Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Weber Genesis E-325s

Weber

Weber SmokeFire EX6

$1,399

4★ (1,900)

Weber

$899

4.6★ (1,600)

Quick take: The Weber Genesis E-325s costs $500 less; the Weber SmokeFire EX6 offers more cooking space (1,008 vs 513 sq in).

✓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

✓Weber's legendary build quality means this grill routinely lasts 10-15+ years, and the 12-year warranty backs every component
✓The dedicated sear zone burner gets hot enough for steakhouse-quality crusts, a real step up from basic 3-burner grills
✓Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat beautifully and deliver even, dark sear marks
✓Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings for added flavor and funnel grease away to dramatically reduce flare-ups
✓Even heat distribution across the three burners makes indirect roasting and multi-zone cooking easy and predictable
✓The integrated side burner is genuinely useful for sauces, sides, or boiling without running back to the kitchen
✓Fit, finish, and ignition reliability are top-tier - the burners light first try every time for years
✓Parts availability is excellent, so even a decade in you can easily refresh grates, bars, or igniters

✗At ~$900 it's significantly pricier than comparable Char-Broil or Monument 3-burners, so you pay for the Weber name
✗513 sq in of main cooking space is modest - big parties may want a 4-burner for more real estate
✗It has no WiFi, app, or built-in temperature probe, which feels dated next to smart grills at this price
✗The newer redesign moved from stainless to porcelain-coated steel Flavorizer bars, which some long-time Weber fans see as a downgrade
✗Assembly is lengthy and the grill is heavy at 188 lbs, so plan for two people and a couple hours
✗The open-cart lower shelf offers no enclosed storage to hide the propane tank or accessories
✗It only reaches gas-grill temps, so it's not a smoker - low-and-slow BBQ isn't its strength
✗Some owners note the lid thermometer is imprecise and recommend a separate probe for accuracy