Big Green Egg vs Weber Summit Charcoal Grill vs Kamado Joe Comparison Review | pros cons | Grill Me!
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2017
- Compare Big Green Egg vs Weber Summit Charcoal Grill vs Kamado Joe w/ pros & cons of each grill. In depth smoker review & how to decide. Hope this helps!
In this new format I'm calling "Grill Me!!!" (because, why not?!?) I talk about the number 1 question I get...and I get it all the time. "If I could only have one grill or smoker, what would it be?"
I know this is long but you will never find this much information in one place that will help you with your buying decision. Here is the table of contents in case you want to reference this later.
:33 - By FAR the most common question I get
:59 - A bit of a verbal train wreck, enjoy! :-)
1:37 - The most important thing you need
2:24 - Pros and cons of Weber 26 Kettle with Slow ’N Sear
4:00 - Pros of Big Green Egg XL
5:07 - Cons of Big Green Egg XL
6:50 - My unpleasant Big Green Egg story
8:36 - Pros of Kamado Joe
11:41 - Cons of Kamado Joe
12:30 - Pros of Weber Summit Charcoal Grills
13:39 - Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic
15:05 - Advantages to metal
17:32 - WSCG Smart design!
19:00 - WSCG fantastic heat deflector
20:35 - Cons of Weber Summit Charcoal Grill
21:35 - What about Akorn and Big Steel Keg (Broil King Keg)
23:43 - Weber could take over the kamado world…but instead they did dumb stuff
26:48 - My favorite grill
27:17 - How to pick your favorite
28:20 - My funny (but serious) secret for how to pick a grill!!!
Similar videos mentioned in this video:
Big Green Egg vs Weber Summit Charcoal grill:
• Weber Summit Charcoal ...
Products used/mentioned in this video (*affiliate links may apply):
Weber 26” kettle-
amzn.to/2nhbC15
26” Slow ’N Sear XL-
amzn.to/49rDPt8
“Flame Thrower” (for lighting charcoal in intro)-
amzn.to/2nB8pNj
Weber Summit Charcoal Grill-
amzn.to/2ob1EDE
Kamado Joe Big Joe-
www.kamadojoe.com
Big Green Egg dealer list
biggreenegg.com/find-a-dealer/
Video/camera gear I use
Drone- amzn.to/2nwfmh2
Most used camera/lens: amzn.to/2nh9d6J
Favorite mic- amzn.to/2nhDpOW
Find me on Social Media:
Facebook - tinyurl.com/lv5meg2
Instagram - tinyurl.com/lsoz5gv
Twitter - tinyurl.com/n4dxlxz
Email - Babybackmaniac at gmail.com (Use “@“ sign, of course…trying to avoid the SPAM bots)
___
*Disclosure and Attribution:
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program which allows youtubers to earn a fee by linking to amazon.com. I have a similar arrangement with Adrenaline Barbecue company.
If you use the affiliate link, I will get a small commission with no extra cost to you. This helps offset some of my costs related to making videos. Thank you!
**Additional Disclosure:
I have mentioned all this stuff before in videos but in case this is the first video of mine you seen, I’ll go through it again here. I was not paid to recommend any of the products I talked about in this video. My Slow N Sear was provided by Adrenaline Barbecue Company because I do video work for their channel. (They don’t ask me or expect me to mention the Slow N Sear on this channel. I do it because I love it.) The Kamado Joe was sent to me by Kamado Joe for free but I wasn’t really thinking about that when I made this list of recommendations (If I had been, I would have mentioned it.) I purchased my Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center, 26 Weber kettle, and my Big Green Egg with my own money. (Though where do I sign up to get on that gravy train, know what I mean?!? lol) This is probably more information than you care about, but I like to make sure you know all this because I feel it’s important when making recommendations. It sucks to find out somebody is getting paid to make recommendations AFTER you buy a product. That's not what's happening here, but I still feel like it's better to over disclose than under disclose. Long story short, I've got nothing to hide. I'm just trying to help. - Навчання та стиль
I’ve had a Weber sitting in the box for almost two years now. I’ve been using a gas grill this whole time you have inspired me to get it out and try the charcoal game. Thanks man!
Awesome. Have fun with it!
Love your videos. So many amazing comparisons and cooking tests plus you’re such a genuine bloke. Keep it up
Awesome video as always! Your videos are what made me really sit up and pay attention to the Weber and ultimately order it. That was before I even knew this one existed. I ordered today and will receive it in a couple days. Keep doing what you do, it is awesome!
Thanks - just bought the Summit w/o the table. Love it after 2 cooks for all the reasons mentioned. Had a BGE Large for 10 years good but hard to clean, move, clean, heavy and had to buy all the accessories to get to the same level of functionality. Agree Weber lowers the price about 30% and they take market share. Also had Traeger electric - ok but not the same as charcoal and wood chunks. So very pleased to be back to charcoal with the Summit. Thank again, Mark.
