Kamado Joe or BGE

I just got a Kamado Joe Classic and I'm quite happy with it. The same setup on the BGE costs about $300 more, but either route you take you are going to have a great rig.

I say just go ahead and get the one you really want.

The difference in cost is not much more than several briskets and you are going to have this smoker a very long time. In addition, accessories make great present suggestions for you.

I love my big green egg. I have looked at the KJ and don't see why you couldn't use most any of the BGE accessories. The ceramic grill store is a great resource, I've bought several things from them.

One note, especially if you are looking at the bigger ones, when I looked at the big joe, there seemed to be much less headroom in the top of the cooker. The dome seemed flatter, giving less usable space. This was just by eyeball, and maybe I'm off base, but I'd recommend looking at these in person first.

And, I was not crazy about buying more made in China product.

Get the one you feel you would be happiest with.

When I was looking at ceramics I looked at most all of them, and the two I got the best feeling from were the Primo Oval XL and the Kamado Joe. If money was no issue to me I would have got the Primo, but I had to stay in a budget so the KJ was what I felt was best for me. And I have not regretted it for one second.

In fact for the way I have used it, the KJ probably was a better choice for me than the Primo anyway.

If you haven't seen the Kamado Joe, this is the walk-around video I made earlier this week to show the components and features on the grill.

[ame]http://youtu.be/GY6YCtC2uoM[/ame]

Everything that has been posted here so far is worth considering. As far as where they are made, the Primo is the only one I'm aware of that is made in the USA. I think the BGE is made in Mexico and the Kamado Joe is made in China. I thought about these things as well as I was investigating ceramic kamados. All I can say about it is that these manufacturers take a lot of pride in their product. No matter where they are made, each of these three (KJ, Primo, BGE) seem to be top quality grills.

I can only speak for the Large BGE I love mine. If I really fill it with lump I know I can get 24 hrs for a low and slow cook easily

Another egg owner that loves it, but I agree you will probably be happy with either as they are both great. So go with your gut.

I have an Egg...like it a lot but I'd get the KJ if I were getting another one... More goodies for the money, prefer the shelf layout on the KJ (BGE) angled slightly inward, slightly thicker ceramics in certain areas (where the halves meet) and fewer reports of gasket problems. Also like the color choices... Would love to have the red one. The dealer would influence my decision... If one dealer was primarily a BBQ supply store and knew what he/she was talking about, I'd go with that one over a store simply sold them in addition to lawn mowers and plumbing supplies. Ask the dealer how they handle warranty issues... My Egg dealer will replace a cracked firebox or fire ring out of his own stock and get BGE to send him a new one. No freight costs. (Never had anything crack, though). KJ seems to have their act together... New dealers popping up all the time.

If considering the XL Egg or Big Joe KJ, check the newest KJ... I think they made the dome on the new ones a bit higher, but I'm not sure.

Found this: (on the Egghead forum, of all places) http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1137321/massive-new-big-joe

Looks like they have raised the "shoulders" of the KJ, making the dome appear flatter.

I have had my KJ over four years now, still on the original gasket. I love it. There are minor cosmetic differences, but the food will ultimately be the same. Differences I have seen, thicker, comes fully assembled, better finished hardwood, powdercoated steel, bigger dome thermo and cost less. No brainer to me. All the top ceramics are great choices and you would be no worse off getting either one.

I'd probably go with a KJ. Save a few bucks. Just as good or perhaps better product. I'm also digging the heat deflector comes in two pieces, like the Primo.

Smoothsmoke said:

I'd probably go with a KJ. Save a few bucks. Just as good or perhaps better product. I'm also digging the heat deflector comes in two pieces, like the Primo.

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Unfortunately, the two-piece heat deflector is an accessory for the Big Joe. The Kamado Joe Classic model heat deflector is a single piece. I'd love to see that option added for the KJ Classic myself, but I will come up with a work-around in the mean time. I will probably take my angle grinder to another pizza pan that is the same size as the heat deflector and cut out the inside of half of it.

JMSetzler said:

Unfortunately, the two-piece heat deflector is an accessory for the Big Joe. The Kamado Joe Classic model heat deflector is a single piece. I'd love to see that option added for the KJ Classic myself, but I will come up with a work-around in the mean time. I will probably take my angle grinder to another pizza pan that is the same size as the heat deflector and cut out the inside of half of it.

Click to expand...

I did not know that. That is one of the reasons why I'm still considering a Primo, love the 2 zone set up. I actually do a lot of my grilling like that on my 22 Weber. I hate removing the platesetter on my egg, such a pita.

I am getting a Kamado Joe for Christmas. I don't have a link but go to naked whiz and read their review of the KJ.

Smoothsmoke said:

I did not know that. That is one of the reasons why I'm still considering a Primo, love the 2 zone set up. I actually do a lot of my grilling like that on my 22 Weber. I hate removing the platesetter on my egg, such a pita.

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That setup on the Primo Oval XL is indeed nice with the split heat deflector. I hope that Kamado Joe does something similar in the future because I'll be the first kid in line to buy one if they do. The metal rack that holds the deflector in the KL Classic is a 3-prong holder for the round diffuser stone, so that configuration would have to change up a little to hold a half stone.

JMSetzler said:

That setup on the Primo Oval XL is indeed nice with the split heat deflector. I hope that Kamado Joe does something similar in the future because I'll be the first kid in line to buy one if they do. The metal rack that holds the deflector in the KL Classic is a 3-prong holder for the round diffuser stone, so that configuration would have to change up a little to hold a half stone.

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Not the same as Primo, but KJ did a good job of incorporating it.

http://www.kamadojoe.com/heat_deflector_bigjoe.html

Not a nickle's worth of difference between them

There's not really any difference between KJ and BGE in using them. Nor in construction quality, despite the claims of KJ. Mexico vs China? Can't say I have a preference.
BGE does sponsor some fun events and has a better dealer network for warranty support which has saved many a BGE owner from tears.

If you have time to search for lightly used at bargain prices that's the ticket. The MBGE shown was used one time, stored 7 years then sold to me for $140. I bought a Small for $75 but resold it to buy the Medium.

Owning both, I have no preference.

JMSetzler said:

Unfortunately, the two-piece heat deflector is an accessory for the Big Joe. The Kamado Joe Classic model heat deflector is a single piece. I'd love to see that option added for the KJ Classic myself, but I will come up with a work-around in the mean time. I will probably take my angle grinder to another pizza pan that is the same size as the heat deflector and cut out the inside of half of it.

Click to expand...

KJ showed a two piece split heat deflector on their Facebook page a few weeks ago along with the announcement that other new accessories are coming. Another one I like is a metal water pan that has little dome "feet" on the bottom so all of your liquid doesn't boil off so fast.

Neither has shipped yet, but they said the are shipping 2013! I'll be getting both of those.