Char-Broil SmartChef Smoker

Dan Reuber

2 years ago

Always hard to connect to and stay connected too. I tried to use free WiFi at a gathering which does not have a password, and this app still makes you put in a password. Needless to say I could not connect to the WiFi and this system is next to impossible to use without WiFi for chip burn.

Marcel A. Moore

4 years ago

If you're reading this, set this smoker RIGHT IN FRONT of your router for initial set up, then you can move it outside (as long as it's not too far, or get a wifi extender if needed). Mine works perfectly once I figured out how to configure it. 4 stars because it's a headache, but once it's working, it's great!

A Google user

6 years ago

it is a great concept and would be awesome if it would work I bought mine for $86 not believing that it was that cheap until I got it home and found out that it's just won't link up with the phone won't link up with the internet and when it does it doesn't work or when it does it just stops... now I know why it is only $80 now I am taking it back like I said great concept. char broil if you look at these comments at all I don't understand why you just did not make it Bluetooth Bluetooth is easy.

Brian Neal (BN Smart)

5 years ago

Unable to get this app to work. It links to my wifi network, just the app doesn't recognize its connected and starts all over again. Tried several times with the same result. Why could this just link to my phone instead of the cloud. This whole thing sucks ass!!!!

Trevor T

4 years ago

Bought used. App is tricky. Had to disconnect main house wifi feed to try and reset. Eventually figured out how to do hard reset. Hold center of main power button up to 10 seconds. Tried connecting app multiple times. Very frustrating. Finally brought inside directly facing wireless router....it was only 15ft originally away just outside. Did hard reset. And for password settings I had to change connecting settings from auto to wap password setting. That all seemed to finally work...bahhh

Zach Phillips

3 years ago

Fine when it works, horrid when it doesnt. App is extremely finicky as to when it wants to do what it's supposed to. Has frequent connectivity issues and regularly makes you setup your entire smoker from square 1 because it lacks the ability to retain saved information. It is extremely slow on the notifications it says it will give you as well. Ok product, poor execution on the app.

A Google user

6 years ago

This app is terrible. Even once you do finally get it connected to your network it half the time never shows connected in the app. Also constantly disconnects even though I have a wireless repeater right next to it. Basically have to use the preset buttons on the smoker to use it.

A Google user

6 years ago

Meh, the app doesn't begin to tap the potential of the smoker. The lowest cook temp that can be set is 125F and the next lowest is 175F - should be able to dial in 1degree increments from ambient to 525F. Like many appliances, the app doesn't show current smoker temperature, only set point. The smoker itself is great, a completely new device compared to typical cabinet smokers with bottom heat.

A Google user

6 years ago

terrible app. i upgraded the wifi and needed to change settings. i tried my phone, my wife's and and my son's and all wouldn't show that i was connected to the smoker wife (dado). i then had my daughter download it through her iPhone and it updated the wifi settings in just a few seconds, effortlessly. the Android version of this app is complete garbage.

Trevor Hickens

4 years ago

I work in IT and it was a 100% pain. First I was having problems with the DADO network. Found that turning the Bluetooth off on my phone helped decrease interference. Then, the smoker could not find my home network. I have a dual band (2.4 and 5ghz) wireless mesh system. So it kept saying offline. Finally, after a number of hours, I got out of bed to try again because it was bothering me. FINALLY got it working. Once it works, it's amazing. 100% make sure it's pointed at your router!

Sling 00

5 years ago

Very frustrating. It only connects to 2.4ghz wifi and if using wifi extension nodes you may not be able to manually change to 2.4ghz from 5ghz. The bottom line is the app is great in theory, but use of the smoker should not be wholly dependant on it. One should be able to manually operate the smoker should the app fail to properly execute, no matter the reason.

A Google user

5 years ago

You have to disable bluetooth to update the firmware. When using the app its probably best to disable bluetooth. The Dado button should be flashing so you can connect. If it doesn't, hold the Dado button for 10 sec. If you need to reset the device hold the start button for 10 seconds. The most important thing is to have good wifi connection. Move the smoker closer to the router or in a different area that has good wifi connection. Problem solved. Smokeified Certified!!

A Google user

7 years ago

The app constantly states that my smoker is offline. I can only use my smoker in one of the 3 preset modes since it won't connect. While it's cooking in the preset mode, the app sends notifications (smoker online, add food, etc) so I open the app and my smoker is still "offline" so I can't set time/temperature but if I tap cancel in the app, it turns off the heating element. So which is it? Can I control it through the app or not?!? Wish I would have spent less and bought a smoker with physical controls.

A Google user

6 years ago

I have an Android , Samsung Galaxy S9. I had no problems at all setting up the app and using the grill for the first time. I made sure the smoker was as close to router as possible and facing the direction of it. I agree the app could be a bit more user friendly, but I got it done. I had my blue-tooth on at first while trying to connect. I think that interfered with it. Once I turned that off, it worked fine. Once it was connected and working I used my blue-tooth and it didn't shut it down. First time use was a success!! Smoked country style pork ribs. Delicious flavor using mesquite wood chips.

Dani Long

5 years ago

Difficult to connect; difficult to keep connected. Very frustrating. Have had to get in up in the middle of the night to see if the smoker was still on and working (it was not!) because it disconnected from my phone. I have been able to get it to work, but by sheer force of my stubborn will. The connection with the phone is unreliable, which is not a good thing when you´re cooking $$$ cuts of meat!! If I leave the back door open and the smoker right outside it (TRIP HAZARD), it will *sometimes* maintain a connection. When it does work, the meat comes out soooooo good. Thatś the only reason I haven´t given up on it. But seriously, a major fail on the manufacturer´s part to not put in hardware that would work at a distance from a router (because obviously you will run this on the outside of your house, to say the least.

A Google user

5 years ago

Read what others have to say. Exactly that. I have wireless cameras, repeaters, etc etc and can't seem to get this app to be stable. Used it twice and after the update it won't work at all, same connectivity issues as everyone else. If you choose one of the manual modes you might (as I do) receive notification that the chips are going and then a notification to press start and add food. You can see the temp and stage in the background of the "OFFLINE" screen.

B. Smith

5 years ago

June 2019. Well, it was difficult to link up initially. Called help desk, they squared me away. By about the 4th, 5th time, it became impossible to link up. I agree with others now.... it is terrible. Though others choose more colorful language to describe its POOR usuability. I'll just say it is really disappointing. July 20, 2020. Looks like they have fixed theses issues. I have used the smoker at least 5 times this summer and the software and device have performed flawlessly. Nice Job.