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Posted: 6/4/2026 5:36:18 PM EDT
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Pulled the trigger and got the peer pressure. I wanted a small smoker and saw people generally enjoying their Spider Venom controller smoke/grills. On to the question, anyone have the Slow ‘N Sear set up? :  Or the other fan favorite: Smoke and Sizzle  Obviously spending less with the Smoke and sizzle but wanted to see the merits of the slow n' sear - other than being a bit higher quality and utility. Just wanted opinions and practical use thoughts. |
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Originally Posted By SAARINEN: Pulled the trigger and got the peer pressure. I wanted a small smoker and saw people generally enjoying their Spider Venom controller smoke/grills. On to the question, anyone have the Slow ‘N Sear set up? : https://snsgrills.com/cdn/shop/files/Deluxe_Gold_Bundle_b32825f0-78a7-4bd4-b1b2-8ef91bd831cf.png?v=1752607622&width=1445 Or the other fan favorite: Smoke and Sizzle https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61j-AV3GgKL._AC_SL1500_.jpg Obviously spending less with the Smoke and sizzle but wanted to see the merits of the slow n' sear - other than being a bit higher quality and utility. Just wanted opinions and practical use thoughts. Love my Slow N Sear. Probably gonna do some chicken quarters this weekend if the weather holds out.  
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I have the venom and smoke & sizzle. Works fantastic. If you get the Slow n Sear be sure to get the drip tray too so that airflow is forced through the coal bed. But otherwise it works just fine with the Venom. Having the separate drip tray is convenient for cleaning and you can continuing like roast veggies under the meat catching the drippings… but not worth the 2-3X premium in my opinion. Regardless of which, set it up so the coals are opposite your venom unit. I toasted a Venom because the kettle sidewall gets 900°F a 1/2” away from the venom unit.  Also: A) get or make a vortex cone knockoff - vortex+venom chicken wings/thighs are awesome. B) buy a spare pit and meat probe. They are not completely interchangeable should one fail. And two meat probes is nice if you’re doing a huge piece of meat. C) I have the SnS spin grate… SOOO much nicer than the stock Weber steel GBS grate. When the Weber grate starts to rust and suck, get the SnS stainless spin grate. |
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@Ohio_Man Thank you sir for the setting up advice!- i saw your other posts but couldn't make my mind up on the SnS or the smoke and sizzle - i ended up with the smoke and sizzle. I saw too much back and forth on other forums saying that you needed to put foil to close up more air gaps in the SnS/Griddle set up - (and saw less headaches from smoke and sizzle owners.) As far as setting it up - how do you mean to put it opposite to the venom? Like put the the coals on the other side away from the screen / head unit? (i surmise) |
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Yes. If you just turn the fan full blast on with a load of all lit coals, it’s like a little blast furnace. (Awesome for doing fast burgers and searing steaks and stuff…) I’ve also gotten the side of the Weber kettle to glow dull red in the dark. Unfortunately I had the coals positioned/clocked too close to my venom unit in the past and over-toasted a Venom Now I keep the coals positioned opposite of the electronics box. My grill is also an outdoor grill, so I use a cover… I don’t know how rain/waterproof those venoms are. |
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Originally Posted By Ohio_Man: Yes. If you just turn the fan full blast on with a load of all lit coals, it’s like a little blast furnace. (Awesome for doing fast burgers and searing steaks and stuff…) I’ve also gotten the side of the Weber kettle to glow dull red in the dark. Unfortunately I had the coals positioned/clocked too close to my venom unit in the past and over-toasted a Venom Now I keep the coals positioned opposite of the electronics box. My grill is also an outdoor grill, so I use a cover… I don’t know how rain/waterproof those venoms are. @Ohio_Man Dang! well i thank you for your trial and error knowledge - I'll avoid those pitfalls! Some random further questions if you care to answer: Does the Venom require setting up the coals with a charcoal chimney or does it do fine enough on it's own? (and do you light the full basket or light one side like the snake method) Patiently awaiting my Venom to arrive, luckily ordered it late last month but not shipping til next week hopefully. (should've gotten it a month ago- i forgot July 4th and grilling season is upon us,  )
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