Kamado grills have been commonplace in Japanese homes for hundreds of years.
Foods that are prepared on a conventional kamado grill have tastes and textures that are unique. You get a uniform cooking surface from top to bottom thanks to the extreme accuracy with which these cooking chambers maintain their temperature.
Kamados are more than simply grills; they complete your outdoor entertainment kitchen and provide your guests with a place to congregate. They are the most adaptable cooking utensil on the market since they can cook almost anything.
Which Brands Produce Kamado Grills
There are two brands of kamado grills that have been around for a long time. One brand is Big Green Egg, and the other is Kamado Joe.
Both of these enjoy widespread popularity in the United States market right now- with many people having only ever heard of one or the other. Each company has its own loyal customers, and there are certain characteristics that distinguish them.
Both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe brands offer a wide range of accessories to help you extend your cooking capabilities even further.
What Makes These Kamado Grills So Good?
Kamados are Japanese grills commonly used in restaurants or along the city’s streets for fast food.
They are made of ceramic, which makes them very durable and heat-retaining. The venting system can be configured to work as either a smoker, grill, or convection oven and the large cooking surface allows for grilling larger cuts of meat or smoking huge quantities at one time.
Kamado grills use wood or charcoal for fuel. The cooking temperature can be controlled by using the special adjustable vents on the lid and the bottom, ensuring stable temperatures for long periods.
In addition, the ceramic shells are designed in a way that helps with heat retention and containment – a result of decades of evolution.
There’s certainly no shortage of kamado grills to choose from these days, but the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are arguably one of the most popular brands out there. They’re both really good at what they do, and this article will help you decide which is best for your needs.
So what makes an excellent kamado grill? We will take a look at both of these grills and see how they compare on price, features, durability, and cooking performance.
What Makes the Big Green Egg So Unique?
The company began in the 1970s, and it was not the first kamado grill manufacturer in the United States. It was, however, the most dedicated one.
The Big Green Egg is a modern marvel of engineering and design, utilizing old-world materials with new-world technology to create a smooth operation and consistent performance for all types of cooks and enthusiasts. The BGE brand is synonymous with state-of-the-art technology and constantly innovating to improve their products – both of which come together due to meticulous research and development.
The ceramic shell, insulation materials, and design elements all work together to create an incredibly tight seal that prevents heat loss during cooking.
The company is also known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, which means that you will receive the best warranty in the industry. This has always created a sense of comfort and security with customers alike, especially for those just getting started with outdoor cooking.
Related: The Best Big Green Egg Tables on the Market
What Makes Kamado Joe So Unique?
Kamado Joe is relatively new to the scene, but it is rising fast. The company was formed in 2009, and it has established itself as a contender.
With innovation in its blood, Joe’s company has created a product that is just as good if not better than the BGE in most respects.
Even though both Kamado Joe and BGE look somehow similar, you will notice some significant differences. Big Green Egg comes with fewer accessories, giving a choice to buy them on the user. Kamado Joe comes with its complete set of accessories, so you will get everything you need for successful outdoor grilling and smoking.
One of the main features of Joe is the venting system. The adjustable top and bottom vents are complex yet easy to use and ensure complete control over cooking temperature.
Another big difference is the Divide and Conquer rack system, which gives you almost infinite cooking options. From lol and slow, to high heat cooking, you can do it all with Kamado Joe’s innovative racks. You can also create two heat zones for cooking or triple the cooking surface with additional grill grates. Baking a pizza is an easy task with the particular Kamado Joe pizza stone.
Related: Kamado Joe Classic III Review
Which Kamado Grill is Better?
Both grills are ceramic and have a similar shape, and the similarities end here.
Big Green Egg is the classic version with limited accessories and a huge list of fans. It has only one cooking surface and more generic vents. Spring supports the heavy lid, which aids in the opening and closing of the container.
Kamado Joe is the modern version of the kamado grills with everything you need to cook like a real pro. It has a more complex venting system, which is protected from rain and is effortless to use. The Divide and Conquer rack system allows you to have different heat zones and up to three cooking surfaces at once.
All Kamado Joe grills include an air hinge on the lid, allowing you to open and close it with only one finger.
The grill even has a rotisserie that can fit multiple chickens. It is truly a grill for the 21st century.
What’s the Difference in Pricing between BGE and Kamado Joe?
The price of both kamado grills depends on their size. When it comes to pricing, both grills are considered expensive but reasonably priced, considering the overall quality of the product. However, investing in a cheap ceramic grill can lead to a bad experience.
The initial price of the Big Green Egg is lower than the Kamado Joe, mainly because it doesn’t include accessories. In the long run, buying all the accessories you need will cost you more than investing in a quality grill like Kamado Joe.
The price of Kamado Joe is higher, but that’s because it comes with everything you need to cook your favorite meals.
How to Cook on Kamado Grill?
Cooking on ceramic grills requires you to start with the preheating process. Learning how to control the heat properly will allow you to grill your favorite dishes successfully. When you master how to use the vents on both kamado grills, there will be no significant difference between them in terms of cooking.
However, Kamado Joe has a more advanced venting system that gives more control over the cooking process. The Divide and Conquer split rack system allows you to cook different meals at the same time. Adding more charcoal or smoke woods is also easier on the Kamado Joe.
The Big Green Egg is a classic-style grill that has been around for decades and gained many fans along the way. Its simple design might be less frustrating for some users.
In the end, both Kamado Joe and BGE are quality grills that cook food perfectly. Both of them have a long list of satisfied customers and can be used for years without problems.
The simple Big Green Egg is more affordable, just like all classic kamados, but it lacks the advanced features that the Kamado Joe has to offer.
Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe – Which one is Better?
If you are looking for a high-quality and straightforward grill, then the Big Green Egg is the best choice. However, choosing Kamado Joe is a better idea when you wish for something more versatile and modern.
If you decide to buy either the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe, then you will get one of the best ceramic grills on the market. Both products are high quality and have long lists of satisfied customers.
Both provide a lifetime guarantee, which covers any manufacturing concerns. This means that as long you handle and care for your grill properly, it will serve you for many years to come.
Both kamados have many accessories, so it’s easy to upgrade or simply buy all you need to start cooking like a pro. The next step is solely up to you because both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg will be happy to help out.
Conclusion
The Kamado Joe vs. Big Green Egg battle will likely rage on for years to come.
Both grills are high-quality and provide excellent features in terms of cooking, versatility, and usability. They both have their advantages when it comes to price as well; the Big Green Egg has a lower initial cost but higher total investment than the Kamado Joe.
The question really boils down to what you want out of your grill: do you need something simple or advanced? If you’re not sure which way to go – don’t worry!
Our team can help you find an answer to any questions about kamados or ceramic grills, so be sure to reach out if you need help!
Read further: The Best Kamado Grill for 2022