As usual, a great review. One of the best BBQ channels around! Nice that you took the kamado for a walk, too! LOL. I have had BGE and Primos and KJ and now a Weber Summit, which I love (which I got after your reviews convinced me to replace the BGE that got knocked over onto the tile patio - RIP BGE - with the Summit). I use my summit for everything from wings, to brisket to pulled pork to steaks to………..you name it).
Great review. Love my Kong. It's used mostly as a grill and not a smoker. I have a pellet grill for most smokes though the Kong can smoke very well with more smoke than a pellet.
I like using my BGE for hot indirect cooks. Pizza, wings or just baking. I also love the control for low and slow. I have a Hasty Bake that I love for grilling because of its movable firebox. It’s great for low and slow too. Comparing to Kamado Joe series 3 isn’t exactly even. KJ has so many accessories included that GG will never have.
But you can buy a KJ Classic 1 for $799.00 with the divide and conquer flexible cooking system at Lowe's. The Kong is a nice grill for sure, but the deflector should be included.
Ive had mine for 4 years and it's easily my most used grill. I've obviously smoked on it but for me it's primarily a Hot grilling machine especially down here in South Texas with carne asada basically religiously every weekend. Also the split diffuser wasn't available when I first bought it so I think that would help a ton with low and slow smoking as well.
Size is nice in between large and huge. The color on them isn't rust, it's smoke, it won't always look that way. The shock absorber looks like it's in the way. The second tier has legs that aren't completely to the side, stealing a lot of space. Other thing is most accessories from other brands won't fit this size. It's ridiculous to compare this with KJ3.
I’m leaning more on the side that these Kamado style cookers are smokers first and then grillers second. I say that because I’m sure I’d use one way more for smoking than grilling, given the time it’d take to fire it up to grill 2 burgs or 2 steaks after work for my wife and I. HOWEVER,, it’s hard to beat the flavour of a charcoal grilled steak!
The wooden parts won’t look like that for long unfortunately, I had 2 different ceramics and various pellet cookers but I use my Weber Summit Charcoal and my Pk Grill 360 the most. I don’t miss my big expensive ceramics at all, nothing my summit can’t do for cheaper. Pk Grill 360 I wish it was bigger but it’s a great grill and doesn’t get enough attention from the bbq guys
+1 on the Weber Summit Kamado. I upgraded to one from my 15 year old XL BGE. The BGE was great, but the Weber does everything as well and easier to move around. No more worrying about moving it and breaking it. Also the Weber is quicker to get up to temp and I don’t have to worry about changing gaskets or cracked firebox pieces needing warranty replacement.
I have a large BGE and the Kong. I like the Kong for grilling but I have struggled big time doing low and slow cooks. I have no problem doing low and slow on my BGE, but the Kong either gets too hot or I it dies out. Keep in mind I have had my BGE FOR 8 years and done multiple cooks. Any Kong owners have suggestions on maintaining low and slow temps?
I have the same problem with my Pit Boss kamado, which except for the cart is identical to the Kong, and also the Louisiana Grills Kamado. I believe the problem is in the top vent not sealing as well as on the KJ and BGE kamados. Allowing the extra air flow to keep the temp creeping up.
@@1975Nated Thanks for the response. I just cooked on it over Memorial Day weekend and noticed smoke seeping out through the cap. I’ll try sealing it better and see if that works. I’ll let you know if I have any success.
That’s why I wish they came with the deflector! I want everyone to experience smoking with a Kamado. Once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as a pellet grill.
A Kamado of any brand CAN be a grille, but that isn't its strong point. I have three other grilles for that. And comparing any newer designed Kamado with a Big Green Egg is useless, the Egg just can't come in in any other place than last. They sat on their hands while better designs pushed them out of the picture in quality, price and Use. And the Kamado Joe beats them all. All the "extras" you have to buy with other Kamados are included, the price is right, and the quality is top notch. And the segmented firebox eliminates the worry of firebox cracking that the the Egg, Gorilla, and many other have in common. And you didn't bother to point out the Kamado Joe has MANY other options for less money than the flagship version III. This was a review pre-loaded to boost a Gorilla for some reason, not a comparison at all. The Gorilla is one step above the Egg and far below the Kamado Joe.
Great question, it hadn’t ever been in the way for me in the 20+ cooks I’ve done. It’s really more recessed than it probably appears in the video, but great question.
I have to say, I don’t really think about it when I’m cooking. It’s there, but it hasn’t been a factor in any of my cooks… (except for the one cook when the lid fell down from the harsh wind. Then I was super happy it was there.)
It looks like it’s in the way, but it’s completely safe and out of the way!!! I thought the same but I just got mine 2 weeks ago and it’s totally fine!!!
