. Also natural gas. It was around 1K$, really happy with it.
Parts for my old one were super easy to find online, I was just tired of the finnicky ignition and iron grilles.
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 02, 2026, 10:22 AMFor my money, I be getting a last gen Genesis Weber (with the controls on the front) from FB Marketplace.
As I was saying....
I picked this up today. $200, with a full propane tank, Weber rotisserie kit and cover. Doesn't need a thing.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNFxXTFFj9Q_4b9AhBPsS13t9QXQRRkItyds1xnx72M7U_why85BTCR_SEKyuE2yci_y4RjttoG8GyS3l9qf51amLNcVdDkDdL3L0QW5vPkWe7gXeXz=w2400)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMaYPmEYgKyZ9IZ1qehBJlsjsYGwIBIEnDqgPjvexQiIndbdKaNJo1XRCPd7iyupv9NgICOkNMxl9AWjrEUiz5UaLFR7bWHbBdUsBboKS5nC0JCl880=w2400)
Sweet find!
Ya that's a steal.
Big time.
I'm really liking the colour. I was worried it was going to be bright red, but it's really a darkish crimson.
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 19, 2026, 05:24 PMBig time.
I'm really liking the colour. I was worried it was going to be bright red, but it's really a darkish crimson.
Needs a wax to make it pop! LOL 😆
Good deal IMO.
Speaking of grills, I bought the Searwood 600 this weekend. I opted to not pick it up until next weekend, as I have to build an extension to my patio.
I've got to figure out the first thing to cook on it. Probably a chicken. Then I'll do some pork the following weekend. Ribs, maybe?
I'm gonna christen mine with a marinated flank steak for tacos.
https://www.seriouseats.com/grilled-marinated-flank-steak-fajitas-recipe
Damn, the weather just isn't working out. The weekdays are nice, like mid teens, but I'm not going to have enough time after work to do this stuff. This past weekend got cold. -2, -3, etc. Next weekend? Forecasting to go back down to a high of 0.
Seriously Gaaaaah!!!!
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 20, 2026, 01:10 PMDamn, the weather just isn't working out. The weekdays are nice, like mid teens, but I'm not going to have enough time after work to do this stuff. This past weekend got cold. -2, -3, etc. Next weekend? Forecasting to go back down to a high of 0.
Seriously Gaaaaah!!!!
Yea...it's f-ing my fishing.
Tortoise, that's a steal for $200. Good looking unit. If you wanted too, I bet you could get a brand new SS grill online for nominal cost and start fresh on it too.
The grills are actually in better shape than they look. When I find time I will give them a soak and a scrub, and maybe hit them up with some Barkeepers friend.
Yesterday afternoon was gorgeous, so I said eff it and took the afternoon off work. I built my little BBQ patio, then picked up and built the grill.
The picture below is it heating up for the first burn-off/seasoning. The amount of smoke is typical at lower heat, which is where you would slow cook meats. At higher temps, the amount of smoke is minimal.
PXL_20260420_212955895.MP.jpg
I spatchcocked a chicken and cooked it up. Took about an hour on the grill at 400f. The app is fantastic. It guides you through the recipe, and allows you to monitor the chicken's temp remotely, and adjust the grill settings.
Chicken was delicious, btw. Didn't take a pic of it. Was too busy eating it.
After the first use, I'm really happy with it, and convinced I made the right choice to go pellet over grill. It's got just the right amount of 'fussiness' that makes the nerd in me happy and interested, and I love that I smell ever so slightly like wood smoke when I'm done using it.
Tonight I've decided on a Pork Loin Roast. It should cook in about 1 - 1.5hrs, so that's perfect for a week evening.
Nice work GBA looks great!
Nice! Glad to hear your lovin' it.
That's a good lookin' grill.
All the reviews say the Searwood fixed the issues with the previous generation (the SmokeFire). If I didn't have a charcoal grill one of these would be a great do it all machine.
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 21, 2026, 08:07 AMThe grills are actually in better shape than they look. When I find time I will give them a soak and a scrub, and maybe hit them up with some Barkeepers friend.
Grill Grates are your friend!
You've been championing those for years!
Did a pork loin roast last night. I love how easy this grill is to cook with. Digital temperature control makes all the difference. I did an hour at 180F with smokeboost turned on. Then an hour at 250. Then it was getting late, and we really need to eat, so I cranked the temp to 400f to finish it off. Took the meat off when internal temp was 145. Even after the higher heat finish, it was easily the juiciest pork roast I've ever cut into. And when I was bringing it into the house, the darn thing smelled like bacon, because of the smoke!
The picture was taken after the hour of smoke.
