Is the BGE the standard?

[yo_quiero_fumar]

So, is the Big Green Egg the benchmark against which all other Kamado cookers should be measured? Including Primo? I mean does price of a grill always reflect quality? Lets discuss this.

[Marty]

BGE probably has the most owners in this country and a very loyal following.

The gold standard is the Kamado Kamado.

Here is a great break down of Kamados that lists their strengths and weaknesses along with a run down of major companies.

The tabs on the top lead to more reviews---how to info---and great recipes

http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide ... okers.html.

[CVW]

A Kamado is the same as anything else. Some people like Chevy, some like Ford. There are differences with ceramic cookers but owners of multiple brands will admit the end result are just as good off any of them including Komodo Kamado.

You will find that people on the manufacturer forums are very loyal to their brand. BGE has the eggfests all over the country and a very active forum which have been a big factor in their popularity. BGE also has a lot of accessories and usually a local dealer in most places.

Many people believe that Kamado Joe is a better value and all around just as good as the egg with a better indirect cooking setup although some hate the fact it is made in China. The Naked Whiz who is a longtime BGE owner did a review of his Kamado Joe. There is a lot of info on his website about ceramic cookers and cooking.

[Ross]

... and I found it interesting, Naked Whiz has three BGE's that that he's apparently had forever, he has a KK, which was sold to a person in his area and had a slight defect, and rather than having the product returned to their warehouse KK gave it to Whiz with instructions in how to repair, knowing he would review it (owner of KK must be a marketing genius), and he also has a KJ, also given to him by the company with agreement to review. I read where he says he uses his BGE's nowadays only to collect data for his charcoal reviews. He uses his KK for large gatherings and the such. However, his everyday go to grill is the KJoe.

[yo_quiero_fumar]

Well thank you guys for all the information. I always thought the BGE was the gold standard, but I suppose it's one of the most well-known.

[waldo]

Well thank you guys for all the information. I always thought the BGE was the gold standard, but I suppose it's one of the most well-known.

Big Green Egg deserves the credit for defining the standard, as they built the kamado business, sales pitch by sales pitch. There were kamados before them, but very few people bought them.

In one sense, the original large BGE has become a standard. The competitors all seem to make a similar sized model as their main (or only) offering. I think it would be fair to call the BGE a reference standard. You can compare features of competitors "as good as", "better than", or "not as good as" a Big Green Egg.

[Smokin_Dore]

One thing about the KJ is the Joe is made in Mexico not China. I have been doing a lot of research on buying one and the KJ is really starting to pick up steam. I think I am going with the Akorn first to ease into the market to make sure I like it then I will probably buy the Big Joe which is like the Big XL egg only 200 cheaper. I an actually think that since it is made in Mexico that it might be made at the same plant as the Big Green Egg.

[Ross]

One thing about the KJ is the Joe is made in Mexico not China. I have been doing a lot of research on buying one and the KJ is really starting to pick up steam. I think I am going with the Akorn first to ease into the market to make sure I like it then I will probably buy the Big Joe which is like the Big XL egg only 200 cheaper. I an actually think that since it is made in Mexico that it might be made at the same plant as the Big Green Egg.

According to the box, it comes from China. Do I have some moral misgivings about purchasing products from China. Yes, I do. Is it a deal breaker for me? No,it's not... but that's just me. Anyway, sorry for straying off topic, Quierofumar. Debate on the origin and merits of KJ might best be done on a different topic thread.

[Smokin_Dore]

Interesting, it appears you are right. I thought is was made in Mexico based on this site.

http://www.bbqguys.com/content_content_10084.html

I guess you would still recommend one?

[Ross]

Interesting, it appears you are right. I thought is was made in Mexico based on this site.

http://www.bbqguys.com/content_content_10084.html

I guess you would still recommend one?

Me, personally? yeah, if you could get it in the 699 price range, certainly, I've never cooked on one but I checked one out at the local Ace, seemed every bit as solid and nice as a BGE, and different colors than BGE.

[philpom]

An old thread but I thought I might offer some insight - Primo anyone? It's pretty nice.... They offer round or oval and it's made in the U.S.A.

[JMSetzler]

An old thread but I thought I might offer some insight - Primo anyone? It's pretty nice.... They offer round or oval and it's made in the U.S.A.

As far as I'm concerned, the Primo XL Oval is the best solution out there.

[osx-addict]

I'll admit that I'd prefer to buy a USA made grill over the imports any day of the week -- as long as the quality is decent and it's not 25x the price of the imports (within reason). I was a little peeved to see that the Vision grills are made in China and that might have swayed my interest in the product if I were paying full retail price but when buying a deeply discounted one at just over $200 I couldn't pass that up.. Now, mind you, if my 600lb Kamado (made in Mexico btw) ever is needing replacement I'll probably spring for the Primo or BGE as a secondary..

[yo_quiero_fumar]

The original Kamados came from overseas, so what's wrong with that?

[Ross]

The original Kamados came from overseas, so what's wrong with that?

I don't see too much wrong with that. I try to keep my shopping local here in my hometown when I can. Like with the kids bikes, I went and looked at the local dealer's shop for two bikes for my son and daughter. He had theGiant line, which I know are decent, and i'd seen online for quite a bit less than he was offering. He offered almost 20% off the two, which brought them a little closer to the online price, plus I know he will take good care of us though the life of the bike, you take it in in spring and he oils it up for you, adjusts the breaks, etc. for free. Other things, however, are just beyond my reach to buy American made. Kind of like buying an American car in the 80's-90's... Sad to say 50% or more of them just didn't match up to the quality and price compared to companies like Toyota...


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