Big Green Egg vs Weber Summit S-470: Which One Should You Buy?

The Big Green Egg Large and the Weber Summit S-470 both live in premium territory — $1,200 and $2,800 respectively. But they represent fundamentally different cooking philosophies. The Egg burns charcoal. The Summit burns gas. This comparison isn't about which is better. It's about which is better for how you cook. ## Quick Comparison | Feature | Big Green Egg Large | Weber Summit S-470 | |---------|-------------------|-------------------| | **Price** | ~$1,200 | ~$2,800 | | **Fuel** | Lump charcoal | Propane/natural gas | | **Cooking Area** | 262 sq in | 580 sq in (primary) | | **Startup Time** | 15-20 min | 10 min | | **Temp Range** | 200-750F | 250-900F (sear) | | **Fuel Cost** | Higher | Lower | | **BBQ Experience Score** | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | ## Build Quality The Big Green Egg is ceramic built to last decades. The thick walls provide extraordinary insulation. It's a premium product that feels premium. The Weber Summit S-470 is the pinnacle of gas grill engineering. Heavy-gauge steel, 9mm stainless grates, Snap-Jet ignition. It's built like industrial equipment with consumer-friendly design. Both are built to last. Different materials, similar commitment to quality. ## Performance The Big Green Egg excels at low-and-slow smoking. Set it to 225F and walk away. The ceramic insulation maintains temperature with minimal fuel. For brisket, ribs, pulled pork — the Egg produces smoke flavor that gas simply cannot replicate. The Weber Summit S-470 excels at convenience and versatility. Push a button, wait 10 minutes, cook. The dedicated sear station hits 900F+. Multiple burners give you precise zone control. For weeknight dinners, the Summit is ready when you are. The flavor question: charcoal produces better smoke flavor. Period. Gas is more convenient. Period. Neither truth negates the other. ## Value for Money The Egg scores 8.0 at $1,200. The Summit scores 7.8 at $2,800. The Egg delivers a better score at less than half the price. But ongoing charcoal costs partially close the gap over years of use. The Summit saves time. Every cook starts faster and ends with easier cleanup. Time has value too. ## Verdict **Buy the Big Green Egg if:** you love the process of charcoal cooking, you prioritize smoke flavor, and you do long smokes regularly. The Egg is the better cooker for the dedicated pitmaster. **Buy the Weber Summit S-470 if:** you want push-button convenience, you grill more than you smoke, and you value your time. The Summit is the better cooker for the busy home cook who still wants premium results. Neither is wrong. They serve different cooks. Know which one you are before you buy. [Full Big Green Egg Large Review](/en/reviews/big-green-egg-large-review/) | [Full Weber Summit S-470 Review](/en/reviews/weber-summit-s-470-review/)