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What are the negatives of ceramic grills?
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:02 pm
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:02 pm
Honest question? I’ve read all the positives of a BGE or Kamodo. But what are the downsides?
This post was edited on 11/13/19 at 9:03 pm
21
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:03 pm to tigerinthebueche
The cost.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:12 pm to tigerinthebueche
No wifi connection to control the temps like a pellet grill.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:16 pm to tigerinthebueche
I have a BGE Large Size. My complaints are as follows:
the surface area of the grill is very small compared to a traditional grill or offset smoker. If I buy a large brisket, it really doesn’t fit very well. It overhangs the plate setter (insert to do indirect heat). Same with racks of ribs. The parts that overhang end up being over direct heat. I’ve figured out work arounds, but it’s not ideal. You also couldn’t do multiple meats at the same time. I can’t do a brisket and 3 racks of ribs like i could with an offset smoker. If you cook for large gatherings regularly, you will get aggravated with this.
It’s really really heavy. If you plan to build your own table and want it to be mobile, you really need to over build the hell out of it and put it on really large, industrial casters. If you need to fix or repaint your table, you’ll need a couple of friends to help you take it out of the table
That said, it cooks a fine meal and it’s pretty versatile. I enjoy cooking on mine. I’ve done everything from brisket to prime rib, seafood to pizza.
the surface area of the grill is very small compared to a traditional grill or offset smoker. If I buy a large brisket, it really doesn’t fit very well. It overhangs the plate setter (insert to do indirect heat). Same with racks of ribs. The parts that overhang end up being over direct heat. I’ve figured out work arounds, but it’s not ideal. You also couldn’t do multiple meats at the same time. I can’t do a brisket and 3 racks of ribs like i could with an offset smoker. If you cook for large gatherings regularly, you will get aggravated with this.
It’s really really heavy. If you plan to build your own table and want it to be mobile, you really need to over build the hell out of it and put it on really large, industrial casters. If you need to fix or repaint your table, you’ll need a couple of friends to help you take it out of the table
That said, it cooks a fine meal and it’s pretty versatile. I enjoy cooking on mine. I’ve done everything from brisket to prime rib, seafood to pizza.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:29 pm to tigerinthebueche
None.
Posted on 11/13/19 at 9:34 pm to tigerinthebueche
Never saw the need for one. No need to cook something for 12 hours. Love my $150 BBQ pit
Posted on 11/13/19 at 10:57 pm to dpd901
quote:
If I buy a large brisket, it really doesn’t fit very well. It overhangs the plate setter
God wants you to grind the overhang with the trimmings for burgers. It's intelligent design. Follow the light.
This post was edited on 11/13/19 at 11:06 pm
Posted on 11/14/19 at 4:36 am to tigerinthebueche
I’ve never owned one, but I don’t see why it’s any better than a Weber grill. It seems like you have the same limitations but it cost more, it’s less durable, and it’s heavier.
Other types give clear advantages.
Pellet grills give you set it and forget it.
Offset give stick burning and capacity.
WSM is a cheap smoker with capacity.
Other types give clear advantages.
Pellet grills give you set it and forget it.
Offset give stick burning and capacity.
WSM is a cheap smoker with capacity.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 6:28 am to cssamerican
My primo can get hotter than any grill you listed and can hold at 225-250 for 12+ hours. It literally does all those things you mentioned in one and will last your entire life. But you can choose to not see the advantages.
This post was edited on 11/14/19 at 6:29 am
Posted on 11/14/19 at 6:33 am to cssamerican
quote:
it’s less durable
Posted on 11/14/19 at 6:35 am to wickowick
quote:
The cost.
I bought one of the Pitboss ceramics from Costco for $600, I've had it for nearly 2 years now with no complaints, cook on it often. I was apprehensive at first but it's served me well, came with the deflector plate too. Not thing id change is I wish the grill was cast iron but for $600 you can't go wrong.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:27 am to tigerinthebueche
I find that I use my large BGE much more for smoking and indirect cooking (butts, wings, whole chickens, turkey, etc) and use my gas grill for easier quicker cooking, (burgers, chicken thighs, breasts, sausages, etc)
The taste is better of course grilling direct on the egg, but again for the amount of food I normally grill, I have to cook in shifts because it all wont fit on the egg. I have a DIY raised grill also, but even with this, you have issues with trying to flip food thats on the bottom. The raised grill is a necessity for wings tho.
The taste is better of course grilling direct on the egg, but again for the amount of food I normally grill, I have to cook in shifts because it all wont fit on the egg. I have a DIY raised grill also, but even with this, you have issues with trying to flip food thats on the bottom. The raised grill is a necessity for wings tho.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:27 am to tigerinthebueche
the cost can be a negative but once you get one you will be using it all the time!
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:34 am to tigerinthebueche
The lack of space is my main dislike. If you're used to a cabinet or barrel style smoker it makes not being able to do multiple large butts, briskets, and several racks of ribs difficult. I still use the hell out of mine and love it.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:40 am to tigerinthebueche
I bought a PrimoXL in 2014 and love it. You asked for negatives, and such a request will require me to nit-pick .. but i will for the sake of your request. My primo gets used several times a week - every week.
