At the Crossroads - Ye Olde BGE vs KJ Question, version 3926.

[BlackrazorNZ]

Evening,

I've had my little Medium Big Green Egg for many years, and its' done right by me.

It's not factory standard but with nothing but a Smokeware cap, a Kick Ash basket and a Flame Boss, it's kept me fed with nary a beat skipped. The gasket is a bit tired and needs replacing, and it's a bit weather beaten, but it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

I'm at the stage where I want to move from casual hobbyist to getting into BBQ a bit more seriously, so I'm doing three things simultaneously to take that next step up :

1) Upgrade to a larger kamado from the Med BGE.

2) Get me a Backwoods Smoker; Was sold on them the first time I saw one. Not sure if getting a Chubby 3400 or the full Party G2 yet, but one's in my future.

3) Getting a proper custom BBQ table.

The question I'd like to ask here is around the current state of play of the BGE vs KJ debate, as point 1) is currently a toss-up between a Large BGE and a Joe Classic II.

I've looked at a BGE Large and it's what it'd expect. Simple, no frills, bulletproof. Simplicity and 'less to go wrong' have their own merits.

I'd never really looked into Kamado Joe historically, but I've spent a bit of time checking out the new Classic II, and I'm a little torn.

On the plus side, the new gasket makes the BGE one look a bit fuddy duddy, ditto for Divide & Conquer vs the plate setter/grate scenario. But then again, i've seen 2 demo units where the gasket has come loose, the ceramic seems much coarser and less refined, and i've even seen demo units where the ceramic around the lid is chipping loose on the inside.

I don't think there is any contest that the Joe is currently better 'value' if you include all the extras, but as above value for money is not my #1 consideration.

So in a roundabout way, I guess i'm looking for a bit of a steer. Stick with the tried, tested, bulletproof option I'm used to? Or go with the innovator who seems to not quite have 100% of the quality issues ironed out but offers a lot more new ideas into the mix.

What's the current general consensus? I'm instinctively inclined to the BGE because I'm used to it, but the KJ Classic II got a big fat Pitmaster award so maybe I'm deep in a confirmation bias rut...

Thanks for any feedback or thoughts.



EDIT: Figured a shot of old faithful doing its thing was in order.

[Henrik]

If price isn’t super critical I would stick with the BGE, but get the new two-story slidable grates they just released. Simply because you know it inside out already.
But I’m sure you’d be happy with either, as both grills have a very high rep.

[customtrim]

I have not had any issues with my Joe other than the firebox cracking which they took care of immediately. The main differences i see between the two is the Joe comes setup to do a two zone where I believe is a little harder to do on the egg. On warranty Kamado Joe covers shipping on defective parts BGE does not. Kamado Joe has been striving to innovate their products constantly and has now come out with the Ikamand monitoring system. As mentioned before you are familiar with your egg and know it's pros and cons, my only complaint on mine is not enough room to do alot

[scottranda]

KJ all the way. The innovation and what’s all included is way better than BGE. I haven’t had any quality issues with mine other than cracked firebox and fire ring which was covered under warranty and they sent a new one immediately. I put together the KJ II last week for a friend of mine. It’s high quality! I haven’t used his, but from an overall standpoint of innovation and quality, it was awesome!

BGE will certainly get the job done though! It’s a Kamado design that’s lasted thousands of years!

[EdF]

I haven't enough exposure to the KJ to add much, but it's been sounding good. What Henrik mentioned about the new grid system for the BGE sounds very good. I've had a LBGE since 2002, and was able to build a second for a friend based on warranty replacements and US$130 for some part(s). It's a reliable partner.

[dshaffes]

I too own a medium BGE and it is a really nice cooking machine. I've got a bunch of other grills and smokers that keep me occupied, but always think about upgrading to an XL BGE. If you get a Kick Ash basket, they make a divider that allows for easy 2-zone cooking. I'm sure the KJ is a fine cooker, but I would stick with a BGE if I ever decide to upgrade.

[PaynTrain]

BGE all the way buddy, stay true to the brand that has done you right. KJ is not that much more innovative than BGE, especially now that the new modular Eggspander is in the mix!!! Locking lid is the only other major KJ plus in my opinion.

[JeffJ]

I'm going to shift gears and suggest you consider the Weber Summit Charcoal Grill. If I were in the market for a kamado it would be my first choice.

[EdF]

That is a very good alternative. Cooks like a kamado, costs less to ship because it weighs a lot less, and has a lot of nice refinements. https://amazingribs.com/grill-smoker...l-grill-review

[BloomHybrid]

I have a Big Joe for over 2 years now with no issue, quality is great. The new design with the hinge and latch really can be nice thing to have with heavy kamado lids. You get the nest, shelves, divide and conquer grates, deflector plate, grate gripper, and Ash scraper. From my understanding the egg everything you have to buy separately .

[scottranda]

Hinge is the best part!!

[Polarbear777]

These things should last practically forever. Which has better customer service and parts availability in your area?

[Spinaker]

I own both a Kamado Joe and a BGE. I find them to be virtually the same purely from a cooking stand point. They both hold temps rock solid for hours and hours and hours.

All of that being said, KJ is certainly more responsive to what their customers want and need. (Check out scottranda 's post on a word from their CEO) It took years for BGE to finally bend to the will of their customers and come out with better accessories. Kamado Joe's also have a better latch system, lid assist and a better chimney cap. (although I saw at a convention that BGE has just redesigned theirs, finally)

From the stance of just cooking side by side, they are both pretty much the same, in my experience anyway. And I love running both of them, they cook beautifully. Either way, your are going to be a very happy camper.

[EdF]

You don't really care about the stock chimney lids on those guys. You want a Smobot for each: http://www.smobot.com/

Both great cookers!

[Thunder77]

I would go Kamado Joe, and not just because my name is Joe. For the reasons stated above. I have cooked on a BGE, both large and Mini-Max. Frankly, I don't get the hype. One place I went, they had all BGE grills and accessories. It was a bit eerie, almost like a cult following, if you ask me. They are very good cookers, but I would go with KJ.

Keep in mind the KJs you said you saw were demos, so they are often not put together as well. And people play with them.

[EdF]

I think with the BGE, it's just tradition because they were there so early on - sort of like Webers! ;-)

In both cases, you're talking well-founded reputations.

[JEFinCLE]

Is Primo distributed in N.Z.? If my large BGE ever dies, I'll have to give Primo a hard look. I like the oval design.

[BlackrazorNZ]

Yes Primo is distributed here - I quite like them but the lids are immensely heavy, and I already have a bunch of accessories for the BGE i'm not sure would work with the Primo