Stealth Smokefire


 
Good work Lew looks like its for the light which kind of baffles me but I don't know much about pellet grills so nobody else has a light inside of their pellet grill?

I would not expect any new product launches from Weber this year might be wrong but in Cook's earnings report they pointed out that they won't be launching anything this year need to clear the channel out to get started and conserve cash.

My guess is the box stores already have their orders in for this season, here in the ATL they setup the grill section end of February so that floor plan is probably done or close to done
 
Brian B Atlanta said:
Good work Lew looks like its for the light which kind of baffles me but I don't know much about pellet grills so nobody else has a light inside of their pellet grill?

I would not expect any new product launches from Weber this year might be wrong but in Cook's earnings report they pointed out that they won't be launching anything this year need to clear the channel out to get started and conserve cash.

My guess is the box stores already have their orders in for this season, here in the ATL they setup the grill section end of February so that floor plan is probably done or close to done
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Brian, I know that Redteq and GMG have interior lights in some grills so Weber applying for a patent seems strange but I'm no lawyer. Also, Weber's timing on releasing Smokefire versions has never made sense to me. For me, this whole thing is just a fun academic discussion but I want the Smokefire to stay around so I can continue to get spare parts, if needed. Like Rich and Fletch, I have no interest in purchasing a new grill. My Gen1 EX6 goes to someone in the family when I'm gone.
 
This whole ordeal is frustrating. I finally decided I was going to jump in the pellet game and was most likely going w/ the Stealth. I even asked for Weber gift cards for Christmas and was going to do the same for my birthday in May, with the idea that I would get the grill in early summer. Looking like that won't be possible now, and I don't think I want to be a beta tester for a new model. The Recteq was a VERY close second, and now I'm wondering if I should just go that direction.
 
JimK said:
This whole ordeal is frustrating. I finally decided I was going to jump in the pellet game and was most likely going w/ the Stealth. I even asked for Weber gift cards for Christmas and was going to do the same for my birthday in May, with the idea that I would get the grill in early summer. Looking like that won't be possible now, and I don't think I want to be a beta tester for a new model. The Recteq was a VERY close second, and now I'm wondering if I should just go that direction.
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Jim, I just sent this email to Weber customer support. Let's see if we can get some indication of what's going on. I figure it's worth a try.

My name is Lewis Newby. I own a Gen1 EX6 and I'm one of the Admins for the Facebook group Weber SmokeFire WoodFired Pellet Grill: Owners Group. We have over 8000 members and we're getting questions about the availability of the Stealth version. I don't spread rumors and won't go with the chatter I read on the Internet. Will the Stealth be available for purchase in the near future? Has production stopped on that version? Is there a plan that you can share about a new version of the Smokefire?
 
Lew,

Thanks for that very proper approach to cutting through the chatter and going to the source. I hope Weber customer service will give you a solid answer. They have no obligation to disclose their marketing strategies, but I think they should at least answer whether the Stealth has been discontinued.
 
Weber may not want to say publicly that the Stealth is being discontinued for fear of affecting sales of the Stealth models that are still in the pipeline and yet to be sold.
 
JimK said:
This whole ordeal is frustrating. I finally decided I was going to jump in the pellet game and was most likely going w/ the Stealth. I even asked for Weber gift cards for Christmas and was going to do the same for my birthday in May, with the idea that I would get the grill in early summer. Looking like that won't be possible now, and I don't think I want to be a beta tester for a new model. The Recteq was a VERY close second, and now I'm wondering if I should just go that direction.
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Jim, for what it's worth, there are some things you might consider. Without a doubt, the RT-1250 is an excellent pellet grill with tons of cooking space and it would serve you well but I've owned both brands and the Weber wins in the taste category. I don't think that Weber will abandon their revolutionary open cook chamber design so any future versions will produce great tasting smoked food. The most important element of a pellet grill is the electronics and Weber has been steadily improving the software for 3 years. They bought June to be their software brain trust and they're not going back to ground zero again. Roscoe and others who bought in the beginning have been the beta testers so that won't be a problem if, as I assume, Weber is in the Pellet grill game for the long haul. "It ain't over till the fat lady sings".
 
Thanks Lew. I really appreciate your input and advice. Don't know where I'll eventually end up, but I've got at least a few months to think about it. Hard to imagine getting anything but a Weber after a lot of great experiences. I'm a bit nervous, I guess. It's been a few rough years for them.
 
Jim,
I agree with Lew, even though I like my Rec Tec very much. It is a consistent performer with very decent build quality for its price range. However, a SmokeFire - when it is working right - will give you more smoke flavor. Some actually prefer the milder profile, but I think a lot of us would prefer to get as close as possible to stick burner or at least charcoal results. The SmokeFire delivers that thanks to an innovative design.

I have to admit my eye is also on the new Camp Chef Woodwind Pro that is getting rave reviews. Camp Chef has gone a different route in trying to bring a stronger smoke profile. Whether that slide in box filled with wood chunks - or even charcoal - really works I only have a view videos to base on. The nice thing is that otherwise, the Woodwind Pro relies on a well proven basic design that avoids the potential grease management and other issues brought by using flavorizer bars.

On the other hand let’s see how the Woodwind Pro does after being out longer. And likewise there are plenty of people using and enjoying their SmokeFires with no major problems. For what it worth, the SmokeFire definitely wins the styling contest.😎

I am hoping for an improved model that goes further than the “Stealth” upgrade to address some of the nagging issues while keeping the great cooking results. Hopefully, that would earn Weber some floor space again. Of course, Rec Tec sells all their grills online and has plenty of market penetration.
 
