Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Louisiana Grills 300 Black Label Portable
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Quick take: The Louisiana Grills 300 Black Label Portable costs $1 less; the Weber SmokeFire EX6 offers more cooking space (1,008 vs 333 sq in); the Weber SmokeFire EX6 reaches a higher max temp (600 vs 500°F).
| Spec | Weber SmokeFire EX6 | Louisiana Grills 300 Black Label Portable |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$500 | ~$499 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 1008 sq in | 333 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | 500°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | Powder-Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lb | 10 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | Yes | Yes |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 57 x 33 x 45 in | 34.3 x 19.3 x 16.5 in |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 56.2 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Weber SmokeFire EX6
- ✓It reaches a genuine 600°F, the highest of the mainstream pellet grills, so you can actually sear steaks and burgers on the main grates
- ✓The Weber Connect app with step-by-step guidance and probe alerts is well-designed and popular with new users
- ✓1008 sq in over two large levels gives serious capacity for big cooks and multiple proteins
- ✓The porcelain-enameled lid carries Weber's reputation for durable, rust-resistant finishes
- ✓The 2nd-gen redesign with a DC motor, shorter auger, and updated firmware fixed most of the auger-jamming and grease-fire problems of the original
- ✓It's a true do-it-all grill - low-and-slow smoking plus high-heat searing in one unit, reducing the need for a second grill
- ✓Weber's 5-year warranty and broad dealer/service network give buyers solid support
- ✓The ash and grease funnel down into a removable drawer, simplifying cleanup after high-heat cooks
- ✗The original EX6 was plagued by grease fires and auger jams, and that reputation still scares off many buyers even after the Gen-2 fixes
- ✗It runs hot and burns through pellets faster than rivals, so fuel costs are higher per cook
- ✗At 600°F the firebox produces a lot of grease and smoke, so you must keep it scrupulously clean to avoid flare-ups
- ✗Smoke flavor at low temps is on the lighter side - some owners feel it doesn't smoke as heavily as a Traeger in Super Smoke
- ✗WiFi can be finicky and the app occasionally loses the connection mid-cook like other pellet grills
- ✗At ~$1,400 it competes with Recteq and Traeger flagships while using painted/enameled steel rather than full stainless
- ✗Temperature can swing during the transition between low smoking and high searing modes
- ✗The tall, steep firebox design means the lower rack runs hotter, requiring you to manage two-zone placement carefully
Louisiana Grills 300 Black Label Portable
- ✓WiFi and Bluetooth on a portable, which the Traeger Ranger and Tailgater at similar prices do not offer
- ✓333 sq in across two levels is more usable area than the Traeger Tailgater's single grate
- ✓10 lb hopper is large for a portable and covers a full low-and-slow cook without refilling
- ✓Grill cover and a meat probe are in the box rather than sold as accessories
- ✓Porcelain-coated grates and a 5-year warranty at the tabletop price point
- ✗500°F ceiling and no sear zone, so it smokes and roasts far better than it grills
- ✗56.2 lbs is heavy for a tabletop grill and awkward without a second pair of hands
- ✗Some dealers are listing it as a closeout, which suggests the model may be winding down
- ✗Louisiana Grills' direct store is entirely sold out, so support routes through retailers
- ✗Still needs a 120V outlet — unlike the Halo Prime300, there is no battery option