The Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center is a gas ignition ceramic kamado grill, comparable to a kettle grill. What sets it apart, however, is what makes this grill featured in our best grills category. Inclusions such as the sheer versatility of the grill when it comes to cooking, great insulation, and ease of use make this a contender in our best kamado grill list. Issues such as the price and replaceable parts are minimal considering what the Weber Summit Charcoal can do.
Why We Like It – Weber Summit Charcoal
The Weber Summit Charcoal grill is a stainless steel grill that can cook anything. Features such as a hinged cooking grate and diffuser plate help it stand out from the rest. Plus, you can smoke with it! So if you’re eager to smoke some food, check out our guide to charcoal grill smoking techniques.
- Can do it all, smoking, grilling, even baking
- Great insulation
- Lighting charcoal is a breeze
- Some parts need replacing
- Very high price
Power/Heating
Being porcelain-enameled, the Weber Summit Charcoal does a well enough job getting its cooking space heated. However compared to a completely ceramic interior such as the Blaze Kamado, you’ll definitely notice a difference between the two. However, once it reaches the right temperature, a combination of the rapid-fire lid damper and insulation keeps the temperature exactly where you want it for cooking. If you are new to charcoal grills, check out our page on when the charcoal is ready for cooking if you aren’t sure. If you want to compare it to a similar Kamado style grill, check out our Primo grill review.
Related: If you prefer gas or propane grills, check out our Weber Summit 7171001 E-470 review.
Size/Versatility
The Weber Summit Charcoal excels at high heat cooking, as most Weber grills already are. Features such as the charcoal grate make this grill an all-in-one cooking station, Simply adjust it as necessary, and you’ll find yourself able to not only grill, but also smoke and even bake with the grill. Whatever your cooking needs are, the Weber Summit Charcoal will be sure to meet them, more versatile than even the Primo Grill. Although, it’s not portable, which you can find with the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere charcoal grill or by checking out our Weber Smokey Joe review.
Durability
As mentioned previously, the Weber Summit Charcoal is enameled with porcelain, which is durable so you don’t need to immediately repair your BBQ grill. With construction being composed mainly of stainless steel, this grill is durable enough to go by most wear and tear with minimal damage. Of course, other grills such as the Kamado Joe Classic 2, constructed with cast iron, are more durable, but the cart adds some more solidness to the Weber Summit Charcoal.
Related: Also check out our Weber Summit Grill review.
Ease of Use
On one hand, the inclusion of the auto-ignition is a lifesaver when it comes to ease of use, making lighting the charcoal a breeze. However, after continued use, there will come a time where you need to replace the gas canister powering this feature, as such should you want to continue using this, be prepared to have some at hand for swapping.
Value
Two thousand dollars is nothing to scoff at. But for the price, you’re getting a grill that can essentially do it all. Additionally, the Customer Service for Weber is stellar, offering help from simple problems to a ten-year warranty issued with purchase.
Weber Summit Charcoal Wrap Up
Compared to other Weber kettle grills, the Weber Summit Charcoal is in a league of its own. Topping our lists, with features such as great insulation versatility with cooking types, and easy lighting, it’s easy to see why. The high cost is a bitter pill to swallow, even more so with the idea that you’ll have to replace parts. But at the end of it all, the Weber Summit Charcoal is an easy-to-use grill that will give you great results every time.