Awesome! Thanks for reporting back. I get this alot. I also get the "You have no idea what you are talking about because nothing is better than ceramic...and no, I've never used the Summit and haven't compared it but still I'm dug in on this one" comments. lol. Have a great rest of your week!
I really enjoyed this format Justin. I hope it does well for you and that you stick with it. If anything at all, I thought the camera was a bit too close. But, I'm just nitpicking. See you soon brother!!! Cheers, Troy
And he needs s beer in his hand! Haha
kobrien1608 even better he's got a mt dew!
You guys don't know it but right after I saw this comment come through, I texted Troy a close up picture of the side of my face. lol. "Hey, is this too close!??!" lol
Justin
It could have been worse, say just 2/3 of one buttcheek or something. I liked the format, though I do think that you would come across as more decisive if you took more time to extract and organize all your thoughts before filming. I would probably have to sit down in a fairly quiet place with a cup of coffee and write it out on paper first. Then edit it until I was happy, but that's just me. It may just be a holdover from writing (yes, I was published twice in the nineties).
That being said, why not make "Grill me!" a regular feature. Out of respect for Troy, I wouldn't post it on Thursdays, but Mondays or Tuesdays might be good. You could cover viewer questions or maybe even do a cooking experiment - regular vs. reverse searing, does spritzing on a long cook actually accomplish anything, does adding wood chunks/chips on a short cook (such as steak or burgers) actually enhance the flavor - these are just a few suggestions. Stay well, keep smiling, and I look forward to the regular features.
Ken
Thanks for the feedback, Ken. Troy wouldn't care if I did something like this on Thursdays. It's just not in his DNA to let stuff like that bother him. I probably will do stuff like this from time to time but it won't be a weekly them. Maybe every couple of months. Will see. Thanks for you input though.
I want another video like this. Something informal where you're just giving us your experiences about stuff. You have quite a lot of knowledge that the rest of us don't because you've experimented so much.
Thanks Eli. I appreciate the feedback. Have a great week
LOVE THIS! 4yrs later and it's still very helpful
Such a great review and your pointing without looking was very well done.
This is great info! Just came across your videos, and I'm really enjoying them!
Thanks man. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a note. Have a great weekend.
Justin
This is great Justin! Extremely helpful. Format is perfect... and yes if ones heart is set on what ones heart wants, nothing else will satisfy
Thanks Louis. Yeah, I think people should get what they really want. It may not end up being what they thought it would be but at least they won't always wonder. Plus, it could be amazing! lol
Justin
Fantastic video! I have been considering upgrading my kettle grill and this video provided valuable information. Thanks!
I'm really glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Justin
Great info Justin thanks for putting this video up. It’s nice hearing the perspective of someone who actually owns all of the grills being compared/reviewed/recommended.
Thanks Jeremy,
That's sort why I did it. I realize not many people are in a position to talk about it from that perspective. Glad you liked it.
Justin
Hi, just discovered your channel and love it! I'm getting into kamado and trying to figure out what to get. My question is whether you would still recommend the Kamado Joe if it's the classic (the original). There's a huge sale at a place near me, so it's fallen to my price range. Important note is that it still comes with divide and conquer! Thanks!
Awesome evaluation. Thank you for the information.
You are welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Justin
Once again, thank you for a great video Justin. I love the detail and honesty with all the info you give. I have to think of a way to justify adding another grill/smoker to the collection....Weber really is pricing themselves into a MUCH smaller market. Thanks again for your great work.
I agree, Paul. I don't understand how they do it with a straight face. With that said, it's still my favorite cooker and I honestly think if they charged about half what they did they would have the lion's share of the kamado market by now.
Great video and concept, Justin. It's a great opportunity for viewers like me to learn from your knowledge and experience
Happy to help, Grant.
Thank you for watching!
Justin
The one thing that I really like about you is that you reply to all the people who respond to your videos. You respect your audience. There are many food video makers who seem to have their reply button turned off. Thank you for your respect.
I try too but the volume of comments and messages has gotten to the point where it’s hard. Several hours every day. I won’t be able to much longer but I do what I can.
Awesome perspective and candor! Your channel carries a lot of credibility...keep it up!
Thanks Pat. I appreciate it, man. I thought this would be a fun change of pace and it gave me an opportunity to do a huge information dump that I've been trying to get to for the last year and a half. lol
Justin
Thanks for this video. It was exactly what I was looking for on the WSCG. I like this format for what it's worth. This is a nice change up to the cooking videos. A bit like Troy. Good stuff 👍
Thanks, Robin. Yeah, I didn't really realize how much it was like Troy's videos until I watched it later. I decided to go with it. Glad you liked it.
Justin
Great evaluation my friend. I own a KJ and love it. It has helped me to become a better back yard griller. Learning a lot from your channel.
