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New Grill - Gas or Kamado

Discussion in 'Food Talk' started by turkeycreek29010, Dec 14, 2020.

  1. Dec 14, 2020 at 12:24 PM
    #1
    turkeycreek29010

    turkeycreek29010 [OP] New Member

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    My old Weber gas grill is on its last leg. Been browsing and thinking about getting a Kamado instead of another gas grill. What do you think? Looking at the Vision Classic at Academy Sports or the Vision Pro from Home Depot. Not really interested in a Pellet grill because of the need to run a power cord to the deck. Depending on the weather, I might grill 3 or 4 times per week.
     
  2. Dec 14, 2020 at 12:39 PM
    #2
    RainMan_PNW

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    I've never used the ceramic grills (kamado, BGE, etc.), but after getting a pellet burner over 10 years ago, I'll never own a gas grill again. Every gas grill I've ever owned rotted out in a few years and was cheaply built (even the premium ones that LOOKED well made at first). If I don't have power to run the pellet grill, then I also don't have power to do most of the rest of the cooking (except my gas cooktop) and that also means I've probably got some really shitty weather that will keep me from wanting to go spend any time on the porch grilling anyway.

    Obviously, the ceramic grills will require some effort for starting and maintaining temperature compared to your gas unit. You don't just go turn a knob and push a starter button to get your heat where you're used to it.
     
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  3. Dec 14, 2020 at 12:51 PM
    #3
    TaquitoBandito

    TaquitoBandito SSEM #91, KitKat Aficionado, A Dancer for Money Exotic Dancer

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    I'm with @RainMan_PNW. I picked up a RecTeq RT-700 pellet grill and it's freaking amazing.

    If you do get a Kamado, you might think about picking up a Signals and Billows from Thermoworks to help you regulate the temp.
     
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  4. Dec 14, 2020 at 1:37 PM
    #4
    EAK

    EAK New Member

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    I've never cooked on a pellet grill but I've heard a lot of great reviews on them. I own a Primo XL (think oval BGE) and I love it. Another vote for "I will never own another gas grill".
     
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  5. Dec 14, 2020 at 2:54 PM
    #5
    mark60

    mark60 New Member

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    I had a good pellet, a Yoder and it was great but I prefer my Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe. I didn't like having to "need" electric and the cost of pellets, plus the food is better to me over charcoal whether smoking or grilling. Temp control couldn't be easier with the vents or you can get a controller to hold temp for you. Kamado's can get much hotter for searing than pellet cookers can. If you use it a few times a week (I do year round) good charcoal is quite a bit cheaper than pellets.
     
  6. Dec 14, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #6
    OV-1794

    OV-1794 New Member

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    I vote for the Kamado grill. I have the Kamado Big Joe and don’t regret it all. Startup is easy and maintaining the temp is easy as well. I did a 17 hour cook and it could’ve easily gone another 10-15 hours without needing more charcoal.
     
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  7. Dec 14, 2020 at 2:59 PM
    #7
    1999cutiger

    1999cutiger Top Flow Lifestyle

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    Kamado. I’ll never use gas again.

    9C39D4EA-FD73-4CDE-A9A7-7750DE248416.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2020
  8. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:04 PM
    #8
    Boerseun

    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    It all depends on your needs. Between the gas and Kamado, I would pick the Kamado, because it is more authentic flavor. But you lose the convenience of the gas grill - instant heat and ready to go on a week night. I have eleven grills, which include a Kamado, Gas and pellet. I use the Kamado over weekends when I have time to wait for the charcoal to burn - and then it is an awesome grill. It will hold temperature for 8+ hours if you want to do a low-and-slow cook. But, I use the pellet grill about 90 percent of the time; it is so convenient to turn it on, set the temperature and forget about it; no flare-ups like the gas grill. The pellet grill gets used about 4 times a week, the Kamado once a week and the gas grill only about once a month. The other eight grills get rotated in every now and then just because they are there.
    So, in short, I will say between those two options the Kamado.
     
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  9. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:11 PM
    #9
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    I would go kamado. If you've had gas already, try a kamado with lump charcoal. It's a different experience and flavor. Gas is convenient, but, to me, grilling/bbq is all about the flavor that wood gives you.
     
  10. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #10
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    Longtime Vision Kamado owner here. If I could only have one type of BBQ or Smoker, it would be some form of Ceramic Kamado.

