Ceramic style cookers flavor profile vrs stick burner.

[mowin]

So, I've got a chance to purchase a Kamando Joe XL brand new in the box, for half the cost, but no warranty.

I've read countless threads. Some great others not so great about flavor profile.

Some that have and love the traditional stick burner, say the flavor is "off" due to the main fuel sorce is charcoal. But wait, isn't charcoal chared wood???.

Others that love and use ceramics, say it's the best flavor profile...

I'd hate To shell out $600 bucks for something I'm not going to like.

So those that have both, which do you prefer? Would you do a brisket on the stick burner before the ceramic, but use the ceramic first for different cooks?

Not looking for a hot, searing, grilling rig.

I currently own a GMG pellet grill, a 250 gal reverse flow stick burner, and a propane vertical.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Man if you could get the KJ for $600 I’d pull the trigger for sure. You already have a nice Arsenal there and you get a lot of versatility with the ceramic. Can do pizza, low and slow smoke, hot seat, etc... I don’t own one but I wish I did. Especially for that price. I’ve got several family members with green eggs and they rave constantly about them. Worse case scenario you hate it and can pop it on Craigslist for more than you paid for it

 

[hardcookin]

I think it's hard to beat the flavor profile of a stick burner. My stick burner is my favorite.
I do own a Kamado and they are pretty versatile. I do apple pies in mine and use it for smaller smokes. Cold doesn't really effect them to much. I burn lump charcoal and wood chunks in my Kamado.

 

[noboundaries]

You're in upstate NY, so basically you'd have a well-insulated WSM, which would be perfect for your area.

My kids eat at a stick-burner BBQ restaurant all the time, but DEMAND I bring them my WSM BBQ whenever I go visit. If anyone is getting off flavors with a charcoal rig, they're making a mistake; using the wrong charcoal, loading meat too early, prepping their fire wrong, etc. Every type of smoker has its own technique sweet spot for great flavor. Folks are quick to blame the rig when the issue probably lies elsewhere.

Given your experience, I'd buy that baby in a heartbeat.

 

[retfr8flyr]

At that price I would jump on it. It's hard to beat a Kamado Joe for great food and versatility.