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New knock off at Costco

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2

Comments

  • KingtUT
    KingtUT Posts: 157
    edited February 2016
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    henapple said:
    KingtUT said:
    If something ever happens to my BGE I will be buying a Vision or whatever that is instead of another BGE as long as all my accessories will fit and work with it.  BGE should be ashamed that they dont offer all of the features of a Vision grill for 3 to 4 hundred dollars more. Love the BGE but the more I see of those Visions, the more I get pissed about not shopping around and falling for the big brand name.

    Where are you located? 


    Lol, Just north of Nashville, why? By the way, Sams sells a more basic version of the Vision grill.  It has only the upper vent and lower vent like the BGE but comes with more grilling accessories.  They had it with a nice table for $699
  • LRW
    LRW Posts: 198
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    Lowes and Home Depot carry these also

    Volant, PA 1 LBGE ,Smokeware Cap, igrill2
    My Foodtography


  • stompbox
    stompbox Posts: 729
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    Lots of competition out there these days.  Wonder if BGE will respond.
  • odie91
    odie91 Posts: 541
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    Chillin@5 said:
    The poor suckers that buy that will be purchasing a BGE when they realize the difference.
    No they won't.
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Chillin@5 said:
    The poor suckers that buy that will be purchasing a BGE when they realize the difference.
    I know what you are posting.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 32,341
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    When you are the lead dog into a now ripe market you can surely expect competition.  The measure of the market leader (at least perceived) is to respond and advance their product line.  For the past few years, I honestly believe that BGE is riding on its laurels and has not reacted quickly enough to the competition.  I have not seen that complacent mind-set do well down-stream without major changes.  Time will tell.  And the preceding is more than enough for a Sat PM.

    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood. # 38 for the win.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period.
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    edited February 2016
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    Chillin@5 said:
    The poor suckers that buy that will be purchasing a BGE when they realize the difference.
    So we as BGE are also suckers and will purchase Komodo Kamado after realizing the difference?
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 17,173
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    Lifetime warranty doesn't mean much if the company goes out of business in a few years...
  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,346
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    Lifetime warranty doesn't mean much if the company goes out of business in a few years...
    True dat.

    However, as BGE is a privately held company we have no idea as to their financial status, annual sales, etc., etc. They too could go the way of the buffalo.


    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




  • odie91
    odie91 Posts: 541
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    Lifetime warranty doesn't mean much if the company goes out of business in a few years...
    i'll play devils advocate here ;)

    even if a company has been around for decades, doesn't mean it's necessarily going to last.  if anything, many BGE fans have also criticized the company for not making the right market/business decisions as of late.

    30 years ago, who would've thought General Motors would fail (which they did, if not for our bailout).   Sears founded in the 1880's is ready to fold.   Remember Woolworth (also founded in the last 1800s?)   Walmart is struggling now too.   

    I buy certain big ticket items at Costco if i'm worried about the mfg warranty running out.  Does anyone think Costco will go bankrupt in our lifetime?   Seems unfathomable, but things can change fast!
  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
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    KingtUT said:
    henapple said:
    KingtUT said:
    If something ever happens to my BGE I will be buying a Vision or whatever that is instead of another BGE as long as all my accessories will fit and work with it.  BGE should be ashamed that they dont offer all of the features of a Vision grill for 3 to 4 hundred dollars more. Love the BGE but the more I see of those Visions, the more I get pissed about not shopping around and falling for the big brand name.

    Where are you located? 


    Lol, Just north of Nashville, why? By the way, Sams sells a more basic version of the Vision grill.  It has only the upper vent and lower vent like the BGE but comes with more grilling accessories.  They had it with a nice table for $699

    Another Tennessee fan. I'm in Murfreesboro. 

    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Chillin@5 said:
    The poor suckers that buy that will be purchasing a BGE when they realize the difference.
    So we as BGE are also suckers and will purchase Komodo Kamado after realizing the difference?
    boo hiss!   
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    damn people get their panties in wad around here in no time flat.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
  • beteez
    beteez Posts: 548
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    HeavyG said:
    Costco has a lot of regional variability in what is actually carried in each region/stores. Not sure if those Pit Boss kamados are going to appear nationwide or if this is a trial balloon in a few stores.

