Considering a Kamado Junior

BlackGun

BlackGun

Pimpin Ain’t Easy
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Thinking of buying a Kamado Junior to see if I like using lump charcoal. I had been thinking about a full size 18” but with no kids in the house I will most likely start small. I have a Pit Boss I am loving and it does sear well.

I bought another cheap gas grill but it has been a disaster. When grease leaks down it flares huge and puts off a disgusting smoke which ruins the taste of meat.

I would like to know if anyone has started with a small footprint and how it worked out. Being small can you control the heat? If you cook burgers does it flame?
 
I've had a Kamado Joe Big Joe for about 4 years now. I love it. A buddy of mine has one as well, very pleased. With that being said, I'm not sure I'm much help. I haven't ever seen or cooked on a Junior.
 
The large sized Eggs and Joe’s seem to be the best value. And there is usually more accessories available for them too. The little ones are pretty pricey for a small footprint. Cook big stuff and vacuum pack it for later. We save lots of stuff and use it later for fajitas, tacos or whatever we feel like that night.
 
our neighbors have one.
we use our old Weber.

"I would like to know if anyone has started with a small footprint and how it worked out. "
small is better if you want to cook small.
it does not take as long to come to temp.
and, of course, it is smaller and lighter.

"Being small can you control the heat?"
yes.

"If you cook burgers does it flame?"
when opened.

our take:
even though it is smaller it still takes a long time (to us) to be ready to cook.
once you "get the hang of it", it is almost a "set it and forget it" type.
and, the ones we have seen are too expensive for us.

also....
we agree.
gas is a disaster.
that is another thread.
 
I have one. Its gets less use than my BGE large. I really thought I would use it more than I do. My small one now stays at work for the far to few lunches we cook.
 
Get a chargriller Akorn. only $300 and cooks just like the kamado grills. If you end up liking it you can move on to a BGE or KJ or Primo.

In my opinion the junior size doesn't offer the value of a full size.
 
papa_smurf said:
Get a chargriller Akorn. only $300 and cooks just like the kamado grills. If you end up liking it you can move on to a BGE or KJ or Primo.

In my opinion the junior size doesn't offer the value of a full size.
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A much better buy than the rust wagon that is the akorn is to snag and actual ceramic model from Sam's or costco at the end of grilling season. I know many folks with the akorns and all of them rust out after a few short years.
 
DrDover said:
A much better buy than the rust wagon that is the akorn is to snag and actual ceramic model from Sam's or costco at the end of grilling season. I know many folks with the akorns and all of them rust out after a few short years.
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An Akorn was my first Kamado style grill and I bought it 7 years ago. I still have it up at our cabin in Boone. I haven't had any issues with rust as long as you keep it relatively clean and covered. Water getting down in the ash pan is bad for any charcoal grill and will cause it to rust quickly.
 
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