Please help me pick a Kamado...

[pinot59]

Hi all,

I really enjoy my Weber kettle and my gas grill. It's a great combination but I'm jonesing for a new BBQ experience. And I've been reading a lot about the capabilities of the Kamado designs. So I'm thinking about swapping the kettle out for a Kamado. Fun times ahead!

Here is my use case:
- Massachusetts. Weather is.... variable
- Cooks range from long (ribs, pulled pork) to short (searing skirt steak). Varies depending on the day of the week. I tend to use the gas grill on weekdays for quickness and the kettle on weekends when I am having fun.
- Big fan of Meathead style two zone cooking
- Not a heavy smoker... er... you know what I mean

So I am thinking about the following three Kamados:
1) The Weber Summit.
2) The SnS Kamado
3) The Kamado Joe 18"

Any strong recommendations among these three? They all look good in different ways. They're among the top rated in AmazingRibs but there's not an obvious comparison between the three. Anyone with an opinion on which is best?

Thanks!

[HawkerXP]

...

[scottranda]

That is shots fired. But like $3x shots fired.

[pinot59]

Thanks but doesn't fit in my backyard color scheme?

[Oak Smoke]

I’ve cooked on a Kamado Joe 18 for 7 years. I just got a Big Joe to go with it last year. I love them both. They’ll do almost anything.

[scottranda]

All 3 you mentioned will be fine. I have the KJ. I love it. Nothing you experience will totally out-do the others. Enjoy yours and dream the others.

[pinot59]

That is good advice - applicable to all gear-buying.

[STEbbq]

I’d vote for the Weber. The 18” diameter on the KJ is way too small, and you’d save some serious coin over the SNS Kamado.

I would also consider a PrimoXL but I assume you eliminated them already.

[Murdy]

If I were in the market for a Kamado (rather, when I am), it would be a Primo XL.

[Bad Hat BBQ]

I vote for the Yoder Wichita or the LSG 42 incher.....

[pinot59]

Creative thinking! I love it

[mrichie1229]

Why stop at the 42 incher? Go big or go home.

[LA Pork Butt]

They are all good choices, but you might consider the Primo for a better two zone fire. I have cooked on a Big Green Egg for over ten years and while pricer the lifetime warranty is worth considering. Replacing major parts can add up.

[Jessterr]

My recommendation is the Weber Summit. You’ll still have a kettle, but with more grill space, and insulated. And a world class kamado as well, with more grate space than the SNS yet so light that your kid could wheel it around for you, at $550 less. Love mine, would never give it up.

[Grillin Dad]

I don't own a Kamado, but if 2-zoning is important to you, I would say either the Weber Summit or the SNS Kamado. While capable of doing it, I would think that the 18" KJ just doesn't give you enough real estate for a good 2-zone. Between those two, I would go for the Weber, but maximum size with minimal weight are important to me.

[SheilaAnn]

Do not replace! Add! 🤣

I have a weber 22” with SnS insert. Love love love it. I have a KJJr. Wished I had went larger. But, I only cook for two with leftovers. And as I have eluded in the past, it’s much more difficult to control the temp environment in a smaller space.

[pinot59]

I'm going to frame that comment: "Do not replace! Add!"

[CaptainMike]

One of each! Seriously, I have a WSCG and wouldn't trade it for anything.

[glitchy]

I love my WSCG. The space over even a 22” kettle is surprising. The SnS Low Profile is still available for it too. Not a requirement, but makes shorter cooks that much easier. I do two zone grilling on mine all the time, usually just raking the coals to one side, works great. Plus it’s easy to move around and no worries about cracking.

[Rod]

I'd go with the Weber Kamado. Though I don't have any experience with a ceramic kamado, I understand that they are very heavy and hard to wheel around. I chose the Weber not just for price but for the fact that if temps get away from you they are much easier to come back down sooner. Plus some of the accessories are interchangeable with kettles.

[DavidNorcross]

I just do not think you can go wrong with any of the above. I would also consider Grilla's Kong. Grilla is a great company with fantastic support.

[STEbbq]

I agree that Grilla is a great company but I always felt that 2-zone was a weakness of their kamado and they don’t seem to offer accessories for that.

[DavidNorcross]

https://www.grillagrills.com/products/split-diffuser-for-ceramic-kamado-grills

[STEbbq]

Alright fair. I did start multiple threads on 2 zone in kamados and no-one has apparently used the Kong in 2 zone here.

[xaugievike]

I have a Weber Summit (Kamado) and a Primo XL. I know that Primo wasn't on your list, but I can at least compare the ceramic vs. metal construction. My feelings are:

Weber:
- easier (like much easier) to move around.
- Gasket (steel braid) doesnt freeze shut in winter, but not as air tight.
- Easier to bring temps down if they run away (doesnt happen often)
- Lowest temps cooked in were below zero (F).
- temps will drop in rain/high winter winds (but it's very manageable).
- I like the integrated fan port when I use one.

Primo:

- oval shape is a more efficient cooking space shape, excellent for dual zone.
- Gasket seals tight, but may freeze shut in winter (I drop a lit piece of lump through the vent and it frees up).
- takes longer to bring temps down if they run away, but rarely happens.
- moving around is not easy, need a buddy.
- Lowest temps cooked in were below zero (F).
- Rock solid temps no matter the conditions. Completely unfazed by cold/wind/rain.
- Fan usage requires intake insert that makes a tight fit for my fan (Billows). Angle of power cord and fan angle is tight against my stand. not a big deal, but it is a thing.

[pinot59]

Super helpful! Sounds like you can't really go wrong with either.

[Murdy]

xaugievike -- When cooking is sub-zero temperatures, have you used the fan, and has blowing the extremely cold air in affected the cook?

[xaugievike]

yes I have. No it has not. may take a bit longer to get up to temps initially, but once things are rolling it's of no discernible effect.