Weber introduced a completely new Searwood Smart Pellet Grill in early 2024, offering a new design following series “Smoky Fire” which debuted in 2020. In an effort to offer quality features at a lower price, the company has announced the Smoque (pronounced “smoke”) grill. With a versatile temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, this new model continues to be a versatile pellet grill, and the new ventilation system effectively distributes smoke and heat throughout the cooking chamber.
The overall design of the Smoque is very similar to the Searwood, but the most noticeable difference with the new model is the simplified controller. You still get support for two corded food probes, but this grill is controlled by a single knob. Despite the smaller display size, the LCD panel is still easy to read from a distance, providing real-time updates on grill temperature, food temperature, timers and more. The controller works with Weber Connect app to send all these statistics to your phone. And thanks to the Wi-Fi connection, you can monitor the cooking process from anywhere.
The biggest change to Smoque is inside the cooking box. Here Weber designed a ventilation system that sits between the pan and the cooking grates. It replaces the company's signature Flavorizer bars made by both SmokeFire and Searwood (and what you find on their gas grills). According to Weber, the new unit circulates air and smoke evenly around your food and directs the fat directly into an easy-to-skim form. Ash falls to the bottom of the cooking chamber during use and can be swept into the same container without the need for a vacuum.
Like the Searwood, the Smoque features Weber's Rapid React technology, which allows the grill to quickly recover once the lid is opened. What's more, the new model reaches the target temperature in 15 minutes, and the Smoke Boost setting can be activated using the rotary knob. Smoque is also compatible with the Weber Works and Weber Crafted line of accessories, including a very convenient grill container that reduces the need to go back inside. For an additional cost, you can also add folding front, side and bottom shelves.
The 22-inch Weber Smoque version costs $699, and the 34-inch XL version costs $899. Both will be available at retailers and on the company's website later this year. For reference, the Searwood 600 costs $899 and the XL model costs $1,199.
In addition to the Smoque, Weber also introduced updates to its line of gas grills as well as flat top griddles. First, the company has upgraded the Spirit gas grill with Boost burners in a dedicated searing zone and an easy-to-read digital thermometer similar to the one available on Slate pans. Speaking of the Slate, there's now a 28-inch version for $549. You still get three burners and a pre-seasoned, rust-resistant Weber cooktop. The snap-on rail can accommodate Weber Works accessories, and the griddle's burners can heat up to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes.
The new Spirit grills are now available in two-, three- and four-burner options starting at $399. The new Slate size will be available in early 2025.