These are 3 main reasons in the Kamado Joe VS Big Green Egg debate that convinced me its time to return to Big Green Egg and resign my role as an ambassador for team red. And no, $$$ wasn’t it.
No matter what grill you use, I hope my content remains a valuable resource to you for getting the most out of your Kamado Grill. Today’s video isn’t about you needing to switch brands in order to continue to participate in my content. The three reasons behind my decision are in timestamped chapters. Thanks for watching.
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Chapters
00:00 – Answering Your Rapid Fire Questions
2:05 – The Future Of KJ (according to Investors)
03:31 – Gear That Made Me Question Being an “Ambassador’
06:27 – Are the 10 Reasons I Switched To Team Red 6yrs Back Still Valid?
14:10 – What Happened to 20x?
16:38 – What About the Future of BGE Convinced Me To Switch?
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Kamado Joe VS Big Green Egg: 3 Reasons I Switched Back To BGE!
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I thought there was something afoot when I noticed those BGEs in the background of your latest vid. 🙂
At first, I was like, "Say it ain't so, James!" But after watching this presentation, it all makes sense.
I invested in the KJs due to your influence, mainly through your fantastic and informative videos which shared your experiences. It all made sense and I've had many excellent cooks myself as a result. My skills have grown and I now consider myself to be a fairly competent BBQer. For that, I am very grateful. However, as you've pointed out in this vid, the cracks (both figurative and literal) were beginning to appear with the KJ III.
My slow roller is a warped and out-of-shape construction of paint stripped aluminium. I'm not even sure if it works the way it's supposed to any longer and I have never exceeded the recommended temperatures when using it. The air lift hinge presents constant problems, with the alignment forever out of whack, slipping, over-bite, etc., requiring never ending adjustments. Ceramic bits have chipped off near the tightening bands, and I've already replaced the gasket twice since purchase. You've picked up on all the things that have troubled me.
Anyway, my KJ III is nearing its end and you've given me much food for thought. Once again, thanks ever so much for another outstanding video. Keep up the good work and long may you run!
Speaking of disappointments, Fireboard’s probes are starting to make me look for other options. I’ve had 3 fail me so far with 2 falling apart.
Everyone of the guys who helped build KJ has left them since they sold out! Do the research! I’ll stick to my Classic 1, Joe Jr and my Recteqs all while watching James cook on whatever he wants to. I like his honesty and his content. So I subscribed! Cheers eh!
I’ve loved watching this channel for years. The things I’ve learned and tried like the double heat deflector on the original and other tricks have been fabulous. Many of the things you share would be interchangeable on any Komodo style grill.
What’s with the hate and shame for making money and EARNING a living? You all DEMOCRATS? Craziness! Love your content. Bring it!
I've had a Kamado Joe Jr. for a number of years now, so slow-rollers and rotisseries are things that I'm not going to interested in. What I like most about your channel is the cooking, and if I see you doing something interesting on a BGE, I'll try to adopt it to my stock Joe Jr and see how we go. If I ever drop the "Little Joe" or it just cracks on me, I'll look at the BGE next. (BTW, I've done two (2!) racks of St. Louis ribs on my Joe Jr., just like you showed us, and it works!)
The lady doth protest too much, methinks
Buy a Weber Summit Kamado and nothing cracks…ever!!!
Followed this channel for quite a while. Always used BGE because that’s what I have. Adopted all your ideas and recipes without a hitch. My bbq game is much better and consistent from watching ! Thanks
It is truly amazing how the kickash can and basket have revolutionized kamodo-ing and pretty much everyone with a ceramic cooker, no matter the brand, can agree the ceramic grill store is our uniting front lol Great video, you've always been very transparent and this was a good update that I think most will be able to accept. When you were pushing team Red years ago for the innovation I went with team green just because I like the way they structured their company and how they deal with their customers. I almost went for the team red features, but I'm very glad I didn't. The way Green Egg and their suppliers stand behind the product is fantastic and makes me proud as a customer.
Are there any aftermarket caps for the Kamado Joe s? My paint flaked off too.
It seems like I heard a few times how BGE is now doing something KJ had already been doing so you are happy that BGE is now doing something KJ has already been doing. I don't understand
The german monolith has a better firebox than kamado joe or bge
I have an XL BGE and a KJ Big Joe and love both. I just ordered something from BGE that arrived broken and their support isn’t great. Waiting to hear back from an email or being sent to customer service VM if you call with the technology available today is pretty pathetic. I would think you could just go through their website with the order and mark that it was damaged. I am not impressed.
