Unboxing, Setup, and First Fire with the Spider Grills Venom Controller

Welcome to our in-depth review of the Spider Grills Venom Controller, an advanced temperature control system designed for your 22" Weber® Kettle Grill. Experience precise and seamless grilling with the Venom, which uses PID temperature control and a built-in fan to regulate your charcoal grill’s temperature from 175°F to 550°F. Whether you’re aiming for a low and slow brisket or a quick sear, the Venom promises peace of mind and effortless control. In this article, we'll take you through the unboxing, setup, and initial fire test of the Venom Controller.

Unboxing

Unboxing the Spider Venom Controller feels like unwrapping a present for BBQ enthusiasts. The box is compact, well-constructed, and packed efficiently to ensure all components arrive in perfect condition. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• A high-quality screwdriver
• The instruction manual
• The Venom Controller
• The new Ash Basket designed to fit with the Venom
• An ambient temperature probe
• A meat probe
• A power cable

Everything you need to get started is included, reflecting the quality and thoughtfulness behind this product.

Setup

Setting up the Venom Controller on your Weber 22" Kettle Grill involves a few steps, but the process is straightforward and well worth the effort. Here’s how to do it:

1. Clean Your Weber Kettle:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your Weber Kettle, paying particular attention to the underside where most of the setup will occur. This ensures a smooth installation and optimal performance of the Venom Controller.

2. Disassemble and Flip the Grill:
Remove the ash basket and kettle lid, then carefully flip your Weber Kettle upside down. This position allows easy access to the components you’ll need to adjust.

3. Remove the Ash Basket Assembly:
Detach the ash basket assembly by disconnecting the three clips attached to the leg joints of the kettle. This step clears the way for the Venom Controller installation.

4. Position the Venom Controller:
Place the vent mechanism of the Venom Controller through the vent slot. Initially, position it loosely to ensure it faces your desired direction. You may need to adjust the handle if, like me, you have a kettle lid holder on the backside.

5. Secure the Controller:
Attach the hard connection point (the one without silver clips) first, centering it in the slot at the leg joint. Then, connect the flexible connections, using the provided screwdriver if needed. This ensures the controller is securely attached and stable.

6. Attach the Internal Hook:
Inside the controller, attach the silver hook to the lever that controls the draft vents. This connection is crucial for the Venom’s precise temperature regulation.

7. Reassemble the Grill:
Flip the Weber Kettle back upright and reinstall the ash basket. Your Venom Controller should now be securely attached and ready for action.

Turning it On and Pairing with the App

Once the Venom Controller is set up, getting it up and running is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download the App:
The Spider Grills app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Download and install it on your smartphone.

2. Create or Log Into Your Account:
Set up a new account or log into your existing one. Note that this account is separate from your SpiderGrills.com account.

3. Pair the Device:
Open the app, click “Add Device,” and press the WiFi pairing button on the controller. The app will guide you through the pairing process.

4. Connect to WiFi:
Follow the prompts to connect to your WiFi network. The current version supports only 2.4GHz WiFi, so ensure your network is compatible.

5. Firmware Update:
If prompted, allow the firmware update. Be aware that the initial pairing might fail post-update, requiring you to re-pair the device.

Once paired, your grill will be ready for precision cooking control through the app.

Initial Fire Test

With the Venom Controller set up and paired, it’s time to light up and test its capabilities. Here’s how our initial fire test went:

1. Start a Small Fire:
Fill your grill with charcoal and use a chimney starter to light a small amount. Once the charcoal is lit, spread it over the unlit charcoal, close the lid, and set the Venom Controller to 250°F.

2. Monitor the Temperature:
Within 10-15 minutes, the Venom should stabilize the grill at 250°F. We let it run for 15 minutes to confirm consistency.

3. Increase the Temperature:
Next, we set the controller to 400°F. This took longer, likely due to the initial charcoal placement. It took over an hour to reach 400°F, but the Venom eventually achieved and maintained the set temperature.

Initial Thoughts on the Spider Grills Venom

The Spider Grills Venom Controller seems like a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste and control of charcoal grilling but desires the convenience of precise temperature management. This device promises to make weeknight BBQs easier by allowing you to set your desired temperature and let the grill do the work, much like a pellet grill but with the enhanced flavor of charcoal.

We’re excited to dive deeper into using the Venom Controller for various cooks and can’t wait to share more insights and recipes. Stay tuned for our first cook with the Venom Controller to see it in action!