Thinking about bge

century7

Been thinking about dropping the money for a bge lately. I know most will say they are worth it but I was wondering about alternatives that might be more affordable but get the same results




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lakeman

If you are not going to move for a few years or more, a BGE or other Komodo grills are great. But they are heavy, especially the bigger one and you almost need a designated cooking area for them.
I own a Akorn $300 +- depends on where you buy it. It is light weight, easily movable which is a PLUS. Is it as good as a BGE or other, yes, no, maybe. There are sight differences in performance, amateurs like me, maybe, will notice but there is a slight difference in performance and other convinces.
I have done pork butts, turkeys. chickens etc. ALL were great(fabulous), so yes they do the job and you can buy about 5 of them for one BGE.

century7

thanks, i will have to take a look at the Akron. Does it cook like a BGE or do you use a different tecqnique

Bluewaterfever

I have an Acorn an love it. Could of gotten a BGE but decided on the Acorn. From what I understand it is the same principle as an BGE. It uses real wood charcoal, dampers to control the heat and you have many options of cooking.
I did my first pizza on the grill a few weeks back and it was AWESOME. Lots of fun experimenting with different food stuff.

lakeman

I have owned the Akorn for 3 years and it still looks good, a little rust around the edges, mine is all metal, but apparently no major rust that I can see. It will not last as long as the ceramic but who cares after 6 0r 7 years. I did buy the cover for it, but it is not really good quality. The cooking grate is cast iron and a strange size and you have to, right now, buy a replacement from the company if it breaks. I can see where some one will build a SS version for it sooner or later.
Yes it does cook like a real BGE type.

century7

thanks for all the info. I am looking now for one

[email protected] Special

I just put an Akorn in the garbage. It rusted out and fell apart in 18 months.

You have to stick with the ceramic ones.

aqua-holic

I got a Primo XL Oval about 5-6 years ago and it was one of the best purchases i ever made. Yeah there's the initial cost and accessories, but you if u take care of it, youre good for 25+ yrs. Oh, i got the DigiQ DX2 4 months ago. If u get a bge or primo look at one of these from bbqguru.com

Bottomfinder#1

I have a Large BGE and love it. 2 years strong.

swamprat47

Once you get a BGE or primo you are set for life. And like Aqua-holic said, look into the DigiQ. I couldn't be happier.

reel stamas

Sam's has a BGE 'clone' for ~1/2 of BGE/Primo Retail. Is is 'as good' ? Probably not... Is it ~1/2 'as good' ? Maybe... Might be worth a look...
I got lucky & found a Primo for ~30% off MSRP (still Pricey) from a Dealer getting out of Grills & it's a great grill...

century7

thanks, for the updates. I am still looking for one. Just got sidetracked with other projects

Sixth Generation

I purchased a large BGE a couple years ago. I also have a Weber gas grill on the back porch. I have not used the Weber since getting the egg. I love it. I use the BGE charcoal and have moved to pecan wood for smoke lately. Google the spatchcock chicken recipe. I put it on at 375 for an hour and 15 minutes and they are perfect. Everything including chocolate chip cookies are awesome on the egg.

aqua-holic

I bought a Primo XL Oval couple years ago and it was the best purchase ever for me. Did alot of research between bge and primo. For me the Primo was more user friendly. The grate is at gasket level so u dont have to always angle down with the spatchula, it ovel so more usable cooking space etc.
Pony up the money for the accessories and a instant read thermometer ( thermo pop works for me).
Lastly, for lighting the lump, you can use yellow bottle Mapp gas with a trigger handle and put the tip under the lump a inch or 2, so there's no sparks flying back. Been on the same bottle for 3 yrs now ( 200 + lights now).

aqua-holic

Forgot some pics.

buddy d

12 years with the bge
in that time purchased one gasket and two grill grates for the bottom
you'll be the hero in the neighborhood searing steaks at 650, smoking pork at 225
searing chops at 300, grilling mahi mahi and salmon on grill grates

castnet3

I've had a XL BGE for 5 years....would never part with it...there's a learning curve on setting the up the vents but once you get the hang of it...they're a wonderful cooking machine and you'll turn out consistent good BBQ....GL