re: Was gifted a Kamado Joe grill for father's day

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Please provide evidence.

I've heard they are comparable. I've never heard anyone saying it was "better" (also haven't heard anyone saying it wasn't as good). I just got a surprise check in the mail and was waiting until winter, but drove and viewed a few yesterday and may pull the trigger sooner than later. Was leaning cheaper, but the large green egg is right in my wheelhouse and I like the warranty factor. Don't want most of the accessories since I'll be making a table, so the KJ doesn't stand out there since it's the same price if not a little more (just includes accessories). Only thing I want is the plate setter. And that can be had relatively inexpensively.

Sorry to hijack, but truly wondering how the KJ is "much better". Only one I've really heard stand out is the larger oval primo due to size, and I don't need that size, so that's lost on me.

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So i have the 2017 KJ and I think it is better based on price comparison point. I did a bunch of research on the egg vs. KJ vs. Primo. I didn't care for the oval shape so it was really down to the KJ vs. the egg. As far as performance, they are the same. You can smoke and grill the same. So that is a wash. What got me was the price vs. what i was getting with it.
The accessories that you are getting with the KJ you NEED. IT's not like some extras you'll never use. Here is the benefit of the new 2017 KJ over the egg.

Price
- KJ is about $100 - 200 less expensive than the egg.
Accessories
- with that price point, the new KJ's have the nomex/stainless steel oven gaskets as opposed to the felt/neoprene gaskets that need replacing yearly.
- The new KJ's also have a divided fire box, as opposed to the all in one firebox in an egg. There have been reports of the previous fireboxes cracking. Having the firebox divided into sections allows for expansion/contraction and prevents the firebox from cracking.
- The new KJ's also have a spring assist hood, and Eggs do not. This means that you can easily lift the lid and even let it sit slightly open if you needed to do so. Eggs do not have this feature.
- The KJ's include the indirect heat plates, whereas the eggs, you have to buy the plate separate which is easily another $100 if not more.
- New KJ's have a sliding vent cap at the top, as opposed to the old daisy wheel vent cap. Not sure what greater benefit it does, other than look nicer and allow more adjustments.
- This one is minor, but the multi level grate holder is very handy. With that you can cook direct, direct but raised, or throw in the heat deflector for additional options. Don't believe the egg has this feature.

I bought my KJ because my brother in law had an egg and saw how awesome it was. When i went shopper's choice to check them all out, seeing the upgrades on the new KJ is what sold me. The salesman even said he felt bad for selling some the older model KJ's because as soon as the new ones' came in, he saw how much more improved they were.
After using my KJ, i like mine more than his egg. But make sure you buy the 2017 model KJ.