Hey James, thanks for the honesty. I was a KJ owner before you started your videos so when you started your content I followed along and appreciated it all. I initially went with KJ because it was more bang for you buck up front. BGE has an impressive network here in the U.S. so I won't knock them. But the real question for all of us is, are you going to start wearing a green plaid now?
Confusing video, the only physical benefit I heard here is the new BGE internal rack? It seems every other product specific point is just BGE getting closer to KJ? Otherwise it seems like marketing points? Love your videos but this one was hard to follow.
We're talking about excellent produtcts both with pros and cons. I think you had you interests in doing the swap again, and it's all ok for me. I don't like the way you transform all the pros for KJ in pros for BGE. The story that everithing is changed….mmmmmmm
I think I would have been better to say "hi there, the guys at BGE offer me a nice opportunity of partnership and I acepted it. Thanks to KJ for years of collaboration…
It just seems to be the price for BGE is quite a bit more than KJ. Why should I pay hundreds more for a large BGE for example vs getting a classic Joe 1 or 2 ?
I haven't watched much Kamado content in a while—I just cook on my grill. It's funny, though, that the last video of yours I watched was the switch to red, and today, I happened on the switch back to green. It's fair to say that you did sell the red stuff pretty heavily, and now the KJ fanboys who took your advice are torqued up, and the BGE fanboys can quickly see your long history of determining the product they prefer to be inferior. Interesting that none of the reasons articulated for the switch were because the BGE product is better. You may want to wait a while before marketing those Smoking Dad accessories to the BGE community.
Just found your channel and enjoying it. You meantion new BGE things to come. As someone looking for their first Kamado should I wait or dive in now? Finally upgrading from my 15 yo weber trash can! Woohoo!
Interesting timing. I've been looking to get my first Kamado grill. While I agree with all your reasons to switch back to BGE, I just can't get past the aesthetic differences. I have a strong preference for the red and black vs the green and wood. The spring hinge on the BGE looks really old school and saw a video where it's just very noisy too. I was also interested in the DoJoe but hearing about how much hassle it is to get it up to temp, and then essentially wasting all your fuel because you can't snuff the fire easily once your done, not to mention the gasket glue breaking down. May get a BJ2 or 3, standalone and make my own cart. I have never seen any of these in person, but the KJ looks like a better more premium build quality. Can you comment on that? Thanks!
I want to know about the taste. Does red or green taste better? So many YT's miss this. I bought a LSG based on the glowing reviews, but i sent the LSG back. NO smoke flavor. Will thes produce more real smoke flavor than a pellet grill?
I dont get the push back… must be similar to "It's a Jeep thing I just don't understand"
But kamado instead….or something.
The sensible comment here is that really you shouldn't be on anyone's "team". You're a BBQ/smoking channel and you should be teaching viewers to make good cooks on any piece of equipment…
Hi James, I’m curious to know if you have devised a way to simulate your Bar A BBQ direct fire access arrangement for a KJ Jr. Any input is appreciated. Best,
Because you’re a sellout!
WoW! What a shocker! I hadn't tuned in for a bit and when I did, I saw those BGEs behind and thought, oh oh. I respect your reasoning and understand. Just have to do a mental color shift. I also your 10 reasons for switching and give kudos to BGE for getting their heads unstuck. Looking forward to seeing more from BGE and you! Best of Luck!
Great video!
We will see you back when big joe 4 comes out and blow out green egg back to the toddler room😂
Not sure if Monolith are available over the pond, but they have some good features and price points.
I live in your area, let me know if you're selling any kamado Joe stuff.
And years of new content with the green kamado's.
Absolutely legit reasons! Thank you for this in depth review. Always felt BGE should be leading the way. Nice to see them finally waking up.
Hey James, great video, seeing the eggspander rack has made me fall in love! Just a question, can you use the eggspander on a kamado joe?
Nearly cancelled my subscription to your channel 😂 I’m 3 years in and love cooking on my BJ3 but had all the problems you mention. Some replaced under warranty others not! Glad I watched it, if I upgrade in future I will certainly look elsewhere where 👍🏻 keep up the great videos, love them cheers
If you know the product lines you will see alternate comparisons between the higher KJ models picking the least favorable features to focus on and then comparing cost. Just to be fair. A more logical comparison would be a KJ Series 1 vs BGE.
