Part 1 of 2 - Unboxing the secrets of the Weber Summit Charcoal Grill

Los Angeles BBQ Pitmaster Harry Soo SlapYoDaddyBBQ.com test drives the flagship Weber Summit Charcoal Grill Click "SHOW MORE" for all the information links!!!
Harry evaluates the $1,500 Weber flagship grill which is a Kettle on steroids. It has many innovative features and can do three types of cooking: 1) low and slow smoking, 2) indirect hot grilling, and 3) direct hot grilling.
Part 1 showcases the features, construction, and its secrets such as the P-shaped vent and pop-off plug for an automated blower attachment for competition team use.
Part 2 shows food cooked in the Summit three ways: 1) brisket cooked low-and-slow, 2) pork chops cooked indirect hot grilling, and 3) vegetables (Brussels sprouts) and fruit cooked direct hot grilling.
Big thanks to Kevin Kolman, @kevinkolman, Weber Grill Ambassador, for letting Harry test drive the Weber Summit Charcoal Grill.
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Hi! I'm Harry Soo, a Grand Champion pitmaster from in Diamond Bar, near Los Angeles. Welcome to my vlogs, BBQ product reviews, travel & lifestyle videos, BBQ contests, classes, as well as interviews and stories.
On weekdays, I'm an IT nerd living a Dilbertesque existence in a fabric covered cubicle in downtown LA. I'm the head tour guide for a team of IT project managers who build datacenters, networks, servers, and infrastructure that helps bring tap water to 300 cities and 20 million residents in SoCal.
On weekends, I come alive as a pitmaster, competitor, and BBQ instructor. You've seen me on BBQ Pitmasters, Food Network, Chopped Grill Masters, Smoked, Cutthroat Kitchen, and local TV in California. My shtick is I've used a humble 18-inch Weber Smokey Mountain smoker to win 100+ first places and 1st place USA in the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) awards including best chicken, brisket, and sirloin; and I've won over 30 Grand Championships. I've personally taught 250+ classes and trained 4,000+ pitmasters in small hands-on dozen student classes in the US, Sydney, Perth, London, Kuala Lumpur, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii.
I get many questions weekly about how to grill and barbecue. Since I started cooking professionally in 2008, I've answered thousands via email, so I decided to post my answers via video to reach a wider audience. I'll do my best to post a video on my channel periodically. I upload vlogs, BBQ product reviews, travel & lifestyle videos, BBQ contests, classes, as well as interviews and stories.
#harrysoo #slapyodaddybbq

[@jjcastleberry3662]

Thank you, Harry, for showing Summit's capabilities over the Kettle.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

You're very welcome! Hope you enjoy yours. It's a great pit

[@1ronhall]

Harry ..... great video .... Im on my way to watch part 2 where I'll ask a few questions. Thank you.

[@WhiteThunderBBQ]

I really want one of these. My boy baby back maniac says these are the best kamado style grills on the market. Cheers Harry!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Yes I enjoy Maniac's videos also

[@jojojaykay]

I don’t think he said the best, just that it’s the most practical choice (with good performance), which I think is important to specify. Not trying to be snotty! I think I’m buying one tonight too on his recommendation.

[@CookingJoeFoods]

Great video Harry! After having the Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and Weber Summit Charcoal... I have say, it's the best kamado style grill I have ever owned and used. It's really a no fuss grill. The thing just works, plain and simple. It's got all the great things ceramic bring to the market without the set backs. It's light, durable and rust free. I love mine! And for those who feel this is priced too high, I strongly disagree. It's priced just right. You can pay more for a Big Green Egg set up and maybe a couple hundred less for a Kamado Joe but both are in my opinion inferior products. You really have to have both to truly understand all the different reasons why anyone who has both a ceramic kamado and the Summit prefer the Summit. Most people just need to get past ceramic, there's much better options now.

[@edwilliams5917]

Great video Harry. I have the Summit as well, and did not know about the hole for the air control. Thank you.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

I'll be posting more tips on my thoughts and mods on the Charcoal Summit in a future video. Thanks for your kind words and support!

[@avega2792]

How are you liking your summit?

[@00mred00]

Thanks Harry! Picked one up today!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Send me pics of you test driving it. [e-mail]

[@uglyfacebutthead2446]

Iv watched many videos on the summit grill that was the fest iv seen 👍👍

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Happy to fest. I assume I did a festival video?

[@erosdj5550]

Man, you set the ash cleaning-vent case improper. Cause you don't need to mark where the vent is open, half open etc. You need to put this aluminum part the other way (rotate it). It's already marked on it on the left

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Yes it was delivered assembled so the technician made a mistake. I fixed it with a Sharpie MacGyver style! No harm no foul! 😇😇😇

[@sidspears3117]

best overview on youtube!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Thanks Sid!

