New Grill - Gas or Kamado

I've had a large BGE for years. I love the taste you get from natural lump charcoal. By the way, Royal Oak is my favorite lump. Made by the same people as the BGE lump but not as pricey. Also made in the U.S.

 

Congrats. I have the Kamado Joe Jr and Big Joe 2. I love cooking on the ceramic grills. Brisket is going on today. KJ is introducing a new pellet fired grill early next year and I'm already trying to justify it!

 

I have a Yoder ys640 a Kamado Joe. I use both and love both. Ditched propane years ago a don’t miss it. My Yoder is quick if I need to grill some burgers. The Kamado can get stupid hot so I use that to sear steaks.

 

I am swapping out my BGE for a new gas Weber. I know im probably in the minority but after running BGE kamado style for 10 years now i really miss the ease and quickness of gas. The BGE constantly blows smoke in my face and its difficult to enjoy sitting oustide when smoke is pouring out in my direction. Not to mention smelling like smoke for the rest of the day . The kamados are really a labor of love and have the best flavor but im ready to move on. Just something to think about if anyone is considering getting into one. But i would say it would be nice to have both if you have the room for it

 

Congrats, you'll love it. I would however recommend getting a DigiQ to more easily control temperatures: https://bbqguru.com/info/DigiQ

They are pricey but, considering you won't screw up cooking something like a $75 brisket, totally worth it.

 

Why not just get a gas as a backup? That is what I do.

 

If it's bellowing out white or thick smoke, you shouldn't be cooking over it. White smoke means it is still prepping.

You shouldn't see my much smoke coming out the stack, after it comes to temp and it's done the pre burn. It does take a while to get to that stage and many throw their food on when way too early.

https://youtu.be/pbBPQP_eoQY

 

I was going to get a small gas grill to put near the egg but the more I thought about it I've just lost patience to use the BGE for now. I got a heck of a deal on a weber genesis on clearance so just went that route. If i had room to keep both out I'd do that but for now I'm putting the BGE in storage.

 

Yes I know about that stage I've just lost patience with it. I used to clean it out and vacuum up the "dust" after every couple of uses but its eaten up so many wet vac's that I just started grilling less. The charcoal briquettes also have a lot to do with achieving that perfect heat but it seems every bag I get from lowes over the years just have mostly small pieces. I think the BGE is an awesome grill but it takes a lot of prep and maintenance and patience which I'm out of Also that smoked food hasn't been sitting with me well lately not sure what thats about. Just throwing out my .02. Loved the grill and would recommend it, it just comes with some bad as well as good imo.