Reverse Searing and Grill Use

[Jay in WA]

I have a 4-burner Genesis hooked up to natural gas. Love how convenient it is. Need to replace my aging CC cabinet smoker and looking at the Searwood and Smoque. Curious on how folks use the Searwood:

1. Anyone keep their gas grill and still use the grilling function of the Searwood? ....I have a old Webr Kettle that I love, but barely get to use because the Genesis is so convenient.
2. I'd love to smoke some steaks and then a hot reverse sear. Anyone else do this? ...how's the rampup time waiting for the Searwood to get to max temp in order to sear?
3. Anyone regret getting the smaller Searwood? (rarely do I do more than 3 racks of ribs and seems the smaller one would do fine based on what I read)

Thanks! Need to pull the trigger soon...and get smoking!

 

[LMichaels]

Not a Searwood owner but given the wide ranging temps it can reach, if I owned one I don't think I'd bother with a gas grill. Searwood looks like a very capable all purpose grill.
Honestly I don't think I would have bothered having a gas grill if I didn't already own my Wolf

 

[Bob Erdman]

I have a SF and still use my Genesis frequently. When it's very windy out, the SF is my go to grill.

I reverse sear steaks on the Genesis most of the time because other food I have on the SF may not be ready to come off, or need the high heat. Bonus, I can cook my entire meal on two grills and have it all ready around the same time. Tip, focus on what you are doing when using both grills at the same time if alcohol is involved!

I have the bigger SF and cook for two most of the time. I like the size because it allows for larger drip pans without blocking most of the grate area when smoking multiple items on the top rack. Occasionally I do cook for a crowd. If you have the space for a larger smoker go for it, I've never heard anyone complain that they should have got the smaller one! LOL Good luck with your decision.

 

[JimK]

I have the smaller Searwood and still have the Genesis - though the Genesis has really become a 'backup' grill or extra oven. I find the pellet grill is just about as convenient as the gasser.

The smaller size is plenty in general for my family of 4.

Reverse searing is pretty easy with the Searwood. It takes less than 15 minutes to go from off to 500+.