What is the Best Two-Zone Kamado System?

[jhapka]

I have an SNS kamado and I won’t claim it’s better than a primo or joe because I haven’t cooked on those. I will say I’ve never wanted for anything using it. Love it.

[radiodome21]

I must say as someone who spent a lot of time last week looking up different kamados and watching YouTube videos I am enjoying this thread. I saw the 18 in. KJ at Costco last week and that got my MCS into overdrive. I thought it was too small for my liking, as I find my 18 WSM a little on the small side. So…..carry on. Great discussion.

[STEbbq]

Akorn has a ceramic kamado and Grilla Kong is also bigger than 18”.

[jfmorris]

That is what I've always felt about the "large" BGE and other kamados I had seen that were only 18". I've never wished my 22" SNS Kamado were smaller.

[STEbbq]

jfmorris I have always been a bit surprised that the Akorn offers more space than much more expensive kamados. I think everyone should be at 20” or above.

[Mosca]

I must say as someone who spent a lot of time last week looking up different kamados and watching YouTube videos I am enjoying this thread. I saw the 18 in. KJ at Costco last week and that got my MCS into overdrive. I thought it was too small for my liking, as I find my 18 WSM a little on the small side. So…..carry on. Great discussion.

That LBGE vs XLBGE was a tough decision. I actually put off the purchase for about 6 months while I was trying to decide. Eventually, I figured that with just me and Mrs Mosca, XL was going to be too much. And, there have been times that I have wanted to do more than a couple racks of ribs, and the extra space would have been pretty nice to have. On the other hand, having all of that real estate of the XL every single time I fired up the charcoal would have been too much. I think either way I would have been a little bit unsatisfied.

I solved the problem in typical Amazing Ribs fashion: I got a Weber Performer for those times that I needed to do more than a couple racks of ribs! Best of both worlds.

[jfmorris]

I will throw out the Grilla Kong for consideration by anyone looking at a kamado. At its current sale price of $729 it's a really good deal. I think it includes 2 levels of 20.5" cooking grates at that price, but that the heat deflector is not included. They do offer a split diffuser as well as a one piece diffuser.

[jfmorris]

I'll add that I am not saying I would take it over my SNS Deluxe Kamado - but then, folk have budgets, and the Grilla is under half the price of the SNSK.

[Old Glory]

I'll jump in for the WSCG. Two zone is simple with the Low Profile S&S. You raise the fire grate to the upper position and the S&S fits perfectly creating two zones with plenty of real estate.

[smokin fool]

In the round category I'll add the Broil King Keg which is in my backyard.
I utilize the heat diffuser/water pans for some cooks also has a main lower grate and a removeable upper grate.
Use the upper grate on the majority of my cooks.
50/50 ratio for utilizing the diffuser.
I've never tried to get it to work as a two zone smoker, that being said I may have achieved that quite by mistake.

[surfdog]

The closest thing to a kamado that I have is the WSCGC. 90% of the time, when it’s used in grill mode, I do two-zone…and it’s dead simple & quite effective. Add a rack and it’s multiple zones…

[bfaber]

Priom XL is the way to go for me - know some others now come close - but the fact that it is well Made in the USA makes it a no-brainer. We need to keep manufacturing jobs here at home

[Jerod Broussard]

That is exactly what I would get if going the Kamado route.

[radiodome21]

With the Labor Day sales upon us I’ve been racking my brain these last few days. I’ve decided to take the Kamado plunge because while I love my kettle and pellet smoker I’m looking for more. My WSM is nice but at 18 inches it’s too small and I’d like to use less charcoal. I’ve narrowed it down to the Big KJ II, Weber Summit and Grilla Kong since it’s back in sale. I also like SNS too. However those are smaller cookers which is why I’m hesitant. 24 inches vs 20.5 had my dragging. Also curious how much a slow n sear is needed with a Kamado.

any advice is appreciated.

[Oak Smoke]

I found those posts. They are under Grills, Smokers, other cookers, Outdoor kitchen channel, then go to Charcoal Kamados, at the bottom of that list is Other kamados or general kamado discussion. The author is CeramicChef. I learned a lot from him.

[58limited]

I have the SnS Kamado and I love it. With the insert it basically functions as a well insulated Weber or SnS kettle; remove the insert and it functions like a kamado. If I had to choose one cooker this would be it because it does everything that I want (smoke, grill, pizza, etc,) and all of the 22" Weber accessories fit it (I use a Vortex frequently).

[Mosca]

I have a LBGE (18”). It’s great. BGE has replaced the base, the lid, and the fire bowl all under the lifetime warranty. (12+ years.)

All kamados, from Akorns to Komodo Kamados, work exactly the same. There are differences, in materials, build quality, service, warranty, etc, but the food will taste exactly the same. The value will be in how well one fits your particular needs. For me, 18” fits 95% of what I do, and the other 5% goes on the 22” Weber Kettle. But a 21-24” kamado would be nice!