As the two most popular brands of kamado grills, Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg draw a lot of comparisons. The first and best-known ceramic grill on the market, Big Green Egg is almost single-handedly responsible for the booming popularity of kamado grills. However, Kamado Joe has gained a large following with it’s all-inclusive accessory packages that offer everything you need at one price. So, how do the two stack up?
Both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg make high-quality grills in similar sizes. However, what’s included with those grills is quite different. Below, we’ve created a side-by-side comparison to illustrate what you get with a Kamado Joe Classic™ and Big Joe™ versus a Big Green Egg Large and Extra Large, as well as the final cost to buy a comparable package from each brand. Without question, Kamado Joe represents the better value, giving you more for your money.
Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg: Stainless Steel Upgrades
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Because many people like to incorporate their kamado grill into an outdoor kitchen, Kamado Joe offers an upgraded Stand-Alone model with attractive stainless steel features. You still get many of the same great accessories, such as the deflector plate, slide-out ash drawer, ash tool, and grate gripper, but the Kamado Joe Classic Stand-Alone and Big Joe Stand-Alone also include:
- Stainless steel bands
- Stainless steel hinge
- Stainless steel upper vent
- Stainless steel handle
- Stainless steel cooking grate
If you want to upgrade a Big Green Egg with stainless steel features, you’re out of luck. Other than the cooking grate, Big Green Egg doesn’t offer stainless steel options.
Purchasing and Shipping: Kamado Joe vs. Big Green Egg
Work, family, friends—your schedule is tight and your time is valuable. Your on-the-go life doesn’t allow for a lot of free time. Yet, if you want a Big Green Egg, you have to go to one of a select few stores in your area to buy it. You cannot order online. Once you purchase your Big Green Egg, you have 2 choices: lift a 200 pound ceramic grill in and out of your vehicle or cross your fingers and hope your store is one of the few that offer delivery (for a fee or otherwise).
Kamado Joe is available online at Amazon.com, 7 days a week, anytime of day. There’s no need to rush to the store after work or sacrifice valuable hours on the weekend. You can shop from the comfort of your living room at night or while sipping coffee on Sunday morning. And because Amazon offers free delivery, you don’t have to worry about loading or unloading your Kamado Joe or paying more to get it to your house.
Big Green Egg® is a registered trademark of The Big Green Egg Company.
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Last Updated on September 28, 2019 by Judith Fertig
Kenny Minor says
This is a lame comparison. Only a few BGE dealers? FALSE. Only a few BGE dealers that offer delivery and setup? FALSE. KJ is better because they are sold through Amazon? I thought I had heard them all. Stainless bands not an option on a BGE? There is a reason for that. Stainless contracts and expands at a higher rate which is why they have never been offered on the BGE. 44 year old recipe with a lifetime warranty but you should order the KJ because you are too busy and can have it shipped to your door in 2 days. That’s more important than quality of product (ceramics) or warranty handled at local dealer vs factory direct? Do your own homework folks. Plenty of these lame comparisons. The KJ is cheaper. It should be. It’ is made in China for that reason, period.
Andy Webster says
Ahhhh, let me guess you own a BGE? BTW, BGE is made in Mexico,…soooooo.
Cleetus Hogg says
Big Green Eggs are made in Mexico….. so if that is the argument you should love Primo.
Anthony S. says
I own a BIG KJ but the comparison is not really applicable. They both do the job. They are versatile and look really nice. I think the people at KJ are more innovative and are willing to try new ideas. BGE just innovate come up with new stuff. Improve.