Differences in Old vs. New Char-Griller Kamado Kookers

Bennie, the CharGriller KingGriller/KamadoKooker/BigRed/Akorn/whatever the hell else it's been called is a fine rig and an outstanding value at $300. But your question points out the fact that they've done a turrible job of building any sort of brand awareness. Each distribution channel seems to have it's own name, branding, and features. And these seem to change from year to year.

The early models did have a silver top which was reported to be flimsy. My 2012 Lowe's model (Akorn) has the heavier black top vent. I think it's safe to assume that (at least thru the big retailers) the silver tops have worked their way through the system and won't be in stock this year.

I'm not sure about the center grate insert. The 2012 Akorn had the logo. I have seen pictures of no-logo inserts, but I'm not sure which model has them. Frankly I don't see the need for any type of removable insert but all models seem to have them.

Another twist: I've read that the current models have some sort of factory-applied sealant around the bottom air intake. Now this could be a good thing (no user mod necessary) or bad (one more user mod to remove half-assedly applied factory sealant).

Bottom line is you will have to do a little legwork to get the combination of features you want (metal vs. wood shelves is another variation). You may want to head over to John Setzler's kamadoguru site. They have a pretty active community dedicated to this cooker. Don't get discouraged though. As I said, this cooker is a tremendous value at $300. Good luck!

Possible and maybe even probable that the Lowes you visited just had an older (year or two) model and never put a new one out.

The early models did have a silver top which was reported to be flimsy. My 2012 Lowe's model (Akorn) has the heavier black top vent. I think it's safe to assume that (at least thru the big retailers) the silver tops have worked their way through the system and won't be in stock this year.

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Not quite true, I bought mine 2 months ago at Menards and they had one newer model and a stack of old ones on sale.Good news is you can tell by the picture on the box which one you are getting, they will show either silver or black on the top vent.

Another twist: I've read that the current models have some sort of factory-applied sealant around the bottom air intake. Now this could be a good thing (no user mod necessary) or bad (one more user mod to remove half-assedly applied factory sealant).

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True, mine had it and I did the mod with the BGE felt anyway, mostly ust to tighten the slide up, when I took it off I didnt know there was sealant behind it.IMO it was a half ass seal at best, very thin line and seemed to be missing in spots.Not saying the mod was entirely neccassary I just found the slide to be pretty sloppy without it.

I just bought my new CGK about 2 weeks ago after a month of research. I bought it from my local Lowes at 299 with the black top and removable center grate. I had an oven seal around the ash pan. I do not think the new ones fixed the seal around the lower vent holes because mine when I shut down for a hot cook will vent smoke out the lower vent. Still a very very simple mod to do if it is not fixed on yours.

Oh yeah mine says char griller and akorn on the lid. I hear that is how you can tell the 2013s apart.