Opinions on Kamado cookers

[jonumberone]

I've had my eye on a Kamado cooker for some time.
I've been toiling with a BGE purchase, but always get aggravated because I feel like I'm being nickel and dimed.
Fast forward to yesterday, I once again stumbled across this in Costco.

The in-store price was $559 + tax
From what I can find on line, it is the same size as a large egg, and has the same ceramic thickness.
unlike the Egg, this price includes the "nest", side shelves, and a cover.
From what I can tell from my personal inspection, the fit and finish was as solid as the Egg, with the exception of the side shelves, which I thought were a little flimsy.
Most of the reviews I read were positive, but the big question that looms is longevity.

So, any thoughts on this vs the Egg?
Should I save a few bucks, or go with the tried and true BGE?
Any other Kamado style cooker you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[billybarue]

I've got the same burning question. BGE is made in Mexico, and clearly a quality product that is universally loved by those who have them. Like almost everything else at Costco, their Kamado grill is made in China. But, everything Costco sells is first rate, usually has exceptional guarantee and Costco always stands behind their products. I am very very inclined to go with the Costco Kamado but need to do some research.

[EricF]

I saw the same one at my local Home Depot. I went back and forth and finally decided on my Treager.

You may want to talk to Brent since he does have the BGE and get his opinion.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by jonumberone

Most of the reviews I read were positive, but the big question that looms is longevity.

The company that makes these, Visiongrills, has only been around for about 5-6 years now, and, I'm not sure when this particular model Kamado-style grill came out. IIRC, it was 2 (3?) years ago when I first saw this model at costco. So, I'm not sure how much real world longevity can be measured yet.

BGE, on the other hand, has been around for over 20 years and their products have a good track record.

Warranties seem to be comparable, lifetime on the ceramics, 5 years on the metal, wood is 1 year (BGE) or 90 days (Visiongrill).
http://www.visiongrills.com/warranty.php
http://www.biggreenegg.com/support/warranty/

I know someone who has one and they like it. Unfortunately, they can't give a direct comparison to a BGE because they never owned one. I also know people with BGEs and they love them equally to how the other loves their visiongrill kamado, but again, they haven't had both so, any kind of direct comparison isn't possible.

One thing with the BGE, yes, they nickel and dime you to death (or in this case $50 and a $100 bill you to death), but it's usually easy to find parts and accessories locally, as for the Visiongrill, I really have no idea.

[T.G]

BTW, there's also Primo Grills to consider:
http://primogrill.com/

[76GTFan]

I have inspects both. Construction seems a little more solid on the BGE, especially the smoothness of the ceramic. Don't know that it would change the quality comparison. Komodo is about 200 bucks cheaper. I like the Traeger, but really like the ceramic concept. Being able to smoke a butt for 20 hours sounds really appealing. Only ceramics can retain moisture that way.

[omowasu]

I would get a BGE before any Chinese made Kamado. Some of the Chinese makes are prone to cracking, and all of the Chinese made units are likely coming from two or three factories and just getting rebadged.

There are a couple ways to get a great deal on a BGE - Sometimes you can find lightly used or demo models on eBay and CL. Many of these will include stands and parts so you wont get nickle and dimed (which I also hate and agree with on the BGE).

Also, BGE has a warehouse event once per year where you can get an absolute steal of a deal on a BGE if you are willing to travel there. A friend of mine has two BGEs and goes to their annual event, he purchased his second unit there.

[billybarue]

Originally Posted by omowasu

I would get a BGE before any Chinese made Kamado. Some of the Chinese makes are prone to cracking, and all of the Chinese made units are likely coming from two or three factories and just getting rebadged.

There are a couple ways to get a great deal on a BGE - Sometimes you can find lightly used or demo models on eBay and CL. Many of these will include stands and parts so you wont get nickle and dimed (which I also hate and agree with on the BGE).

Also, BGE has a warehouse event once per year where you can get an absolute steal of a deal on a BGE if you are willing to travel there. A friend of mine has two BGEs and goes to their annual event, he purchased his second unit there.

Great info. Where is the warehouse event?

[8lug]

I've been cooking on 2 large BGE's since the early 90's. The lifetime wartantee is worth the price of addmission.

[stinkie]

here is my komado cooker .


i've been cooking on it since 2000. but it's been in the family since 1969. i would recommend one of these to anyone



stinkie

[omowasu]

Originally Posted by billybarue

Great info. Where is the warehouse event?

http://www.biggreenegg.com/events/th...-eggtoberfest/

Its annually in a suburb of Atlanta, GA.

[fxpose]

I know its Chinese but if you want to save some big bucks check out the Chargriller steel keg kamado in red. Amazon's got them for well under $225 now and free delivery.

Edit: I guess the red ones are all gone the last I checked. Word got around at another BBQ forum and people bought them up last week.