The Weber Searwood pellet grill is compatible with a griddle insert (sold separately), transforming the cooking surface into a flat-top suitable for breakfast foods, smash burgers, stir-fries, and delicate items. This guide explains how to install, use, and care for a griddle insert on Weber Searwood 600 and Weber Searwood XL 600 pellet grills.

 

Why Use a Griddle Insert?

A griddle insert provides a flat cooking surface on the Weber Searwood pellet grill, suitable for foods that benefit from even heat and solid contact with the cooking surface. Griddle inserts are suitable for:

• Smash burgers
• Fried eggs and omelettes
• Pancakes and French toast
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Halloumi, tofu, and delicate fish
• Foods that might fall through standard cooking grates

 

Compatible Griddle Options

• Weber Full-Size Griddle: Porcelain-enamelled cast iron griddle designed to fit Weber Searwood pellet grills (sold separately). The Weber Full-Size Griddle easily converts the entire cooking surface and includes rimmed edges to keep food, oil, and seasoning in place.
• Alternative cast iron griddles: Ensure any griddle fits securely on the cooking grates and allows for safe airflow within the cookbox

 

Before You Begin

• Ensure the Weber Searwood is off and cool before installing the griddle insert
• Check that the griddle insert is clean and dry
• Fill the hopper with Weber All Natural Hardwood Pellets
• Check that the grease catch is properly installed with a disposable Weber drip pan inside

 

Installing the Griddle Insert

1. Open the lid of the Weber Searwood
2. Remove one or more cooking grates to make space for the griddle insert
3. Place the griddle insert directly on the grate supports or remaining cooking grates
4. Ensure the griddle insert sits flat and stable before closing the lid
5. Ensure the griddle does not block airflow within the cookbox

 

Preheating the Griddle Insert

Recommended Settings

• Mode: Set Temperature Mode or Manual Mode
• Temperature: 200 to 260 degrees Celsius for most griddle cooking
• Preheat time: 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed

Step by Step Griddle Preheating

1. If the controller screen is not lit, wake the Weber Searwood by pressing the menu button or turning the main dial
2. Turn the dial to select a temperature between 200 and 260 degrees Celsius
3. Press the dial to confirm the temperature selection
4. Close the lid and allow the Weber Searwood to preheat the griddle insert for 10 to 15 minutes
5. The griddle insert will heat gradually and reach cooking temperature

 

Cooking on the Griddle Insert

• Apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil (vegetable oil or sunflower oil) to the griddle surface after preheating
• Use metal spatulas and griddle tools—porcelain-enamelled cast iron griddles are metal-tool safe
• Cook foods in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain consistent heat
• Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature, or open the lid for visual monitoring
• Use food temperature probes to monitor internal temperatures accurately

 

Using Manual Mode for Griddle Cooking

Manual Mode provides direct control over flame intensity for griddle cooking with the lid open:

1. Press the menu button on the controller
2. Navigate to Manual Mode using the dial
3. Press the dial to enter Manual Mode
4. Turn the dial to select flame level 5 to 8 for griddle cooking
5. The controller will display the selected Manual Mode level
6. Cook with the lid open or closed, adjusting flame level as needed

 

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Turn off the Weber Searwood and allow the griddle insert to cool completely before handling
2. Once cool enough to handle safely, use a metal scraper or spatula to remove food residue
3. Wipe the griddle surface clean with kitchen paper or a damp cloth
4. Do not immerse the griddle insert in water
5. Apply a light coat of oil to the griddle surface to prevent rusting before storing
6. Store the griddle insert in a dry location

 

Care Instructions for Porcelain-Enamelled Cast Iron

• Clean the griddle insert after each use
• Do not immerse in water—wipe clean with a damp cloth only
• Avoid using soap on seasoned cast iron surfaces, as soap can strip seasoning
• For porcelain-enamelled surfaces, mild soap can be used if needed, but wipe and dry thoroughly
• Apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning to maintain the surface and prevent rust

 

After Cooking Shutdown Procedure

Always run a full shutdown procedure after each cook:

1. Remove all food from the griddle insert
2. Close the lid
3. Press the menu button on the Weber Searwood controller
4. Navigate to the power symbol using the dial
5. Press the dial to initiate shutdown
6. Do not unplug the Weber Searwood during the shutdown procedure
7. Allow the Weber Searwood and griddle insert to cool completely before cleaning or removing

 

Tips for Best Results

• Preheat the griddle insert thoroughly before adding food to ensure even cooking
• Use high smoke point oils such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil for griddle cooking at high temperatures
• Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent temperature
• Use the Weber Connect app to monitor internal food temperatures without opening the lid
• Cook in batches rather than overcrowding the griddle surface
• Clean the griddle insert after each use to maintain the cooking surface
• Store the griddle insert with a light coat of oil to prevent rusting

 

Troubleshooting Griddle Cooking

Food Sticking to Griddle Surface

• Ensure the griddle insert is fully preheated before adding food
• Apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface before cooking
• Avoid moving food too soon—allow food to develop a crust before flipping
• Clean the griddle surface thoroughly after each use

Uneven Heating on Griddle

• Allow the full 10 to 15 minutes preheat time
• Ensure the griddle insert sits flat on the grate supports
• Keep the lid closed during preheating and cooking
• Position food in the centre of the griddle where heat is most consistent

Griddle Surface Rusting

• Apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface after each cleaning
• Store the griddle insert in a dry location
• Do not leave the griddle insert exposed to moisture or rain
• If rust develops, scrub with a stiff brush and re-season the surface

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the griddle insert with the lid closed on the Weber Searwood?

A: Yes. The Weber Searwood is designed for cooking with the lid closed. Keeping the lid closed during griddle cooking helps maintain consistent temperature. You can open the lid to monitor food visually during cooking.

Q: Do I need to season the Weber griddle insert?

A: Weber porcelain-enamelled cast iron griddles come ready to use. Applying a thin layer of oil after each use helps maintain the surface and prevent rust.

Q: Can I use soap to clean the griddle insert?

A: For porcelain-enamelled cast iron, mild soap can be used if needed, but wipe and dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh abrasives. For seasoned cast iron surfaces without enamel, avoid soap as it can strip seasoning. Use warm water and a scraper instead.

Q: Can I leave the griddle insert in the Weber Searwood between cooks?

A: Yes, but ensure the griddle insert is clean and lightly oiled. For long term storage or to protect the griddle from weather, remove and store in a dry location.

Q: What temperature should I use for griddle cooking on the Weber Searwood?

A: 200 to 260 degrees Celsius is suitable for most griddle cooking. Use Set Temperature Mode for consistent temperature control, or Manual Mode levels 5 to 8 for direct flame control with open lid cooking.

Q: Can I use the griddle insert with SmokeBoost Mode?

A: SmokeBoost Mode operates at 82 to 95 degrees Celsius, which is lower than typical griddle cooking temperatures. For best griddle cooking results, use Set Temperature Mode at 200 to 260 degrees Celsius or Manual Mode.