I am trying to make the same decision now between the EX4 and EX6. I have a Summit S-670 and would use the SF primarily as a smoker and do most of my grilling on the Summit. I just sold my 26" kettle that I used to smoke with. Being busy with work and a newborn I just don't have time smoke like I used to. I'm leaning towards the EX4 because its just me and the wife and daughter so its not like I will be doing a lot of meat at one time. I have a couple questions and if you could provide some insight into your thoughts after purchase that would be helpful.
Question 1:
For those that purchased an EX4, do you find yourself wishing you just bought the EX6 for more space? I use every square inch of the Summit 670 when I make dinner, but the EX4 would be a dedicated smoker and most of my grilling would on the Summit.
Question 2:
For those that intended on using the SF primarily as a smoker, did you find yourself using it more as a grill? The reason I am asking is that I wonder how much I would actually use this as a grill given you can't control the heat with zones. I do a lot of cooking on my Summit with varying temps and I am looking to see if it could be a total replacement. Right now, the clean up looks to be a little clumsy with the ash and grease not contained separately.
Thank you for any thoughts you have!
I think I mentioned above, but I went with the EX6. I’m in a similar situation as you. It’s my wife, our daughter and myself. From my limited experience so far, this is a completed replacement for your gasser. It can do low and slow smoking as well as hot and fast with searing. It can all depend on what you’re looking for too. I only have a Weber Q series gasser other than the EX6. So if we want to just throw some quick burgers/dogs on the grill I’d just fire up the Q. But for anything else I’m using the SmokeFire. Now down to size. I went bigger because what’s $200 in the long run to be able to cook a lot of food for family get togethers?
As far as the ash/grease management, my first cook went pretty well as far as that goes. Still going to scrape and vacuum before the next one though.