Primo vs BGE

corey24 · June 2014

Went to my local swimming pool store to pick up some salt for the pool and they were selling Primo Cookers now. I took a look and it seems to be a well built cooker. Of course they were advertising how much cheaper it is than BGE and all the extra's come free unlike BGE. With that aside the one thing I noticed was just how HEAVY the lid was? Is the ceramic just that much thicker or is the hinge system not as good. I have a XL BGE and the LG Primo lid was much heavier than my XL. It was like a workout....LOL.

Little Steven · June 2014

They have a lot of great features. The oval design, split firebox and built in multi level. I would love to have one.

Photo Egg · June 2014

I think the service you get from your local dealer, either BGE or Primo, would be the major selling point. Both are very well made.

Could just be a weak/bad set of springs on the Primo? Never know.

I have seen the XL BGE hinge/spring system installed wrong at a couple BGE Dealers in the past. They said they never sell any of XLs. I guess if you can't assemble it correctly...you might not sell a bunch of them.

Take a look at the Kamado "Big Joe" next time you get a chance. Compare the hinge and cooking grate to the BGE XL. Very nice as well.

KiterTodd · June 2014

What is the benefit of the split firebox?

I am guessing that if you have an oval shape already, the split let's you split up for indirect heat...but how is that any different than using the plate setter? If you cook closed you are going to have the same temp all around anyway. With grate open it doesn't help you because you want the heat radiating up from underneath the food. I'm missing something here.

Having adjustable grates would be nice. I just started shopping for those and that seems like an overly expensive option. I may be making myself one out of washers and bolts!

corey24 · June 2014

I'm not in the market for one. I really love my XL BGE, just wondered about the heavy lid. They had a large and XL primo put together and both had very heavy lids. With that said, I agree they look light a well built grill. Couldn't tell much difference in quality between BGE and Primo

nolaegghead · June 2014

In my opinion, the Primo Oval is marginally better than the XL. My buddy has one. The oval shape let you cook long food. The grill surface is two hemispherical cast iron grates. Made in USA.

corey24 · June 2014

I do like the oval design but the XL BGE still has more surface cooking area.

Little Steven · June 2014

KiterTodd said:

What is the benefit of the split firebox?

I am guessing that if you have an oval shape already, the split let's you split up for indirect heat...but how is that any different than using the plate setter? If you cook closed you are going to have the same temp all around anyway. With grate open it doesn't help you because you want the heat radiating up from underneath the food. I'm missing something here.

Having adjustable grates would be nice. I just started shopping for those and that seems like an overly expensive option. I may be making myself one out of washers and bolts!

I can't answer from personal experience but some pretty competent guys have told me that you can control temps down in the cold smoke range without fiddling around with other stuff.

nolaegghead · June 2014

http://www.bbqguys.com/content_content_10450.html

RRP · June 2014

hmmmm, this thread may turn out to be a sly test of just how close this forum is monitored. It's fate will be the answer! LOL

Little Steven · June 2014

I hope I don't get banned again. Hate when that happens :(

Eggcelsior · June 2014

nolaegghead said:

http://www.bbqguys.com/content_content_10450.html

NM. I was mean. Videos are still funny with their "science".

Focker · June 2014

Guess if you're a brisket and rib guy, then the Primo shape would be preferred over the round. On the other hand, one would prefer a round shape for pizzas for convection and radiation. All comes down to personal preference. Dealers will push the brand with the higher margins.

@KiterTodd,

I agree with your thinking. Split-zone in a ceramic grill is like rotisserie cooking in ceramic over a direct fire??? I too, struggle with the logic. Two-zone cooking in a poor insulating, higher airflow kettle type grill is different.

@Little Steven,

You can cold smoke in a cardboard box with a cold smoke generator like the Pro-Q or AMAZ-N. Maybe I'm missing something here, but what's the advantage of ceramic?

nolaegghead · June 2014

My buddy had a couple BGEs. He switched over to Primos a number of years back. He did competition for years, did BBQ catering for years. He knows his BBQ.

There's nothing wrong with BGE; there's nothing you can't do with a BGE and some accessories that you can't do on the Oval.

Just reporting what's been reported to me by someone with extensive experience with both of them.

That said, I'm very pleased with the BGE (don't throw me off the forum!).

Lit · June 2014

I would think the oval shape would make the primo more prone to hot spots

badinfluence · June 2014

Back to the original question. Yes the bge has a better hinge system with heavier springs then the primo.

