I am in the market for a new smoker/grill and made a trip to my local retailer with the intent of purchasing a Big Green Egg. I've heard a lot of good things about BGE's and they seem to be good quality. While I was there I noticed a similar item, except it was red, and it was made by a company called Kamado Joe. Comparing the two side by side the ceramic of the KJ was noticeably thicker than the BGE. The gasket seal around the top were also thicker/wider. Here's the kicker though. The KJ comes with a stand as well as the two bamboo side shelves already attached for about $95 less than the BGE without those accessories. Has anyone ever had any dealings with Kamado Joe brand? Any info, good or bad, regarding quality, customer service/support would be appreciated.
Big Green Egg vs. Kamado Joe
- Thread starter Crueguru
- Start date
I too have been looking for a BGE type charcoal bbq/smoker and have found a lot of info on the Big Steel Keg. Reviews have been oustanding and it seems to be about half the cost of a BGE.
I'm a little over a month into my BGE.
I researched the heck out of it before buying. Initially I was contemplating between a BGE and a higher end Weber. In the end I decided to go kamado and had to pick between the different kamado offerings.
My final two were the BGE and Primo Oval XL.
The BGE won in the end.
Ask any questions you might have and I'll answer with as much or as little detail as I can.
I researched the heck out of it before buying. Initially I was contemplating between a BGE and a higher end Weber. In the end I decided to go kamado and had to pick between the different kamado offerings.
My final two were the BGE and Primo Oval XL.
The BGE won in the end.
Ask any questions you might have and I'll answer with as much or as little detail as I can.
I have a Lg and Small BGE and an XL Primo. I love them.
I have no experience with the grill you mentioned -- hopefully someone can chime in on the quality of the product and the warranty.
I have two thoughts for your consideration.
If you go to the BGE forum, you will see banners about lots of Eggfests and there is a good chance there is one in your area. If you buy an Egg at a fest, you get a steep discount (ca 20%) and an original warranty.
If you get a different brand, I would think carefully about how you want to use it and consider the accessories available. If it is the same size and a BGE you can by those accessories (ie: Plate Setter and Pizza Stone for baking).
I have no experience with the grill you mentioned -- hopefully someone can chime in on the quality of the product and the warranty.
I have two thoughts for your consideration.
If you go to the BGE forum, you will see banners about lots of Eggfests and there is a good chance there is one in your area. If you buy an Egg at a fest, you get a steep discount (ca 20%) and an original warranty.
If you get a different brand, I would think carefully about how you want to use it and consider the accessories available. If it is the same size and a BGE you can by those accessories (ie: Plate Setter and Pizza Stone for baking).
I too have a large BGE.
I love it like a child! A smokey child who expels juicy sweet meat!
It is the last grill you will ever need to buy!
I love it like a child! A smokey child who expels juicy sweet meat!
It is the last grill you will ever need to buy!
That is the quote of the week!
When my current grill dies on me, I want to pick up a BGE.
that is the quote of the week!
When my current grill dies on me, i want to pick up a bge.
+1
That is the quote of the week!
When my current grill dies on me, I want to pick up a BGE.
You will regret waiting. Guaranteed.
Or pre-buy before the eggfest to be picked up at one (the local eggfest in Austin sells out of the demo eggs long before the event).
Michael
I have a BGE in large and love it.
But, my advice?
Search around to see who look like they're having the most fun and go with that product. If things go wrong, it's great to have a support forum, when things go well you wanna share your excitement, you'll enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded people, and you may strike up friendships along the way.
I bought BGE because I liked the information, support and banter on the egghead forum - not to say Primo and others don't - I found theirs, saw it was active and fun and went with it. Same for Bottlehead diy stereo gear and Rivendell bicycles.
In the end, it's the friendships that matter most.
Roger
But, my advice?
Search around to see who look like they're having the most fun and go with that product. If things go wrong, it's great to have a support forum, when things go well you wanna share your excitement, you'll enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded people, and you may strike up friendships along the way.
I bought BGE because I liked the information, support and banter on the egghead forum - not to say Primo and others don't - I found theirs, saw it was active and fun and went with it. Same for Bottlehead diy stereo gear and Rivendell bicycles.
In the end, it's the friendships that matter most.
Roger
Haven't seen the brand you mention. If it is equivalent quality to the BGE then it should become popular pretty quickly at that price point. Until then though I don't know if I'd go with the unknown. Perhaps look at Primo. It's an alternative brand that has been around long enough that you can get good feedback on build quality vs the BGE.
I haven't tried any of the alternatives. I inherited a med BGE from my parents and have absolutely loved it. The cooking space is cramped and at some point in the future I will go bigger, but with the proper positioning and sometimes a grill extender I can still do full sized boston butts, 4 full racks of ribs, 8 burgers, full sized chickens, etc. So I'm not too limited. And man alive does it make some incredible stuff...
I haven't tried any of the alternatives. I inherited a med BGE from my parents and have absolutely loved it. The cooking space is cramped and at some point in the future I will go bigger, but with the proper positioning and sometimes a grill extender I can still do full sized boston butts, 4 full racks of ribs, 8 burgers, full sized chickens, etc. So I'm not too limited. And man alive does it make some incredible stuff...
Bumping an old post... I got a Big Steel Keg a week ago and totally love it!!! Best grill I have ever used by far. I need to learn more about using the right amount of charcoal and such but so far it was money very well Spent. Even SWMBO said she was glad we got it
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