I bought my BGE 10 years ago and have been regretting it for probably 8 years, for just the reasons you stated in this video. I wish this I could’ve seen a video like this back then. Thanks for the video James! Hopefully others will see this before buying.
I do think this is closer to the root cause … Their communication including social engagement is very poor and outdated. This makes it harder to pinpoint what’s going on. Wishing for better is definitely a shared emotion … seems like so much lost opportunity.
Everything you said about BGE is the reason I purchased my BJ2. After doing some research between the two brands and comparing what each had to offer to the consumer, the choice was easy. Best yet, just after doing some price comparisons on where I should make my purchase, the wife and I went to Costco and luckily for me, Kamado Joe was there with the new BJ2. This was perfect timing for a few reasons, now I could physically put hands on the BJ2 to see the build quality and also ask a couple of questions I had about the warranty, however, best of all I saved an additional $400 as they were selling the BJ2 for $1299. This was by far our most expensive Costco shopping trip 😂.
Another great video. Couldn’t agree more. I have always preferred the KJ over the BGE for everything you mentioned. I feel like BGE is still just living on the name recognition.
@@SmokingDadBBQeven their “name recognition “ is not what it once was….. reviews like this help reinforce what the general public already have a sense of…. My analogy is the North American auto industry…. Their complacency was their downfall…. I am on my 6th F-150, just waiting for Hyundai to make a full size pick up….
I got my BJ3 a few months ago and I cannot state how much I love this thing. Smoking Dad BBQ was a big help in deciding what I got (along with the amazing sale they had in late May). Having someone show all the ins and outs of the grill before using it was a great help. Keep the great videos coming.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate the effort that goes into each of your videos. They're always informative of course, but the editing that goes into each one is terrific, and the graphics you choose are particularly good (for example your "benefits of dry brining" in other videos). The little things are very much noticed! I've brought two good friends from church over to Team KJ since I started using them about a year ago and I always refer them to your channel. Thanks again for what you do with this channel!
Another great video James! I’ve had my Kamado Joe classic for nearly 10 years and have since added multiple accessories and a Joe Jr. When I decided to go with team red, it was all the different accessories and “all in one” package that they offered. I have zero regrets on my decision and hope to keep adding to my collection (really need to get that Big Joe next😅). You hit the nail on the head when you said that the consumer base/industry all benefit when companies are “pushing the envelope” and trying new things, but it’s also guys like you who come out with your own ideas on how to push these grills to their limits and share with the rest of us. I love your videos and always look forward to what you have in store next😊.
James, thank you so much for this video! I’ve been talking back and forth with Al about a KJ over a BGE! Especially after he lost that competition against you and started using and loving the KJ!
Tnx for the video. As a Dutchie i like your straight forward explaining even when i'm om my vacation in sunny Mallorca 🌞. Ceep up the good work 👍🏻. And sorry for my bad English.😊
I bought my Big Joe 5 years ago. Beforehand I asked a few friends that owned BGE what they would do different. They all said they would buy bigger and all said they should’ve gone KJ. Best move I’ve ever made.
Bought a Big Joe package for $2K a year ago…it’s been an awesome upgrade to the Vision I had and have smoked 4 racks of BBBack ribs with 4 #s of sausage at the same time. Only issue is when it’s time to move to a new place the whole thing will need to be disassembled and packed separately since it weighs more than 400 #s.
Maybe silly question, but why do I never hear about Primo? I choose the oval xl because apart from the standard direct or indirect heat in my case it is almost permanently set up in two zones due the the size and the oval shape. Added kick ash basket and can. Added a custom made rotisserie. What's not to like?
The price on that BGE rotisserie is criminal. They have just rebadged an existing product. Looks just like my non branded Kamado rotisserie that cost £150 through eBay. Even down to the identical motor
James, I am sitting back and looking to pull the trigger on a Kamado. The only thing that BGE has that interests me, for my use is their medium unit. But I think the Joe Jr. is such a better deal. Your channel is excellent and thanks for the time and dedication you take to produce it. EXCELLENT.
