Best Kamodo Smoker for the Money

[appalachian q]

I currently use a pellet smoker, a Weber kettle and a mini UDS for my smoking arsenal. I got rid of my gas Weber and am only using wood / charcoal now. I am looking at replacing the kettle and mini UDS as well and want something versatile that will do well in all weather conditions, especially winter. I will keep the pellet grill for convenience and because it puts out some awesome products but want to further experiment with charcoal for not only smoking but grilling and baking. This has lead me to lean toward the ceramic grills. I've been considering the Big Green Egg's, Kamodo Joe's and Vision brands, but will consider any that are good quality and prefer to stay as close to $1000 or under if possible. I will be building a grilling table to put in my covered shed so although it won't get wet it will be exposed to temperature and humidity swings if this makes a difference. With the fact that it will be going to sit on a platform I won't need side tables or a nest / cart. Please give me any recommendations and if possible a brief reason why you prefer one or the other! Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[hardcookin]

I currently use a pellet smoker, a Weber kettle and a mini UDS for my smoking arsenal. I got rid of my gas Weber and am only using wood / charcoal now. I am looking at replacing the kettle and mini UDS as well and want something versatile that will do well in all weather conditions, especially winter. I will keep the pellet grill for convenience and because it puts out some awesome products but want to further experiment with charcoal for not only smoking but grilling and baking. This has lead me to lean toward the ceramic grills. I've been considering the Big Green Egg's, Kamodo Joe's and Vision brands, but will consider any that are good quality and prefer to stay as close to $1000 or under if possible. I will be building a grilling table to put in my covered shed so although it won't get wet it will be exposed to temperature and humidity swings if this makes a difference. With the fact that it will be going to sit on a platform I won't need side tables or a nest / cart. Please give me any recommendations and if possible a brief reason why you prefer one or the other! Thanks a lot for the help!

No answer....but maybe someone will be able to answer it for you.

 

[chef jimmyj]

It may be tough to get an answer. This style of cooker are so expensive that they are often cost prohibitive to have owned one let alone have hands on experience with three different brands.

I would look for durability reviews and the most complete unit. If there is a lot of talk about cracking, I would remove that brand from my list. I also take issue with spending upwards of $1000, then have to by accessories other than maybe a cover...JJ

 

[wlg3]

I currently use a pellet smoker, a Weber kettle and a mini UDS for my smoking arsenal. I got rid of my gas Weber and am only using wood / charcoal now. I am looking at replacing the kettle and mini UDS as well and want something versatile that will do well in all weather conditions, especially winter. I will keep the pellet grill for convenience and because it puts out some awesome products but want to further experiment with charcoal for not only smoking but grilling and baking. This has lead me to lean toward the ceramic grills. I've been considering the Big Green Egg's, Kamodo Joe's and Vision brands, but will consider any that are good quality and prefer to stay as close to $1000 or under if possible. I will be building a grilling table to put in my covered shed so although it won't get wet it will be exposed to temperature and humidity swings if this makes a difference. With the fact that it will be going to sit on a platform I won't need side tables or a nest / cart. Please give me any recommendations and if possible a brief reason why you prefer one or the other! Thanks a lot for the help!

Former WSM 18.5" owner here. I had topped out in using the WSM, which I can't bring myself to get rid of, and looked into a ceramic for many of the reasons you stated above. Friend has a BGE and FIL has a Kamado Joe. Both good units, but I went with the Primo Oval XL. The oval shape gives true 2 zone cooking and puts it over the top
other ceramics out there. I've been extremely pleased with my primo. Excellent customer service and made in the USA. It was expensive, but even my wife sees the value in it now (she took convincing on the purchase. Hah!). Good luck!