The Weber Searwood pellet grill delivers wood-fired cooking from low temperature smoking to high heat searing. This guide explains startup, preheating, cooking modes, food probe use, and shutdown procedures for the Weber Searwood 600 and Weber Searwood XL 600 pellet grills.

 

Before You Start Cooking

Pre-Cook Safety and Setup Checks

• Position the Weber Searwood outdoors in a well ventilated area with at least 61 cm clearance on all sides from walls, railings, and combustible materials
• Fill the hopper with Weber All Natural Hardwood Pellets
• Check that the hopper safety guard is in place
• Ensure the pellet release handle is in the closed position
• Verify the grease catch is properly installed with a disposable Weber drip pan inside
• Check that all internal components (heat deflector, heat diffuser, Flavorizer bar, cooking grates) are properly installed
• Confirm the cooking grates are clean
• Plug the Weber Searwood into a grounded outdoor electrical outlet (220 to 240V AC, 50 to 60 Hz)

 

Starting Your Weber Searwood

Step by Step Startup

1. If the controller screen is not lit, wake the Weber Searwood by pushing the menu button or main dial
2. Turn the dial to select your desired temperature
3. Push the dial to confirm the temperature selection
4. The Weber Searwood will begin the ignition sequence
5. The auger will feed pellets into the burn pot
6. The glow plug will heat the pellets to start combustion
7. Within a few minutes, smoke will rise from the chimney, indicating successful ignition
8. Close the lid and allow the Weber Searwood to preheat to your selected temperature

What to Expect During Startup

• The controller will display the current grill temperature as the Weber Searwood heats
• The heating indicator and auger activity indicator will display on the screen
• Smoke will be visible from the chimney shortly after startup
• The Weber Searwood will automatically regulate heat to reach and maintain your set temperature

 

Preheating Your Grill

Preheating the Weber Searwood ensures even cooking, prevents food from sticking, and allows the grill to stabilise at the target temperature.

Preheat Guidelines

• Always preheat the Weber Searwood with the lid closed
• Allow adequate time for the grill to reach and stabilise at the set temperature
• Typical preheat time is 15 to 20 minutes, depending on target temperature and ambient conditions
• The controller will display the current temperature as the Weber Searwood rises toward the set temperature
• Cold or windy weather may require additional preheat time

Ready to Cook

The Weber Searwood is ready when:

• The current temperature displayed on the controller is at or near the set temperature
• The temperature has stabilised and is no longer rising rapidly
• Consistent smoke flows from the chimney

 

Understanding Cooking Modes

Set Temperature Mode

Set Temperature Mode is the primary mode for cooking with the lid closed. The Weber Searwood maintains your selected temperature automatically.

• How to Use: Turn the dial to select your desired temperature. Push the dial to confirm. The Weber Searwood will heat to and maintain that temperature.
• Best For: Smoking, roasting, baking, and general pellet grill cooking with the lid closed
• Temperature Range: 95 to 315 degrees Celsius

SmokeBoost Mode

SmokeBoost Mode is a dedicated low temperature smoking mode designed to maximise smoke production.

• How to Use: Press the menu button, navigate to SmokeBoost, and select On. The display will indicate SmokeBoost is active.
• Best For: Low and slow smoking where maximum smoke flavour is desired (ribs, brisket, pork shoulder)
• Temperature: Fixed at a temperature range between 82 to 95 degrees Celsius, dependent on ambient conditions
• Tip: You can start a cook in SmokeBoost Mode to build smoke flavour, then switch to a higher temperature to finish cooking

Manual Mode

Manual Mode allows you to control flame intensity directly rather than setting a target temperature. Manual Mode is designed for open lid cooking.

• How to Use: Press the menu button, navigate to Manual Mode, and select a flame level from 1 to 10 (low to high).
• Best For: Open lid cooking, searing, burgers, vegetables, and quick high heat grilling
• Control Range: Adjustable flame levels from 1 (low) to 10 (high)
• Important: In Manual Mode, the Weber Searwood does not automatically regulate temperature. You control the flame intensity directly.

 

Cooking on Your Weber Searwood

General Cooking Best Practices

• Preheat the Weber Searwood fully before adding food
• Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent heat and smoke
• Use food temperature probes to monitor internal doneness accurately
• Avoid pressing down on burgers or steaks, as pressing squeezes out juices
• Allow meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking
• Clean cooking grates with a grill brush or wood scraper before and after cooking

Heat Distribution

The Weber Searwood provides even heat distribution across the cooking surface when the lid is closed. Food can be placed anywhere on the grates for consistent indirect cooking.