I currently own a large BGE that I bought about 9 years ago. When people ask me if I like it I say yes but always tell them to buy a KJ instead now. Honestly the gasket and hinge system alone are enough to sway me. I haven’t been able to justify a full switch myself yet as my grill still work, but damned if I wasn’t seriously considering it the other day when struggling to get the damn kid aligned after another gasket change
I wish kamado Joe had more accessories for the Joe Jr. If you haven't already done a video on after market Jr. Accessories I'd be interested in watching one.
"The inconvenient truth" for Big Green Egg 😂. Great video and honest comparison James. Back to the drawing table for more innovation BGE. Big fan of my Kamado Joe Classic 3 with all the options ✔.
I bought the BGE because the only way I could get KJ was ordering it. I want to look at something that cost 1500 before I buy it. Bonus my local True Value delivered an assembled egg and placed it where I wanted.
@@richo2677the Joe tisserie sits kind more aroundaround the gasket. I don’t think it’s needed. The Do Joe is thin and sits in the middle of the gasket.
Thanks for finally putting a comprehensive compatibility video together! The price comparison breakdown really hit it home. I'll be sticking with my BGE as I already have most everything I need, but it's almost impossible to justify a new BGE over a KJ. One really cool feature about both BGE and KJ, is that they sell just about any replacement part a person could ever need meaning I'll probably never own a KJ. Really excited to see what cooks you have planned for this fall and the holidays! Mmmmmm, chili.
BGE attracts a certain sort of BBQer . . . there are some in my circle and the sun rises and sets with that brand. But thanks to fair and balanced info from your channel and others, I made the right choice with the KJ and have never regretted it. You've explained it quite well in your video and keep up the good work! :)
I, for one am glad for the BGE loyalists...that allowed me to snag a Kamado Joe Classic 2 with a JJGeorge Table and all accessories including a electronic fire starter/pizza stone for 600.00. When I asked the guy why he was selling so low he showed me his garage and it had three BGE sitting in there and said he liked that brand better and was just giving team red a shot but couldn't get the tempts high enough with the KJ. Got me a steal of a deal if I do say so myself. This was 3 yrs ago and I've been enjoying ever since! Recently picked up a Jotesserie and also loving it! #TeamRed
My Monolith Rotisserie is battery powered. Couldn’t agree more on its convenience over a wired unit. Never had a problem with torque on the turning motor.
Man, that last minute of the video is 1000% spot on. I’d hate to be the BGE marketing person that has to report on this video lol well done sir, well done!
Ouch! I can guarantee knowing what BGE's marketing person said when they saw this. One word comes to mind. This is typical James: Thorough and very professionally done. Thank you.
Good video! I have a large BGE but follow your channel because of your great videos. Have you tried a comparison between using the Joetisserie and the wire rack for chicken shown in the Ray Lampe video? I’m curious about how those would compare. By the way, I do have a Joetisserie on my BGE. Would love to hear more about the slo-roller. Love your videos!
Very strong take on this video. I think many Eggheads will have issues with this video. As a KJ owner, I went that route because I always saw KJ as innovative. I can always trust that KJ will release new products and keep pushing the envelope despite how thin my wallet gets. While I’m not interested in the Pellet and Konnected Joe, I like that they continue to make new products. Just a matter of time before they release something new that I’ll run out and buy. Also, I’m still shocked BGE hasn’t released a new hinge system after seeing the air lift hinge. That was the item that swayed me the most to Team Red. Thanks for the video!