Thanks for the good comparison video! Really interesting content and I like the format. In my opinion the best thing about your channel is that you are giving honest opinions to your viewers. Also when it might not be the easiest thing to do like in Weber Smoke Fire videos.. I really appreciate it! 👍
I have at the moment only WSM. Love that in smoking, but planning to get also something for searing / direct grilling. My opinions are Weber Master-Touch GBS Premium E-5775 or Summit. Master touch would be way cheaper that Summit and I could continue smoke with WSM, but on the other hand Summit could do both.. Hmm, I'll continue whatching your videos during the winter time (here in Finland) and make the decision after few months. So keep on going and good luck for the 2020! 👍
I agree, am really happy with Summit after 2 BGE (xl & l).
Replacing ceramic parts is $.
The Summit, as you say, is a really great option. Alson charcoal consumption is pretty close.
Love it!
When I bought my ceramic grill, I did the research and came up with the same stuff. BGE put out an awesome product, in 1972. Of course since then they have done nothing to improve it until they started losing market share. Add in that everything is an add on and that showed me that I would never own a BGE unless they changed drastically. I bought a Kamado Joe and have been thrilled with it. I have coworkers that would only ever buy an egg because it's the name. They are the ones that get the name brand of everything, just because it's the big name, not because it's a better product.
Awesome. I'm glad our research lined up. Thanks watching.
Just because everything is an add-on doesn't me and you shouldn't have gotten an egg The egg has a lifetime warranty on all ceramics the kamado Joe doesn't I work at a business where we are a dealer for both big green egg and kamado Joe the egg has a far better warranty and is made out of far superior materials meaning it is 100% ceramic The kamado Joe is only 30% ceramic and the rest clay and other mixtures both cook relatively the same but both will not last the same amount of time
When I clicked on this video I said to myself, "I'll never watch this whole video." Touche Sir.
Haha thx
i concur swicks...he has an uncanny ability no to beat around the bush and one can appreciate the obvious time he’s spent behind a grill!
Wonderful video, as always, keep up the great work!
Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Justin
I like this freestyle format! My first "real grill" was an old school Weber performer (with stainless cart) for $20 or $25 bucks at a yard sale 20 years ago. It's still going strong.
I agree with the ceramics being fragile in the Kamados.
I had decided my next big grill purchase would be between the new, larger PK Grill and the Blaze Kamado. It looks like I'll be throwing the Weber Summit Charcoal into the mix as well.
Keep up the great videos.
Keith,
I love those old Performers. I had the model that came right after yours. No stainless, but I still liked it. I never should have sold it. it was a fantastic grill. The PK and the Blaze both look interesting to me as well. Let me know what you end up getting. Justin
Justin, I've looked at probably 30 different grills over the last two months, in person, online, forums, etc. I've checked through just about all the top quality manufacturers. I was drawn to pellet cookers because of the "all-in-one" concept that tries (struggles) to bridge the flavor of charcoal with the simplicity of gas. While I was drawn to the searing capability of the MAK 2-Star, I struggled with the thought of spending that much on a grill and ultimately decided that I love that perfect flavor charcoal imparts. That brought me to Kamados and the WSCG. After watching hours of your videos on each, I'll be ordering the WSCG after I move in 2 weeks and I'm pretty confident in my decision. I almost never leave comments, but really wanted to reach out and say thank you for your transparency, information, insight, opinions, and passion about smoking, grilling, and outdoor cooking. You've really helped my process and inspire some great cook ideas. Thank you so much!
Christopher King Komodo Kamado
If you want the absolute best, it's Komodo Kamado. Makes the other ones look like toys to be honest. If you want a virtually indestructible Kamado it's the Blaze.
One year later, does this still ring true for you? I'm currently at this crossroads and would love to hear your opinion after a year has passed. Thank you for the insight.
Hey Justin, I just wanted to say I really like who you are. Your videos are fun to watch and just seeing you being a good and happy family friendly kind of guy really makes me admire the kind of person you are. Keep up the good work and you have another subscriber!
Thanks, bud. I really appreciate it.
Great video, how is the temperature control in cold climate with the Weber ?
Great video! I’ve been a BGE owner for 15 years and love my BGE! However, I recognized that same complacency long ago in their business model.
Great video. I have a dumb question, so forgive me in advance. I was wondering what advantage the Kamado style grills have over the standard kettle grill?
very good points. thank you for what you do. it really helps taking the guess work off the less experienced griller/smoker/bbq folks.
Awesome! That was the entire goal. Thanks again, mtrotter2.
Justin
Another great video, I'm wondering if you have a link to a video if you've done it, where you cover an affordable (not cheap) starter set up of a Webber kettle. Including a fan system, remote temp sensors and any other add-ons you feel are essential to breaking out in the charcoal grilling scene. Appreciate the work you do and the time you have taken to read this. Cheers
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think I've done that but I'll throw it on the list of ideas.
Thanks for the video. I think this format worked well. I have really been getting into grilling this year with my 22" kettle and I'm starting to want something a little better. This was helpful.