Jon Tofte said:
Jim,
I agree with Lew, even though I like my Rec Tec very much. It is a consistent performer with very decent build quality for its price range. However, a SmokeFire - when it is working right - will give you more smoke flavor. Some actually prefer the milder profile, but I think a lot of us would prefer to get as close as possible to stick burner or at least charcoal results. The SmokeFire delivers that thanks to an innovative design.

I have to admit my eye is also on the new Camp Chef Woodwind Pro that is getting rave reviews. Camp Chef has gone a different route in trying to bring a stronger smoke profile. Whether that slide in box filled with wood chunks - or even charcoal - really works I only have a view videos to base on. The nice thing is that otherwise, the Woodwind Pro relies on a well proven basic design that avoids the potential grease management and other issues brought by using flavorizer bars.

On the other hand let’s see how the Woodwind Pro does after being out longer. And likewise there are plenty of people using and enjoying their SmokeFires with no major problems. For what it worth, the SmokeFire definitely wins the styling contest.😎

I am hoping for an improved model that goes further than the “Stealth” upgrade to address some of the nagging issues while keeping the great cooking results. Hopefully, that would earn Weber some floor space again. Of course, Rec Tec sells all their grills online and has plenty of market penetration.
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That Camp Chef Woodwind Pro does look intriguing.
 
I would love to have the EX4 and would buy one without reservation but I just can't justify the purchase having all the other choices of grills and smokers to cook with. Something has to change before I can join the pellet crowd. But following this thread with mucho interest. Thanks guys for keeping me informed.
 
Lew Newby said:
My name is Lewis Newby. I own a Gen1 EX6 and I'm one of the Admins for the Facebook group Weber SmokeFire WoodFired Pellet Grill: Owners Group. We have over 8000 members and we're getting questions about the availability of the Stealth version. I don't spread rumors and won't go with the chatter I read on the Internet. Will the Stealth be available for purchase in the near future? Has production stopped on that version? Is there a plan that you can share about a new version of the Smokefire?
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Above is the email text that I sent and here's the response.
"Hello Lewis,
This is Matthew, I'm with the Weber SmokeFire specialist team. I understand you are looking for information regarding the SmokeFire series grills. I will be happy to look into this for you and reach back out. I'd like to take down your information and contact you when we have specific details, which should be soon. May I please have you verify your best contact phone number?
Kind regards,

Matthew S"

I'm reading that as Management is not ready to announce. His statement "which should be soon" raised my hope and then I remember what that meant when the Stealth was released. 6 month wait. sigh!! Guys, I wish I had more.
 
Lew Newby said:
I'm reading that as Management is not ready to announce. His statement "which should be soon" raised my hope and then I remember what that meant when the Stealth was released. 6 month wait. sigh!! Guys, I wish I had more.
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You made a logical and honorable attempt!

Wouldn't it be awesome (to us consumers at least) if a vendor could provide meaningful feedback on the fly? I'd love to be at the helm and be able to state something like "I can't get into specifics right now but we will not be manufacturing the SmokeFire version any longer." or "Current demand is outpacing our supply, so we temporarily removed the SmokeFire from our site."

But I'm dreaming, lol.
 
Lew Newby said:
Above is the email text that I sent and here's the response.
"Hello Lewis,
This is Matthew, I'm with the Weber SmokeFire specialist team. I understand you are looking for information regarding the SmokeFire series grills. I will be happy to look into this for you and reach back out. I'd like to take down your information and contact you when we have specific details, which should be soon. May I please have you verify your best contact phone number?
Kind regards,

Matthew S"

I'm reading that as Management is not ready to announce. His statement "which should be soon" raised my hope and then I remember what that meant when the Stealth was released. 6 month wait. sigh!! Guys, I wish I had more.
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Keep an eye out for that NDA they're going to ask you to sign. Just be sure to use someone else's name when you do. :LOL:
 
That does sound a little like there is something in the works. I remember when Recteq first offered a black lid for the RT-680. I was pretty interested as I found there red one to be too orange for my taste. Then all of a sudden, the black option mysteriously disappeared. It wasn't too long after that Recteq released the improved RT-700 - with a black hood only - that I wound up getting eventually.

Weber may be chasing the Stealth away to make the next model appear to be a bigger improvement over the original. Let's hope they do it right and that it is a winner. Weber needs a boost right now.
 
I responded to him and here's my msg and his response. I think he threw me a bone to chew on. No hard info but I am feeling OK after that exchange. I got a little more than I expected.

Jan 12, 2023, 15:02 CST
Matthew, thanks for the response. I read your response as "management is not ready to release that information". and I understand. My cell number is redacted and I look forward to your call or email. In the interim I'll just keep telling people that I don't think that Weber is dropping the pellet grill and we'll know what's ahead when Weber announces.

Matthew S (Weber Grills)
Jan 12, 2023, 15:26 CST
"We appreciate your understanding and I look forward to reaching out with further information!"

Kind regards,

Matthew S
Weber Consumer Care Team
Weber-Stephen Products LLC



 
Colin said:
I would love to have the EX4 and would buy one without reservation but I just can't justify the purchase having all the other choices of grills and smokers to cook with. Something has to change before I can join the pellet crowd. But following this thread with mucho interest. Thanks guys for keeping me informed.
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I thought the exact same thing.

My Smokefire is by far my go-to now. I couldn’t imagine not firing up charcoal almost every night, now charcoal is relegated to weekend duty. Smokefire is the work horse and I wasn’t prepared for it.
 
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