We just moved to the DC area and I am going to look around for a Summit Charcoal in this area. I have a 22" kettle that is a decade old and an 18" WSM. Thinking of either replacing the Kettle with a new Performer or just splurging and getting a Summit Charcoal. Want to see them in person, but the videos I've seen really make me want to take the plunge.
Funny 20+ pages of people complaining about the price but I still want one. Don't get me wrong, I realize this is a lot of money for what it is so it's not the "value" people have come to expect from Weber but its really not that far in price from a XL Green Egg with table or leg kit and from what I'm seeing, this grill is much better then a Green Egg. That and I admit, I'm a big Weber fan even if I don't love everything they make.
The reason why I want the summit is, I currently have 3 Weber grills... A Genesis, a Performer and a Jumbo Joe. Unlike most people here, I really don't have any desire for a deck/patio full of cookers. It just becomes clutter after a while and I don't cook that much food at one time to justify it. I'm usually only cooking for 2 and on occasion, maybe up to 10 people at most.
I love my Genesis. I have a 2 tier deck and the genesis sits at the top right outside the door to my kitchen. I know a lot of people here don't like gas but I'm fine with it for a lot of things and the convenience of it can't be beat. The JJ is and awesome grill for 2 people and its a great travel/camping grill that can be put away when not in use.
As for my Performer... well I know this will be considered blasphemy around here but if I'm being honest, I don't love it. I think most people do because of the flexibility of it which is true but for me, its a jack of all trades, master of none. As a grill, I think the bottom bowl is too deep and/or the coal grate is too low. For straight up grilling, I think my Jumbo Joe is much better just not as big. As a smoker, I think the performer is at best, barely mediocre. Maybe its just my poor skills but I find it very hard to get it to maintain a low temps, especially for extended cooks.
I have seriously considered a WSM for smoking but really don't want an additional outdoor cooker. I could probably be fine with replacing the Performer with a WSM and using the JJ for coal grilling needs but I think I would just be happier with the Summit Grill instead. Seems close to perfect for my needs. The thing keeping it from perfect for me (other then the price) is, the lack of a rotisserie option. I have for a rotisserie for my performer and I do like it for things like leg of lamb.
I won't be running out to buy one tomorrow but I do see this Summit in my future.