In 2015, I thought my thermometer went bad so I called their customer service. They offered to replace it for shipping charge of $18 so I went that route. Before it arrived, they suggested a "reset" of the thermometer that ended up solving the problem. I have an extra thermometer at home now... but I am not upset - their customer service was very attentive.
In 2016, after a couple years of use, I got it so hot it melted the factory felt trim ring around the lid/base - requiring replacement. When i replaced it, I used a thicker/more durable product and it has not happened since - ran me about $20.
In 2018, I was cooking pizzas at a really high temp and the internal ceramic firebox cracked. This is a piece of ceramic that fits inside the grill and keeps the charcoal in place. When I contacted Primo, I learned the replacement part was $350.... and decided not to replace it. It still cooks fine with a cracked firebox - but I suspect it wont get AS hot as it did. Which, honestly, is probably too hot for most folks.
* I built a cinder block/granite table for my Primo... and then decided to move the next year. After building it and "un-building" it and building it again at my new home - its in its permanent resting place. Big negative there... but if I end up moving again, whomever buys my home will get this PrimoXL and Table..... I will be buying another for the next place 'cuz I aint movin that thing again.
* Accessories are expensive. I bought after market Cast Iron Grates & Heat Deflectors... had to have them, IMO - but they arent cheap. FYI: Bull Grill Grate Lifter has been a lifesaver for the heavy grates. It is cheap, too.
Best I could do on finding negatives....but let me be clear: I love it, have one at home & camp (Kamado Joe), and do not forsee ever going without one.
In 2015, I thought my thermometer went bad so I called their customer service. They offered to replace it for shipping charge of $18 so I went that route. Before it arrived, they suggested a "reset" of the thermometer that ended up solving the problem. I have an extra thermometer at home now... but I am not upset - their customer service was very attentive.
In 2016, after a couple years of use, I got it so hot it melted the factory felt trim ring around the lid/base - requiring replacement. When i replaced it, I used a thicker/more durable product and it has not happened since - ran me about $20.
In 2018, I was cooking pizzas at a really high temp and the internal ceramic firebox cracked. This is a piece of ceramic that fits inside the grill and keeps the charcoal in place. When I contacted Primo, I learned the replacement part was $350.... and decided not to replace it. It still cooks fine with a cracked firebox - but I suspect it wont get AS hot as it did. Which, honestly, is probably too hot for most folks.
* I built a cinder block/granite table for my Primo... and then decided to move the next year. After building it and "un-building" it and building it again at my new home - its in its permanent resting place. Big negative there... but if I end up moving again, whomever buys my home will get this PrimoXL and Table..... I will be buying another for the next place 'cuz I aint movin that thing again.
* Accessories are expensive. I bought after market Cast Iron Grates & Heat Deflectors... had to have them, IMO - but they arent cheap. FYI: Bull Grill Grate Lifter has been a lifesaver for the heavy grates. It is cheap, too.
Best I could do on finding negatives....but let me be clear: I love it, have one at home & camp (Kamado Joe), and do not forsee ever going without one.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:50 am to bossflossjr
quote:
at a really high temp and the internal ceramic firebox cracked.
Dang, how high are you talking about here? I'm inexperienced with ceramic grills.
Size of the grill was what always kept me from getting one (and cost of the big one I would want).
Posted on 11/14/19 at 7:53 am to tigerinthebueche
I've had a BGE for 10 years. Grill size is all I can think of. I don't like the skin texture on bbque chicken. But both are products of moisture retention. Work a rounds available. I'll always have a ceramic
Posted on 11/14/19 at 8:07 am to drdoct
I dont know how hot it was, but really hot.... and like that alot. Poet, me.
Posted on 11/14/19 at 8:12 am to bossflossjr
How did you reset thermo and what did you use to replace liner?
I thought firebox was lifetime?
I thought firebox was lifetime?
Posted on 11/14/19 at 8:24 am to Sherman Klump
My apologies on the mis-information. Below is what Primo sent me:
This thread may have gotten me to replace those pieces! lol.
quote:
Thank you for submitting a Warranty Claim for the crack in the inside bowl,
or firebox, of your Primo Oval XL 400 Grill. It is not uncommon to
experience a crack in the firebox. A crack can occur due to the stress
placed on it from the expansion and contraction from repeated heating and
cooling. The two main functions of a Primo firebox are to hold the lump
charcoal and to protect the ceramic grill base from exposure to the high
heat of the lit charcoal (1,500°F+/815°C).
If you would like to proceed with a replacement firebox, we can certainly
get this done for you. As the replacement will be completed under our 20
year warranty for ceramics, you would only be responsible for the shipping
cost. The shipping cost is $50.00 for a delivery to a residential or $35.00
for a delivery to a business address.
From the photos you submitted we can see that your cast iron charcoal grate
is damaged. A cracked or warped grate may possibly damage your new
replacement firebox. The replacement cost of a charcoal grate is $59.00.
The grate can be placed in your firebox and shipped with no additional
shipping charges. Should your new firebox crack due to the usage of a
damaged or cracked grate, the warranty on the replacement would be voided.
Thus the next replacement firebox would be a chargeable item. (2018 MSRP for
a XL firebox is $334.00)
This thread may have gotten me to replace those pieces! lol.
This post was edited on 11/14/19 at 8:30 am
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