OT: Blaze Aluminum Kamado

HeavyG

JustineCaseyFeldown said:

HeavyG said:

Little Steven said:

HeavyG said:

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

HeavyG said:

They've had a couple videos out for about a year one where they try to blow that up and blow up a ceramic kamado. Another video shows them pushing a ceramic kamado and their aluminum kamado off a loading dock. Both show the expected results.

There's at least one other all metal kamado out there, the Golden's Cast Iron Cooker - zhttp://www.goldenscastironcooker.com/

KJ has one too but it's spendy. 100% Stainless insulated. I think it's $10,000 with the table. $8,000 standalone

I didn't mention the Pro Joe because you already had in the first comment in this thread.

Also, last I heard the Pro Joe is no longer in production. Whatever is being sold now is old stock. Just like someone who buys a now extinct black Kamado Joe ceramic model which they quit making a year or so ago.

The Pro Joe is/was light stainless with double wall and insulation in the middle in any case. This puppy is cast. Bet the outside gets hot.

I'm familiar with the construction of both.

I'd bet the surface of the Blaze does get pretty hot. On the other hand, that thick all aluminum shell is also going to radiate heat pretty quickly so maybe it doesn't really get much hotter than an Egg.

They definitely need to make a video showing how long a bare hand can stay placed against that dome during a 700° cook.

If it radiates heat, it will use more lump

Everything radiates heat unless it's already at 0 Kelvin.

Does a 1" thick aluminum body radiate heat more rapidly than a 1" ceramic shell? Absolutely (I think).

Does it do so at a rate that will burn a significantly higher amount of lump all other things being equal? Maybe, probably.

I have no idea tho what that decreased fuel efficiency will translate into in bags of lump (BOL) - will it use a whole BOL when a ceramic kamado might use just 0.5 BOL?

One day we'll have the answer to these questions.

theyolksonyou

Ha! I was actually looking for R values for aluminum and ceramic, but I realized I'm a **** nerd and gave up. 

Hans61

wonder how hot they are to the touch when cooking

Kelso

I was at my local BGE dealer today buying an XL CI grid and there on the showroom floor was one of these Blaze aluminum grills. While brand new it is a thing of beauty. Substantially built, fit and finish was superb. It was beautiful. I noticed that it does not use a gasket, the top and bottom fit together in an overlapping nestled manner that appears to make a tight seal. It was listed at $2,2XX.00

I did mention to the lady working today that I wondered if it would look that pristine on the outside after a few pizza cooks and she just shrugged and said "I dunno". I wish the owner would have been there to talk to about it. I suspect that after a few high temp cooks the aluminum will lose its sheen and a slight discoloration will likely occur. 

Smokin_Trout

I am waiting for the Yeti

GrateEggspectations

Does anyone here own one of these yet? If so, full review please!? There is very little to go on online. 

I love the idea of a little more grilling space and the elimination of the need to adjust bands, change gaskets or wait for warranties ceramic. 

If you have one, I'd greatly appreciate a review covering any downsides (minus the obvious one - price!).

Thanks.

northGAcock

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

That thing is super cool. The Pro Joe SS Kamado is like $10k. I would buy one of these in a second. 

I'll take one too ...specially if Cen is buying. Loved your post from Italy by the way.

Botch

A big Thank You to the OP, I just saw one of these locally a couple weeks ago at a new Grilling store that opened just south of the base.  I didn't write down the name, and couldn't remember "Blaze", d'Oh!!  (shaddap, you guys'll get old too, someday...)
Gotta admit, it is beautifully built.  The machining, the fit, and the precision feel of both the upper and lower vents approached Nikon quality (I actually wonder how smooth they'll work after six months' worth of grease and smoke build-up).  I was very impressed with that.  The new shop's owner said he'd played with it a bit, and he'd never own one as the outside got extremely hot, he'd never use it with kids or pets around.  
The new shop also carries Rockwood and Fogo, neither of which I've tried yet, bought his last bag of RW (was completely out of Fogo but claimed it was even better).  
Their website is at http://www.bbqpitstop.com/ , if anyone lives in northern Utard or is passing through.  Quite a collection of grills, tools, toys, and rubs, too (I am in no way affiliated, other than owning their last bag of RW).  
 
EDIT:  Forgot, his website has not yet been updated for any info on the Blaze.  

bucky925

I want one but my wife said NO!  As I wear the pants in this house I let her have her way. 
An old story, a couple got married, on their wedding night he told his bride try on my pants.  She did and said they are too big and don't fit me.  He said that's right.   So later she asked him to try on her pants.  He went along.   After trying in the wife's pants he said these are too small, I can't get into them.  Her reply was with that attidude you never will

PirateBill

There have been studies that linked higher levels of aluminum in the body to Alzheimer's, since the aluminum part of the grill isn't touching the food and the fact that the research is very new and seems to be more of a possibility than a fact possibly makes this post a moot point

Just something to think about. 

