Bit disappointed in the EX4

[Windfalls]

I have had my SmokeFire EX4 for about a year now and am generally disappointed with it. The main reason is that it is unreliable even though I follow every trick in the book. Plan a special dish with company coming and the unit fails. Sometimes it works well, other times it is a headache. I already have a Weber propane grill and find myself going back to it more and more and using the SmokeFire less and less. It is a shame because when the SmokeFire works well the end result is great.

 

[JpsBBQ]

I have had my SmokeFire EX4 for about a year now and am generally disappointed with it. The main reason is that it is unreliable even though I follow every trick in the book. Plan a special dish with company coming and the unit fails. Sometimes it works well, other times it is a headache. I already have a Weber propane grill and find myself going back to it more and more and using the SmokeFire less and less. It is a shame because when the SmokeFire works well the end result is great.

My opinion could not be more different from yours. I had the usual growing pains a year ago or so but it has been rock solid since swapping out the auger they sent out to everyone. I find it to be truly unique in its range of cooking ability. It is a great “grill” and a great”smoker”. Very rare air IMO. I do use Weber pellets but do almost no other cleaning and maintenance until it’s absolutely necessary. I’m gonna add a second one to my disgustingly large collection. Sorry to hear of your experience.

 

[Goneincognito]

I have had my SmokeFire EX4 for about a year now and am generally disappointed with it. The main reason is that it is unreliable even though I follow every trick in the book. Plan a special dish with company coming and the unit fails. Sometimes it works well, other times it is a headache. I already have a Weber propane grill and find myself going back to it more and more and using the SmokeFire less and less. It is a shame because when the SmokeFire works well the end result is great.

What has Weber said / done when you have spoken to them about the issues you are having?

 

[Windfalls]

My opinion could not be more different from yours. I had the usual growing pains a year ago or so but it has been rock solid since swapping out the auger they sent out to everyone. I find it to be truly unique in its range of cooking ability. It is a great “grill” and a great”smoker”. Very rare air IMO. I do use Weber pellets but do almost no other cleaning and maintenance until it’s absolutely necessary. I’m gonna add a second one to my disgustingly large collection. Sorry to hear of your experience.

Weber has sent me no replacement parts and never communicated with me in any way. Is that my problem? I did buy the unit direct from Weber and not through a third party.

 

[Windfalls]

Weber has sent me no replacement parts and never communicated with me in any way. Is that my problem? I did buy the unit direct from Weber and not through a third party.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Weber has sent me no replacement parts and never communicated with me in any way. Is that my problem? I did buy the unit direct from Weber and not through a third party.

Could be. Just need to reach out to them. They sent people new auger assembly which was a game changer. I also recommend in the strongest terms to remove the wire guard which impedes the flow of pellets. I also recommend the use of the specifically designed pellets they sell. Lastly, make sure you are connected to the internet and have downloaded all the current updates. Good luck. I couldn’t be happier.

 

[Goneincognito]

Weber has sent me no replacement parts and never communicated with me in any way. Is that my problem? I did buy the unit direct from Weber and not through a third party.

So you have not contacted them for advise about the issues you are experiencing?

 

[JpsBBQ]

So you have not contacted them for advise about the issues you are experiencing?

 

[bbqking]

I here twilight zone theme music in the background….
I my experience, having bought mine second hand, although never cooked on, Weber sent me the cups, the ramp, and all upgrades, for free.

 

[Goneincognito]

So you have not contacted them for advise about the issues you are experiencing?

I guess that's a no...

 

[Djphelps]

I have had my SmokeFire EX4 for about a year now and am generally disappointed with it. The main reason is that it is unreliable even though I follow every trick in the book. Plan a special dish with company coming and the unit fails. Sometimes it works well, other times it is a headache. I already have a Weber propane grill and find myself going back to it more and more and using the SmokeFire less and less. It is a shame because when the SmokeFire works well the end result is great.

Same issues - Weber sent me very complicated steps to rebuild my grill... which isn't going to happen. I think I have a very expensive deck ornament that can sometimes grill hamburgers (if it's feeling like working)...

 

[bbqking]

Same issues - Weber sent me very complicated steps to rebuild my grill... which isn't going to happen. I think I have a very expensive deck ornament that can sometimes grill hamburgers (if it's feeling like working)...

If it’s the SmokeFire, they sometimes have an option of sending a technician to you. Depends on where you live, and if you bought it brand new.

 

[SmokeMaster43]

Could be. Just need to reach out to them. They sent people new auger assembly which was a game changer. I also recommend in the strongest terms to remove the wire guard which impedes the flow of pellets. I also recommend the use of the specifically designed pellets they sell. Lastly, make sure you are connected to the internet and have downloaded all the current updates. Good luck. I couldn’t be happier.

This is the first I've heard of removing the wire guard. I'm going to do that. I imagine it will help with the "pellet bridging" that happens. Thanks!

 

[bbqking]

I really didn’t notice a bridging problem with the wire guard in…but I was kind of ocd at first, making sure the pellets fed right. I did end up removing it proactively.

 

[JpsBBQ]

I really didn’t notice a bridging problem with the wire guard in…but I was kind of ocd at first, making sure the pellets fed right. I did end up removing it proactively.

I’ll just add that every year people die in corn grain bins due to nearly round kernels bridging together. Unfortunate people venture in the bin to relieve the bridge and are overcome by lack of oxygen and or cave in.

My point being that if corn bridges in a twenty something foot tall round bin then you better believe pellets will bridge in a one foot tall bin/ hopper at some point. No matter the brand of pellet or brand of cooker. Anything that can possibly relieve the impediments to free flowing pellets should be removed without hesitation.