Helloooo...from Augusta, GA

[Bill Sneed]

I own a Weber Genesis II but that's not the reason I joined the forum today! I have owned a pellet grill from Pit Boss, a very basic model I bought from Lowe's a few years ago. It has worked and not worked in the most inopportune times! Right now, it is NOT working because the auger has jammed, pretty common theme with this grill. I'm about ready to give it away to a buddy of mine so he can use it for spare parts! Usually, I was able to clear the auger by emptying the hopper and chipping away at the hardened pellets. It didn't work today. My question is directed toward any Weber Searwood owners. Have you experienced auger jams and if so, how often? And were they easy to clear? Did you have to remove the hopper?

 

[Bob Bailey]

Most any auger will jam if the pellets get wet. Unfortunately, Just the nature of the beast. In high humidity areas, especially if you don't use the pellet grill often, it's best to store pellets in airtight containers and empty the hopper and auger tube after every cook if you won't be using it for more than a day or 2.
Without a pellet dump feature, you can just scoop the pellets out of the hopper and run for a few minutes to clear the auger tube. Don't put it in shutdown mode for this. Once the fire is out, shut it off manually.

 

[AndyK]

I’ve pondered on pellet burners because they look like they are set it and forget it and as a lazy guy that is more my style.
I heard of and seen too many failures to consider getting one.

My mom went through 3, buying a new one every 2-3 years before she gave up and went back to charcoal .
Her bbq always tasted ok but I never walked away thinking that it was a great meal when she cooked with pellets.

Her area gets their fair share of foggy days and I think that might be the reason.
My buddy in Scottsdale Arizona has not had any issues with his after 3 years.
I live very close to salt water and was surprised when my neighbor bought a big high dollar fancy pellet burner.
I didn’t have it in me to say anything other than “them big horns sure look nice”.

On another note,
The people on the hunting forum I visit have complained about inferior pellets for their pellet heaters .
Now I know it’s not a cooking pellet but apparently not all pellets are made equal and cheap ones will emit some that messes the augers up according to them.

Back to your original question,
I don’t know anything about a Weber searwood other than it’s an auger system.
I don’t think they claim to have a better system or that they use better materials.
They might but it’s still an auger system imo.

My takeaway is I just don’t think these work well in all environments.

 

[Mike - LA]

On the pellet cooker note I’ve had a Yoder 640 since 2014 with many many cooks using every variety and brand of pellets with absolutely no problems. In fact I’ve posted some cooks on this message board. I’ve had and have some other brands of pellet cookers and none come close to the Yoder. I do keep it in my shop when not using and the pellets also due to the fact I live in Louisiana and as Bob said the pellets can’t stand any moisture or you’re in for trouble regardless of brand smoker, and even with a cover you can’t prevent the moisture. Pellet smokers are another nice cooking method but if moisture isn’t considered in owning one…..uh oh. My take. Enjoy

Edit: By the way it’s a fantastic cooker. Just saying. I love my Webers too.