I've had a Kamado Joe since December and have loved every minute with it.

In my opinion, all of the lower price kamado grills are more or less the same (pit boss, Louisiana, vision...). I’ve been told the Big green egg is good but hyped and overpriced. If I could afford it, I’d look at the Kamado Joe.

I have pit boss that I got for a really good price and I’ve been pretty happy.

I looked at consumer reports before I bought mine. It ranked the Kamado Joe #1, Vision #2, and BGE #3. I went with the Vision since it was half the price of the KJ. Really happy with the Vision!

any honest thoughts about akorn? and it's longevity?

I have the Goldens Kamado and the Blaze Kamado. I have made numerous cooks on them and am well satisfied with their abilities. Both do their jobs well, low and slow or hot and fast and hold the temps well. I am terrified of cracking ceramic and these will not break. That said, their only drawback for me is a dearth of accessories unlike the KJ or BGE which have more than you could ever buy. Both of these (KJ and BGE ) are very good cookers and have very good warranties.

Kamado joe makes a product called the kettle joe that blends steel grills with ceramic grills, there is also the char griller acorn grill that is a steel kamado style. The ceramic grills can be very expensive but they are a tool that are a joy to use and are very versatile. They also often come with warranties much much longer than the steel competitors

I’ve seen the Kamado Joe Classic 1st generation at Lowe’s for around $800. You get a good amount of accessories for that price point. That will include the multi-tier cooking system and clean out tools.

If he's mentioning big green eggs he definitely wants one.

Is it worth it? That's too subjective. Mine is worth it to me because I use once a week usually and I love grilling with charcoal and smoking. Ya they're super expensive. I'm into my large for probably 1500 after accessories like the grid system and pizza stone. But it's worth it to me. They are tough as nails. Someone else said something about non transferable warranty and possibility of finding a used one cheap. Both wrong.

Similar more affordable options? Weber has a kamado now that looks good and is a bit cheaper.

A gift card. Without speaking to the dude, I don't know his skill level, style, or preferences. Unless he's mentioned brands or models, I'd let him pick it out.

Edit: I reread your post. Those style grills are great, but they are not cheap.

Everyone has their own preferences, so it’s honestly safer to let him pick it himself. I know it ruins the surprise, but I think it’s better to not be surprised with something that is perfect than to be surprised with something that isn’t what you like in a situation like this.

I have a Kamado Joe and love it. While it was very expensive, I think it was totally worth the price, I use it for basically everything. However, some people feel the same way about a Webber kettle which is a fraction of the price. Some people won’t go for either because they only want propane. The other thing is skill level. Kamado have a pretty steep learning curve since they are thick ceramic and take a long time to heat up AND are basically impossible to cook down if you overshoot the temperature.

The thing about the top readily available Kamado brands is they come with a lifetime warranty on the ceramics (if purchased new). My OG 2006 Big Green Egg had had multiple fire boxes and rings replaced, a new base, a platesetter. It’s 17 years old and still pretty much like new. So they are expensive upfront but I would say probably cheaper over time if you plan to keep it. If you are doing ceramic, I would do BGE, KJ, or Primo depending on what fits the bill for you. You will have a lifetime of trouble free use and a decent support network no matter where you live. The Weber Summit is a really sweet rig as well. It’s just as much $ as the ceramic versions and I believe the warranty is a only few years. That said, it’s made of metal and would likely last for many years without issue. Parts are cheaper than ceramic and weber has a massive dealership base around the country.

I highly discourage buying used ceramic cookers. They all break at some point and the warranty is a big part of the price and experience. I would buy a used Weber (if you can find one) without hesitation.

Good luck and just know you can’t really got wrong. Get in the game and have some fun.

Hi hi, Listen, I hesitated for a long time, and I finally chose a kamado bastard and after a few checks, I think it's really the best value for money knowing that the ceramic is guaranteed for life.

Weber's Kamado is a cheaper option. can also check used inventory in your area

Can usually find a good deal on a used Kamado Joe or BGE.

Or pay full price for a new one. Like I tell people, it's the last grill you'll ever have to buy. Cheap grills are made cheaply, and unless you're rolling it out of the garage every time you use it will only last a few years before needing replaced or replacement parts. I went through 2 chargriller akorns before I got my Kamado Joe. $600 worth of grills, turned to scrap. I live in a very hot and humid environment and they both rusted out after a few years.

BGE is expensive but has a lifetime warranty and will last you a lifetime.

I have a non branded kamado that was about 400 and a BGE mini max. The performance of the mini max is far superior imo. Hold temps steadier, gets a lot hotter and doesn’t require nearly as much fiddling and oversight when doing a longer smoke.

May be down to my way of use, but the difference between the two is night and day.

Edit to add: also a lot easier to find the accessories for the bigger branded.

Look at warrenty. Things do break. My fire basket cracked in two. Heat deflector broke a few times until I got a thick steel one instead. These are not cheap to replace.

Been to see the V2 in person, loved it and bought one. I have a Joe JR and for me the quality seems miles apart

The outside hardware of KJ and BGE (hinges, bands, etc) are better quality steel, another factor to consider is warranty, read the warranties before you buy. Another consideration is what is included in the purchase, price it all out and see the difference.

I have a cheaper large kamado (still £500). It's brilliant. Use it all the time. And love to cook on it.

I don't know how much better it could be improving some small exterior quality.

Definitely go for it whatever you choose.

Just get a Weber kettle and upgrade in the future if you feel it’s necessary

It is absolutely one of the best charcoal grills on the market. It has about the same heat retention and fuel efficiency as ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, but it's also lighter, more durable, and easier to clean. When compared to other kamado grills, the price doesn't seem as crazy. That said, a normal kettle is 90% as good at 10% the cost so in my opinion the kettle is the way to go all day.