PXL_20260421_225654718.jpg
This weekend I'm going to try my hand at slow cooked ribs. It should be about a 6 hr total cook (including resting).
It's like having automatic climate control in a car! So cool.
If that photo was after an hour, after 2.5 it must have had a nice bark.
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 22, 2026, 09:24 AMIt's like having automatic climate control in a car! So cool.
Honestly, it's very beginner friendly. The digital PID controller, combined with the temp meat probe (the grill comes with two) makes it pretty foolproof.
Weber has an app that does two things: You can monitor and control the grill remotely, and it also does recipes, interacting live with the grill. Ribs, for example. The app tells you how to prepare, then at what temp to put the ribs on. When they reach a certain internal temp, the app will tell you to take them off and wrap them, adding apple juice, and continue cooking until another specific internal temp is reached. Then it'll say when to unwrap the ribs and when to brush with sauce, and for how long.
It's all designed for an amateur like me who basically has no experience in this sort of cooking. Obviously, as one gains experience and wants to experiment with their own thing, the app loses usefulness, but the grill is still very capable by itself.
So the system includes a meat thermometer as well? That's a nice feature, and great you can do it all with a single app.
TWO meat thermometers that plug into the PID.
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 21, 2026, 03:08 PMYou've been championing those for years!
Like a broken record! LOL 😆
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 22, 2026, 09:03 AMThis weekend I'm going to try my hand at slow cooked ribs. It should be about a 6 hr total cook (including resting).
If you need any advice, hit me up.
Also, the 3-2-1 method is fool proof if you want to try that your first time out
Quote from: RRocket on Apr 22, 2026, 12:48 PMAlso, the 3-2-1 method is fool proof if you want to try that your first time out
Yeah, hard to F it up doing 3-2-1
Although getting ribs tender isn't tricky, getting them just tender enough so they stay on the bone takes some finesse (mainly just checking them), in my experience anyway.
Typically my ribs don't take 6 hours. Usually five is more than enough.
Oh...and when you're smoking...its done when it done. You must ignore the "we're hungry" and not rush.
If you get done early, wrap in foil, then wrap in a bath towel. Then into a cooler.
I've driven 3-4 hours this way and stuff was still warm
It does a pretty good sear on burgers, too. This wasn't even max temp. I preheated to 550, then set it to manual mode 9 as the lid was open more than it was closed.
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Hence, gas BBQ replacement.
Yum!
Smoked wings on the Kamado here last night while enjoying a couple pints & a cigar.
Those look awesome. Nice grill, too!
Those do look great. Is that the Kinders honey hot sauce?
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 23, 2026, 11:35 AMThose do look great. Is that the Kinders honey hot sauce?
Yup, plus I added some Franks Red Hot on there as well ;)
Quote from: Gurgie on Apr 23, 2026, 11:54 AMQuote from: Tortoise on Apr 23, 2026, 11:35 AMThose do look great. Is that the Kinders honey hot sauce?
Yup, plus I added some Franks Red Hot on there as well ;)
Your bum will hate you later on! LOL 😆
Wow, my mouth is watering. Nice work guys.
Anybody try or know someone with a Masterbuilt gravity charcoal unit? I've had my Bradley for quite some time and am itching to try something new. A pellet smoker/grill is at the top of the list but wondering about charcoal.
Hmmm, Looks interesting. The east of use of a digital pellet grill, but using charcoal instead.
I never considered it, because I didn't know such a thing existed, so I never thought to ask.
Are you anywhere near Regina? There's a Luxe BBQ in Regina, and they carry these grills. I'm sure that somebody who works there has an opinion/knowledge about these things.
^ I'm near Saskatoon. Ya talking to someone at a business that specializes in smokers/grills would be a good idea. I'm sure there's lots of info online also, but haven't dug into it yet.
You should give Luxe a call to talk to them about it. They offer free shipping to major cities (saskatoon included), and when I was shopping for my grill and comparing prices, I didn't find a lower price anywhere else.
^ Awesome, thanks for the tip!
Quote from: Bridgecity on Apr 23, 2026, 04:08 PM^ I'm near Saskatoon. Ya talking to someone at a business that specializes in smokers/grills would be a good idea. I'm sure there's lots of info online also, but haven't dug into it yet.
I love my Cookshack smoker.
It's s chunk wood smoker
I'm going to try a pork butt this weekend, and make some pulled pork. Should be about a 12 hr cook, so I'll be getting up nice and early tomorrow to get it going.
I generally use pork shoulders for pulled pork, is the butt a better option? I usually smoke on the charcoal grill for a few hours and then I toss it in a dutch oven on low in for a few more hours. Always turns out great.
Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Quote from: Tortoise on May 08, 2026, 03:26 PMI generally use pork shoulders for pulled pork, is the butt a better option? I usually smoke on the charcoal grill for a few hours and then I toss it in a dutch oven on low in for a few more hours. Always turns out great.
Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt are used interchangeably. Same.
You will have a "stall" perhaps for a few hours where the temp doesn't go up. Generally in the 150-175 temp. This is normal and you must resist the temptation to increase temperature.
Aim for about 200F internal finish and expect 1.5-2 hours per pound at 225
I prepped the 7lb shoulder last night, then woke up at 6am to turn on the grill to 250, and put the shoulder on. Then went back to bed for a couple more hours.
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It cooked steadily for about 6 hours, then when it hit 160f, it stalled. Took another 3 hours to climb to 168, at which point I took it off and wrapped it, so at 3pm.
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Two hours later, it's at 180, and starting to climb faster. I'm expecting it to be done for 6pm, at which point I'll rest it for another hour or so while I bake the potatoes. So, a 12-14hr cook. I can't wait to unwrap it and see the results after it's rested.
Looks good, I'm sure you will be eating this for a couple of meals.
Waiting for an update....it's like waiting for a child birth....
Pacing back and forth....LOL 😆
Turned out great. 13h on the grill, 1.5 resting. It just fell apart. I couldn't even pick it up once it had rested, I needed to roll it out of the foil into the serving dish.
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That looks fantastic!
Perfection!! How did it taste? Big hit with family?
Quote from: Gurgie on May 11, 2026, 07:55 AMQuote from: Tortoise on May 10, 2026, 03:02 PMThat looks fantastic!
^ I agree!!! WOW
Yeah I'd make a proper pig of myself with that, would need to be wearing my sweat pants to be comfortable.
To be honest i still prefer charcoal over gas. It takes more time but the flavor is just better to me, especially for steaks, wings. Here is my grill https://www.allpointsfps.com/crobm60-60-in-charcoal-charbroiler-crown-verity/?query=grill .It's definitely overkill for most backyards but it's a good example of a heavy duty charcoal setup. Ive got a big family though so having that cooking space actually work out pretty well for us.
What do you do in the rain? Is it under a covered porch?
I enjoy using my Weber kettle, and agree it makes a difference with some foods, but I also enjoy the convenience of gas when it's a quick cook or I want the predictable heat of gas.
Quote from: Tortoise on Jul 03, 2026, 08:53 AMWhat do you do in the rain? Is it under a covered porch?
I enjoy using my Weber kettle, and agree it makes a difference with some foods, but I also enjoy the convenience of gas when it's a quick cook or I want the predictable heat of gas.
I think it's best to have a gas BBQ for convenience (like a micro wave or air fryer) but to have other options like charcoal/pellets/smoker for the times where you want to make something "special".
It gets to me when I see someone grilling some top quality meat in a poor fashion, especially if they aren't even optimizing what they currently have. It's similar to when you see someone use top quality liquor for a mixed drink like a daiquiri.
I would have once agreed with you.
After a couple of months of living with my pellet grill, and cooking on it about 4-5x a week, I can attest that it's really no less convenient than a gas grill. It heats up in about the same amount of time (10 min and it's ready to cook on) at the push of a button, and it gets hot enough to grill burgers, steaks, pork chops, really all those weekday type meals.
And then on the weekends, it's super easy to do the long, low and slow cooks. I've done multiple cooks with ribs, pork butts (pulled pork) and brisket. Heck, last weekend I made my own bacon out of a pork belly that I cured for a week.
I AM going through an obscene amount of wood pellets, though. The money I"m saving on gas driving the Prius, is going directly into the pellet grill and being burned, lol.
Yeah, except for really high temps for searing*, the automated pellet grill seems to be a great single solution.
Would you figure the pellet cost are around double a propane grill?
* I am sure it gets hot enough to be decent at searing, but a charcoal grill or my Weber with an extra searing grill is on another level.
Yeah, I would say that it's probably about double the cost of a propane grill.
I'm using it a LOT, though. Most weekday meals are cooked on it, and then on the weekends I'll usually do a long cook. The one time I did brisket, the pellet grill was on for about 18hrs. It used a half bag of pellets just for that one piece of meat.
Quote from: Tortoise on Jul 03, 2026, 08:53 AMWhat do you do in the rain? Is it under a covered porch?
I enjoy using my Weber kettle, and agree it makes a difference with some foods, but I also enjoy the convenience of gas when it's a quick cook or I want the predictable heat of gas.
Mine stays under a covered patio, so rain usually isn't a problem. If it's really coming down sideways, I wait it out. I get the appeal of gas for quick weeknight cooks but I still prefer the charcoal grill.