Ceremic Grills

Primo Oval IMO.

Briskets, spareribs, etc. without space constraints. Ability to do direct and indirect cooking simultaneously. Tremendous customer service. American made.

If you are set on an 18" round, check out the grill domes.

Primo Oval XL. If your budget is a bit tighter and just want a cooker get the green egg.

Or just buy whichever he can get a better deal on, the BGE or primo

All of the major brands, Primo, BGE, Kamodo Joe, are all pretty good and will services you well. One thing I learned when I bought mine was the advise I got from friends was not that helpful. Everyone thinks their brand is best because no one wants to admit they paid big bucks for a lemon.

The only advise I can give is don't buy a small one if you frequently cook for crowds and conversely, don't buy a big one that uses a lot of charcoal to fire up if it's only for the 2 of you.

I use my Weber gas grill most of the time, no sense firing up the big grill to grill 2 burgers after work, takes time when I'm hungry.

There's a fair amount of bargaining you can do on a primo with the local shops. Not sure if that is the same with the egg. I got the primo oval xl with a stainless steel cart for right at what a large BGE costs in a nest. It was a great deal and it just took some time, phone calls and a bit of luck/good timing.

ETA: with a bernzomatic I can be grilling in 10 minutes.

I've owned both a Large KJ and now have an XL BGE......both have performed very well. All of the big name ceramics will serve you well.

If I was going to spend money on one today I'd look hard at the primo oval XL though just for the shape and divided fire box.

They make firebox dividers for the BGE too. Check out the ceramic grill store website.

I wanted a ceramic grill but didnt want to spend over 1,000 right out of the gate not knowing if i would even like it or not. Bought the vision from SAMs based on the reco from a few buddy's that had them. Spent about 500 bucks plus another 100 or so for some accessories. I put out just as good of a taste and quality as the big names. Since owning mine, 9 of my family members and friends have purchased them. Don't overpay to play.

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