BGE v. Primo

Ok, its been a while since this has been discussed, but I think I’m about to make a purchase. Are there significant differences in the features or design that are pros and cons? I’ve seen the BGE, but never the Primo. I’m probably looking at the “large” for one or the other. Really looking at it for pizzas, ribs and the occasional steak/prime rib.

IIRC the primary difference is the Primo is an oval and the BGE is round. That’s probably a matter of personal preference, but I remember thinking the BGE seemed larger at the price point we were considering. I was surprised to find even the no-brand knockoffs sold at Lowe’s weren’t significantly cheaper than the brand names.

We ended up going with the large BGE but I think you won’t go wrong with either.

I have a X/L Primo going on 5 years.
I choose the Primo over the BGE because you can split the firebox for smaller cooks and open it up full size to roast a baby pig or lamb.
the X/L oval holds a lot of food.

Tom

Keep am eye on Costco. At mine last year they had a ceramic ‘egg’ the same size as the biggest BGE with a base on wheels, dual side tables and several inserts for multiple level cooking. All of this was $650.00. I regret not picking it upand look for it each time I return.

My brother uses a BGE and I really enjoy cooking on it. But when we did the math on what he spent vs the Costco model it was easily 40% more if not 50%.

is this it?

http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11543971/black-pearl-ceramic-kamado-grill-and-smoker-reviews/reviews.htm

I’d be all in for that

that looks kinda small in that pic … looks like the grilling surface at its widest has a diameter not much larger than the plate sitting to its left.

The only design feature differences I know of are round (BGE) vs. oval (Primo), and the Primo’s option to divide the firebox.

Oval might be an advantage for larger items - but I have no problem fitting a 14lb brisket on my large (not XL) BGE.

The divided firebox gives you some ability to do direct and indirect cooking simultaneously - but I have no problem just finishing things in the oven.

I love my BGE, and have never cooked on a Primo, FWIW.

Mel - that’s her.

Hugh BGE fan here. Speaking of : Does anyone in the mid atlantic want to split a palate of charcoal??

don’t forget the Grill Dome.

http://grilldome.com/

Does anyone have the “large” version of the BGE? Can you easily fit ribs on the round grill?

Tom,

I have the standing ‘V’ rack (or flip it over for a roast) and you can fit three racks of ribs on it. Admittedly I haven’t done a ton of ribs, but when I did them I’d just keep flipping them until they started to get too soft to flip.

OK, the pic here shows that you should be able to fit 5 so maybe I remember wrong or have a smaller rack. [wow.gif]

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Primo-Kamado-Ceramic-Grills/dp/B001EF1SHY

I’m just less than a year into ownership of a Large BGE. I can’t comment on how it stacks up against the competitors, but I’ve heard that many compare favorably. I abso-freaking-lutely love mine.

Tom - Space has rarely been a problem. I think I cooked 6 racks of ribs the last time I had a big cook, and I may have had to cut 3 of them in half the make them fit the way I wanted.

Thanks everyone

Another vote for the BGE. My wife got me a large for my birthday about 6 years ago. I drank the kool aid have willingly joined the cult. Size has never been a problem and ribs done right on the BGE will rock your world.