A review of your original review would be helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82jj_KfBs5M
I have a Big Joe 3, and two KJ 3s. Previously two KJ 2. several friends have BGE.
The KJ Series 1 has spring lids just like the BGE, however KJ also offers models with the air lift hinge. Yes this is a nicer feature as James pointed out. time marker 4:19 on above link. This certainly will add some cost IF the buyer deems it worthwhile.
For example BGE doesn't have a slow roller model available so why bash the KJ solo roller?
BGE has the daisy wheel cast iron vent and he compared to the KJ aluminum control tower vent found on Series 2 & 3 KJs, however the cast iron is available on the series 1.
Why discuss the KJ Connected Big Joe when BGE does not offer such a model?
James you do not have a typical installation using the stands and shelving like most buyers. Your custom covered outdoor kitchen deletes these features. The KJ shelves are far easier to maintain than the BGE wood items subject to stains and needing maintenance to refinish. The KJ stand is far nicer looking, sturdy and superior with designed storage for heat deflectors and accessories.
Your previous videos pointed out daisy wheel vents let rain water in where the control tower does not. You may have overlooked this as your kitchen is covered while many of us do not have that same scenario. at minute 3:02 on your above video from 5 years ago. Just something that should be discussed.
Firebox – It appears BGE still is using the one piece firebox prone to cracking where the KJ uses the mutiple piece firebox to allow for expansion. 1:00 mark on attached video.
I don't honestly see the BGE being better than the KJ when the features are compared and assuming they cook equally.
RAK
I'm watching your Channel now for quiete some years when my interests for kamados became bigger. I love your way, getting data and try to optimize the whole process with simple tricks.
Of course I had the wish to get a KJ too, but then I choosed a local german brand (sogambo), cause of better price and brilliant service (this guy repeats instantly and give you service calls even on sundays).
It is not about the brand so much… everybody can adopt your inprovements on their kamado with a little brainwork.
Thank you for sharing your journey through the wonderful land of BBQ! Stick to it and don't let silly people make you feel bad about anything!
Smokey Greetings from Germany
Will you be selling all of your red plaid shirts? Asking for a friend. 😁
An F1 driver vhanges sponsors like he changes socks and no one bats an eye.
Ignore the people who dont understand the basic economics of providing a F R E E service to the public.
i have a cheaper brtand kamado so would be happy with either KJ or BGE. much harder to get BGEs over here in the UK but see KJs everywhere. All my accessories are KJ and seem to fit so if i ever had the money it would make sense for me to upgrade to KJ
Doesn't mean i wouldn't watch your videos though!
@SmokingDadBBQ I'm considering one of these as we approach a few holidays and sales. I was sold on KJ and now I'm questioning everything. I guess my question is – for someone who is starting from ZERO – which is the better ecosystem to invest in? Green or red? I'm cooking for 6-8 regularly so will go big or xl either way.
First…this is such a betrayal to us who made our choice of teams based on all your videos. Green vs. Red is the same as republican vs. democrats…you don’t just change factions…why you far saw KJs at Egg events is that those colors don’t mix…I made this major purchase based on YOUR testimony that it was better, and now just because a CEO will talk to you you jump ship…you let us all down!
Very nice sir. I'll have to do one of these types of videos when I get a new propane grill instead of replacing my Blackstone griddle top. It's a long list too. For about 4 years, I used a 36 inch Blackstone Griddle. And now I'm about to replace it. Ever since I switched from charcoal to liquid propane, I've been having to replace the grill every 4 to 7 years while my charcoal grill out lasted both of the previous grills combined but several years.
They are going to take you off the Kamado Joe's website… lol. On a serious note, no to brands will be the same as each generally has some tweaks and/or quality levels. Generally though each will accel as some type. Way back on the Kamado Joe vs Weber (on Joe's site I was joking about) he mentioned his neighbor selling his Weber. My reaction is why? The Joe and BGE are awesome but for that quick burger cook and quick portability for last minute tailgating, etc. why sell it? I get not buying another once it get wrecked, rusted, or just worn out. I also understand space issues, etc. Just generally speaking. I use my Weber mainly just for quick hot (under 900 degrees, lol) cooks, especially if it is just the wife and I. Less to clean, smaller time, less tinkering per say, etc. When we go tailgating or car show the Weber is in the trailer/trunk ready for lunch.