I'm glad I could help! The 22 inch kettle is a great cooker. It's hard to beat for the money.
Justin
Hi Justin..Addicted to your videos. I am getting ready for my next grill/smoker purchase. Moving away from my LANG 48 Hybrid Deluxe. Leaning towards the Summit charcoal but still considering the YODER flat top charcoal. Any insight or info. The YODER does not have as much exposure as the Weber.
Nothing has as much exposure as Weber though. Yoder is pretty popular amoungst bbq enthusiasts.
I’m pretty New to the BBQ Scene and would just like to say a BIG thanks to all the helpful advise and tips you bring in your Videos Many Thanks from Malcolm in the UK 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks
Love your honesty. I have 3 different Webers ( genesis gas, smoky mountain, and kettle). Just bought the kettle this spring and it's fast become my favorite. Like you said it does everything pretty well. From burgers to pork shoulder. No cash or room for a summit charcoal, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love one.
Thanks, Jeff. I totally hear you. Like I said I think most people are normal and don't need to spend upwards of $2K on a cooker when they can get just about as much done on a versatile kettle. You're combination of cookers covers more ground than the Summit does anyways so looks like you are set to me. lol.
Justin
Amazing video Justin. Love how straight forward and honest you were. I'm the proud owner of a few cookers, and my favorites our my KJ classic and Joe Jr( that's actually my daughters).
Nothing wrong with having multiple options, right? That's at least what I tell my wife every time I bring a new cooker home. lol.
Thanks for watching, Ryan.
Justin
One of the most knowledgeable discussions on the subject ever. Your critical thinking comes through. I have a large BGE (love it), but I agree with you. Keep the good work up.
Thanks, Tina. That means a lot to me.
Love your down to earth layman videos! Thanks for sharing.
Love your honesty!
Thanks! Love your comments. LOL
First of all thanks a lot Justin for the extensive explanation. It's a great help, I'm right not in the process of deciding what of those I should get. It's invaluable to have someone who both knows what they're doing AND also happened to use all the kettles over a longer period of time.
I can't say I'm unhappy with you picking the WSC first, it's also the one I'll most likely get. Here in Germany, the WSC is also pretty good value (I mentioned that in a comment that was way to long on another video of yours), selling at 2k and 2.5k with table. I know it sounds very expensive, but that's due to shipping, customs and sales tax. The other name brand Kamados are even more expensive.
I don't know that the Weber is the best value (I think everybody oughta figure that out themselves), but it's pretty good for what you get.
I even saw an offer for about 1.6k. Including the above mentioned factors for importing the WSC, that's pretty close to your ideal price of 1.2k and 1.5k respectively.
Oh and one last thing. Really appreciate you still finding the time to answer as many comments as you can (which is almost all of them) even though you're past the 10k subscriber mark.
Thanks, Jan-Alexander,
Going to continue to do this as long as I can. As you can tell, sometimes it takes me a while to get back to them because they pile up so fast nowadays.
It's kind of ironic. My favorite thing about UA-cam is watching my friends videos and interacting with my subs but the longer I do UA-cam the less time I have for either of those things. I appreciate you noticing.
Justin
Great video. Been searching for comparisons between BGE and Weber Summit to help with my next purchase. Great to see the Kamado Joe in here too, which I knew little about.
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
Good job Justin i just got my Weber Summit Charcoal grill and i guess the 2 things that really stuck out was how heavy the charcoal grate is and i was surprised just how heavy the heat diffuser is i never expected it to be so rugged. Your videos helped my decide on the Weber thank's for everything.
My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful.
Justin
Great presentation, yep it's little long but you've done a great job at pointing out the pros and cons of the options. in the end you are right it all boils down to personal preferences based on price, looks and gut feelings. In any case I appreciate the comments and keep up the good work.
Great content and format. I’m considering an XL Egg with wood table, versus the Summit Charcoal. The standard equipped Weber is actually the same price as as the Xl, table, with all the necessary accessories. Which would be your preference, considering I can get both for the same price? Thank you!
My personal preference would be the summit but I think I'm in the minority. LOL
Watch my review of the Weber Summit charcoal grill and you will see my reasons.
Great video man! love watching your videos!
-Kent
Thanks Kent,
I really appreciate you watching!
Justin
Video of Dave crapping a brick would be epic particularly with your editing. Eggsclent Overview BBM!
You should have seen the text Dave sent me when he saw that. If what he said was true, I was glad there was no video. lol. Have a great rest of the week, Jason.
Hey Justin,
first of all thanks a lot for your fantastic and very helpful videos.
I have a 22“ Weber kettle and a Weber Genesis II LX (4 burners).
Now I want to „complete“ my setup with a Kamado grill.
I‘m stuck between the Weber Summit Kamado (E6/S6) and the
Kamado Joe Big Joe III (which is nearly double in price)…
What are your thoughts on this? Your advice is highly appreciated!
