Sample Weber Smokefire Pellets

[vckiter]

If anyone ever tells you only use SF pellets because of their "size" just laugh and call them crazy.

 

[abmet]

I think generally when people are discussing size of pellets its the diameter not the length.

 

[vckiter]

Looking at the auger and the diameter of these pellets, unless other brands are much beefier in diameter I don't see a slight variation doing anything to the mechanism. Honestly, the auger should be bigger even using these pellets. I would design the entire thing differently. The auger to firebox, the whole system and mechanics should be ground-up redesigned. Maybe I should make a grill and sell it. It seems like idiots design these grills. They work, yes, but the user experience could be 10x better.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Well, the expert has spoken. Even if he clearly has little or no experience.

 

[vckiter]

Well, I'm an aerospace engineer, have an additional degree in mathematics and work in manufacturing involved in projects for SpaceX, Tesla, Bombardier, Boeing, etc. I've solved countless issues far higher profile than this grill saving millions. I'll give you (and Weber designers) two easy user experience stupidities with the Weber SF that can be rectified easily (1) the probe jacks face down where you can't see them unless one is 4' tall (2) the pellet hopper door opens up and back so it blocks you from pouring pellets into the hopper. If they reversed the door to open towards the grill lid, easy access. These two require no additional money or upgraded products adding cost to production.

I have a long list of improvements and they are valid points. I like my SF but that doesn't mean it wasn't designed by morons and could be improved. Unfortunately most products today are designed by people who must not ever use them.

 

[JpsBBQ]

Well, I'm an aerospace engineer, have an additional degree in mathematics and work in manufacturing involved in projects for SpaceX, Tesla, Bombardier, Boeing, etc. I've solved countless issues far higher profile than this grill saving millions. I'll give you (and Weber designers) two easy user experience stupidities with the Weber SF that can be rectified easily (1) the probe jacks face down where you can't see them unless one is 4' tall (2) the pellet hopper door opens up and back so it blocks you from pouring pellets into the hopper. If they reversed the door to open towards the grill lid, easy access. These two require no additional money or upgraded products adding cost to production.

I have a long list of improvements and they are valid points. I like my SF but that doesn't mean it wasn't designed by morons and could be improved. Unfortunately most products today are designed by people who must not ever use them.

All this self adulation and yet you don’t know the difference between pellet length and pellet diameter.

I would advise the exalted one to design and build his own pellet grill empire. Should be easy. It’s not rocket science.

 

[vckiter]

Childish ad hominems...

 

[tigermikie]

vckiter, your points are well made. Getting pellets into the hopper is a pain and I have to feel for the plug holes unless I get on my knees. I am sure placement was done keep out rain.
Even with all its peccadillos I love this grill/smoker.

 

[bbqking]

Well that was educational. I have a masters degree in laziness. Specializing in obesity. Plus I’ve worked in the field of trucking. Heritage, ABC Building materials, Angelica, and a few more. I have a side hobby of grilling, cooking things over fire/smoke. I think Weber did a good thing joining the pellet game. I’m happy with mine. Everything in life could be redesigned to be better, like my house, car, and my shoes.
Live Long and Prosper Everyone
Sincerely,
Me

 

[JpsBBQ]

Rats! I just tried to put pellets in my hopper and it blocked me. Oh well, I guess I’ll just leave it and never cook on it again. Rats!

 

[AHoneyman]

If anyone ever tells you only use SF pellets because of their "size" just laugh and call them crazy.

See my post in other thread.

 

[AHoneyman]

Well, I'm an aerospace engineer, have an additional degree in mathematics and work in manufacturing involved in projects for SpaceX, Tesla, Bombardier, Boeing, etc. I've solved countless issues far higher profile than this grill saving millions. I'll give you (and Weber designers) two easy user experience stupidities with the Weber SF that can be rectified easily (1) the probe jacks face down where you can't see them unless one is 4' tall (2) the pellet hopper door opens up and back so it blocks you from pouring pellets into the hopper. If they reversed the door to open towards the grill lid, easy access. These two require no additional money or upgraded products adding cost to production.

I have a long list of improvements and they are valid points. I like my SF but that doesn't mean it wasn't designed by morons and could be improved. Unfortunately most products today are designed by people who must not ever use them.

First, the probe inserts are located as such to keep water from running into them and shorting them out. Second, the hopper door is designed as that the entire unit can be placed against a wall.

 

[JpsBBQ]

See my post in other thread.

You can’t possibly tell this guy something he doesn’t know or hasn’t thought about. He was the coffee runner at Space X down in Cocoa Beach.

 

[JpsBBQ]

First, the probe inserts are located as such to keep water from running into them and shorting them out. Second, the hopper door is designed as that the entire unit can be placed against a wall.

Yeah, the very pricey Memphis has a rear loading hopper that opens the other direction. It is an even bigger PITA due to the fact that it cannot be filled from the front of the grill. The Smokefire can as I routinely do just that.

However I’m not sure how anyone is able to use those probe ports. Heck you have to bend over a bit to use them.

Great points.

 

[Goneincognito]