HeavyG

PirateBill said:

There have been studies that linked higher levels of aluminum in the body to Alzheimer's, since the aluminum part of the grill isn't touching the food and the fact that the research is very new and seems to be more of a possibility than a fact possibly makes this post a moot point

Just something to think about. 

From the Alzheimer's Association website:

Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

Photo Egg

Botch said:

  The new shop's owner said he'd played with it a bit, and he'd never own one as the outside got extremely hot, he'd never use it with kids or pets around.  

I guess the shop owner would never cook on a Weber Kettle, Stick Burner with fire box, Fish fryer, Crawfish boiler, or gas grill...not to mention a stove top in his home, Blackstone griddle or Pizza oven. Ha Ha
Ridiculous comment to make.
The one I touched while it was burning was not all that hot but it was only running at 350*. It certainly did not leave a blister or even a red mark. 
I have lost skin by accidental contact to a stick burner fire box and a gasser in the past. But way more burns on my arm bumping an oven rack in the house.

HeavyG

NEWSFLASH: Metal grills can get hot!! Film at 11:00.

tjv

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

blasting said:

There may well be some disadvantages, but right now I'm not seeing them.  

I'll take one please.

If i heard right they say the grid is 20"- kind of between a L and XL. Only downside to that is that there are no accessories that I know of that size. I would take it to @tjv and have him custom build an AR for me (if he would)

If only they would have asked.  they left a lot of opportunity on the table to make that grill stand out among the competition.

t

Kayak

Since it seems that this thing never made it to market:

https://www.wired.com/2015/07/high-tech-bbq/

I guess I will happily stick with my Egg.

HeavyG

Reading back thru the older comments in this thread I saw there was some question about fuel efficiency and how long a load of lump might last. Here's a video that answers that and a few other questions.

Spoiler alert - they easily achieved more than 27 hours at 250°F.

https://youtu.be/1cjdBAFwX1k

Lit

Photo Egg said:

Botch said:

  The new shop's owner said he'd played with it a bit, and he'd never own one as the outside got extremely hot, he'd never use it with kids or pets around.  

I guess the shop owner would never cook on a Weber Kettle, Stick Burner with fire box, Fish fryer, Crawfish boiler, or gas grill...not to mention a stove top in his home, Blackstone griddle or Pizza oven. Ha Ha
Ridiculous comment to make.
The one I touched while it was burning was not all that hot but it was only running at 350*. It certainly did not leave a blister or even a red mark. 
I have lost skin by accidental contact to a stick burner fire box and a gasser in the past. But way more burns on my arm bumping an oven rack in the house.

I have taken readings on the outside of my mini egg close to 500 degrees. 

Photo Egg

Lit said:

Photo Egg said:

Botch said:

  The new shop's owner said he'd played with it a bit, and he'd never own one as the outside got extremely hot, he'd never use it with kids or pets around.  

I guess the shop owner would never cook on a Weber Kettle, Stick Burner with fire box, Fish fryer, Crawfish boiler, or gas grill...not to mention a stove top in his home, Blackstone griddle or Pizza oven. Ha Ha
Ridiculous comment to make.
The one I touched while it was burning was not all that hot but it was only running at 350*. It certainly did not leave a blister or even a red mark. 
I have lost skin by accidental contact to a stick burner fire box and a gasser in the past. But way more burns on my arm bumping an oven rack in the house.

I have taken readings on the outside of my mini egg close to 500 degrees. 

I agree completely. They do get hot.
What I do like about the Kamado style, of all composition, is that if you do bump or touch them it will do little to no damage to your skin. Unlike many grills that will leave a smoldering patch of skin stuck to the grill.
Kamado grills might be 400-500 on the outside but a quick bump will not normally blister your skin.

cookingdude555

I've taken IR measurements on my egg and bubba keg (double walled, oven insulated kamado) when cooking pizzas at 700. At every location on the two cookers the egg was much hotter. Ceramic is not the supreme insulator, it works well once heated up by keeping temps consistent. This aluminum cooker may not insulate fantastically, but it might do well at having an even, consistent heat. 

Teefus

It looks pretty "space age", but in my view is no more than a solution desperately seeking a problem. From what I can gather, the only practical advantage is that it won't break if you drop it or hit it with a hammer. If it costs twice as much as an Egg, that means I can break the first Egg I buy, learn a lesson, replace the Egg, and still be at even money.

HeavyG

Well...I think it is a little more than that. No gasket worries. No band tightening. No dome/base alignment issues. No cracked fireboxes/firerings/base/dome. No rusty parts. No worries about breaking it when moving cross country or tailgating.