Thr comparison here is a bit unfair. The price of the Kong as you have it set up with the cart and deflector is more close to 1100. It is closer of a comparison to the Big Joe 1, which can be had for 1200, with a much the much more useful divide and conquer set up. Though I'll hand it to Grilla that their cart is better than the BJ stand. The cooking potential of the BJ is much better. Also I use my kamados for both hot and fast, and low and slow equally. They've become my favorite cooking devices.
I had a used Big Joe 1 for a few years, but it had some challenges and my experience controlling the heat wasn't great. My experience with the Kamado Joe Classic iii on the other hand was superb.
You should check out Vision Grills - better design, more bank for the buck!! Features like a "pull-out" ash tray for easy cleaning and a slot for an electric heating iron for quick fire starting, make this a superior "smoker" that easily converts to a grill. You can use charcoal, or pick up the "gas conversion" kit that easily replaces the ash tray, then connects to propane. And by the way, the "divider stone" is included. Pricing for all models beats their competition.
No comparison to a Kamado Joe. Ceramic grills are huge and heavy and lose their value as soon as you take delivery. Might as well get the most competitive option now rather than switching out one of these for a KJ in a few years.
I wish all grills came with the deflector in the box for indirect: it’s rare to find that accessory included, and I’m hearing from a bunch of people who wanted to add it after their purchase and it came shattered or cracked.
As usual, a great review. One of the best BBQ channels around! Nice that you took the kamado for a walk, too! LOL. I have had BGE and Primos and KJ and now a Weber Summit, which I love (which I got after your reviews convinced me to replace the BGE that got knocked over onto the tile patio - RIP BGE - with the Summit). I use my summit for everything from wings, to brisket to pulled pork to steaks to………..you name it).
I bought one three years ago love it.
My new favorite channel!!great review
I love mine! Grill first. My offset for real smoke 👍🏼💪🏼
Great review. Love my Kong. It's used mostly as a grill and not a smoker. I have a pellet grill for most smokes though the Kong can smoke very well with more smoke than a pellet.
I like using my BGE for hot indirect cooks. Pizza, wings or just baking. I also love the control for low and slow. I have a Hasty Bake that I love for grilling because of its movable firebox. It’s great for low and slow too. Comparing to Kamado Joe series 3 isn’t exactly even. KJ has so many accessories included that GG will never have.
I see it as a great all rounder grill but low and slow as the first function
Loved the review. And the channel. Keep ‘em coming. Primarily use my Egg for grillin’ but will also do the occasional brisket, butt, etc.
But you can buy a KJ Classic 1 for $799.00 with the divide and conquer flexible cooking system at Lowe's. The Kong is a nice grill for sure, but the deflector should be included.
Came to say the same thing. Comparing the kong to the joe 3 was not a correct comparison.
yea but the classic Joe is 18" this is 24" same as big Joe, Kamados are always compared by size. Big joe 1 would be the best comparison
@@canadafirst8985 ok the kamado big Joe 1 then. Which is $1200 retail. So still way off from the 3
@@jeffficht2230 Was it really 24"? I thought it was more like 20"
@@smokingtarheel3003 the standard is 18 inches and the big Joe is 24
Vision Grills is the OEM of this grill. This is basically a Vision Classic B or C series.
Ive had mine for 4 years and it's easily my most used grill. I've obviously smoked on it but for me it's primarily a Hot grilling machine especially down here in South Texas with carne asada basically religiously every weekend. Also the split diffuser wasn't available when I first bought it so I think that would help a ton with low and slow smoking as well.
Gots mines 2 weeks ago!!! Awesome and for 25% off sub $650!!!! I’ve already built a table for it!!!!
Congratulations!
Now that's a great deal!
Great review!! Absolutely love my Kong! Get the All Terrain cart, it’s well worth the extra money. Currently it’s 25% off too 😎
Love that AT cart!
Size is nice in between large and huge. The color on them isn't rust, it's smoke, it won't always look that way. The shock absorber looks like it's in the way. The second tier has legs that aren't completely to the side, stealing a lot of space. Other thing is most accessories from other brands won't fit this size. It's ridiculous to compare this with KJ3.
They need to test the hasty bake, that does everything and has a bigger cooking area.
Would love to experience and learn to cook with either. I only have experience on simple grills. Great review! Food looks delicious too!
I’m leaning more on the side that these Kamado style cookers are smokers first and then grillers second. I say that because I’m sure I’d use one way more for smoking than grilling, given the time it’d take to fire it up to grill 2 burgs or 2 steaks after work for my wife and I. HOWEVER,, it’s hard to beat the flavour of a charcoal grilled steak!
The wooden parts won’t look like that for long unfortunately, I had 2 different ceramics and various pellet cookers but I use my Weber Summit Charcoal and my Pk Grill 360 the most. I don’t miss my big expensive ceramics at all, nothing my summit can’t do for cheaper. Pk Grill 360 I wish it was bigger but it’s a great grill and doesn’t get enough attention from the bbq guys
I haven’t been able to cook on a PK yet. I hope to one of these days. I love the idea of the air intake control.
