🔥 What Is a Kamado-Style Grill?

Before we get into comparisons, let’s define what a kamado-style grill is.

Kamado grills are ceramic, egg-shaped grills with ancient roots tracing back to Asia. Their design excels at retaining heat, making them ideal for grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting. Because of their ceramic construction, they’re incredibly efficient with fuel and deliver exceptional results for both low-and-slow cooking and high-heat searing.

🟢 Big Green Egg: The Original & Most Recognized

Best for: Community lovers, classic kamado cooking, and consistent results

The Big Green Egg has been around for over 40 years and is the most recognizable name in kamado grills. Beyond quality construction and reliable performance, the Egg offers something unique—community.

Highlights:

• Large, passionate community with events like Eggfests and Oktoberfest
• Tons of online support groups and forums
• Wide selection of accessories (sold separately)
• Simple design with traditional airflow control

If you’re the kind of person who loves sharing tips, connecting with other grillers, and getting involved in a passionate cooking community, the Big Green Egg is a fantastic fit.

Learn more about the limited lifetime warranty for the Big Green Egg at their website. Keep in mind that the limited lifetime warranty is for original owners so if you buy one on FB marketplace, the warranty will be voided for you. Check out my article “Is The Big Green Egg Worth It” to learn how to get deals on an Big Green Egg.

And, if you are ready to become an “egghead” and purchase a Big Green Egg, check out my Big Green Egg series that will show you how to use your Big Green Egg like a pro. This series includes how to control temp on your Egg, the best charcoal for your egg, and over 100 recipes for the Big Green Egg to help you get started! 💪

🔴 Kamado Joe: Modern Features & High-Tech Innovation

Best for: Tech-savvy grillers and those who love accessories and upgrades

Kamado Joe is newer to the market but has quickly earned a name for itself with cutting-edge features and striking red designs. A major milestone was its acquisition by Masterbuilt and an investment group, resulting in innovation like the Connected Joe—a Wi-Fi enabled kamado grill with a digital controller.

Highlights:

• Modern designs and features
• Smart grill technology (Connected Joe)
• Wide variety of included accessories
• Excellent heat retention and airflow

If you’re a detail-oriented cook who likes to monitor temps from your phone, Kamado Joe may be your perfect match. Just note: while the accessories are exciting, you may not get the same level of community or support as with BGE.

You can learn about the warranty on the Kamado Joe here. As with most Kamado style grills, the ceramic parts have a different warranty than other parts on the grill.

⚫ Primo Ceramic Grills: Oval Shape for Ultimate Versatility

Best for: Multi-zone cooks and grilling purists who want more flexibility out of the box

The Primo grill stands out for its unique oval shape. Unlike round kamado grills that require accessories to create cooking zones, Primo allows for direct and indirect cooking at the same time, straight out of the box.

Highlights:

• Oval shape enables multi-zone cooking
• Fewer accessories required for versatility
• Solid ceramic construction
• Made in the USA

This feature makes Primo especially appealing for those who love to grill and smoke at once, without needing to purchase extra gear.

Learn more about the Primo Grill warranty, the only Kamado style grill made in the USA, here.

🥩 Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe and Primo - Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown based on cooking style and preferences:

Final Thoughts:

• If you value community and tradition, go with the Big Green Egg.
• If you want innovation and smart features, try the Kamado Joe Connected.
• If you prioritize versatility and multi-zone cooking, the Primo Oval is an excellent choice.