Cheers from Bavaria
Andreas
I know this is older, but thanks a lot for this analysis! I bought an Akorn as a "starter" so I could get familiar with the style of grilling/smoking before I actually dropped real cash on one of the three you mentioned here. I really want to go with the Summit. I feel like it will last me decades without problems.....Weber....the Apple of grills.
Do you like the Weber kamado or the lone star Santa Maria better. Trying to decide which one of the two to get and figured you can help with your experience from both. Thanks
great video man. you really did a good job with this one
Thanks, Joe. It's the first time I've just turned on the camera and talked so I was a little nervous at first but I think I said everything I was trying to say.
Justin
Good video Justin, I recently got a Big Green Egg however I still gravitate to the Weber Kettle 75 percent of the time especially if you want a versatile grill that is easy to move around and want to cook something simple like hamburgers and hot dogs. Thanks for the video!
Great video, I like the honest conversation format for changing things up. I do like your hands on, live demo and comedy format of your other videos as well. I guess I am says that it is great to see you are versatile. I personally use a Broil King Keg but am in love with the Kamado Joe. I have modified my Keg to fit the divide and concur system. The keg was my way of converting from a gas grill that was a only good at one task. You were right on the money that the keg is to efficient and can smolder coals vs letting them burn. It has taken me a long time to learn to overcome this problem. The saving grace has been a HeaterMeter temp controller. So my question, do you use a temp controller with your grills? I know the Kamado Joe is more stable but several people use one. Old school adjusting vents is great but sleeping through the night ranks higher in my books. Thank you and keep the great videos coming. You and several other talented UA-camrs are taking internet videos to a truly professional level.
Thanks Kurtis,
I am just trying something new here with this format. It's not going to take over. I just had an incredible amount of info to download and I felt like this would be the easiest way to clearly get my point across. i've literally been putting this video off for a year and half because I couldn't figure out how to get it all in.
I don't use my temp controllers much...mostly because I don't do overnighters much anymore. The kamados hold well enough that I honestly never think about hooking them up to a temp controller anymore. I may do that just for kicks sometime.
Justin
You helped me make an informed decision on an kamado grill. Thanks!
My pleasure. That's what I'm hear for so that makes me happy.
Great comparison video thanks!👍👍
Thanks, Mike. I really appreciate you watching!
Justin
justin another informative video .videos like this are the reason why I call you, T-roy, daddy Cooks, heavy metal BBQ ,Malcom Reed and the BBQ Pit Boys you guys the Titan's of grilling cuz you guys really know your stuff and you guys love grilling. Keep making videos I'll keep watching brother man have a good one
I'm just honored you put me in the list with those guys. I don't know Malcom or BBQPB personally but I do the other 3 and they are great guys.
Justin
Thanks for answering my last two questions so quickly! Makes me come back for more! ha! Ok. last question for now.....since I have never tried lump charcoal, is the flavor profile taste the same as briquettes (like Kingsford Original)? I want to get a Kamado grill, but the family is not too keen on the briquette charcoal flavor.
This is a bigger question that you probably realize, Daniel. There is a simplified narrative that "lump is awesome" and "Kingsford tastes bad." Neither of those is absolutely true. Lump is awesome WHEN it's awesome but the manufacturing and sourcing process means in most cases you have no idea what you are going to get. Sometimes it burns clean, sometimes it's smokey, sometimes it lights fast and quick, sometimes it's hard to light and sparks so bad it gets in your hair, eyes, and on your clothes. Last years "awesome lump" gets popular and the company sources from a different area and it sucks this year. I hear people all the time tell me how awesome lump is WHILE they are fighting these very issues...
Because of all that, I've come to appreciate the consistency of the Kingsford. The "recipe" they use is always the same experience. And if you don't use lighter fluid and let it ash over completely, there is none of that flavor your family dislikes. One of the things I like about the Summit is it can burn either fuel. Ceramics can't because they get clogged with ash. (this sounds like a commercial. it's not. I buy mine at Lowe's like everybody else...just in case it isn't clear.)
Hope this helps,
Justin
Thanks a lot for this video.. I really enjoyed you telling us to go with out gut.. my brother and my dad are egg heads and they want me to get an egg however there is just something about the WSCG that is pulling me in. I also love how it comes with a table and all the other accessories. This being said I would like your opinion.. I have an old hand me down kettle that is falling apart and I really enjoy cooking on it and would like to start smoking and doing briskets. so once this thing does kick the bucket is the WSCG my best option? Do you think it will last a good long time? Thanks again for this video! Really enjoy all of your videos. Cheers 💪🏼👍
Hey Jordan,
I think it will last as long as you need it too. Remember ceramics are fragile and porcelain coated steel (Weber) is not. The ceramics are heavy and held together by metal parts. So basically you've got a fragile heavy grill held together by metal parts or a lighter, not fragile grill held together by metal parts. It's not hard to do the math on that.
