Unboxing and Assembly
Begin by assembling your Weber Smoque pellet barbecue according to the official Assembly Guide included with the grill. Do not attempt to use the barbecue until all parts are properly in place and assembled. Operating without the full ash and grease system or other components installed can be dangerous.
Set the barbecue on a level, secure outdoor surface, at least 2 feet (61 cm) away from any walls or combustible materials such as wood railings or vinyl siding. This grill is for outdoor use only – never use it indoors or in enclosed areas like garages or tents due to the risk of carbon monoxide and fire. Ensure the grill is in a well-ventilated space and not under low overhangs or eaves.
Initial Checklist Before First Use
- Internal Components: Open the lid and verify that all internal parts are correctly installed. This includes the heat diffuser, grease funnel and sheet, Flavorizer bars, and cooking grates. Ensure the grease catch pan is in place and lined with a disposable drip tray.
- Hopper Guard: Inspect the pellet hopper to confirm the finger safety guard is present and undamaged. If missing or broken, do not use the grill – contact Weber for a replacement.
- Pellets Load: Close the pellet release handle, then fill the hopper with Weber All Natural Hardwood Pellets. Use only food-grade hardwood pellets. The hopper holds about 9 kg (20 lb) of pellets. Close the hopper lid after filling.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into the back of the hopper, then into a grounded outdoor outlet. If using an extension cord, ensure it is heavy-duty (14-gauge, grounded, and no longer than 4 m / 13 ft).
Connecting the Weber Connect App (Optional)
Pair your grill with the Weber Connect app for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The app provides guided setup, firmware updates, and remote monitoring. Always supervise the grill during startup and cooking, even when using the app.
First Firing – Seasoning the Grill
Before cooking, you must season your Weber Smoque to burn off manufacturing residues and prepare the grill for optimal performance.
- Start-Up: Wake the controller by pressing the dial. Set the temperature to 230 °C (450 °F) and confirm. Keep the lid closed.
- Run at High Heat: Let the grill run at 230 °C for at least 30 minutes. A slight odour is normal during this process.
- Monitor & Check: Ensure the temperature rises and stabilises. If ignition fails, check the burn pot and pellet hopper.
- Post-Seasoning Shutdown: Use the controller to initiate shutdown. Do not unplug the grill during the cooling cycle.
- Cleaning After First Burn: Once cool, unplug the grill. Remove and clean grates, scrape grease components, empty ash from the burn pot, and reassemble.
Ready for Cooking
After seasoning, refill the hopper if needed. For future cooks, load pellets, wake the controller, set your desired temperature, and allow the grill to preheat with the lid closed. Always use the automatic shutdown feature after cooking to prevent ignition issues.
Enjoy your new Weber Smoque!