    It does it all, from low and slow to searing, no power needed, can vary smoke with different wood chunks or brands of lump.

    I just checked. I've had my Classic (from Costco) since 2012. The newer ones are even nicer. I've only changed the gasket once with a $30 Amazon one and I sealed up my lower vent to prevent air leak.

    I also added a DIY pizza stone and DIY brackets as my heart diffuser for long smokes but believe they sell one for them now too

    This turns it into a flat top griddle as well. Again, long time Little griddle user on both my NG and Kamado.

    https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003VGM012/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_cs.1Fb1XB76D2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

    Do it
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2020
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  11. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:21 PM
    #11
    Boerseun

    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    I have the one from Costco. It was a great deal.
    upload_2020-12-14_18-20-2.jpg
     
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  12. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:23 PM
    #12
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I think I got it for $400 or $500 Canadian. They were just introducing them up here in Canada as a trial run and only have 4-5 units

    I register and emailed Vision with a small issue. They replied and sent me out the new part and put in writing, that I have Lifetime warranty, even on my dome. They were great to deal with
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2020
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  13. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:26 PM
    #13
    turkeycreek29010

    turkeycreek29010 [OP] New Member

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    I think you have me sold on the Kamado.
     
  14. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:30 PM
    #14
    1999cutiger

    1999cutiger Top Flow Lifestyle

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  15. Dec 14, 2020 at 4:11 PM
    #15
    RainMan_PNW

    RainMan_PNW SSEM #82 RGBA #4 “That Guy” Vendor

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    I was gonna say the one disadvantage of the pellet cooker is the top end heat...you'll just never effectively exceed 550-ish degrees. It's like a wood-fired convection oven without a sear burner.
    I keep looking at the kamado-style grills when the pellet grill finally rots out...that'll be a whole new thing to teach my wife how to use!
     
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  16. Dec 14, 2020 at 4:22 PM
    #16
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    If you are big into smoke flavor, go kamodo. Great flavor. You cant sear a steak on a pellet girll, so keep that in mind if its important to you.
    IMG_20180922_155555.jpg
     
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  17. Dec 14, 2020 at 4:48 PM
    #17
    RLHULK

    RLHULK Too many gamma rays in all that BBQ smoke.

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    I like my BGE, it is at times tho a difficult task master.

    On high searing steaks, even after burping the egg, I still get the occasional flashback, last one seared the hair off my left forearm. Fuck that was a close one.

    It does handle low and slow like a boss tho, so if pulled pork, ribs and such are your fancy, you will enjoy it
     
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  18. Dec 14, 2020 at 4:57 PM
    #18
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    You gotta burp it before you slowly open that sucker full up.
     
  19. Dec 14, 2020 at 5:05 PM
    #19
    okietundra18

    okietundra18 New Member

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    My vote is for a Hasty Bake Legacy 132 for the home and a Hasty Bake Ranger 380 to take with you wherever you go! The adjustable height of the fire box is a game changer. Easy to go from low and slow to sear in a few minutes. Units are well made.
    IMG_1986.jpg
     
  20. Dec 14, 2020 at 5:09 PM
    #20
    Jeff_1974

    Jeff_1974 Cookeville, TN

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    Kamado joe yields a rich, Smokey flavor

    74BFC626-4E42-44A4-B2A1-6308EB812E23.jpg
     
  21. Dec 14, 2020 at 5:12 PM
    #21
    TrashcanBand

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    I have a Blackstone to go in conjunction with a charcoal pit. The pit is worn out and I’m replacing it with a Kamado. Blackstone handles the quick jobs and the charcoal kamado will handle up on the more long winded deals.
     
  22. Dec 14, 2020 at 5:16 PM
    #22
    RLHULK

    RLHULK Too many gamma rays in all that BBQ smoke.

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    I did. The back draft happened about 30 seconds later
    It was rather impressive tho
     
  23. Dec 14, 2020 at 5:42 PM
    #23
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    Yeah. It's scary and kind of cool all at the same time, so long as everyone is safe
     
  24. Dec 14, 2020 at 6:15 PM
    #24
    Juanjoolio007

    Juanjoolio007 New Member

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    I think the amount of time you have to cook and the foods you normally grill would determine your answer. Also what gas grill are you comparing the kamado too?

