Big Green Egg Ceramic Kamado Grill Alternatives

Are you an avid griller looking to elevate your outdoor cooking experience but can’t quite justify the price tag of a Big Green Egg? Fret not, because we’ve found some fantastic alternatives for you that pack in just as much, if not more, value for your hard-earned cash. In this review, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at four impressive alternatives to the renowned Big Green Egg Ceramic Kamado Grill: the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II, the Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200, the VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill, and the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker.

You might be wondering what makes these alternatives stand out and how they compare to the Big Green Egg. Well, we’re here to help answer those questions and guide you through the unique features of each grill, ensuring that you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget. We’ll be highlighting their purpose and key features, dissecting the similarities and differences, and ultimately helping you understand what makes each product a great choice for backyard barbecues, social gatherings, and family dinners alike.

Generally, Kamado-style grills are known for their versatile cooking capabilities, heat retention, and energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for seasoned grillers and beginners alike. The four alternatives we’ve selected are no exception to this rule, all boasting top-notch build quality and a plethora of additional features to enhance your grilling experience even further.

The Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II, for example, offers a flexible cooking system that allows for multiple heat zones and cooking configurations, along with ready-to-use side shelves, making it super easy to manage your outdoor cooking. The Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200, on the other hand, has a unique oval shape that provides ample space for cooking, roasting, or smoking, all while being compact enough to fit on a smaller patio or balcony.

For grillers primarily focused on portability, the VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill is the perfect solution with its exceptionally compact design and built-in thermometer, ensuring accurate heat management. Finally, the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers a fantastic choice for those who love the classic kettle design but crave the versatility and performance of a Kamado-style grill.

So, whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, continue with us as we dive deeper into each of these Big Green Egg alternatives and help you discover the perfect grill to elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights.

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II 18-inch Charcoal Grill with Cart and Side Shelves, Blaze Red

Introducing the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II, an 18-inch charcoal grill that promises to revolutionize your outdoor cooking experience. Boasting an impressive array of features, this grill refines and reimagines traditional charcoal cooking with innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. This grill comes on a cast iron cart with locking wheels, ensuring mobility and stability. The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, making versatile cooking a breeze. With a rain-resistant Kontrol Tower Top Vent and the Air Lift Hinge for easy dome lifting, the Classic Joe II is designed keeping user convenience in mind. The AMP FireBox comprises six pieces, which eliminates breakage and increases grill efficiency. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of this grill to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros

• Premium features: The Kamado Joe Classic II comes loaded with innovative and user-friendly features like the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system, Kontrol Tower Top Vent, Air Lift Hinge, and AMP FireBox.
• Easy assembly: With a helpful video on the Kamado Joe website and the option to assemble it yourself, setting up the grill is a piece of cake.
• Exceptional customer service: Users report that Kamado Joe’s customer service is top-notch, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience.
• Temperature control: Once the learning curve is conquered, users can consistently achieve the desired temperature for cooking various dishes.
• Juicy and flavorful food: The Kamado Joe Classic II has been praised for the delicious and juicy results it produces when grilling meats and other dishes.
• Durable and well-built: With its high-quality materials and design, this grill is made to last for years.

Cons

• Requires assistance for installation: Due to its heavyweight, you will need help lifting and installing the grill.
• Potential shipping issues: Some customers have reported difficulties with shipping and delivery, though this is often due to external factors.
• Occasional temperature control issues: Some users have experienced challenges in maintaining consistent temperatures, but this could be attributed to the learning curve involved.
• Accessory storage: The lack of built-in accessory storage is a drawback for some users who prefer all their grilling essentials to be within reach.

Overall, the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II 18-inch Charcoal Grill with Cart and Side Shelves in Blaze Red offers a top-notch grilling experience with its innovative features and high-quality construction. While it does require some getting used to, especially regarding temperature control, the grill’s performance and customer satisfaction make it a solid and worthwhile investment for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality, and easy-to-use charcoal grill, the Kamado Joe Classic II could be the perfect addition to your backyard.

Primo Grills Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200 Ceramic Kamado Grill with Cradle, Side Shelves and Stainless Steel Grates – PGCJRC (2021), Black

So, you’ve decided to level up your grilling game and dive into the world of kamado-style cooking, huh? Well, you’re in for a mouth-watering journey! One top contender to consider, besides the ever-popular Big Green Egg, is the Primo Grills Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200 Ceramic Kamado Grill with Cradle, Side Shelves, and Stainless Steel Grates – PGCJRC (2021), Black. This bad boy comes with everything you need for a smokin’ good time in your backyard, so let’s dive into what makes this grill stand out from the rest.

First off, let’s talk about that unique oval shape. While most kamado grills are round, the Primo Oval Junior 200 offers a wider, more spacious cooking surface, allowing you to cook more food all at once. You can easily fit a couple of whole chickens or even a whole turkey on this grill, which cuts down on cooking time and keeps guests’ bellies full and happy. Plus, that oval design is perfect for cooking up indirect heat recipes.

Another great thing about the Primo grills is that they’re proudly made in the USA, with premium grade ceramic materials that hold heat, moisture, and flavor like a champ. This means juicier meats and tastier dishes all around. And when it comes to versatility, the Primo Oval Junior 200 takes the cake. You can grill, bake, roast, and smoke, making it your one-stop-shop for all things delicious.

