Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Weber Spirit E-310
Quick take: The Weber Spirit E-310 costs $51 less; the Weber SmokeFire EX6 offers more cooking space (1,008 vs 424 sq in); the Weber SmokeFire EX6 reaches a higher max temp (600 vs 550°F).
| Spec | Weber SmokeFire EX6 | Weber Spirit E-310 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$500 | ~$449 |
| Rating | — | 4.4★ (435) |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Gas Grill |
| Cooking Area | 1008 sq in | 424 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | 550°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Propane/Natural Gas |
| Build Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | Porcelain-Enameled Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lb | — |
| Burners | — | 3 |
| WiFi / App | Yes | No |
| App control | Yes | No |
| Meat probe | Yes | No |
| PID controller | Yes | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 57 x 33 x 45 in | 52 x 24 x 45.5 in |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 115 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 10 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
Weber Spirit E-310
- ✓It's the gold-standard everyday gas grill - dead reliable, even-heating, and the burners light first try year after year
- ✓Weber's build quality and 10-year warranty mean it routinely outlasts cheaper grills by a decade or more
- ✓Three burners over 424 sq in are perfectly sized for a family of four to six without hogging patio space
- ✓Porcelain cast-iron grates and Flavorizer bars give excellent sear marks and cut down flare-ups by funneling grease away
- ✓The new Snap-Jet individual burner ignition is fast and far more reliable than the old single-spark systems
- ✓Its compact footprint fits small patios and balconies where a bulky 4-burner wouldn't
- ✓Resale value is famously strong - used Spirits hold their price because buyers trust the brand
- ✓Parts are universally available, so you can keep one running essentially forever with cheap replacement grates and bars
- ✗At 32,000 BTU it's not the hottest grill, and getting a true high-heat steak sear takes patience and preheating
- ✗424 sq in is on the small side, so cooking for a big group means working in batches
- ✗There's no side burner on the E-310, so sauces and sides still mean a trip back to the kitchen
- ✗No smart features, probe, or app - it's a purely manual grill, which feels basic at the latest price
- ✗The redesigned model swapped some stainless components for coated steel, which purists view as cost-cutting
- ✗Side tables are useful but small, and there's no enclosed storage for the propane tank
- ✗Price has crept up to ~$550, narrowing the gap with larger grills from budget brands
- ✗It only does gas grilling - no low-and-slow smoking capability without aftermarket workarounds