Biggreenpharmacist · June 2014

@nolaegghead

You are so banned......................

Angus1978 · June 2014

I love my Primo XL. I wouldn't hate on a BGE XL either. The split firebox really shines when I reverse sear. I start with a full firebox my steaks over the "cold side" and over a D-Plate. Then when the meat hits 100 to 110 degrees, I open the lid, get a good fire near the top (doesn't need to be super hot, just close to the grate to sear.

But that's my experience.

Personally, what sold me was the shape (just seemed to work better), and because of that shape, the ability to do direct cooks and indirect cooks at the same time. After the fact, I liked having the grates flush with the bottom, so you could "slide" your fish straight off the grill onto a plate and not have to pick it up with tongs b/c maybe your tongs suck and also you'd had a few bourbon drinks and your motor skills were on the shoddy side that day.....maybe....

Either way, BGE/Primo/Kamado Joe all 3 charge an arm and a leg for their products, so you can bet they're well built and will last.

My .02

Angus1978 · June 2014

Also my right arm is really strong from lifting the lid......not the other thing......

nolaegghead · June 2014

I'll ask my buddy about the hot spots and hinge. BGE has a hot spot - the back of the egg.

SGH · June 2014

They are both fine cookers in their own right. Each have slight advantages over the other under different cooking situations. I chose the egg to fit my needs just as others chose the Primo to fit their particular needs. The only real advantage that I give to the Primo is it's made in America. I know I'm one of the older participants here so my loyalties to country first are very strong. I would gladly pay a higher price for my egg if they would produce them in America. Comparing Primo to the egg is akin to comparing Jambo to Yoder. They are both top of the line cookers. Just have a different name and a slightly different approach to reach the same end result. Chose what works for you my friend and don't get caught up in marketing hype. Just for the record I chose the egg so don't ban me either please. I chose both the Yoder and Jambo clone as well.

scooter759 · June 2014

BGE ceramics are fired to 2000 degrees, and the only kiln capable of firing that high is in Mexico. The rest of the egg is made in the USA. Yes, Primo boasts made in the USA, and the kilns in the USA used to fire them do not attain anything near the temps the eggs are fired to. My regional distributor told me this info last year.

nolaegghead · June 2014

Most any kiln can hit 2000F. That's not that hot in the world of ceramics.

SGH · June 2014

http://www.clay-king.com/kilns/paragon_kilns/paragon_iguana.html

Not trying to argue but I think that fellow was less than honest with you about the only kiln that can reach 2,000 degrees being in Mexico. You can buy small home use kilns that will heat far beyond 2,000 degrees. I could be wrong but I'm more than certain that I'm not. If I am incorrect I will gladly stand corrected my friend.

SGH · June 2014

@nolaegghead‌
My weed burner will achieve 2,450F.

Camben · June 2014

My brother had both the XL BGE and Primo. He sold the BGE. I was at his place last week and was checking out the Primo and the first thing I noticed was the weight of the lid. It looks like it's very well made though. I wonder if they crack as quick as the egg...

KenfromMI · June 2014

I never heard of the Primo and just looked it up. How much were they selling them for there? The prices I just saw online are no cheaper than the BGE.

KenfromMI · June 2014

Just re read. Maybe with the extras added in it's cheaper.

Kosko · June 2014

Before buying my Egg I seriously considered a Primo. I loved it was made in the USA( actually in my home state!) the only thing that sold me on the egg was all the eggsesories . I kinda wish I would've bought a Primo now because the base of my egg cracked and have sent BGE pics , warranty info and everything necessary to get it swapped and it's going on 2 Weeks and I haven't heard a word back from them!!

NPHuskerFL · June 2014

Before I purchased my LBGE I did my due diligence as a customer and researched several products. I was between the BGE and the Komoda Komado and I had heard nothing but, praise about both. Then came the $$$ & at the time I could've afforded either but, in the end I really liked the buzz I heard on customer service and the dealer I went to was most excellent and I have continued a good customer relationship with them. At the end of the day there are many cookers available on the market.Many try to mimic the BGE but, when it comes to customer service/customer relations BGE wins every time and twice on Sunday.

nolaegghead · June 2014

Everyone is knocking off the BGE.....c'mon, give me a break. The Japanese were using these for millennia.

Primo vs BGE

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