Pros

• Unique oval shape provides a spacious cooking area, allowing you to cook more food at once
• Premium grade ceramic material offers outstanding heat, moisture, and flavor retention
• All-in-one package includes cradle, grid lifter, ash tool, and side shelves
• Made in the USA, ensuring a high-quality grill
• Versatile and multifunctional; perfect for grilling, baking, roasting, and smoking

Cons

• Price might be a bit steep for some budgets
• Learning curve for those new to kamado-style cooking
• It doesn’t come with a diffuser plate, which would’ve been nice for slow cooking and smoking

At the end of the day, the Primo Grills Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200 Ceramic Kamado Grill is an excellent alternative to the Big Green Egg that can level up your backyard BBQ game. It’s versatile, spacious, and crafted with top-notch materials that will offer you many joyful gatherings and delectable meals. Keep in mind, though, that every great grill comes with a learning curve, and a budget may be an issue for some. But once you master the art of kamado cooking with this beauty, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Happy grilling!

VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill – Heavy Duty Ceramic Barbecue Smoker and Roaster with Built-in Thermometer and Stainless Steel Grate

If you’re in the market for a ceramic Kamado-style grill but can’t quite justify the price tag of the Big Green Egg, the VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill might just be up your alley. This versatile and sturdy grill performs various cooking techniques, including smoking, chargrilling, baking, searing, and roasting. Made of heavy-duty refractory ceramic encased in a stainless steel shell, it provides even heat distribution and fuel efficiency.

The VESSILS grill is also weather-resistant, thanks to an advanced glazing technique, and withstands temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. A built-in thermometer and iron top vent manage airflow and temperature, while a spring-hinged dome lifts easily. The grill also includes a stainless steel cooking grid with a 12.6-inch diameter for ample cooking space.

Pros

• Versatile cooking techniques (smoking, chargrilling, baking, searing, roasting)
• Radiates heat evenly, providing steady temperature and fuel efficiency
• Durable materials – heavy-duty ceramic and stainless steel
• Weather-resistant and can withstand high temperatures
• Built-in thermometer and top vent for temperature control
• Easy-to-use spring-hinged dome

Cons

• Reports of faulty or damaged parts upon arrival
• Thermometer is in Celsius, which some users may not prefer
• Cooking grid may not be stainless steel as advertised
• Grill height is not adjustable
• Grate could be too close to the briquets for some users
• Heavy and not suitable for portability (weighs 40-50 lbs.)

In a nutshell, the VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill offers great value for those looking for an alternative to the pricey Big Green Egg. This versatile ceramic grill provides even heat distribution and a variety of cooking techniques, making it perfect for small gatherings or meals for two. While some users report issues with temperature control, faulty parts, and the grill height, many are impressed with its performance and durability. However, this grill may not be the best choice for those seeking maximum portability due to its weight. So if you’re ready to up your grilling game without breaking the bank, the VESSILS grill could be the perfect fit for your needs!

Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Introducing the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker, an ideal choice for those who love Texas-style barbecue and the charcoal flavor that can only come from a kettle-style grill. This model is designed with a large cooking area of 379 square inches, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Constructed from steel, this grill was built to last and withstand high-temperature cooking.

This Char-Griller unit boasts a variety of handy features, such as a hinged lid, side shelf prep areas, bottom storage rack, stay cool handles, wheels for easy mobility, and BBQ tool storage hooks. In addition, controlling airflow and temperature is simplified thanks to the dual dampers and built-in thermometer. After grilling, clean-up is a breeze with the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan.

Pros:

• Large cooking area and easy-to-use controls: The 379-square-inch cooking area offers ample space for large meals, and the dual dampers and built-in thermometer make it simple to control temperature.
• Heavy-duty construction: Made of steel, this grill was designed to withstand high-temperature cooking and last for years to come.
• Convenient features: The hinged lid makes grilling convenient, and the side shelf prep areas, bottom storage rack, stay cool handles, and wheels for easy mobility provide added convenience.

Cons:

• Safety hazard: Some users reported that the heavy lid could fall unexpectedly, posing a potential safety risk for children’s fingers.
• Shipping issues: A few customers mentioned receiving units with bent bases due to shipping mishaps.

Overall, the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a high-quality option for those looking to bring Texas-style barbecue and charcoal flavor to their outdoor grilling adventures. Its large cooking area, user-friendly controls, and sturdy build make it a fantastic choice for any BBQ enthusiast. However, it’s essential to be cautious while using this grill, especially around children, due to the potential safety hazard posed by the heavy lid. That being said, according to the vast majority of reviews, this grill has proven itself to be an excellent addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

In conclusion, after reviewing the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II 18-inch Charcoal Grill, Primo Grills Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200 Ceramic Kamado Grill, VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill, and Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker, it’s clear that each of these grills offers its own unique set of features and benefits. While all are well-constructed, versatile, and equipped with convenient side shelves and built-in thermometers, your specific needs and preferences will ultimately determine the best option for you.

The Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II is a top-of-the-line grill with exceptional heat retention and an innovative Divide-and-Conquer cooking system. However, its higher price point may be a drawback for some. On the other hand, the Primo Grills Primo All-in-One Oval Junior 200 offers an unbeatable combination of premium features, performance, and affordability. Its oval shape may require a slight learning curve, but it’s perfect for those wanting to experiment with different cooking techniques.

For a more budget-friendly option, the VESSILS 12.6-in W Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill still provides excellent cooking performance, although it is slightly smaller and lighter-duty. Finally, the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a solid choice for those interested in versatility, as it combines both grilling and smoking capabilities.

In the end, your ultimate decision should be based on the specific features and price points that best align with your unique grilling needs and preferences. Whether you’re an experienced grilling enthusiast looking for a premium upgrade or a beginner in search of a more budget-friendly option, there’s a perfect grill waiting for you within this selection.

So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your outdoor cooking game and make your next BBQ the talk of the neighborhood by purchasing one of these excellent grills from Amazon today. Your taste buds and your guests will thank you!