Weber Summit Kamado E6 Review: Worth the Hype?

Kamado grills have long been the crown jewel of backyard cooking, prized for their heat retention, versatility, and ability to smoke low and slow or sear at blazing temperatures. Traditionally, brands like Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe have dominated this category with their heavy ceramic builds. But Weber, a brand practically synonymous with backyard grilling, has thrown its hat into the kamado arena with the Weber Summit Kamado E6.

Instead of sticking with ceramic, Weber opted for porcelain-enameled steel construction, delivering a kamado grill that’s lighter, easier to move, and less prone to cracking than its ceramic competitors. The question is: does this design shift deliver the same performance and justify its premium price tag?

In this comprehensive Weber Summit Kamado E6 review, we’ll break down its design, features, cooking performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right kamado for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 is designed to blend the durability Weber is known for with the heat management precision of kamado grills.

Porcelain-Enameled Steel vs Ceramic

Unlike traditional ceramic kamados, which are bulky and fragile, the Summit Kamado E6 uses double-walled porcelain-enameled steel. This material makes it:

• Lighter and easier to move compared to 200+ lb ceramic grills.
• Less fragile, so you don’t have to worry about cracks or chips.
• Excellent at heat retention, thanks to the insulated design.

Dimensions and Build

• Cooking grate: 24 inches in diameter
• Cooking area: 452 square inches (large enough for multiple racks of ribs or a full brisket)
• Height: 46.5 inches with lid closed
• Weight: ~150 lbs (substantially lighter than most ceramic competitors)

The black porcelain finish not only looks sleek but also protects against rust and peeling, ensuring the grill stays in good condition even after years outdoors.

Ease of Use

Weber designed the Summit Kamado E6 to make kamado cooking more approachable for everyday grillers.

One-Touch Cleaning System

Weber’s patented One-Touch cleaning system makes ash removal incredibly easy. Instead of struggling with ash trays, you simply move the handle to sweep ash into the removable high-capacity ash catcher.

Hinged Diffuser Plate

Switching between low-and-slow smoking and direct high-heat grilling is seamless thanks to the hinged diffuser plate. Just lift it out when you want to sear, or keep it in place to deflect heat for smoking.

Hinged Cooking Grate

The hinged cooking grate makes it simple to add more charcoal or wood chunks without removing the entire grate—a huge convenience for long smoking sessions.

Airflow Control

The adjustable top and bottom dampers allow precise control over airflow, letting you hold temperatures steady for hours or crank up the heat for searing.

Cooking Performance

A kamado grill is only as good as its ability to cook, and the Weber Summit Kamado E6 delivers impressively across different cooking styles.

Heat Retention

Thanks to its double-walled steel, the E6 holds heat like a ceramic kamado. You can smoke at 225°F for hours without constantly babysitting the fire, or you can push it past 600°F for pizza or steakhouse-quality searing.

Low and Slow Smoking

With the diffuser plate in place, the Summit Kamado E6 excels at smoking brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken. It maintains a stable temperature with little fluctuation, something both beginners and experienced pitmasters will appreciate.

High-Heat Grilling

Remove the diffuser plate, open the dampers, and you’ve got a high-heat grill that rivals Weber’s classic charcoal kettles. Steaks, burgers, and even pizzas come out perfectly with crispy crusts and juicy centers.

Quick Heat-Up

Unlike ceramic grills, which can take longer to preheat due to their mass, the E6 heats up quickly. In about 15–20 minutes, it’s ready for searing temperatures.

Versatility

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 is one of the most versatile charcoal grills in its class.

• Works as a kamado smoker for long, slow cooks.
• Doubles as a charcoal grill for burgers and hot dogs.
• Handles baking (pizzas, breads) at consistent high temps.
• Compatible with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) accessories, such as pizza stones, woks, and griddles.

For backyard cooks who don’t want multiple grills cluttering the patio, the Summit Kamado E6 can truly do it all.

Capacity and Cooking Space

With a 24-inch cooking grate and 452 square inches of cooking area, the Weber Summit Kamado E6 provides more space than most ceramic kamados in the same category.

• Easily fits 3–4 racks of ribs laid flat.
• Can accommodate multiple whole chickens.
• Large enough for a full brisket.

Whether you’re cooking a small family dinner or hosting a backyard party, the E6 has the capacity to handle it.

Portability and Setup

Portability

The Summit Kamado E6 comes on a mobile cart with two large wheels, making it easy to roll around your patio or deck. While it’s still heavy, it’s significantly more mobile than ceramic kamados, which are practically immovable without special stands.

Setup

Assembly is straightforward compared to ceramic grills. You don’t need to worry about fragile ceramic pieces or specialized cradles everything is steel and bolts together securely.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Weber has always excelled in making grills easy to maintain, and the E6 is no different.

• Ash removal is simple with the One-Touch cleaning system and removable catcher.
• Porcelain enamel finish resists peeling, rust, and corrosion.
• No fragile ceramic to crack or stain.
• Occasional grate cleaning and wiping down the exterior keeps it in excellent condition.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Durable porcelain-enameled steel construction.
• Lighter and more portable than ceramic kamados.
• Excellent heat retention and control.
• Large 24-inch cooking grate.
• Versatile cooking options (smoking, grilling, baking).
• Easy ash removal with One-Touch cleaning system.
• Compatible with Weber accessories.

Cons

• Premium price point compared to Weber kettles.
• Still quite heavy (around 150 lbs).
• Limited design and color options (only black).
• Accessories like rotisserie or GBS inserts sold separately.

Price and Value

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 is priced in the premium kamado range, typically around $1,049–$1,099 (depending on retailer). While this is more expensive than Weber’s kettle grills, it’s competitive with ceramic kamados like:

• Big Green Egg Large (~$999, stand sold separately)
• Kamado Joe Classic III (~$1,299 with accessories)

Given its durability, versatility, and Weber’s long-standing reputation for support and warranty, the E6 represents strong long-term value. Unlike ceramic grills, you won’t have to worry about cracks or needing to replace parts due to fragility.

Who Should Buy the Weber Summit Kamado E6?

This grill is ideal for:

• BBQ Enthusiasts: People who want kamado performance but don’t want to deal with ceramic fragility.
• Versatility Seekers: Home cooks who want one grill to smoke, grill, and bake.
• Backyard Hosts: Those who frequently cook for family gatherings or parties.
• Weber Fans: Grillers already loyal to Weber who want to step up from a kettle to a kamado.

It may not be the best choice for:

• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: At over $1,000, it’s not an entry-level grill.
• Ultra-Mobile Needs: While lighter than ceramic, it’s still not “portable” in the camping sense.

Conclusion

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 isn’t just Weber’s take on a kamado it’s a reimagining of what a kamado can be. By using porcelain-enameled steel instead of ceramic, Weber has created a grill that retains heat beautifully, cooks with precision, and is far more durable and mobile than traditional kamados.

With its large cooking space, versatility, and thoughtful features like the One-Touch cleaning system and hinged grates, the E6 is a serious contender for anyone who wants a premium kamado without the headaches of ceramic.

Yes, it’s a significant investment, but for those who grill and smoke often, it’s worth every penny. The Weber Summit Kamado E6 is built not only to perform but to last, making it one of the best all-around kamado grills on the market today.