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Kamado Joe Vs Big Green Egg

The BGE has more vertical under the dome for setups like the CGS wu and adjustable rig. Other than that, it has little going for it. It comes with no accessories, and they are proud of the ones they sell given the price to quality ratio. If you are building your own table and not going to buy their nest and side tables, and you want the CGS rig setup, the basic BGE may be the way to go.

The 2017 Big Joe is new and improved in many ways from an already top product. They have a new top cap that won't let rain in, a new multi piece firebowl that won't crack, a hinge that is one finger open and stay in place so it won't slam and break if you drop it, and a much improved long life gasket. They include the cart and a nice divide and conquer cooking system as part of the base price. If you will use the cart and the divide and conquer, the Big Joe is the way to go.

Baby Back Maniac just got one and should have a video soon.
 
I added a Big Joe to my cooking lineup last year. Love it. Go to a Costco road show, they're 25% off retail.
 
Primo Oval is what I would buy personally.

Kamado Joe struggled with cracked fireboxes for years. Hopefully they addressed the problem (sending free replacements is not fixing the problem IMO). Kamado Joe does have some awesome accessories.

Vision is a cheaper alternative.
Acorn is a meatal option people like.
Broil King Keg is a much nicer steel option.
 
I love my Big Green Egg but Primo's oval shape is a plus for folks who cook briskets a lot.
 
I love my Primo XL Oval but you can't go wrong with either of the above choices. Do your research and you'll love cooking on whatever you end up buying.
 
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One problem with the Keg is if you obvershoot your temp its not comimg back down for hours. The Ceramic kamados are easier to bring down in temp.

I would also consider a Weber Charcoal Summit Grill.
 
I have a kamado joe classic. I cook primarily for the wife and I. I have had it for 1.5 years and love it. The KJ was the best dressed for the price when I did my homework at the time. I just did a 14lb brisket last weekend on it and it fit nicely. 99% of my cooking fits on the main grate. I've only wanted a larger cook surface of certain or twice.

I bought a floor model at a discounted price. When I got it home I found a couple holes broken out by the lower vent I hadn't seen at the store. I called KJ and a new lower bowl was shipped out to me with no whining involved. I have heard nothing but stellar reviews on their customer service. They stand behind their product. At the same time they seem to be continually improving their smokers.
 
Also- I was able to slightly modify my "Pre-divide and conquer" KJ classic's fire ring to accept the adjustable rig from ceramic grill works and I love the versatility. I can cook high in the dome, cook on two levels or sear near the lump. It's versatile and was a better deal than paying for the Egg name


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Eddiecalder said:
Primo Oval is what I would buy personally.

Kamado Joe struggled with cracked fireboxes for years. Hopefully they addressed the problem (sending free replacements is not fixing the problem IMO). Kamado Joe does have some awesome accessories.

Vision is a cheaper alternative.
Acorn is a meatal option people like.
Broil King Keg is a much nicer steel option.
Click to expand...

They have all struggled with cracked fireboxes/bowls. KJ is the first with a design that looks like it will solve it with a 7 piece unit with plenty of expansion joints.

Warranty is a good point. There are differences in the lifetime warranties. KJ will deal with a customer direct, and they cover the warehouse club road show units fully. BGE warranty requires you go through a dealer which may or may not be helpful, and they do not offer any warranty on the units sold at Sam's. You must buy new through an authorized dealer to have the warranty.
 
Firebowl cracking is not unique to Kamado Joes. It is a problem with kamados in general. BGE's firebowl cracks too its the nature of the Kamado.

I have a Saffire Grill kamado and one day I will have to replace the firebox.

I have much respect for the BGE as it is probably the first successful commercialized ceramic grill in the US. But dollar for dollar the Kamado Joes are hard to beat. Its versatile, great cookers, awesome customer service and they are constantly looking for ways to increase it value by upgrading features and components. Like the new hinge, top vent and firebowl design. And if you get it at the Costco Roadshow its even better. Be sure to get the KJ's Lump Charcoal too. Great value at the costco roadshow.

As far as cooking with either, it will have a decent learning curve and pretty much cook the same. Either way you are getting a wonderful grill.
 
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smokeswirl said:
Firebowl cracking is not unique to Kamado Joes. It is a problem with kamados in general. BGE's firebowl cracks too its the nature of the Kamado.

I have a Saffire Grill kamado and one day I will have to replace the firebox.

I have much respect for the BGE as it is probably the first successful commercialized ceramic grill in the US. But dollar for dollar the Kamado Joes are hard to beat. Its versatile, great cookers, awesome customer service and they are constantly looking for ways to increase it value by upgrading features and components. Like the new hinge, top vent and firebowl design. And if you get it at the Costco Roadshow its even better. Be sure to get the KJ's Lump Charcoal too. Great value at the costco roadshow.

As far as cooking with either, it will have a decent learning curve and pretty much cook the same. Either way you are getting a wonderful grill.
Click to expand...

I agree with your comments. I picked up a Large BGE in '02 and it has served us well. But looking at this year's KJ upgrades, and the COSTCO opportunity, I would probably go with it for value if I were replacing the BGE.
 
smokingmeats said:
After your suggestions and doing some research, the primo oval is definitely in consideration
Click to expand...

Primos are great. love that everything is made in the USA, including the ceramics.

http://www.primogrill.com/en-us/how-a-primo-ceramic-grill-is-made

BGE's ceramics are made in Mexico. And pretty much every other ceramics for most other Kamado's are made by Auplex which is a manufactured in China.
Dont knock the China made stuff as they have been making ceramics for over a thousand years.
 
I never said cracks were unique to Kamado Joe. The did happen what seems a much higher frequency with KJ than Primo or BGE though. This may have been solved with the newer models. Many other forums or a google search will back up this claim. If they solved the issue thats awesome. KJ does have some of thd best accessories in the market. Good lump charcoal too.
 
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