That said, I think most people are better served by getting a 26 inch kettle with a Slow N sear than any kamado. It's a better value. Kamados are for nuts like me (and your family, apparently) who can't get enough of this stuff... lol.
Thanks for watching,
Justin
Really enjoyed the video! Have you heard anything good or bad about the Char broil Kamander ? Thanks again.
I watched that one unboxing video like you probably did but that's about it. Looks interesting though, doesn't it?
Justin
Hey Justin, I just ran into your channel this weekend and you’ve got some great content. I’m playing with the idea of getting a new smoker and some flavor of kamado is high on the list right now, but I’m also thinking about a backwoods chubby and was wondering if you’ve had any experience with vertical water smokers and if so what your thoughts were on them
Hey, sorry I'm just now getting back to you on this. My computer hard drive went down and I just got it back and for some reason this ended up in my SPAM filter. The short answer is I don't have any experience with a vertical water smoker short of seeing them. You might look into Lone Star Grillz as they have a really nice one at a reasonable price...but I've never had one. Sorry.
Just found your channel and look forward to watching some of your videos to deepen my knowledge. Would love to see a video about the after market gear you use on your Big Green Egg.
Thanks for a more thoughtful approach to grilling, it's appreciated.
Hey Sean,
Thanks for the comment. Check out the Kick Ash Basket and ceramicgrillstore.com. It's so cool. You'll love it.
Thanks for watching,
Justin
What a great video. Honest. Good perspectives. This guy has experience and knows his way around a grill. I'm considering the summit but I'm used to a 26" wide grill - and, I'm not sure if I will like that smaller size.
Thanks Rocky!
How is the smoke flavor on something like a weber summit? Thinking of buying one but I've been burned in the past with some smokers that just don't produce much of a smoke flavor. Thanks
Hello Justin I enjoyed your video. My question is can you use charcoal briquettes in the Weber?
Yes, no issues at all.
nice job on the Thursday chat with t roy, I enjoyed listen to your experience
Thanks John! I had fun!
I appreciate your review. I would like to add, with regards to the storage issue, if you have a covered area, buy an island online. It was about $120 and I added several hooks to the outside for storing tools.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip.
Very informative from a man who has used these on a daily basis, exactly the sort of reviews i was after. Weber it seems are still the dominant force in the bbq world.
First off, thank you. secondly, yeah, Weber is HUGE. It's really hard to wrap the brain around how big they are.
@@BabyBackManiac Weber has been an amazing success, especially considering that the first ones were just made from converted buoy parts, and that grills weren't originally the company's focus.
So what accessories do you recommend, if any, for the Kamado Big Joe II and approximately how many racks of ribs or hamburger patties would you say it will cook at once vs. the Classic? I'm wondering if I need the Big Joe and wondering what accessories are a must as it looks like it comes with so many things out of the box.
If there is more than 3 people you are cooking for regularly and your can afford it, I'd recommend stepping up to the larger size. You can always split it in half if you don't need the space.
Great video and very informative. I'm between a large BGE or the Weber Summit with cart. I've found a local dealer heavily discounting the WSCG which I can get for the same price... I'll mostly be cooking for 2 with an occasional party and wanted to know if Is the extra grate area worth it? Will I ended up using more charcoal if with the WSCG? Can lump be used in the WSCG? How will the WSCG perform in freezing temps and wind? Thoughts?
All of my smoking right now is done on an 18" WSM and I typically have both racks full. And using it in the cold weather eats up charcoal.
Besides the price, are there any negatives about the WSCG? I can't find too many in the reviews. Thanks.
The video I'm uploading next week will answer a lot of those questions but the short answer is if I were in your shoes, I would buy the Summit over the large BGE at regular prices. The only down side of the Summit is the price and the fact that the Summit is not the status symbol that the egg is.
Hope that helps,
Justin
Nice talk Justin. Lots of good info from a first hand user. A lot of times you just hear people say that "they have heard that.. " but you know, because you have them all and have used the different grills side by side. That's always the best argument in a discussion, to be able to say: "- Yes I have" Thanks for this video.
Thanks Furree,
Yeah that was one of the driving forces behind this video, actually. Not many people are in a position to say that who aren't trying to sell you something.
I'm glad it helped.
Justin
Hi Justin love your channel, I was wondering if you will be doing a review on the grilleye thermometer? Possible a grilleye vs thermoworks smoke. Would love to here your thoughts between the two. Please keep doing what you do, really enjoy it.
Hi Dennis,
I don't know much about the Grilleye honestly. I've done a review of the Smoke though and I really like it. Great thermometer.
Justin
You should drink something more healthy like beer.
lol. You're probably right
Whisky is healthy
Do you think the Summit would be practical for weeknight cooking for quick cooks like chicken breasts or steak? I have a Traeger now, which is super convenient, but I’m looking for something that can do low and slow, but also give me a higher temp sear than the Traeger’s capable of. I’m also looking for a little more of a woody flavor than the Traeger provides. Kamado’s sound perfect, but I’m not sure how long they take to start up and get to temp since I haven’t worked with charcoal or solid wood.
