Grill Dome / BGE Comparisons

[CVW]

Ross

I am curious about your kamado build quality rating. You certainly are entitled to your opinion but I see you have Grill Dome 4th. Seeing Grill Dome, BGE, Primo, Vision, and Kamado Joe in person I have to disagree. Some don't like the fact that it has a painted exterior vs glazed but beyond that it has stainless hardware, much heavier duty bolts on the bands, hinge is effortless compared to others and of a heavier duty quality. the top vent is more heavy duty compared to the others although it has no daisy wheel that is not needed anyway. I do not say that just because I own one but because anyone I know that has compared acknowledge that the build quality of a Grill Dome is better. Obviously the Komodo Kamado is in a different class and should be for about 5 times the price. Not trying to start a war here or argue your right to your opinion but I just don't see how you arrive at your conclusion.

[Ross]

Hey, Overdue, I welcome your comments on the Grill Dome. You know, the only reason why I placed Grill Dome just a notch lower than BGE, Primo, and KJ was the issue of the paint coming off the units. My review certainly wasn't scientific. What I have done is good amount of on line research on the major brands. Like you, I agree Komodo Kamado is in a class by itself. BGE has somehow created a fiercely loyal market share in the kamado market. This was partially due to very slick marketing, but not completely. Their product has stood the test of time. So, that leaves Kamodo Joe and Grill Dome. I guess the only reason why I initially chose Kamado Joe number three was, first, very positive customer service ratings, and second, they have become extremely aggressive with their pricing, offering their large, with a nest, for as low as $799 in some areas. That left Grill Dome, which, to be honest, I probably know the least about. Your comment about it having superior stainless steel hardware is something I'd like to hear more about. I would agree that outside of the ceramics, the quality of the stainless hardware is probably the second most important feature of a kamado. However, the problem Grill Dome has had with their paint bonding with the ceramic body is a pretty big problem with a number of owners from what I understand. What is more troubling is reports that GD has been slow to addressing the issue with a number of owners who's grill have developed paint blisters over time. Perhaps this is way off base, and is just simply not true. Fill us in on what you know about it. If they have solved the paint blistering problem that would be good to know.

[CVW]

I think the last 2 posts should probably be moved and then I will respond.

[JMSetzler]

Done... thanks for helping me keep threads on topic... excellent work

[dave2012bbq]

I understand the heavier and better fitting hardware and use of ss.
I also understand blister paint is bad.

Should the inside of the kamado be glazed?
Any kamado with a seal partially made with the knocked or beveled ceramics to hold and protect the seal? A little ceramic would insulated the seal from the high heat, but would it be to prone to chip?

Is there any stainless steel vessel kamado (not just the hardware)?

[Ross]

I understand the heavier and better fitting hardware and use of ss.
I also understand blister paint is bad.

Should the inside of the kamado be glazed?
Any kamado with a seal partially made with the knocked or beveled ceramics to hold and protect the seal? A little ceramic would insulated the seal from the high heat, but would it be to prone to chip?

Is there any stainless steel vessel kamado (not just the hardware)?

I'm not sure if I've ever seen a glaze on the inside of any ceramic kamado. I'm pretty sure they are all the same, that way. Ceramics have different thicknesses. Grill Dome and KJ are both known to have a thicker ceramic? Is that better? I would imagine it would be more durable. I have never seen a kamado with a beveled edge lid design like you mention. Seems like a good idea, though. I believe Viking makes a ceramic kamado, encased in stainless steel. It ain't cheap, though.

[SandBilly]

I've never seen glaze on the inside but Primo pizza stones are glazed. Checkout the KJ Pro Joe, stainless encased and 500+ pounds. Seems like the weight may include a table, unsure..

[SandBilly]

Off topic...I guess.

[Woody Strohm]

Overdue: Based on Grill Dome's limited dealer network, would you buy this kamado again? This is one of my only drawbacks to this product. The dealer in the Northern IL market is no longer in business. No dealers, little product support.

[CVW]

The limited dealer network can be inconvenient. I drove a long way twice to get 2 problems solved (my choice) they were willing to find an alternative. I guess you must be referring to the Concrete Shop in IL. That is too bad. I have considered other cookers myself due to the limited dealer network but at the same time I have been frustrated with some of the competitors dealers because some of them don't own or use one and have no clue about the product. They don't have any one display but can order one for you. I also can't get past the build quality of some competitors or lack of it compared to the GD. The hardware is stainless and heavy duty and the top vent is also heavy duty. The gasket surfaces are machined.

While some don't like the painted exterior on the Grill Dome and lack of accessories there is no denying the build quality. Actually with the rack that hangs down and one that extends up and a heat deflector and firebricks if you choose you can do whatever you need and save money on accessories.

Almost forgot, some changes at GD and from what little I have heard they are going to expand and grow and increase dealers. From what I hear they have big goals. Don't know how soon this will happen but it is my understanding they have started working on the details a while back.

[mike echo]

Was hot for a GD. Explored many avenues to buy one. Same comments from above still apply. Nearest dealer is 5 hours away. Tried the distributor who is closer but could not work out a price. Was not gonna travel 4 hours to try and save shipping costs because I'm pretty sure I would be afforded only a slight pittance of a savings.....for an 8 hour round trip.

Bought another product.

[CeramicChef]

Was hot for a GD. Explored many avenues to buy one. Same comments from above still apply. Nearest dealer is 5 hours away. Tried the distributor who is closer but could not work out a price. Was not gonna travel 4 hours to try and save shipping costs because I'm pretty sure I would be afforded only a slight pittance of a savings.....for an 8 hour round trip.

Bought another product.

I find it interesting that Mike Echo bought another product because he couldn't get a near by dealer to work with him on price. I would think that unless a manufacturer is resource constrained that manufacturer could see huge opportunities here ... build a dealer base that could support extant and projected demand and then market the heck out of your product and grab market share. Put your boot squarely on the neck of your competition and just step down!

Very quickly you'd have the economies of scale and scope to crush your competition. You drive down the experience curve and become incredibly efficient. You could cut margins and make more by selling less. Cut margins enough and kill off or cripple your competition.

Guys, this is elementary business strategy taught at the undergrad level. Mike bought another product and took his current and future business elsewhere and why? All because a dealer is short-sighted and wouldn't work on price. I understand the whole notion of holding price, I truly do. But that concept never works out in the long run. Holding price just invite competition into your niche!

Oh well, I'm retired now and on the sidelines. Mostly I just shake my head in slack-jawed wonderment and wonder how these guys manage to stay in business.

Y'all have great cooks and make some great memories with family and friends!