I finally bought a Joetisseie for my big green egg (I could not find a BGE one for sale actually) and as for chicken the only thing so far I have used it for: I am going to have to agree with the original premise of BGE that it isn't needed. I did not see a better outcome in flavor or tenderness at all. It is actually easier to use the ceramic cone or just put the chicken on indirect grill or in a cast iron pan. It saves the hassle of putting that chicken on the spit and taking it off the spit and cleaning the spit. I even thought using the ceramic cone with a liquid made the chicken juicier and more flavorful. But I haven't used the Joetisserie for anything else yet as a rib roast or ribs. So we shall wait for judgement on that. In the mean time my chickens will go on my ceramic cone. I like to put the ceramic cone in a cast iron pan and add vegetables around the base or just put the chicken too in the cast iron pan without the ceramic cone then add the vegetables. Any way these chickens may take a little more time than store bought but they are better in my opinion.
I have a medium size BGE for about 20 years and also a KJ classic for the last 7 years with all additions, Joetisserie, Doe-joe, etc. I am currently using more the Kj more related to size but I believe my pork ribs were better in the BGE.
I wanted to get a BGE for my first Komado grill. BGE charges for everything extra. Price was my first concern. Second was quality. After pricing many different brands, I went with a Grilla Grills for $800 with everything coming as part of the total package. I did not have to pay for a stand and shevles like BGE charges. Joe's being at the other end price wise, A classic Joe would of been $400 dollars more. The only downside is that Grilla don't have many extra features like Kamado Joe and BGE... Thanks for another nice video..
Thanks for the interesting video! We enjoy our KJ even better thanks to your tips and info. There is only one thing I don’t like about the KJ and that’s the rather cheap looking handle of plastic. Do you think they wil ever replace it?
You tell it James! Great comparison. I'm with team red, hands down. If I already had a BGE, I would still keep it and use it. It's still a good product. They'll probably take the "just another gimmick" video down now.
Pretty sure the BGE Social Media Manager watches this video tomorrow morning, digs up your email, and clicks Block Sender. I'd take that as a badge of honor.🤣
James, thanks so much for all the awesome content. Love your complete honesty on your reviews. I am in the hunt for a Classic 2 Komado Joe and would like to know what are your recommendations on accessories for a new user (what do I need to get started). I thought I saw those recommendations in a previous video of yours but I cant seem to find it now. Thanks so much for all the help and support. V/R Shane
My friend uses a monolith battery powered rotesserie on his classic 2. It's got a skewer option which spins 7 skewers if you want it. It's better than my KJ one i think for those reasons.
Love that BGE video clip. I believe BGE still believes in that video and the lack or R&D on these accessories supports that. It's almost like they broght these to market just to be able to say "Oh, we have that too..." Thanks for the vid James.
thank you for the video, in the US I have not been able to find BGE rotisserie at any of my retailers near me or online and they say it is not available from the BGE company anytime soon. . I am planning to buy the joetiserie for my large BGE. I have the BGE pizza wedge and would like a door to cover the front of it to avoid the heat escape. I am going to make one myself with steel plate and welder. Thanks for your great videos.
Off topic for this video but just wanted to say, I just got a Akorn Jr to take to my cottage, I have a gen 1 classic KJ and love it, I have also ordered the seal to make it better . Thank you, as a fellow Canadian I love your channel
I’ve owned my large BGE for 10 years now and it’s dressed up with KJ accessories. Sad but true BGE just misses the marks on any real innovation. If I was to purchase another Kamado it would be KJ for sure. Great videos James! 🇨🇦
400 for a rotisserie? That’s the cost of a Weber smoky mountain. You are correct it is the suv of the bbq world but the cost is just ridiculous for all the Komodo ovens
@@SmokingDadBBQ hmmm that’s a bummer. In Belgium were I live and in the Netherlands the bastard is the nr one seller before KJ and BGE. Maybe in the future they plan to distribute in USA. 🤞🏻
James, have you heard of the blaze all metal Kamado, every part is stainless steel, it will last forever, never break, no gasket, and can smoke at 220 degrees or go to 1100 degrees to sear a steak, what do you think about that, I'd like to know your thoughts, James Kemper
Great video James. I just recently bought a Kamado Joe instead of a Big Green Egg for many of the reasons covered in this video. I'm pretty sure I chose the better kamado.