Great video Justin! I asked you about BGE vs Kamado Joe the other day, and as you said here, maybe I should get what I always wanted - the BGE. However, I havn't had a chance to see the KJ live yet because the lack of resellers here in Sweden. Hope to see some more videos on the new Joe soon, I just love how thorough you are explaining the pros and cons :) /Mike
Thanks Mike,
I have literally tons of ideas for videos. I just need more time. lol. I'll try to get back to the KJ soon.
Thanks for watching!
Justin
I would really like to know whether the weber kettle 26 (with the slow n sear) or the weber summit produces a better tasting brisket. Also, which one is better at what? I am leaning toward the kettle 26, but want to know what I may be missing about the summit (or ceramic cookers in general). Thanks
Justin - I have an 18" WSM and consider it a "Briquette Hog" compared to my 40 year old pre BGE Japanese clay Kamado. I'm glad I didn't buy the 22" WSM.
How does the Weber Summit compare with the ceramic Kamados as far as charcoal requirements per cook?
Just watched your video in 2020 since I am exploring the ceramic market. I am leaning toward either the KJ Classic III, the Summit or The new SnS Kamado with the built in SnS Deluxe!
Have you seen it yet? Your video really helped me reason out what and why I want another method of cueing. BTW, I'm 72!
I like this format. Feels def more like having a conversation with a friend to get their expertise. I just subscribed!
This is extremely helpful because I'm in the market for a kamado style grill.
Have you ever the used a grill called The Blaze?
Thanks for subbing. I haven't used it but it looks really interesting to me. If they built it right, it could be a game changer in the long run. What do you think?
Justin
Baby Back Maniac I think you're right. It could be a game changer. I'm wondering if ceramic is better for temp control than The Blaze's alum alloy.
I wonder the same thing. I feel like alum will radiate heat faster. I'm not sure what that means for over all temp control though.
Here's my grill line up. (Lower middle class style). Weber 26", Weber 22", 14" Weber smokey mountain. The rotisserie on 22" brings it all together.
Nice line up. Do you have the Weber or Cajun Bandit rotisserie? I have one for my jumbo joe. I need to pull it out.
Justin
Weber, also wok and skillet for the 22'. Theres nothing like cooking chili on the grill. Saving up for the slow and sear. I have a smokenator but slow and sear looks like it works better. Coals go out on smokenator too much
When you get your hands on a Slow N sear, the comparisons made between it and the smokenator will seem comical in hindsight. You notice it the moment you take it out of the box.
Justin
It is a helpful video.
I live in Mexico ( where most of the BGEs are made) . We dont have the kamado joe option as far as I know. But thanks to you I just bought th Summit and looking forward to great cooking.
I have 2 BGE L & XL depending on the crowd or not.
Thanks again, happy grilling!
Excellent video Justin. You definitely helped me make a decision lol.
I'm glad it helped, Eric! Thanks for watching!
Justin
Hey BBM.... What are your thoughts on the Blaze Kamado?
great video. I started out on a 21" Webber kettle grill and have progressively moved up several times until I got to the Big Joe. I've cooked hundreds of pounds delicious meats on all of them.
at the high end grills i think they will all perform about the same assuming your a somewhat decent cook. it really just comes down to personal preference.
I totally agree. 100%. I hope that came across in this video even though I'm not sure I said it explicitly. That why I gave the pros and cons and my rationale. That way, if someone sees things differently, they can go a different direction.
Justin
i appreciate your honest opinions. Wondering if you had experience with Vision Grill Kamado grills.
No, I don't. I've looked at them a lot. There are at least 5 different grill companies that sell that same grill from a company in China called Auplex and the lack of differentiation means the only way they can compete is price and/or service. A ceramic is a life long grill and it WILL need warranty support forever so that makes me kinda of nervous but Vision is the one of the bunch that makes me the least nervous.
Hi BBM! I've been researching BBQing and Grills/Smokers for a while now. I really enjoy your vids and T-Roy's as well. You're both very informative, helpful and fun to watch.
I'm torn on my next purchase on whether the WSC is the right 'stretch' and fit for my situation and wonder if you'd have an opinion. Family of 4 here, 2 being young children. My gear right now is a low end, silver kettle I bought in 2007, and an 18" WSM. I park my gear in my detached garage and pull it into the paved drive for grilling/smoking to be safe, keeping it off my elevated deck on the back of the house. I really like the tables of the Performer and the WSC / the overall setup but wonder if it would be easier to move around a 26" Kettle than either of those. Or, maybe a KJ on the back deck and build a table for it myself? (I feel like one of those would be safer on a deck when it comes to causing a fire, but have no experience with one).
Care to opine?