Double walled and larger cooking surface than your standard kettle. Can get them at Costco for 1k. Some have gotten them even cheaper at their local Costco.

Materials, shipping and price point of the competition. 

If you're new to charcoal just get a regular kettle to learn how to light it, manage the temps and smoke. It will do almost everything really well.

BUT, the Summit Charcoal/Kamado is the best grill I've ever owned.

Open everything up and it can get stupid hot super fast. But its just as happy to hold nice and low for a loooong time while using very little fuel.

Being metal, without the thermal mass of a regular kamado, it's really forgiving and will recover very quickly if you let it get too hot. Plus it's not too heavy to push around the backyard if it starts to rain.

For me, it is the perfect grill (and quite different to the regular kettle - of which I have a few). They are expensive and might not suit everyone's budget, but I've never heard of an owner who regretted their purchase. If mine was lost, stolen or damaged I'd replace it with the same in a heartbeat.

I mentioned this offer in another post the other day. But this is the best deal I can see for a komado style BBQ available in the UK. It's a decent brand, will last and comes with a host of accessories. Well worth considering. https://www.greenhousepeople.co.uk/products/23488/18-inch-kamado-with-cart-ultimate-package/

I think kamado Joe is a solid option. That’s what I plan to buy when my outdoor kitchen is finished. May be a bit north of your budget, couple of overtime shifts and you’ll can up the budget haha.

Kamado Joe are both highly recommended and long lasting.

Kamado Joe is a mainstay, but if you want to save, the Aldi Kamados pop up for sale occasionally and are great value.

I was involved in that recommendation as well, I have one, it's excellent. There is no point in spending money on anything more expensive, and all the kamado joe accessories fit it.

Costco have a great option for your budget. But as others have said KJ is king.

https://preview.redd.it/mrhnox1g1jbd1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a9acd5e37719a90910c929c5cfab74ed0f2c68d

I just ended up getting a budget one about three years ago I think I payed around 600 for a 22 inch They are even cheaper now

https://www.nisbets.co.uk/buffalo-ceramic-kamado-bbq-grill/dr826

This thing has been great and aged well, if I had a 1000 pound budget again It would be a strong contender, you would also have change for accessories, digital thermometer with probes, rotisserie for boneless thighs , cast iron plates for steaks veg, pizza stone what ever suits your style of cooking

I have a large bge but if I was to buy one now at that price point I'd likely go with the kamado joe instead. The turn top is a better design for exhaust flow, the hinge is a more robust design, and the ash tray is convenient. These are all things your can upgrade with third party accessories but why when you can get it OEM? sounds like a lot of people have had good luck with the akorn though I can't speak to it as I've had no experience with it.

I have an Akorn and would recommend it for anyone looking to start with a Kamoda. I got hooked by using a big Green egg at my uncle-in-law's. I will say the big Green egg seemed to get to temp easier, and hold it more steady. My Akorn I can't trust the probe in the dome as it's 50-75 degrees off from reality, so I use a probe on the grate. I've gotten better and maintaining temp after some trial and error, but the 3 times I used the egg I did not have as much trouble getting consistent temps. That being said I struggle to justify the 4x cost of an egg over an Akorn.

I’ve got an Akorn and had it about 6 years. Never had a need for replacing anything and works just as well as the first day I got it. Don’t know much about the others, but the Akorn is a solid choice.

Vision is the best by far. I did a lot of research when I bought mine, but vision seemed to be the best quality for the best price. It also has both a ash drawer that makes it really easy to empty and it connects to gas too if you want it. I highly recommend it

Nice review article. Skim the comments too, good info there.

https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/06/best-kamado-big-green-egg-alternatives-smoker-grill-equipment-reviews.html

I'll edit this with a link to a similar discussion over at bge sub, in a moment.

This is my exact setup. I love this grill and cart!

So where does this cart come from?

Wtf is this sub.. I was invited but now I feel like it’s ads for dope ass kamados. I have one… but they wildin

I put this base on my vision grill and love it. The weak stand and casters from the standard vision grill starting bending under the weight after about 6mos but I’ve had this grill base for over 3 years and it’s great and rugged.

Any idea if this cart will hold a Kamado Joe Big Joe 3?

Summit owner here, has this choice a year ago. I went the one that didn’t have parts that could break when moving it. That said, both are excellent cookers.

One difference to check is fuel type flexibility. It’s my understanding that you have to use lump in the KJ line of kamados. The Weber can use lump or briquettes, I use both. On the accessories front, I think the KJ line wins. So much more made by and for them. If you want to rotisserie, you’re pretty much out of luck with Weber.

Probably more to consider, but for me ease of use and mobility were key factors in making my decision. And I think temperature management might be a little easier to manage on the Weber since you don’t have to manage overheating the ceramic and overshooting temp target. Of course that can come with time/experience.

Have a look at the Grilla Kong if you decide to go ceramic kamado.

If you're going KJ, look at the Classic 3 or BJ II, the upgrades are worth it

Have a Kamado and would vote for that, though I don’t have experience with the E6

For cleanup I’d recommend adding the kick ash can. Definitely makes things easier. Not sure what your “moving” entails, but keep in mind Kamados are heavy (couple hundred pounds)

I mirror jorgojr comments above with one exception, the KJ half grates work on the Summit and there is the Only Fire rotisserie attachment.

It’s a great cooker and I don’t regret selling my WSM for it.

Maybe take a look at the Kamado Joe Kettle Joe. It's a new hybrid between a kettle grill and a Kamado.