The Weber Searwood pellet grill offers three distinct temperature modes, giving you control over different cooking styles. Each temperature mode is designed for a specific type of cooking, from low temperature smoking to high heat searing. This guide explains how Set Temperature Mode, SmokeBoost Mode, and Manual Mode work on Weber Searwood 600 and Weber Searwood XL 600 pellet grills.

 

Set Temperature Mode

Set Temperature Mode is the default cooking mode on the Weber Searwood pellet grill. Set Temperature Mode is designed for controlled cooking with the lid closed, where the grill automatically maintains the selected temperature.

Temperature Range

• 95 to 315 degrees Celsius

How It Works

The Weber Searwood monitors the internal grill temperature and automatically adjusts pellet feed and airflow to maintain the selected temperature. Set Temperature Mode provides stable heat for consistent cooking results.

Best For

• Traditional smoking (brisket, ribs, pork shoulder)
• Roasting (whole chicken, turkey, vegetables)
• Baking (pizza, bread, desserts)
• General grilling with consistent, controlled heat

How to Use Set Temperature Mode

1. If the controller screen is not lit, wake the Weber Searwood by pressing the menu button or turning the main dial
2. Rotate the dial to select the desired cooking temperature
3. Press the dial to confirm the temperature selection
4. The controller will display both the set temperature and the current grill temperature
5. Close the lid and allow the Weber Searwood to preheat before cooking

Tips for Best Results

• Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain stable temperatures
• Use food temperature probes to monitor internal doneness accurately
• For low and slow smoking, use temperatures between 105 and 135 degrees Celsius
• For roasting and general grilling, use temperatures between 175 and 230 degrees Celsius
• For high heat searing with DirectFlame, use temperatures between 260 and 315 degrees Celsius

 

SmokeBoost Mode

SmokeBoost Mode is designed to maximise smoke flavour by operating the Weber Searwood at a low temperature range and cycling pellets more slowly.

Temperature Range

• 82 to 95 degrees Celsius (dependent on ambient conditions)

How It Works

In SmokeBoost Mode, the Weber Searwood reduces pellet feed rate to create more smouldering smoke and less direct flame. This process increases smoke production while maintaining low cooking temperatures.

Best For

• Low and slow smoking (ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, beef short ribs)
• Maximising smoke flavour during the early stages of cooking
• Smoking delicate foods such as fish or cheese

How to Activate SmokeBoost Mode

1. Press the Menu button on the controller
2. Navigate to SmokeBoost using the dial
3. Press the dial to turn SmokeBoost Mode on
4. The controller display will show SmokeBoost is active
5. Close the lid and allow the Weber Searwood to operate in SmokeBoost Mode

Tips for Best Results

• Use SmokeBoost Mode at the start of a cook to build smoke flavour, then switch to Set Temperature Mode to finish cooking
• Monitor internal food temperatures, as cooking progresses slowly at this temperature range
• Expect longer cooking times when using SmokeBoost Mode

 

Manual Mode (Levels 1 to 10)

Manual Mode provides direct control over flame intensity instead of maintaining a set temperature. Manual Mode is designed for open lid cooking and high heat applications.

Flame Intensity Range

• Levels 1 to 10 (1 = low flame, 10 = maximum flame intensity)

How It Works

In Manual Mode, the Weber Searwood adjusts pellet feed based on the selected flame level rather than a target temperature. The grill does not automatically regulate temperature in Manual Mode.

Best For

• Open lid grilling (burgers, sausages, vegetables)
• Quick searing and high heat cooking
• Cooking foods that require visual monitoring

How to Activate Manual Mode

1. Press the Menu button on the controller
2. Select Manual Mode using the dial
3. Press the dial to enter Manual Mode
4. Rotate the dial to choose a flame level from 1 to 10
5. The controller will display the selected Manual Mode level

Tips for Best Results

• Start at a lower flame level and increase gradually to avoid burning food
• Use higher flame levels for quick searing or thick cuts of meat
• Keep the lid open in Manual Mode for better control and visibility

 

When to Use Each Mode

Cooking style	Recommended mode	Temperature / level
Low and slow smoking	SmokeBoost	82 to 95 °C
Traditional smoking	Set Temperature	105 to 135 °C
Roasting (chicken, turkey)	Set Temperature	175 to 205 °C
General grilling	Set Temperature	200 to 260 °C
High heat searing	Set Temperature (DirectFlame)	260 to 315 °C
Open lid grilling	Manual Mode	Levels 3 to 7
Quick sears and burgers	Manual Mode	Levels 7 to 10

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch between modes during a cook?

A: Yes. You can switch between SmokeBoost Mode, Set Temperature Mode, and Manual Mode at any time using the Menu button. Switching modes is commonly used to smoke food first and then finish at a higher temperature.

Q: Does SmokeBoost Mode use more pellets?

A: No. SmokeBoost Mode uses pellets more slowly because the grill operates at a lower temperature and cycles pellets at a reduced rate.

Q: Can I use Manual Mode with the lid closed?

A: Yes, but Manual Mode is designed primarily for open lid cooking. For consistent temperature control with the lid closed, Set Temperature Mode is recommended.

Q: How do I know which mode is active?

A: The controller display shows the active mode. Set Temperature Mode displays the selected temperature, SmokeBoost Mode displays “SmokeBoost,” and Manual Mode displays “Manual” with the selected level.

Q: What is the difference between Set Temperature at low temperature and SmokeBoost Mode?

A: Both operate at low temperatures, but SmokeBoost Mode reduces pellet feed to increase smoke production. Set Temperature Mode maintains temperature with less smoke output.