Still trying to figure out what I want to do about this kamado business. I would discuss it with my wife but I dont want her knowing how much ill be spending on one of these 😅. Right now I have the options to purchase a new Series 2 Big Joe from a retailer at $1660 out the door. My other option is an unsed Primo 400xl second hand for $1200(maybe $1100). My biggest thing is the warranty and is it even worth the extra $400-$500. Ive heard the Joe fire box is pretty good at not cracking because of the design but ive heard Primo not to much. Which would you choose? Or would you wait it out to see what comes down the pike? Please, help. Im just a random dude looking for some guidance.
by Fast_Try_1252
16 Comments
Hey man, I was in the same boat for many years and I I was leaning towards the Weber kamado summit , I looked in marketplace for years but never found one close enough or cheap enough to justify the drive. I owned a visions Kamado that I purchased from somebody who had not used it similar to the primo in your situation, oh, I’m moving it one day. It developed a small crack on the lid which eventually got bigger and bigger the more I used it, try reaching out to the company but without a receipt it was impossible to get any assistance from them. Given the fragility and price tag I would say having a warranty makes a difference, I mean it could happen on your drive home from hitting a pothole. There’s also a lot more accessories for the kj
Lot more toys to pair with the KJ. If warranty is your thing, buy the new one. Otherwise just watch Facebook marketplace and be willing to drive. I got my BJ2 for $600 and it looked brand new on the inside.
If you decide to go the used route, I’d keep looking. Unless you’re in an area without a decent population. Currently in my area there a series 2 big joe for 800 and a primo xl on a metal cart for $400
I looked at KJ, BGE and Primo. Ultimately went with KJ because there are a ton accessories for KJ and BGE. Not as much for Primo. Primo is made in the US, if that’s important.
Well, knock on wood, I’ve had my Primo for 10 years and no broken firebox yet. I love it. As to which one, what comes with the KJ such as deflector plates, racks, tools you need to smoke and grill? If everything is included that would make for a harder choice. Unless the Primo seller is including racks and deflector plates (and maybe firebox divider) that can get pricey quick; minimum of $250.
have you considered big green egg as an option? Some people complain about the cost of the accessories but I think there are some great alternatives out there that are more accessible…
Look around stores. Call homedepot especially. I got a connected Joe for 800 brand new. Cause it just never sold on the homedepot floor. Idk how. I think cause it was in an awful part of town
For Cyber Monday, I got a Big Joe 1 new from Home Depot for $1250 and got another 10% off with a credit card rewards deal. I put a Smokeware cap on it for $55 and bought the X-ring for $40. I added a kick ash can for $60 and an only fire charcoal basket for $56. It came with the metal shelves even though I thought the 1 came with plastic. I’ve never had an air hinge, but I have no complaints about the more basic hinge even with the Big Joe.
I poured over everything I could find on the internet about KJ vs. BGE and a good bit of research on the Primos as well. I have a Large BGE I bought used, but I found chips in the base and dome when I got it home. It cooks fine, but it wasn’t my forever grill and made me really appreciate having a warranty. I have no regrets whatsoever. The series 1 is a fantastic value.
I’ve had a kamado 3 for 6 years it’s been great I use the thing probably around 4 times a week. The only issue I’ve had is I had to replace the seal because I was using it as a burn barrel one day and it got way too hot and burned the seal off. But other than that it’s been great. I would recommend the kamado however I have never owned a primo I’m sure it’s good too. But you won’t go wrong with big red.
So i can’t comment on Primo as I have no experience. But i have had series 2 for about 3 years. BEST purchase ever. The thing is a tank. Have never had any issues with fire box or any other component. I don’t think you would be disappointed.
Your struggle is with the warranty. ” do i really need to spend those dollars”
Yes, you do.
Most things that come with warranty or warranty options have mechanical failure points. They can even be statistically predicted and that is how the warranty cost is calculated.
This is completely different. There are no moving parts. The base material the kamado is made if is inherently rigid and prone to stress cracks. And now you are going to create a heat/ cold environment that will exacerbate the probability of cracking.
So, you will use the Warrenty. And thats why the manufacturer builds it into the price, up front… hoping you will sell it off second hand before a claim is made.
I have a primo xl and have over 100 cooks on it from low and slow to hot and fast. It’s a beast of a grill. Has held up amazingly and no issues with anything other than deflector plates showed up broken. They replaced them no issues. If I could only have one the rest of my life.. it would be be the primo
I was originally looking at used but a Big Joe 1 on sale plus store credit card discount changed my mind. The extra peace of mind that comes with the warranty is nice, but free delivery right to my door was a pretty big selling point too. If the right used deal had come along I’d have probably gone for it but I wasn’t looking forward to the headache of getting it to my house on my own.
**UPDATE**
Looks like a may be able to utilize the warranty for the Primo too.
I’ve got the BJ3 and a KJR. I love them and like how many different accessories I have for the BJ3. A close friend also has a Vision that he has had for about 10 years and it’s still going strong.
get the joe