    The thing that concerns me most about Costco stocking  some less known brand of kamado is if this will mean that they are going to no longer be hosting the Kamado Joe Roadshows.

    Great pricing on Joes and lump at those. Would hate to see those go away.

    Costco has carried the Vision the past few years while hosting the KJ road show. Assuming this will continue.
  • OneNole03
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    @henapple i dont want to hijack the thread, but i have a lot of family that lives in Murfreesboro. Every time I hear Murfreesboro I think of a small town but it is amazing of how many different people I come across that live there.

    My uncle that lives there Qs a lot, but in a way that I have never heard of. Wish I could remember what he called it but says its popular in that area.
  • blind99
    blind99 Posts: 4,971
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    BGE still has some aspirational status to it. If you're looking for a nice grill for your yard, you're probably buying a BGE and not a vision. I think the markets don't completely overlap. 

    Even if they lose some sales they must have some nice cushion from all the BGE branded stuff that they charge a premium for. 
    Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
  • Eggzellent
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    (Agreed)
    I bought my MM yesterday not because I'm a BGE fanboy..but for the fact that 1) there were a few obvious differences (weight, gsk. etc.)..'and'..
    2) (seemingly) there were no side-by-side comparisons with the Joe Jr. to go by..causing me to believe that competitors (even forum members) were unwilling to make them in a detailed or scientific manner.

    When so many enjoy arguing the simple physics of a Kamado cook aren't arguing the comparative differences (if any) of Kamado cooks on even these extremely compact units..one starts to wonder who knows what or what the differences actually are (especially) when new designs are birthed.
     
  • Eggzellent
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    ...and am I 'egging' others on to (finally) make these detailed comparisons as significant new models come out (once and for all)?
    Why yes, I (selfishly) am. ;)
  • KingtUT
    KingtUT Posts: 157
    Options
    henapple said:
    KingtUT said:
    henapple said:
    KingtUT said:
    If something ever happens to my BGE I will be buying a Vision or whatever that is instead of another BGE as long as all my accessories will fit and work with it.  BGE should be ashamed that they dont offer all of the features of a Vision grill for 3 to 4 hundred dollars more. Love the BGE but the more I see of those Visions, the more I get pissed about not shopping around and falling for the big brand name.

    Where are you located? 


    Lol, Just north of Nashville, why? By the way, Sams sells a more basic version of the Vision grill.  It has only the upper vent and lower vent like the BGE but comes with more grilling accessories.  They had it with a nice table for $699

    Another Tennessee fan. I'm in Murfreesboro. 


    Yeah ive actually met you.  I bought 10 bags of charcoal from you a year or two ago.  Ozark Oak I think?  It was good stuff but I just dont have a problem with Royal Oak for the money.  I actually think its pretty good.  Just got tix to Bristol game, you going?
  • westernbbq
    westernbbq Posts: 2,490
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    I guess i am pretty loyal to the brand of BGE.  The worry i would have with some of these others is long term staying power i.e. what if they don't sell enough and go out of business?   I do like BGE's  policy with lifetime ceramic replacement .  i do think BGE makes a fortune off of extra accessories like the platesetter cast iron grid, nest etc which, IMHO should be included with purchase of the egg.   Kamado Joe includes all this stuff.

    But since i started with the BGE, thats what ill stick with.  Lots of interchangeable parts, excellent warranty coverage, BIG GREEN EGG NATION, huge distribution network, recipes, and the results i get out of cooking on their products all make me think it is worth the money.  plus, we all have an incentive for BGE to be around for a long time so i am glad they are making money.

    My biggest complaint about the company is that they have poor communication related to new product releases.  Too many shoulds and not enough wills.   They teased us with the xxl and botched the minimax release, undoubtedly costing lost sales.  Had BGE delivered XXL when i was originally promised, i would own one.  .  I am glad they didnt because an xxl wouldnt see much use in my world.  

    The additions to the market of some of these new ceramic cookers might allow people to try who otherwise wouldnt.  The BGE has helped me discover many great new ways to create and i dont think other ceramic brands have anything like the Egghead following.   Hey they are overpriced, the co sticks ya with accessories (can be eased by using CGS for some things) but we love em and buy em anyway



    I LOVE my Big Green Egg
  • Mosca
    Mosca Posts: 456
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    Brand identity is short sighted. There are advantages and disadvantages to every brand. 

