This is a game changer for the Weber Kettle! I absolutely love it. It keeps the temperature inside the kettle a consistent heat. I smoked my 1st pork butt using the Venom and was able to get the temp up to 225° and keep that temp consistently through the entire cook!
Did my first smoke (pork shoulder) using this and it changed everything. In the past I was always keeping an eye on the grill temp, running out to fiddle with a vent here and there over the course of the cook. Kinda frustrating, No more. This is pretty much set it and forget it. It keeps the temperature where it needs to be, I'd check it here and there initially, see the temp drop and think that I've done something wrong, nope. Fan is on, working to get the temp to where it needs to be. Completed a 9 hour slow cook, no problems. I love this thing.
I really wanted to love this device but unfortunately I don't. I have a lot of appreciation for the customer service I received, but I just don't enjoy the product. I have had a really difficult time getting my grill up to temperature, the fan just runs and runs and will take over an hour to get to 250 degrees.
I tried lightning all different ways, tried with my slow and sear in place, without, with water, without, tried using multiple fire starters like they recommended, tried lightning from one end, tried pre lighting coals, nothing works for me. It holds a steady 180 degrees like a champ, but I can't get it any hotter. I thought for sure it was an issue with the probe on my unit, I got a response within a few days and they sent me a new probe. Unfortunately my issues persist.
I would not recommend this product, I find the grill much easier to maintain and quickly get to temperature with a slow and sear on its own. The ash basket is also a battle every time, it's a tight fit and requires getting down at eye level to locate and secure.
I would love it if my experience with this device is user error, I could just be doing it wrong but I've watched all the instructional videos and spoken with Miles over email and have not gotten the advertised experience of set it and forget it grilling.
I love it. It kept my grill right at 350 no worries I could watch on my phone! Makes this Weber work like a pellet grill but still with the charcoal magic and I prefer charcoal over pellets grills I like the hot and cold zone and the charcoal baskets to keep it in a zone. The only thing I had an issue with is during install. Because the master touch has the handle such that the spider ends up on the back….when there’s nothing in it and not enough weight it becomes back heavy. Mine fell over when I bumped it slightly while adjusting it. Luckily the bar that holds the lid saved the spider and the grill body from damage but my lid holder is now slightly deformed. No biggie I put a weight on the front leg so when I clean it and remove everything with the lid on the holder it won’t destroy itself!
I only use it a couple times, but so far holds the temp very well.