[@calibbq8835]

That's bad ass wish I could afford one but my wife would kick me out... LoL 😂

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

You can say a pitmaster from California compelled you to buy one after you saw his video!

[@markwegner6100]

Sorry to hear..

[@moparproud3978]

CALI BBQ Sounds like a win win. New grill and no wife🤣

[@michaelb.8953]

I guess a divorce is cheaper than this grill.

[@WillieKlondike9482]

Great video like always Mr. Soo!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Thanks Hector!

[@BbqMikeG]

The Summit cooking grate is 4.5 inches above the cooking grate where as the 22.5 kettle is 5 inches for improved searing.

[@harsoo]

Bbq Mike G thanks for the Intel

[@comnavwolfpac1773]

Perhaps 4.5 inches above the "charcoal" grate versus the "cooking" grate and, the same for 22.5 Kettle. Great thing about the Summit charcoal, the charcoal grate can be lowered another level whereas the kettles can not.

[@mikesr3011]

Hey Harry, like the thorough review of the Summit. One question...... any idea if there will be a grease build up in between the walls over time and what effect that would have on cooking and temperature control? Although the design makes sense it doesn't look as if it is easy to clean if there is a build up over time. What do you think?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

I don't think grease will get between the double walls. The dome portion double wall is sealed. The bottom portion has the fire box higher than where the lip of the double wall starts. I've not had any oil issues between my double walls so far

[@njbaquatics4827]

Fantastic grill But I do not see How Weber Can justify the Price I think they are being a little greedy. Absolutely love the channel by the way👍

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Hey Nathan, the Summit is the real deal and can do both smoking and grilling equally well so it's like having multiple grill, kamado, WSM all-in-one. The double wall construction means you'll save lots of money on charcoal in the long run IMHO. I've used all of the webers and this is one of my fav devices. It's an investment that will last into something you can give your kids.

[@Bk6346]

Weber is competing against themselves. You can buy a Weber kettle for less than $200.

[@DaveElby]

Are there any wired probe openings/ports or are the wires run across the gasket? Thanks for the review.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Good question. I don't use probes so I did not check. I know the new WSMs has the silicon grommets to pass the wires. I don't recall seeing that on the Summit

[@DaveElby]

@@SlapYoDaddyBBQ I built a WSK at the weekend. It doesn't have any wired probe ports. I returned some Inkbird probes and bought Meaters instead. I guess that is the reason-to-be for the WSK, a sealed grill with only the top and bottom vents for air control.

[@miketheplumber448]

Char-grill Akorn...$300.00usd, triple wall design, build=tank, my second run low and slow with big pieces of generic lump was almost 48 hours (hand on bible) But believe im trying the jealous devil next.

[@jfcote]

Thanks for this video Harry. Just one thing, I think you made a mistake when you assemble it. The Close|Smoke|Full-open should be right over the drawing of the close, smoke and full open. You don't have to draw this yourself with a marker. Have a good day!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Yes, it was delivered assembled so the damper was installed improperly. I did a simple fix as I did not want to deal with disassembly. I used to be an engineer so I have made my share of mistakes!

[@kencolville4253]

Great video, best review I’ve seen. One question I have a thermoworks bellows which uses a spring clip to connect to the hole. My question is can the plug go in and out of the hole easily when a fan isn’t installed or is it meant for a one time removal? Thank you again for sharing your review, I am putting my pennies away to purchase one to compliment my WSM 22 and replace my 15 year old worn out performer.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Sorry I have not used a blower on my Summit as it does not need one so I don't know if your automated blower will plug in and out easily. The WSM22 is a great pit and will serve you well.

[@kencolville4253]

Harry Soo thank you for the response and good to know it doesn’t need a blower to produce quality bbq. I assume then since you aren’t using the blower that you were able to put the plug you popped out in the video back in. That is my real question as I am sure the bellows would fit just the bellows doesn’t have a adapter like a bbq guru so no plug for when it is not installed. You are right the wsm is a great smoker and I will continue to use it as my primary smoker, but for smaller cooks in the north east winters I am thinking this double wall summit will do the trick.

[@harsoo]

@@kencolville4253 yes the cover for the blower hole can be removed and put back.

[@kencolville4253]

harsoo thank you.

[@tanibroshka9029]

Does it heat up as fast with fire starter as with gas starter? Thinking to switch from genesis 435 to Summit

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

I don't think it needs a gas assist. Some lit coals is good to start the pit with

[@RaulGonzalez-lw7qs]

Harry can you do a video showing all your pits. Q on brother!