Probably the best advantage is I can comfortably light my lump with charcoal starter fluid!

Legume

You should buy one @HeavyG. Post a pic when you get it.

HeavyG

Already have one since I quit working for Kamado Joe and went to work for BBQGuys.

Photo Egg

HeavyG said:

Well...I think it is a little more than that. No gasket worries. No band tightening. No dome/base alignment issues. No cracked fireboxes/firerings/base/dome. No rusty parts. No worries about breaking it when moving cross country or tailgating.

Probably the best advantage is I can comfortably light my lump with charcoal starter fluid!

Not to mention the "2" really nice heavy duty stainless cooking grates that come standard and the ability to add a rotisserie.lol
It is expensive but if I did not have so much invested in Egg stuff I would buy one.

Botch

Regarding the outside getting hot/burning:
Ceramic is a poor conductor of heat, so even if the outside surface is of considerable temperature it can't "transfer" the heat to your skin rapidly, like metal (and especially aluminum) can.  Hold your hand against a hot ceramic Egg, and yes it (eventually) will burn you.
Same principle:  would you rather stick your hand into a 500º oven, or a 212º pot of boiling water?  The liquid can transfer (conduct) the heat energy to your skin much quicker than air can (air being a good insulator, which is why they fill up fiberglass batting with it   ).  

Photo Egg

Botch said:

Regarding the outside getting hot/burning:
Ceramic is a poor conductor of heat, so even if the outside surface is of considerable temperature it can't "transfer" the heat to your skin rapidly, like metal (and especially aluminum) can.  Hold your hand against a hot ceramic Egg, and yes it (eventually) will burn you.
Same principle:  would you rather stick your hand into a 500º oven, or a 212º pot of boiling water?  The liquid can transfer (conduct) the heat energy to your skin much quicker than air can (air being a good insulator, which is why they fill up fiberglass batting with it   ).  

I'm sure the dimpled surface of most of the ceramics plays a roll in this as well?
Less actual contact area?

GrateEggspectations

Photo Egg said:

Botch said:

Regarding the outside getting hot/burning:
Ceramic is a poor conductor of heat, so even if the outside surface is of considerable temperature it can't "transfer" the heat to your skin rapidly, like metal (and especially aluminum) can.  Hold your hand against a hot ceramic Egg, and yes it (eventually) will burn you.
Same principle:  would you rather stick your hand into a 500º oven, or a 212º pot of boiling water?  The liquid can transfer (conduct) the heat energy to your skin much quicker than air can (air being a good insulator, which is why they fill up fiberglass batting with it   ).  

I'm sure the dimpled surface of most of the ceramics plays a roll in this as well?
Less actual contact area?

Probably that and the dimpling hides casting imperfections, of which I have seen quite a few on recent Eggs.

Botch

Photo Egg said:

Botch said:

Regarding the outside getting hot/burning:
Ceramic is a poor conductor of heat, so even if the outside surface is of considerable temperature it can't "transfer" the heat to your skin rapidly, like metal (and especially aluminum) can.  Hold your hand against a hot ceramic Egg, and yes it (eventually) will burn you.
Same principle:  would you rather stick your hand into a 500º oven, or a 212º pot of boiling water?  The liquid can transfer (conduct) the heat energy to your skin much quicker than air can (air being a good insulator, which is why they fill up fiberglass batting with it   ).  

I'm sure the dimpled surface of most of the ceramics plays a roll in this as well?
Less actual contact area?

Interesting.  It would have a small effect, actually increases the surface area but may decrease the "contact" area if the skin isn't "pressed into" the dimples.  The dimples would also cause any passing breeze to keep a laminar flow, rather than turbulent (I majored in Aerospace Engineering for two years before switching to Mechanical) which (iirc) would increase the heat transfer from green ceramic to air more than a smooth surface.
But, these is all nearly unmeasurable differences.  @GrateEggspectations probably nailed it, its more for aesthetics than anything.
Damn, way too geeky for a Wednesday night, sorry!    

troutgeek

It's been awhile since I've been on here, as I've been hanging out more on the FB site. That said, I do have actual experience with this beast. It appears to be very well built. I used this a couple weeks ago in Minnesota. When outside temps are stable, it cooks like a normal kamado. It started raining and dropped 50 almost immediately. I also had to refuel with about 2 hours remaining for a couple pork butts. Sooo, in cooler climates, I really question the posted 27 hour test. It is very sturdy, and appears to be build like a tank, but I'll stick to ceramics. Maybe this is a great idea for travelers or tailgaters. Disappointed with it's thermo retention though.

SonVolt

If they had one in XL size I may just consider retiring my BGE. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiq729NvmOM