Most definitely. I sold all three of my wsm and my performer to be able to get the grilling center a few months ago. This thing can go 225-250 for over 16 hours and the amazing thing is it hardly uses any charcoal. I’ve also raised the grate all the way to the top and gotten it to 700 plus degrees for searing steaks. It truly is the best of both worlds and does it all.
Meet the "New" Weber Summit Kamado
- Thread starter QB-Wan
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Most definitely. I sold all three of my wsm and my performer to be able to get the grilling center a few months ago. This thing can go 225-250 for over 16 hours and the amazing thing is it hardly uses any charcoal. I’ve also raised the grate all the way to the top and gotten it to 700 plus degrees for searing steaks. It truly is the best of both worlds and does it all.
I own two kettles and a Weber gas grill as well as an Akorn. I can’t see buying this over something like a Kamado Joe or Akorn. It’s just so expensive for what it is. No doubt it’s probably nice quality but these will be on CL or FB for $300 after a year or so.
It's clear Weber erred in the pricing and marketing of the original version. They realized this over time. Then, they couldn't simply make a drastic price reduction without alienating existing owners. The solution for them was to make minor changes in the design, and change the name of the units. The base version is significantly cheaper now, but the only real difference is the loss of the gas charcoal lighter. I think this will appeal to a much wider group, and be a big hit for them.
BTW- I can't fault anyone for buying the original version. Some viewed it as overpriced- but a quality grill can last a long time. I've got one on my back porch that's 25+ years old, and still going strong. I'll be firing it up in a few hours. The cost is a distant memory.
BTW- I can't fault anyone for buying the original version. Some viewed it as overpriced- but a quality grill can last a long time. I've got one on my back porch that's 25+ years old, and still going strong. I'll be firing it up in a few hours. The cost is a distant memory.
MSRP for an 18" Kamado Joe is comparable to the Summit Charcoal grilling center. To each their own, I had the previous model Kamado Joe and ended up giving it to my brother...I like the Summit so much more.
Can't speak for these two new models...But I assume as long as the actual cooking vessel is made of the same material/specs, you're getting a good piece of equipment.
I don't know how many people you'd find that bought the original summit charcoal model and doesn't love it.
Can't speak for these two new models...But I assume as long as the actual cooking vessel is made of the same material/specs, you're getting a good piece of equipment.
I don't know how many people you'd find that bought the original summit charcoal model and doesn't love it.
Just the absence of the gas charcoal starter and a slightly different base. The original is being discontinued.
Good news about your gas starter. You scored a nice discount too.
The 24" Kamado Joe Big Joe II lists for $2,000, and the Big Joe III lists for $2,600. This is where the Weber can really take some market share. I agree the Akorn is a nice value.
70monte
is Blowin Smoke!
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- Apr 29, 2017
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- Aurora, Mo
I wonder if the diffuser is included in these new versions.
That was a subject of speculation before the new model went up on the Weber website.
It is listed as a feature in the new base model.
Good news.
DougM
MemberGot rid of the matchlight.
“Dual-walled insulated steel”, so not a true Kamado in my book. I think I’ll hang onto my XL BGE for a while... 
chingador
is Blowin Smoke!
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- Oct 18, 2006
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- Houston, TX
If my Primo ever bit the dust (God forbid), that $999 one would fit the bill just fine and would be on my short list.
PUNKem733
Knows what a fatty is.
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2014
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- Victorvi...
No thanks. Seemingly weber's quality as went down the last few years, while their pricing has gone up.
As a Kamado I think it's competitive. It's substantially larger and better made than an Acorn. Size and performance wise, it's similar to a Big Joe or XL BGE and cheaper than either. It's a heck of a lot easier to move than either of this as well to the extent that's important. Personally I'd get a Big Joe if I wanted another Kamado but that's more because of aesthetics than a belief that it's an objectively better choice.
As I mentioned earlier, as originally marketed basically as a Performer that could smoke it wasn't a great deal. Not a problem for folks on this site that knew what it was but not ideal for the larger and less informed populace.
How do these do with two zone cooking? I often like to sear on one side of my kettle then move to the other side, put on the lid, and roast til done. I know with BGEs if I keep the lid open too long, the temp gets away from me. How does this cooker do with that?
I am intrigued by the $999 version. I have more than enough cookers, but haven't bought a new one in years. I am sort of tempted to sell (most) of the others and go with this. Continuing to simplify my life and just have 1 (or 2 or 3) great cookers instead of 10+ old ones
I am intrigued by the $999 version. I have more than enough cookers, but haven't bought a new one in years. I am sort of tempted to sell (most) of the others and go with this. Continuing to simplify my life and just have 1 (or 2 or 3) great cookers instead of 10+ old ones
Hmm.. If I wanted a Kamado style cooker.. I'd go with the Grilla Grillz Kong
Dang - that's a really great price on a Kamado...not "really" looking but I'd been going back and forth that if I wanted a kamado that it'd be between a Big Joe II (or III) vs a Weber Charcoal Summit.
Now, if one of these new E6 units came down to the same price as a Grilla Grillz Kong, I'd take the Weber just due less potential issues (e.g.; crazing, etc.). Of course, I'm not all that knowledgeable about kamados but they look like they retain heat really well and are a bit friendlier on the charcoal consumption.
jojocircus
Is lookin for wood to cook with.
Noticing that the diffuser is a different design.
SmokerKing
is One Chatty Farker
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2010
- Location
- Sunny AZ
amazing the price for what it is
probably about $150.00 of metal and labor
probably about $150.00 of metal and labor
This is now the cheapest 24 inch kamado on the market. If stores will promote it I believe it will be a huge seller. That was a problem I had when I went to order mine at ace their “grill guy” didn’t even know what it was. His first words were actually “the summit is a gas line isn’t it?”
Weber hasn’t marketed the summit charcoal right from the beginning, and I ain’t even a marketing guy...
Kamado......I'll stick with my BGE.
PnkPanther
is Blowin Smoke!
If I was looking for dedicated smoker, I'd get the drum
If I was looking for all around cooker, wcsg