[@harsoo]

Raul Gonzalez will do. I'm working my way through several viewer requests and will add yours to my list. Thanks for your support for my channel

[@wolfpack9695]

hey Harry - great video, thanks for sharing. I recently purchased the same grill, I'm wondering have did you assemble? On page 12 of the instructions book (step 12) it talks about configuring the Ignition Box Assembly. There are two wires (black & white), I was able to connect the black wire but I can't find anywhere to connect the white one! So frustrating. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Throw away the gas assist components. Use it like a kettle. I already gave the Weber engineers an earful to lower the prices to $999 and toss the gas assist as it's useless.

[@javedmower4091]

Harry Soo so in Australia this grill does not come with gas assist. But that was not because Weber decided to ditch it- the Australian has regulator is just so strict and would not allow it. But guess what? Our prices are the same! 2500aud for simple cart version and 3200aud with a cart. We get totally ripped off down under!

[@harsoo]

@@javedmower4091 yikes you are being robbed!

[@4000marcdman]

Wonder if you could use a mattress pump as a blower?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

I don't see any reason why not. You just have to be pumping the duration of your cook.

[@tommywoo1888]

thank you!!!!!!!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Thanks for watching Tommy

[@Page001B]

If using a fan add on, how would you secure it with that hole? It does not seem to have any way to attach it

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Through the damper hole

[@Page001B]

@@SlapYoDaddyBBQ k thanks so much

[@yesitsmario88]

Hey Harry, have you got any information on the newer Charcaol Summit E6 and S6?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Sorry have not heard. What's the scoop on the new one? I know they removed the gas assist as I've been telling Weber for 2 years to do so and drop the price to $999.

[@yesitsmario88]

@@SlapYoDaddyBBQ That's exactly what they did with the Summit Kamado E6! The S6 comes with table and gas assist for $1,699. I think the Kamado E6 will sell pretty well at $999, hopefully!

[@MrRatFinkster]

Harry, do you know how big that temperature controller hole is? Do you know if it will work with the Thermoworks Billows?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

The automated blower vendor will usually have a spec sheet to tell you which pits the blower will fit and what adapters you may need to purchase

[@unashamed4lyfe]

No adaptor needed for billows on this grill

[@kimberlydean156]

Harry, just got this grill for my birthday. When you assembled it did you have any trouble with the hinge bolts on the bowl? Called Weber and they said they would send an entire new bowl but that seems a last resort.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Kimberly Dean Sorry I got mine delivered already assembled so I did not have to fuss with hinge bolts. I know Weber's customer services is second to none so they will take care of your problem. Sorry you had issues.

[@JuanCastillo-zy2oo]

What are your thoughts on the Weber 26 inch kettle? I got on for brisket cooks.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Excellent device in the hands of a good pitmaster

[@chris5942]

Does adding all of the fiddly doodads really improve anything?

[@magnetar2524]

Christine Mickelson it’s a luxury item, it makes smoking/grilling things easier and more streamlined than jerry rigging your typical weber kettle. It burns more efficiently but idk, at $1500 you might not notice much money savings by burning less charcoal.

[@enyceofnyc]

How does the Summit compare to the WSM for low and slow?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

$300 v $1,100. It's always about the pitmaster and not the pit

[@sunnyvalejedi]

The Weber Charcoal Summit is the best kamado on the market, period. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it out of line for premium kamados? No. It has all the pros of a kamado (holds heat for literally days, hits 900+F) and none of the drawbacks (weighs less than an elephant, won't crack). Much more nimble than a ceramic, I can go from zero to 800 and back to 200 in 20mins. Try that on an egg. Where Weber went wrong is not calling it a kamado. This is not a kettle.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

How about Super Kettle Kamado. Glad you're a fan of the Summit which is one on my fav pits. I also love my BGE, UDS, GMC, WSM, PK, Turbeque , and Tamale Pot. So long as you're having fun and spreading BBQ love I think its OK to use anything including a shovel! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ELEVOPR]

Weber Team- here is an Idea, lets Double wall our original charcoal kettle and charge 10xs the price, Lots of great loans for first time Weber Buyers like Hud, Fannie Mae, Freddy Mac etc. I am sure there are Customers/Suckers out there that will get a 30 fixed rate loan on our Godly Grills. Weber Executives- Wow Brilliant idea, Bonuses for everyone this year, lets Celebrate.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Were you a middle child Evo?

[@MichaelRei99]

Harry have you tried the cold grate searing method?If so what do you think about it?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Hey Mike R, no I have not done cold grate searing as I like some char on my meat. If I am not mistaken, the cold grate approach are for those who like their meat cooked evenly without any charring. If you like that style, go ahead and do it. Thanks. Harry

[@MichaelRei99]

Harry Soo I have not tried it but thanks I appreciate your response.

