Spider Grills Venom?

[Colin1230]

Hey guys,
I may be interested in one of these.

Venom

The Venom is IN STOCK! A fan-powered temperature controller for your Weber® Kettle Grill. *The Venom is now compatible with the Weber 26" Kettle Grill with the Venom 26" Conversion Clips.*The Venom is not compatible with the Weber Ranch Kettle Grill or the Weber Smokey Mountain Kettle Grill...

www.spidergrills.com

I did a search and found just a few mentions of it but nothing with any real meat and potatoes. At first I thought I would buy another kettle to dedicate it too but still on the fence about that. It would work very well on my Performer as the display would face the front and ash sweep would be under the lid bale. This unit has been out for a couple of years now so if anybody has one please let me know how you like it. And more importantly, are you still using it?
I have a Smoke X2 w/ Billows and never use it. Do you think this may be another rabbit hole?

 

[chopsaw]

Colin , I'm the wrong one to comment . I don't use any of the gadgets for a kettle . I've used them stock for so long I just can't see it as anything but a waste of money . I don't need a vortex or SnS or any of it . I respect the opinions of the guys that swear by the stuff , but I can get the same results without it .

 

[Colin1230]

Thanks for your honest opinion about it Rich, I do appreciate it.

 

[chopsaw]

Maybe it's because I have other options , or maybe just stuck in old ways .
I did recently get a Thermaworks Signals that says it can control the billows . Has me thinking about the concept of it , but I can flip the switch on the pellet grill too .
What's the reason you don't use the billows ?

 

[Colin1230]

Well, that is a good question. I guess we are a lot alike. I've always done it the ol' fashion way. I've tried the Billows on my WSM and it worked good but kind of a hassle getting to all rigged up. And then there is that damn cord. You still have to light the charcoal. Hmmm, it sounds like I might be answering my original questions.

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

Weber pretty much nailed the kettle from the get go. I will say that a vortex is a game changer with these things. That's the only addition I've added to my kettle.

 

[gmc2003]

I have and use a few gadgets in my kettles. I love the Vortex and use it regularly in my 22" for more than just chicken. I also use the SnS in my 26" kettle because I find it easier to contain and refill charcoal on longer cooks - not to mention the ease of using water to help keep the temps down. I also have charcoal baskets and a warming warming rack that I use for various cooks when needed. Finally, my wife got me a spinner for Christmas. I haven't used it yet, but I see it quickly becoming an integral part of my kettle cooking experience. My collection consists of a 22" and 26" kettle, a 22" WSM that hasn't seen the light of day in over a year or more and a gas grill for winter cooks. I also run all my charcoal cookers naturally aspirated. So at least I'm staying old school there.

Chris

 

[chopsaw]

spinner for Christmas. I haven't used it yet

That needs to change as soon as you get the time .

I have a 14" WSM that I like to use . It's just more work , and flipping the switch on the SmokeFire is just to easy . Plus it makes great food .

I started setting up my kettles the night before I want to use it for a long smoke . That way all I have to do is light it . Run the snake , drip pan , charcoal chimney full and stuffed with paper . I hang the grate on the side and put the lid on for the night .

a warming warming rack

Does that keep stuff twice as warm ?

 

[gmc2003]

That needs to change as soon as you get the time .

That day is coming soon. The snow is melting and we're seeing more days in the 40s

I have a 14" WSM that I like to use . It's just more work , and flipping the switch on the SmokeFire is just to easy . Plus it makes great food .

The kettles are much easier for me to use than the WSM. I thought about selling it, but when the whole family gets together again it will come in handy. At this stage in my life I still like sitting outside and smelling the charcoal and wood burning. Maybe in a couple of years I'll jump ship and go pellet.

Does that keep stuff twice as warm ?

Ooops fat finger fat finger. Looks like my fingers are typing quicker then my mind is telling them to.

 

[sawhorseray]

Weber pretty much nailed the kettle from the get go. I will say that a vortex is a game changer with these things. That's the only addition I've added to my kettle.

+ 1 on that! I have one along with the SnS and baskets, Vortex gets used the most, sometimes wide side up. Used to just stack the coals to one side or the other, worked about as well as the baskets or SnS. RAY