Which Kamado Cooker Should I Buy?
If you’re planning your outdoor kitchen and considering a kamado-style cooker, you're in good company — these ceramic grills are one of the most versatile and rewarding appliances you can invest in. From low-and-slow brisket to wood-fired pizza, they do it all.
But which one should you get?
We get this question all the time from WWOO clients, and while there are plenty of options out there (Blaze, BSTRD, London Sunshine, Char-Griller — just to name a few), the top three we see over and over again are:
Big Green Egg
Kamado Joe
Primo
Let’s break down how they compare, and which one might be right for you.
Big Green Egg: The Iconic Original
What We Love:
Big Green Egg (BGE) is the OG. It’s been around for decades, and for good reason — it’s reliable, durable, and delivers consistently excellent results.
Sizes: Comes in everything from a Mini to the XXL — but the Large is by far the most popular.
Build Quality: Top-notch ceramic, lifetime warranty, and a well-earned reputation for lasting decades.
Accessories: Extensive. There’s an Eggcessory for everything.
What Stands Out: BGE has a loyal community and a tried-and-true design that hasn’t changed much (because it works). It's simple, sturdy, and just plain solid.
Downsides:
You’ll need to purchase many of the accessories separately — even the stand or table. It’s a bit of a build-your-own adventure.
Best For: Traditionalists, slow-and-low fans, and anyone who wants a classic with a strong support network and resale value.
Kamado Joe: The Feature-Packed Innovator
What We Love:
Kamado Joe stepped into the scene and turned heads with innovation — they took what people loved about kamados and added bells, whistles, and smart upgrades.
Sizes: Classic Joe I, II, III, and the Big Joe series.
Build Quality: Also high-end ceramic, plus a heavy-duty cart and divide-and-conquer cooking system included.
Accessories: Many come standard — like the multi-tier grates, ash drawer, and air-lift hinge.
What Stands Out: It's feature-rich. You get a lot out of the box without buying extras.
Downsides:
It’s heavier and more complex than the BGE. If you like simplicity, this one might feel like overkill. And replacement parts can be harder to find locally compared to BGE.
Best For: Gadget lovers, multitaskers, and people who want the most features for the price.
Primo: The American-Made Underdog (with a Unique Shape)
What We Love:
Primo is often the sleeper hit. It’s the only one made in the USA, and it has a unique oval shape that gives it a real edge for two-zone cooking.
Sizes: Oval Junior, Large, XL — the XL Oval is most popular for serious home cooks.
Build Quality: Excellent — heavy, thick ceramics and solid hardware.
Accessories: Well-designed, though more limited than BGE or Kamado Joe.
What Stands Out: The shape. You can cook indirect and direct at the same time, which is harder with round kamados.
Downsides:
Smaller brand = fewer dealers and slightly fewer accessories. It also has a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Best For: Creative cooks who like experimenting with setups and want American-made quality.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Final Thoughts from the WWOO Team
If you're looking for:
A classic, tried-and-true option: Go BGE.
All the bells and whistles out of the box: Kamado Joe is your move.
Flexibility and American craftsmanship: Primo all the way.
All three are excellent — you honestly can’t go wrong. We install them all the time in WWOO kitchens, and each has its loyal fanbase. It really comes down to how you like to cook and what kind of setup fits your lifestyle.
Need help choosing? We're always happy to talk cookers and help you find the perfect fit for your outdoor kitchen.
