Ceramic Grill Showdown: BGE vs Kamado Joe
When it comes to ceramic grills, the Big Green Egg (BGE) and Kamado Joe are two of the most popular options on the market. Both offer a range of sizes and features, but which one is the better choice? Let's compare the two and see which one comes out on top.
Design and Build Quality:
Both the BGE and Kamado Joe are made from high-quality ceramic, which helps to retain heat and moisture. However, the Kamado Joe features a thicker, more durable shell than the BGE. The Kamado Joe also has a unique air-lift hinge that makes it easy to lift the lid with one hand, whereas the BGE has a traditional spring hinge.
Cooking Surface:
Both the BGE and Kamado Joe offer a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra large. The Kamado Joe has a unique Divide and Conquer cooking system that allows you to cook different types of food at different temperatures, while the BGE has a plate setter for indirect cooking. The Kamado Joe also has an optional second-tier cooking grate for additional cooking space.
Temperature Control:
Both the BGE and Kamado Joe offer excellent temperature control, thanks to their ceramic construction and adjustable vents. However, the Kamado Joe has a unique Kontrol Tower top vent that allows for precise temperature control, while the BGE has a traditional daisy wheel vent.
Accessories:
Both the BGE and Kamado Joe offer a wide range of accessories, including pizza stones, griddles, and rotisseries. However, the Kamado Joe also has a unique SloRoller hyperbolic smoke chamber insert that creates a rolling smoke effect for enhanced flavor.
Price:
Both the BGE and Kamado Joe are premium grills that come with a higher price tag than other types of grills. However, the Kamado Joe tends to be slightly more expensive than the BGE, especially when you factor in the additional cost of its unique accessories.
Website Links:
If you're interested in learning more about these grills, you can visit their official websites at:
Big Green Egg: https://biggreenegg.com/ Kamado Joe: https://www.kamadojoe.com/
Conclusion:
Overall, both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are excellent ceramic grills that offer superior heat retention and moisture retention. However, the Kamado Joe offers some unique features, such as the thicker shell, air-lift hinge, Kontrol Tower vent, and SloRoller smoke chamber, that make it stand out from the competition. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the Kamado Joe is a worthwhile investment for serious grillers who want the best possible cooking experience.