[@cjm6271]

Harry, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Summit myself. Just wanted to let you know that despite the sound of it, the cold grate sear actually creates a much better char(complete coverage)--lots of good videos. Slow N Sear is a big help too.

[@comnavwolfpac1773]

@@cjm6271, would that be closely related to a reverse sear?

[@conritewing162]

If you were choosing between the Summit and the Blaze what would you choose?

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Hey Conrite, thanks for stopping by. I cooked on the Blaze in the HPB Expo. Both work and the Summit is more versatile with more cooking space. I would choose the Summit as it's better all round kzbin.info/www/bejne/mF6vp4KwmZqBn7c It's always about the Pitmaster and never the Pit or Meat - Harry Soo

[@conritewing162]

Harry Soo thank you very much. You have made my decision much easier!

[@victordasilva5255]

My wife says an extra 2 inches is a big deal.....just saying.....🤷🏼‍♂️

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

I am tempted but I will . . . refrain! :-) Remember it's not about the pit but the pitmaster. Never the cooker but the cook. Nuff said!

[@slacayo]

That's what she said..... But on the real I want this charcoal grill but also interested in the Kamado Joe III 18 INCH. The fact that the summit is 24 inches that more real estate for cooking. Plus it seems easier to move.

[@calartian85]

@@slacayo much! That Joe is 300 lbs.

[@tom8181]

you still cant beat wsm

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Let me do a throwdown video

[@dmzhockey94]

Harry Soo let’s see it!!

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

@@dmzhockey94 Working on a MEGA WEBER THROWDOWN among Kettle v Summit v WSM v SmokeFire EX6

[@skillet4068]

Would like it more without the charcoal lighter.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Skill et Here you go www.amazon.com/Weber-7417-Lighter-Cubes/dp/B001AN7RGG/?ref=exp_inf_pl_influencer-2e55962b

[@juanpablodiazguillot3325]

Lol you dont need to do any marks. There are signs for smoking or grilling. You turned it to the trash setting.. its to the left side

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Yes, delivered to me installed but the opposite way so I found a easy fix w a sharpie

[@ggarden8432]

I would just get a BGE or K Joe , the quality of Weber has gone down hill. for $2000 you can get the XXL BGE.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

More, more, more . . . get them all I say.

[@comnavwolfpac1773]

@@SlapYoDaddyBBQ , I bought the Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center for $1,399 at a "Running's" Store during a sale last year. It's a great unit and everything I make it do does exceedingly well. I love your video's Harry. BOMBSQUAD BBQ

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

@@comnavwolfpac1773 congrats on a super buy! I know you will like it and it will be something that you and your family will build a lot of priceless memories from your cookoffs

[@comnavwolfpac1773]

I agree Harry. Priceless memories are already being made. I disagree with the posters comments that "the quality of Weber has gone downhill". While they, "Weber", could use some help in their marketing department and perhaps include some more accessories with these expensive grills, I think their products are great. Especially the WSM's and different Kettles I own. Hope you have a warm winter. BOMBSQUAD BBQ@@SlapYoDaddyBBQ

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

@@comnavwolfpac1773 Merry Christmas!

[@littlestar5737]

Meh. It is more like $750 grill. No innovation and no quality products used in summit. Shame on Weber. Thanks for the review. Luckily Kamado Joe is still around. That is one great quality cooker.

[@SlapYoDaddyBBQ]

Not sure if you noticed the dual wall design, dual level fire grate, built in blower port, and the burn duration. I own ceramics and have cooked on the Kamado also. At the end of the day, it's the pitmaster and not the pit so pick you fav! Thanks for stopping by.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Huh? A Big Joe is pushing $3k, weighs over 250lbs and is as brittle as Monty Burns. This is a premium kamado.

[@italianrelic]

Lmmfao someone didn’t read the owners manual it shows you the second small hole above the two squiggly lines is the smoke setting! You either assembled wrong to have to mark the holes 😂 or you have no idea what you’re doing! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@harsoo]

italianrelic yes, it was delivered assembled. I could not uninstall the misaligned butterfly sweeper damper. I'll bet many people install incorrectly so easy fix with Sharpie trick

[@harsoo]

Good observation. Yes, delivered maligned. No biggie. Sharpie fix

[@00mred00]

italianrelic they assembled mine the same way. I took mine apart and fixed it. Wasn't too bad once everything was lined up.

[@MichaelRei99]

italianrelic man you must be really jealous of Harry to make such a childish remark. While Harry is winning competitions you are simply nothing more than a loser!😂

[@KennethJohnsenDK]

Pretty easy to correct. I bought a used Performer that was also assembled that way. Someone showed me this, which I guess is the same way you take apart the sweeper for the Summit. You basically just put a screwdriver in there and twist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OkhXxorKaWoMU