Looking at either Big Green or Kamado

[DeanBrown3D]

Hello all,

I'm insterested in either a Big Green Egg or a Kamado, and I am not sure how to decide which one to buy and just as importantly which size to get. I have the usual wife and 2 kids (4 yrs and 6 months right now). I don't generally cook that much for others, so it should be a good size for the family. (Having said that, I am quite a hungry eater!)

Both makes seem to think they are the best.

And tips and/or pics would be great.

Dean

 

[vgrund]

Hey you know how I feel about it from my other posts. If you get a BGE, get the Large. It is the most versatile.

 

[DeanBrown3D]

Well look, I'm seeing prices of $400 for the medium, and $700+ for the large. Quite a big price difference there.

 

[vgrund]

Right, OK. My father was very skeptical but immediately fell in love when he sampled my cooking from my large. He's only cooking for two (he and my mom), so he bought the medium. I can tell you, he has no trouble when we all converge on them for a BBQ. Worst case it gets a little crowded on the grill, and he can't handle a full brisket without curling it around. It isn't a huge problem.

I looked at the BGE purchase a lot like our grand piano purchase. It's a lot like getting married, we're talking about durable goods here. I wanted to get one that would fit the long haul. Our family is young and growing, and we entertain large crowds on a regular basis.

Victor

 

[Gooserider]

Do a search here or maybe Google for it, but I somehow got from here to a site were there seemed to be a great many people very unhappy with the Kamado. Apparently there are different companies making similar products and at least some have severe problems with delivery times, customer service and quality.

The only gripe with the BGE seems to be the cost.

I don't own either one, though I think they look cool.

Gooserider

Hello all,

I'm insterested in either a Big Green Egg or a Kamado, and I am not sure how to decide which one to buy and just as importantly which size to get. I have the usual wife and 2 kids (4 yrs and 6 months right now). I don't generally cook that much for others, so it should be a good size for the family. (Having said that, I am quite a hungry eater!)

Both makes seem to think they are the best.

And tips and/or pics would be great.

Dean

 

[stoveguy2esw]

i got a bge from the boss, its a medium , he decided he needed a large and just gave me the med. ( i got a KOOL boss) anyway , i had a weber smoker and liked it right up until i cooked on the egg the first time , by the time the egg had cool i had given my weber to my neighbor. i do not know anything about the kamado, but it'd have to be pretty danged impressive to outdo the egg. i have a 3 person family so the medium will likely handle anything i'll ever do for just us, a large would be better for extended family cookouts but you would likely do ok with the medium unless you really wanna cook a lot at one time. its a fantastic unit , built to last and is amazingly skimpy on charcoal usage.

 

[Jefflee1]

I have a #7 and #9 Kamado I absolutely Love them. I think a 7 is the perfect size for me and my family. My sugestion lis to ook at a #5 .
I have done Pulled pork with it ( 230 degrees for 20hrs plus) and I have done steak at well ober 800 degrees.. You won’t be disappointed..

Jeff

Just my 2cents..

 

[Gooserider]

There is a place for all God’s creatures, right next to the mashed potato’s and gravy..

Ah, sounds like a fellow member of PETA - People Enjoying Tasty Animals!

Gooserider

 

[DeanBrown3D]

( 230 degrees for 20hrs plus)

What's the typical longest burn times on the BGE then? I've only read as much as 5 hours on their web site.

 

[vgrund]

Read the BGE forum also available at the same web site. 20+++ hour "low & slow" burns are routine.

 

[Jersey Joe]

I own a #7 textured... highly recommended. Family owned business, slow customer service, great product. Typical small business trying to balance between staffing and service and product development etc. The forum is a great resource for ceramic cooking.

www.kamado.com

Try to see each in person before you make your decision.

 

[vgrund]

BGE has excellent customer service (we call it the mother ship in Atlanta). However, if you avoid the infamous tiled K's you'll probably be OK. I just love what I know, which is the BGE.