@@TheBarbecueLab it works as advertised for low and slow, not the biggest grill for 2 zone cooking but the air control is bang on
+1 on the Weber Summit Kamado. I upgraded to one from my 15 year old XL BGE. The BGE was great, but the Weber does everything as well and easier to move around. No more worrying about moving it and breaking it. Also the Weber is quicker to get up to temp and I don’t have to worry about changing gaskets or cracked firebox pieces needing warranty replacement.
I still haven’t gotten to try the Weber Summit Kamado. I hope to one of these days.
I have had my Kong for 4 years, half & half smoking and grilling!
I love the longevity of Kamado grills.
@GrillaGrills Wish they had a soap stone. But both LnS & HnF
I have a large BGE and the Kong. I like the Kong for grilling but I have struggled big time doing low and slow cooks. I have no problem doing low and slow on my BGE, but the Kong either gets too hot or I it dies out. Keep in mind I have had my BGE FOR 8 years and done multiple cooks. Any Kong owners have suggestions on maintaining low and slow temps?
I have the same problem with my Pit Boss kamado, which except for the cart is identical to the Kong, and also the Louisiana Grills Kamado. I believe the problem is in the top vent not sealing as well as on the KJ and BGE kamados. Allowing the extra air flow to keep the temp creeping up.
@@1975Nated Thanks for the response. I just cooked on it over Memorial Day weekend and noticed smoke seeping out through the cap. I’ll try sealing it better and see if that works. I’ll let you know if I have any success.
Smoker 1st. Grilling a distant 2nd.
Smoker first for sure
That’s why I wish they came with the deflector! I want everyone to experience smoking with a Kamado. Once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as a pellet grill.
Yeah it’s the Crossover of grills. Selling without a deflector is a mistake in my opinion 😊
A Kamado of any brand CAN be a grille, but that isn't its strong point. I have three other grilles for that. And comparing any newer designed Kamado with a Big Green Egg is useless, the Egg just can't come in in any other place than last. They sat on their hands while better designs pushed them out of the picture in quality, price and Use. And the Kamado Joe beats them all. All the "extras" you have to buy with other Kamados are included, the price is right, and the quality is top notch. And the segmented firebox eliminates the worry of firebox cracking that the the Egg, Gorilla, and many other have in common. And you didn't bother to point out the Kamado Joe has MANY other options for less money than the flagship version III. This was a review pre-loaded to boost a Gorilla for some reason, not a comparison at all. The Gorilla is one step above the Egg and far below the Kamado Joe.
Firebox cracking is all too common. The Kamado Joe solves this, as does the Weber Summit and Brooil king keg
Does the shock absorber not get in the way sometimes?? I looks like it’s just there in the middle, just waiting for you to bump into it.
Great question, it hadn’t ever been in the way for me in the 20+ cooks I’ve done. It’s really more recessed than it probably appears in the video, but great question.
Here’s a thought: don’t bump into it.
I have to say, I don’t really think about it when I’m cooking. It’s there, but it hasn’t been a factor in any of my cooks… (except for the one cook when the lid fell down from the harsh wind. Then I was super happy it was there.)
It looks like it’s in the way, but it’s completely safe and out of the way!!! I thought the same but I just got mine 2 weeks ago and it’s totally fine!!!
Did you notice that the inside and options look identical to the Big Green Egg
Thr comparison here is a bit unfair. The price of the Kong as you have it set up with the cart and deflector is more close to 1100. It is closer of a comparison to the Big Joe 1, which can be had for 1200, with a much the much more useful divide and conquer set up. Though I'll hand it to Grilla that their cart is better than the BJ stand. The cooking potential of the BJ is much better.
Also I use my kamados for both hot and fast, and low and slow equally. They've become my favorite cooking devices.
I had a used Big Joe 1 for a few years, but it had some challenges and my experience controlling the heat wasn't great. My experience with the Kamado Joe Classic iii on the other hand was superb.
You should check out Vision Grills - better design, more bank for the buck!! Features like a "pull-out" ash tray for easy cleaning and a slot for an electric heating iron for quick fire starting, make this a superior "smoker" that easily converts to a grill. You can use charcoal, or pick up the "gas conversion" kit that easily replaces the ash tray, then connects to propane. And by the way, the "divider stone" is included. Pricing for all models beats their competition.
No comparison to a Kamado Joe.
Ceramic grills are huge and heavy and lose their value as soon as you take delivery. Might as well get the most competitive option now rather than switching out one of these for a KJ in a few years.
I use my kamado for both about equally. Love smoking and reverse searing steaks. I don’t think there is a better grill to reverse sear a steak.
I wish all grills came with the deflector in the box for indirect: it’s rare to find that accessory included, and I’m hearing from a bunch of people who wanted to add it after their purchase and it came shattered or cracked.
@@TheBarbecueLabagreed!!!
They are not outta stock soo...dunno
Is this a good Grill for black people?