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Acorn now or ceramic later

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ToddM

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I'm really jonesing for a Kamodo style cooker right now, I'd really like a Kamodo Joe but don't know if I can swing it financially right now. Plan B would be an Acorn, they seem to be a good deal and owners seem happy with them and the cook results. What say ye, brethren? Should I go for the instant gratification and get the reliable Acorn or should I save my coins and wait for the ceramic master grill? Patience is NOT a virtue.
 
Find a way to get the one you really want. You'll Aiways wonder if you made the right choice.
 
Great thing about the akorn. You're not gonna baby it or worry about breaking it. 700+ no problem, low n slow... no problem. If I spent 800-1200 on a ceramic kamado, I wouldn't be willing to crank it up to high (worrying about cracked fireboxes). Just my two cents.

Only you know what ........you want.
 
I really like my Akorn, I will say it's a steppin stone smoker to wheres I'll own a ceramic in the future(not near), I'll learn what to do and what not to do with my Akorn and it's 300 bucks:twitch:
 
Wait, a deal will come up.

I got a Primo Oval XL right here for 500 + a brisket!

Jeff
 
Get the Akorn and watch CL like a hawk for deals on a ceramic. You might be able to get both for the price of one and have the best of both worlds. Instant gratification and then one your really want in the future.
 
They make credit cards for a reason....LoL

I'd wait it out or just try to make it work right now for the one you want. You'll regret if if you settle now for the one you can "afford".

I'm SO happy with my Kamado Joe which i was lucky enough to buy on sale, 200$ off.
 
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I've wanted a ceramic kamado for the past few years. Earlier this year I heard about the Akorns.

I bought one and learned the ins and out of kamado cooking and have turned out some great food for my family. I'm a fan of these grills.

That being said....I'm wanting something larger at this time. I've been making great steps to become healthier....gym, better rest and eating right.

I've weaned myself off fast food and the cafeteria at work.

I need a larger grill that I can fire up on Sundays and cook my food for the work week.


I'm thinking the XL BGE is the ticket for me.

The Akorn did sell my wife on the quality of the food that comes off the kamado. It was easy to control temps and retain moisture.


The Akorn will be nice to have, in addition to the larger grill, because it's so light and portable. I can throw it in the bed of the truck with ease and take it to friends houses and etc.
 
I bought my Akorn to use at the restaurant. I needed a insulated smoker and couldn't afford a Spicewine yet. I have a small BGE and use that when I have time. With you living in CA, you really don't need the mass to hold the heat like we do in colder climates. I have had great success cooking butts and brisket overnight. I put them on at 9 pm before I leave and they are done when someone gets there at 9 am. Even though the Akorn does not have the mass like the ceramics it is a very efficient cooker. The thing I really like about the Akorn is how the ashes are cleaned out of the smoker. You basically take the detachable bottom off and dump it. Check that feature out on one that is set up.

If you want one right now, go with the Akorn and save for a larger size ceramic. I hope they make the Akorn in a bigger size. I would get one.
 
Pyle's BBQ said:
I bought my Akorn to use at the restaurant. I needed a insulated smoker and couldn't afford a Spicewine yet. I have a small BGE and use that when I have time. With you living in CA, you really don't need the mass to hold the heat like we do in colder climates. I have had great success cooking butts and brisket overnight. I put them on at 9 pm before I leave and they are done when someone gets there at 9 am. Even though the Akorn does not have the mass like the ceramics it is a very efficient cooker. The thing I really like about the Akorn is how the ashes are cleaned out of the smoker. You basically take the detachable bottom off and dump it. Check that feature out on one that is set up.

If you want one right now, go with the Akorn and save for a larger size ceramic. I hope they make the Akorn in a bigger size. I would get one.
Click to expand...


I really don't like the removable bottom portion....as it adds yet another seal to be concerned with. Fortunately it's a large area that doesn't have to be dumped all that often.

A larger Akorn would be a decent seller, I'd bet.
 
Dub, have you tried to clean out a ceramic? I have and it is a pain. That is why I like the feature. I am not worried about the seal. It is at the bottom and does not get that hot. Now the upper seal, I will have to deal with that at some point. One of the problems is, that once the fire goes out and the temp drops, it will freeze with all the moisture in the grill. I don't like how the gasket is affixed to the top with clips, for lack of a better term.
 
I'd been looking for a decent priced BGE for a couple of years without any luck, so I pulled the plug on an Akorn last March and haven't looked back. I've had 10 months of great grilled and smoked food with out having to worry about wind and outside temps. I've never had or cooked on any other kamodo type grille, but I'm really happy with the Akorn.

BTW, I haven't done any mods to my Akorn but can maintain 225 temps without any trouble. It gets easier as the cooks seal up the cooker. I really like the detachable ash catcher.
 
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I have an akorn and love it. I say get the akorn and if you're not happy with it get a ceramic after you save up for it. By the way, you'll be happy with the akorn, trust me. If you don't leave it out in the weather it will surely last a long time. I bought it because I waited for a craigslist deal on a ceramic cooker for more than 6 months with no luck. Regardless of what you hear, crazy deals on ceramic cookers are rare. Get the akorn.....you can always return it if you're not happy.

Chris




Sent from my Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
I'd do the Akorn now just cause you can and it will give you some variety to compare the egg to in the future. Who knows where this might lead.

I was in your shoes a few years ago. I started off with a Bubba Keg which I loved so I "upgraded" to a ceramic. However, after I made that switch I ended up deciding I like the steel cookers better so I went back to the Akorn. The Akorn is actually my favorite of all of them (more features) and it just happens to be the cheapest by a LOOONG shot. Win-win.

Try lots of cookers. You know never know what you'll end up liking best.
 
hogsfan said:
I'd do the Akorn now just cause you can and it will give you some variety to compare the egg to in the future. Who knows where this might lead.

I was in your shoes a few years ago. I started off with a Bubba Keg which I loved so I "upgraded" to a ceramic. However, after I made that switch I ended up deciding I like the steel cookers better so I went back to the Akorn. The Akorn is actually my favorite of all of them (more features) and it just happens to be the cheapest by a LOOONG shot. Win-win.

Try lots of cookers. You know never know what you'll end up liking best.
Click to expand...

^^^^what he said^^^^
 
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