Finding a deal on a "Big Green Egg" ceramic grill

VenusDeMilo on 09/10/2020 - 15:05

After watching the American Barbecue showdown on Netflix I'm inspired and in the market to buy a ceramic egg cooker.

The big green egg units appeal to me more than the Kamado Joes as the KJ's appear to now only be available in a red colour with older models in black.

Love the look of the green egg's and from research appear to be near identical in performance with some people liking one or the other as a matter of personal preference.

Have seen that KJ's are sold via BBQ's Galore and have had either 20% or 30% off sales.

Can't seem to see a single listing on OZB for a historical deal for the Green Egg's.

Has anyone had any luck in getting one below RRP?

in Vic can see that the following retailers stock them:
- BBQS Plus
- Woodpecker
- Outdoor elegance

might just be a case of keeping an eye on sales for those retailers.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • macfudd on 09/10/2020 - 15:49
    +1

    That's probably the only way, I watched prices of BGE's and KJ's (and a few other variations) for nearly 6 months in early 2019 while I tried to figure out which one to get and don't remember seeing any BGE promotions in that time. You might have some luck trying to negotiate a price directly in the store?

    Something to think about - look into the Dragon model from BBQ Galore or the Akorn from Bunnings. I ended up getting the Akorn myself, everything I read online seemed to suggest that they all perform almost exactly the same. With a smartfire grill (a fan & app accessory that maintains temps for you- fantastic for cooking overnight) I've run mine for 18 hours without needing to top up the charcoal. Not saying that's better or worse than the ceramic versions but it's more than good enough for my purposes.

    Can also recommend a Costco membership to go with it - they do great Boston Butts for pulled pork and fantastic Briskets. Whatever egg-bbq you get, you'll want it to be at least 50cm across, anything smaller and you'll struggle to fit a full brisket.

    • SBOB on 09/10/2020 - 19:18

      +1 on the smartfire.. I rate is as my best tech purchase in my entire life ;)

  • Adredocto on 09/10/2020 - 16:28

    No suggestions on the smoker but I watched the show too. Put it on as a time waster but ended up a little addicted 😆

  • JimB on 09/10/2020 - 17:50

    I'm also looking for one.. but the price!

    Also considering the Pit Boss Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill BBQ- 22inches so between the Kamado Big Joe and the Classic.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/pit-boss-ceramic-kamado-charcoal…

  • SBOB on 09/10/2020 - 19:17

    Green eggs rarely get a discount, plus there's plenty of accessories not included that are somewhat worth getting.

    Kamado joe gives you more for the money in the premium range, or look at some of the ~1k options like the Costco, Bunnings or BBQs galore ceramic options.
    They all cook essentially the same and you're paying for the quality, included accessories and/or warranty

    Having deflector plates, the ability to do split zone (ie Kamado joe divide and conquer) are bare minimum for me, and things like being able to get a rotisserie (ie joetisserie for Kamado joe) are definitely good add-ons

    (I have a Kamado joe classic)

  • salmon123 on 09/10/2020 - 19:21

    Have seen that KJ's are sold via BBQ's Galore and have had either 20% or 30% off sales.

    Also keep an eye out for discounted gift cards - I believe woolworths have had bbq galore on sale. They're also included in the "ultimate" gift cards, which go on sale all the time.

  • Niko123456 on 09/10/2020 - 22:42

    Big Green Egg is a steel unit.

    Ceramic is same, but different.

    Steel doesn't crack.
    Ceramic doesn't rust.

    Same same, subtle but different.

    I would personally get a steel Akorn from Bunnings (easy to source spare parts from the special order catalogue, ridiculously affordable, lots of compatible accessories), or a KJ if I was feeling premium. Probably wouldn't get a BGE.. Primo is interesting for the size and furnished aspect.

    Either way, a kamodo is THE best cooker to have, by far. You really can't go wrong.

    • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 07:50

      The big Green egg isn't steel….it's a ceramic in the same way as a Kamado joe, primo, etc etc

      • Niko123456 on 10/10/2020 - 09:51
        -1

        Oh well, haha, there you go. I think I've always just assumed for some reason. Well, in that case they're definitely not worth the money.

        • VenusDeMilo on 10/10/2020 - 10:48

          You just said the Kamado is the is the best cooker to have and can’t go wrong.

          BGE is basically identical just different brand / colours

          But you’re saying it’s definitely not worth the money?

        • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 12:35

          Ceramics, especially those that come with a lifetime warranty like the BGE and Kamado Joe, are definitely worth the premium for some over the basic steel Akorn style.

          They have better heat retention than a steel kamado, wont ever rust out.
          Ceramics can crack, but thats why one with a lifetime warranty on the ceramics can be worth the premium

          Ive had my KJ for over 3 years now, zero regrets, and if I ever have issues with the ceramics, apart from a likely annoying wait time, Im sure BBQs Galore/KJ will replace

          • VenusDeMilo on 10/10/2020 - 16:36

            @SBOB: Do you have your KJ in addition to a gas BBQ or as your standalone outdoor cooking device?

            • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 16:42

              @VenusDeMilo: I have a Weber Mini Q for quick small cooks (eg couple of quick sausages for a rush dinner), but could easily live with a KJ alone if need be

              • VenusDeMilo on 10/10/2020 - 17:35

                @SBOB: Yep that sounds like a good set up, babyQ for when you just need to cook a few quick snags!

                If you didn’t have the babyQ and want to quickly grill something on the KJ roughly how long would it take to light and get to suitable temp for grilling?

                (Sorry for all the questions, just really curious)

                • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 17:51

                  @VenusDeMilo: Depends on charcoal starting options. I use a Ozito charcoal starter which gets the charcoal started in a few mins… Then leave if with vents fully open while you prep other stuff..

                  Probably 20-30mins to get to a decent grilling temp

  • [Deactivated] on 10/10/2020 - 15:31

    Why not Primo?

    Made in the USA, plenty of accessories and forum support and doesn't have obvious flaws.

    The BGE and KJ are good too but the BGE is pretty dated and basic, the KJ has the air cap that rusts badly.

    • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 15:50

      the KJ has the air cap that rusts badly.

      current series is cast aluminium… so, doesnt rust
      But does have common paintwork issues so you will likely have some flacking/peeling over time that you can just scrape off
      Tempted to strip mine back to plain aluminium one day.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/10/2020 - 15:53

        You should. It's not a big project. Just need some paint solvent and a sand blaster.

        (I don't think bare aluminium looks good against red though.)

        • SBOB on 10/10/2020 - 16:28

          looks better than chipped/flaking black paint ;)
          the sand blaster is the challenging bit

          I have two top caps as my first flaked really badly.

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