Adjusting Temperature During Cooking

You can adjust the temperature at any time during cooking:

• Rotate the dial to select a new temperature
• Push the dial to confirm
• The Weber Searwood will automatically adjust to the new set point

Minimising Lid Openings

Each time you open the lid, heat and smoke escape from the Weber Searwood:

• Opening the lid increases cooking time
• Opening the lid reduces smoke penetration in the food
• Opening the lid causes temperature fluctuations
• Use the Weber Connect app or food probes to monitor progress without opening the lid

 

Using Food Temperature Probes

How to Use Probes

1. Insert the probe connectors into the probe ports on the front of the Weber Searwood
2. Insert the probe tips into the thickest part of your food, avoiding bone and fat
3. The controller will display the current internal temperature for each probe
4. Monitor probe temperatures on the controller display during cooking
5. You can also set target temperatures and receive alerts using the Weber Connect app

Safe Internal Cooking Temperatures

Use the food temperature probes to ensure food reaches safe internal temperatures:

• Poultry: 75 degrees Celsius minimum
• Ground meat: 70 degrees Celsius minimum
• Pork and beef: 63 degrees Celsius minimum (for medium), 70 degrees Celsius for well done
• Fish: 63 degrees Celsius minimum

Always follow food safety guidelines for your region.

 

After Cook Shutdown Procedure

Always run a full shutdown procedure after each cook. The shutdown procedure is essential for safe operation and extends the life of your Weber Searwood.

How to Shut Down the Grill

1. When your food is cooked, open the lid and remove all food from the cooking grates
2. Close the lid
3. Push the main menu button on the controller
4. Using the dial, scroll through the main menu to the power symbol
5. Push the dial to initiate shutdown
6. The Weber Searwood will begin the shutdown procedure, indicated by blinking icons and an activated countdown timer on the display
7. Do not unplug the grill during the shutdown procedure
8. The shutdown procedure runs the fan to clear residual smoke and cool the burn pot
9. Once the shutdown procedure is complete, the controller will turn off automatically
10. Allow the Weber Searwood to cool completely (at least 30 minutes) before cleaning, covering, or moving

Why the Shutdown Procedure Is Important

• Clears residual pellets from the burn pot
• Cools the Weber Searwood safely and prevents component damage
• Reduces ash buildup in the burn pot
• Prepares the Weber Searwood for the next startup

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Grill Will Not Turn On

• Check the power cord is fully plugged into the Weber Searwood and the outlet
• Verify the outlet is working by testing with another appliance
• Check the household circuit breaker or fuse
• Ensure the temperature control dial is turned to a heating setting

Grill Not Reaching Temperature

• Keep the lid closed during preheating
• Allow the full 15 to 20 minutes preheat time
• Check that the extension lead (if used) meets the required specifications (14-gauge cable, maximum 4 metres)
• Cold or windy weather may extend preheat time
• Ensure the hopper is filled with Weber All Natural Hardwood Pellets

Error Codes

If the Weber Searwood detects a problem, the controller will display an error code. Common error codes include:

• E1 – Auger Jam
• E2 – Fan Motor Failure
• E3 – Loss of Flame
• E5 – Grill Too Hot
• E6 – Flame Not Started
• E10 – Improper Shutdown

If an error code appears, consult your Weber Searwood owner's manual or visit weber.com for detailed troubleshooting guidance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for the Weber Searwood to ignite?

A: Ignition typically occurs within a few minutes. You will see smoke rising from the chimney and the current temperature will begin to rise on the controller display.

Q: Can I change the temperature mid-cook?

A: Yes. Rotate the dial to select a new temperature and push to confirm. The Weber Searwood will automatically adjust to the new set point.

Q: Do I need to preheat the grill every time?

A: Yes. Preheating ensures consistent cooking temperatures, even heat distribution, and helps prevent food from sticking to the grates.

Q: Can I use the Weber Searwood without the Weber Connect app?

A: Yes. The Weber Searwood operates independently using the controller. The Weber Connect app adds remote monitoring, guided cooking programs, and notifications, but the app is not required to use the grill.

Q: What happens if I open the lid during cooking?

A: Opening the lid releases heat and smoke, which increases cooking time and reduces smoke penetration. Minimise lid openings, especially during low and slow cooks.

Q: How do I know when my food is done?

A: Use the food temperature probes to monitor internal temperatures. Refer to safe cooking temperature guidelines for different foods and your owner's manual for recommended doneness temperatures.

Q: What happens if I forget to run the shutdown procedure?

A: Skipping the shutdown procedure can leave pellets in the burn pot, increase ash buildup, and may affect the next startup. Always run a full shutdown after each cook.

Q: Can I cook with the lid open on the Weber Searwood?

A: Manual Mode is designed for open lid cooking and direct flame grilling. For Set Temperature Mode and SmokeBoost Mode, keep the lid closed for best results.

Q: What pellets should I use in the Weber Searwood?

A: Use Weber All Natural Hardwood Pellets. Do not use heating fuel pellets. Store pellets indoors in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.