    I had a Weber genesis 3 burner and loved it. Sold it when I got my Traeger Timberline 1300. I love my Traeger but after some time missed the flame broiled taste for burgers,steaks and chicken.

    Now while I will agree that 90 something percent of pellet grills can’t sear that well there are some that can.

    I was just in your same scenario a few months ago. Looking at adding another grill. I needed fast start times as the number 1 criteria and second was gets stupid hot.
    Enter the RecTec Bullseye.

    Yes it’s pellet but on Riot mode it will get grate temps north of 750 degrees and is designed to flare up so you get the fire awesomeness you lack on most other pellet grills. On top of this the pellet consumption is insanely low.
    I can pull it out of the garage and get it up to 650 or so, cook burgers, and cool down in about 30 minutes.

    Now I’m not trying to sell you on something you don’t want just pointing out that there are a lot of variables to consider. Good luck with your choice.
     
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  25. Dec 17, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #25
    NUMB LOCK

    NUMB LOCK Perpetual Member

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    Big Green Eggs. Love them...it does take some practice to get the temps right but like others have said, a thermostat like the Flame Boss will hold your temps just the same. I honestly enjoy taming the fire and getting to that target temp. Sear steaks at 650 or take it to 800 for pizza. Low and slow for ribs/brisket and can hold the temps for 10+ hrs. Brisket is on my list to practice...last one turned out too dry :) I love em. If I did anything more, I'd consider an offset Yoder smoker but my wife would probably kill me. I got a second XL BGE cuz I can smoke ribs and then grill whatever on the 2nd one (salmon, steak, burgers, hot dogs, etc) for a large party.

    BigGreenEgg.jpg
     
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  26. Dec 18, 2020 at 7:38 AM
    #26
    turkeycreek29010

    turkeycreek29010 [OP] New Member

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    I have narrowed this down to either Kamado Joe Classic or Vision Pro C. Local Ace Hardware has the Kamado Joe Classic 1 in stock for $749. Local Academy Sports has the Vision Pro C in stock for $699.
     
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  27. Dec 18, 2020 at 7:49 AM
    #27
    EAK

    EAK New Member

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    For $50 more, I would go with the Kamado Joe between those two choices. I don't know anything about the Vision and it may be a great cooker. Kamado Joe is a well known brand and sold through several outlets and has several accessories. Costco will have specials on them periodically if that is also an option for you.
     
  28. Dec 18, 2020 at 7:56 AM
    #28
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I don't think you can go wrong with etiher. And you made the right choice going with Ceramic. Your going to love it, no matter which you choose. Start off with something easy like a Pork Butt and don't get discouraged if the first couple don't turn out "perfect". There is a learning curve but a fun and tasty one.

    If it was me, I'd check out (google) a few of the BBQ/Smoking forums for what their take on them is. Just to get some outside Truck perspective. We have some great grillers/smokers on here, but they may have some added knowledge, insight or experience with longevity or warranty claims etc.

    I posted earlier, but I have had positive experience early on with my Vision warranty and haven't had anything go wrong with it in years. I was questioned on the thickness of my ceramic compared to BGE by someone, somewhere and when I measured my Vision, it was in fact thicker. Not that that is everything, but it was funny to see their reaction when they claimed BGE had to be bigger, better and thicker etc.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2020
  29. Dec 26, 2020 at 4:55 AM
    #29
    turkeycreek29010

    turkeycreek29010 [OP] New Member

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    Ended up getting a large BGE. Got a deal on it from our local dealer. Turned out to be an ex coworker of my wife.

    20201223_111908.jpg
     
  30. Dec 26, 2020 at 5:47 AM
    #30
    mgxsequioa

    mgxsequioa New Member

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    Congrats on the purchase. I’m late to the party and was going to add that I’ve had a primo an am on me second bge, sold the large and got the xl. I use it for most cooks but use the gas grill for quick cooks or to sear things quickly after they come out of the sous vide.

    BGE forum is a friendly place to learn tips and tricks without brand loyalty slants on cooking ideas....it is another place that can help you empty your wallet with accessories. I recommend checking out the ceramic grill store for high quality versatile accessories as well as Craigslist for shelves.

    The flameboss is a must have to maintain the temperature on long cooks.

    Enjoy the new appliance, the food and many new neighbors you will meet each time the wind direction changes on long cooks.
     
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