I am going to be completely honest here. This video right here is the best diss video I have seen in decades! This is up there when Nas dissed Jay-Z on the Ether track.
@@SmokingDadBBQ As far as I know only the Masterbuilt Portable has an option the work with batteries. For camping it would be nice more Manufacturers offer a similar option. But probably due to all the regulations and requirements it would be very difficult for a Manufacturer to make this. I like the idea of a battery operated rotisserie motor.
I just ordered a Big Joe series II, and I'll get around to get the slow roller. The Green Egg was an upgrade for me at the time., but it's a nickel and dime operation for accessories. I'm moving on with #teanred.
I believe the reason for the BGE rotisserie is purely a money thing. It's made in China and barely cost them anything to get manufactured. BGE make a good profit margin off it but the dealers make quite a bit also. Back before Covid an Eggspander was selling for $169-179. A somewhat local dealer was getting rid of all the BGE accessories at cost. Selling price was $49. That type of profit margin is what keeps the egg dealers in business.
Just because they made a new accessory it doesn’t mean it is needed. You don’t need the new and shiny stuff. BGE didn’t take it down because the video was true.
If the build quality on the accessories is like the BGE itself then they won’t last long. I cooked on a cpl of BGE at an event recently and couldn’t believe how bad they were. It’s really not a super premium product IMO. Made me appreciate my KJ even more
hi, please share your setup. im just got BJ1 and trying to determine if it will fit in the bge XL table. did you have to use additional pavers to get it to fit?
Yes my mic died. I am away on vacation so it was either record edit and publish or miss most of august with no videos. Will have it sorted when I am back and doing fresh recording
James - EXCELLENT-a-MUNDO. Been waiting for you to make this video. As usual you have struck the right chords and your comparison is MUCH more in depth than many may realize. You cover so much ground in this video. WOW - do you rehearse or is this winging it? I remain as impressed as ever. But with my current investment in BGE, it's hard to reboot. But brilliant job James. Love your content.
Love your work/content, interesting options/mods. But OMG, what’s with their prices ( both of them)! My 24” Pit Boss Kamado cost me $400.00 (now about $750.00) and a pizza steel can be had for $50.00 (practice with managing the air intake & outlet will allow you to get the bottom of the crust/ top to finish the way you want at the same time on ANY Kamado grill).
I own an XL big green egg and they don’t even sell the pizza wedge for that size. These days I usually tell people to take a decent look at Kamado joe products, but I doubt I’d be able to taste the flavor differences myself.
Hello James, I am new to the channel and am trying to decided which kamado to get. Green or red? I am nearly convinced that the Joe is the one, but living in Florida, and being a guy who has to look and touch a purchase this big. I am having trouble finding a place that actually has one to look at? The web site is unhelpful and has sent me on wild goose chases with the wrong information. I guess I am contacting you to see if you have a contact that might work for me, please HELP before go green... By the way the green egg is super easy to find here in Florida Ace hardware is in every town and grill shops will come and set up that heavy beast for me which is attractive to me at 64 years old.
It is absolute garbage b/c it doesn't work all the time. There is little to no support, frequent brick events, and now the app has disappeared so it is 100% a very expensive brick. Just say no. There are other alternatives out there and I believe @smokingdadbbq is going to do a comparison in a future video. It is the one thing that Kamado Joe has released that I have found to be junk. Very disappointing.
Are these really unbiased reviews? How many free eggs and how many free joes have you gotten. I personally have no skin in the game as own neither. All the same, your points are very valid...but still..
Well I am sure we all have a bias. I owned 4 eggs, 2 I bought, one my wife gave to me for Father’s Day and the 4th a forum member was giving away. I have bought two classics and one big joe. I have received and given away pre production test units of the konnected joe, pellet joe and kettle joe. I bought the products for this review (at a discount from the bbq store) and do my best to recognize potential bias and give as fair and unbiased feedback as possible. BGE is the one saying you don’t need a rotisserie, then makes one that has more limitations, costs more and doesn’t have some new features I’d love like battery for cable free operation