The WSCG in the table (like I have) will be the easiest to move in and out because it's lighter than the KJ and more stable than the 26. The kettles are lighter but they are more awkward to move.
I don't think any of them are any better or lesser fire risks...though i wouldn't turn my back on any of them during a high heat cook.
You can't got wrong with any of those three cookers. Which one do you want most?
Baby Back Maniac - I like the functionality of the Weber and the looks of the Kamado. But, my interest in the kamado was a last minute thought. I hadn't considered putting one in a table on the deck. You make a good point about moving the tabled cookers being more stable. It's a bit challenging to move the kettle the 30-40 feet I do since it's top heavy. Tends to wanna drag the front leg or tip backwards trying to avoid that.
Based on your reviews and comments, not sure I'd ever try rolling a ceramic kamado around on a semi rough asphalt. Sounds like disaster in the making. And, your point about the tables being more stable has me leaning away from the 26 toward the WSC. I think you just helped me settle. I also like that it works well with briquettes without having to use lump.
I feel safer on asphalt than wood so keeping cooks there is probably best for safety on overnight cooks too small for the WSM.
Wow! I hadn't compared cooking capacity of the summit to my 18" WSM until just now. I didn't realize the WSC is virtually equal! That's crazy. Have you compared the quality of the smoking between those? I may actually replace my WSM with the summit. As much as I adore the WSM, I've yet to even utilize the second rack and summit gets it all on one!
Hey BBM,
What do you think of the Orion cooker? How does the end product compare to other outdoor cooking equipment?
orion is a roaster, not unlike doing camp dutch-oven cooking. You'll go through a lot of charcoal using it (and charcoal isn't cheap unless you get it on a good sale).
I just gained so much knowledge watching 1 video. Really appreciate that
Thank you. That was the goal and that's why I used this format. After 10 years of using so many different types of grills, I felt like I could put together a lot of good info in this format. I was worried it would be too long (it probably was) but I think it will help some folks.
Thanks for watching,
Justin
GR8 vid.. I've gone the route of the chargriller akorn and auto kamado... with a few mods I fabricated myself I feel I got the right all around grill/smoaker.. I did use parts and ideas from building UDS cookers .. even used the bottom of a cannibalized kettle to make a slow roller for my akorn. I'm always thinking. Lol..the only downside would be cooking space.. other than that. It's my preferred choice.. I liked ur insight and input.. keep these vids coming
The only thing I’d caution is that the standard sizes of BGE and KJ units lends itself to shared aftermarket ads ons. Does the Joetisserie and Pizza-Porta fit with the Summit? I ended up going with a BGE XL and am glad I did because of all the things which fit it.
They are the exact same size so most of the accessories fit. I don't think the rotisserie does but that's not because of size thing that's because of something to do with the where the hinge connects, I think. They have that's one of the reasons why I bought the summit. Standard sizing
I am looking to purchase a ceramic grill which one do you like better ? the Primo or Big Green Egg XL. and why ?
TY for the video. I am looking at the Weber summit charcoal or a Lone Star offset. Your information was very useful. I agree the price tag, for either grill, is pretty steep.
The Lonestar is a better value for money and a better smoker. The Weber is a great all arounder and every day cooker
@@BabyBackManiac And does not cost that much more even with a few extras. IDK about shipping, however I did ask for estimated shipping to my ZIP. Awaiting reply
Good honest analysis. Competition is good for customers.
Amazing review thanks
I bought all three grills and feel the same way you do. You made very valid points. After my Big Green Egg experience I'll probably never buy another one. Both Big Green Egg and my dealer customer support has been awful. I'm liking my Weber Summit better than my Kamado Joe and I like my Kamado Joe better than my Big Green Egg. Where the Summit is really good too is high temperature pizzas!!! No gasket will to fry and it cools off much faster than both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe. I gave up trying to cook high temperature pizzas on my Big Green Egg, the first time I took it past 450° my gasket fried.
Yeah, I took a lot of crap for this video. Until somebody has had all three, they don't really understand. It's hard to get passed the look and feel of ceramic and see the bigger picture. I still say any of those grill a person could buy and be happy with (in the case of BGE if they had a good dealer.) Thanks for watching, Joe.
Grilling mainly direct, but i would love to try different meats and indirect cooking. Not sure if to go for the Big Joe or the Classic Joe. We are a family of 4 adults and 2 kids. You think the Classic has enough surface area? Keep up the great vids! Thanks.
I would love to tell you the classic is fine and it might be for 75 percent of your cooks (as long as you don't grill the sides) but if I was making a life long investment, I'd want the big one. You can make a big grill smaller but you can't make them any bigger. hope that makes sense.
I’m just wondering where Primo fits in the ranking? I’m being offered a great deal on the Primo but I had planned on purchasing a kamado Joe III
For a person who wants a Kamado and cooks normally for 2 people and exceptionally for 4 would you recommend the BGE MiniMax ?
Very helpful. Thank you!!