    The he food doesn't know what it was cooked on. It either tastes good, or it doesn't. Everything else is posturing.
  • LRW
    LRW Posts: 198
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    One thing to remember BGE adds the lifetime warranty into the cost of every egg sold. It's like an insurance policy to them. They bank on the production of quality products and not needing to replace units down the road.
    Volant, PA 1 LBGE ,Smokeware Cap, igrill2
    My Foodtography


  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,346
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    LRW said:
    One thing to remember BGE adds the lifetime warranty into the cost of every egg sold. It's like an insurance policy to them. They bank on the production of quality products and not needing to replace units down the road.
    You do realize that BGE is not the only kamado maker that offers a lifetime warranty on the ceramics. All the others that I am aware of also offer the same warranty and thus they also have to build in some of the warranty costs into their pricing.

    BGE charges more just because they can. With more entries into the market in recent years maybe they'll still be able to command a premium. Maybe they won't. Hard to say.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    One factor hasn't been mentioned yet ... dealer support.  For the most part, BGE has some terrific dealers.  If I was in a pinch, I have no doubt that my dealer would pull a warranty part off of one of his stock units.  When I visit the store, we talk about egging.  Dealer support has to be part of the decision when you're purchasing a kamado grill.

    The rest of the kamado makers don't have a dealer within 100 miles of my town.  Well, that's not entirely true, our local Ace had a Komado Joe once. 

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

  • Mikee
    Mikee Posts: 892
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    I may be brand loyal but wallet isn't.
  • cookingdude555
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    I have to say in todays world and the way we do commerce, I think people will care less about a dealer as time marches on.  I wish that I could buy everything online, I hate having to go to stores.  I have had warranty replacements before on my 5 eggs, and Bruce shipped them to me in full spray foam enclosed boxes.  While the dealer thing may seem impressive, I feel a more robust warranty process that involves submitting your claim online with pictures of the defect would be helpful.  Talking to a dealer, and waiting one or two months for the replacement part is a good thing?  That sucks.


    I have several brands of cookers.  Webers are my first love, I think the WSM is damn near perfect at cooking Q, and don't get me started on how perfect the kettles are (the 26" and ranch being the favorites).  I have a Bubba Keg komado that cooks every bit as good as the egg, except it is insulated better and uses less charcoal (a negative sometimes it turns out, keeping real low and slow is a little challenging).  I have a smokin-it electric smoker that is great when I just want to put something in bbq oven and push a button.  Then there are the blackstones ...


    The funny thing?  Even though I have several choices, I use my medium egg more than any of the others combined.  I have a spiritual connection with the medium it seems, and that is why I think BGEs are awesome.  I know we think eggs are special, or the original komado (they aren't, I have a Japanese one that is pre egg, and guess what, the BGE looks just like it), they are just great cookers.  I am glad there are more choices.  It kind of sucked when you could only buy one car model.


    My two cents here.

  • paqman
    paqman Posts: 4,670
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    Chillin@5 said:
    The poor suckers that buy that will be purchasing a BGE when they realize the difference.
    My first kamado was a Vision grill from Costco a few years ago.  The build quality was less than impressive.  The firebox would not stay still because of pits on the bottom.  It was shaking so much when cleaning the cooking grate that I was scared of burning myself.  I contacted their warranty support team (the owner) and the recommendation was to "sand" the base on a piece of concrete; I ended up shimming the base with quarters.  Within a week, the gasket failed and the owner offered to ship me a new one "right away" when they were going to be back in stock (I never received it).  The firebox then developed a crack during my first month of ownership; I never heard back from Vision after submitting my warranty claim.  I decided to return it to Costco and get a BGE.  My experience is not typical because Costco still carries them after 4 years now...

    ____________________
    Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. •Niccolo Machiavelli
  • KiterTodd
    KiterTodd Posts: 2,466
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    I would not trust this guy to manufacture my grill.
    To serve me a taco, yes.
    Grill production, no.

    LBGE/Maryland
  • fishepa
    fishepa Posts: 211
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    Where is Luigi?
    War Damn Eagle!