Is BGE really falling behind?

pgprescott

alynd said:

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blasting said:

alynd said:

for what it's worth, BGE outsells KJ closer to 2:1 than 4:1 as previously stated.  

I recently discovered that not all statements of fact on the internet are true.  

This one is highly suspect - private companies don't usually release sales figures to the public

i used to work for one of said private companies so it's a pretty educated estimate.

How many units does KJ sell. I want an educated guess please. 

alynd

I'm not interested in getting into a pissing match over who knows what. If you don't think I know what I'm talking about then so be it. 

blasting

@alynd   I just want you to know, I wasn't suggesting you were being untruthful.  I'm sure there are rumors in the kamado biz, and no doubt you are privy to more than I.  My point was simply that the only one who knows the truth is the upper management of the company itself.

I've been the decision maker of several companies, and we've always held sales volume figures close to the chest.  Sometimes I'd hear rumors about my companies - it was interesting to hear what was going around.

snoqualmiesmoker

owned both and both are good.  Sure the Big Joe is better designed than the XL (deeper which helps a ton, and Ive owned and cooked on both) but when your essentially taking others ideas and shipping them to china, well that says so much about the company you run. Essentially they took the bester upgrade people do to their eggs, other ideas from the boards, like  and conquer (ceramic grill store), the new cap (smoke ware), joe blower (the looflighter ), and just copied them in China, offer them at a steep discount.  Capitalism at its best.

NPHuskerFL

I'll answer this ponderous question once I return from the Kamado Joe Fest

HofstraJet

Don't sleep on the Costco factor helping KJ sales and loyalty. Many Costco shoppers will buy anything Costco sells without doing research first figuring that Costco has already done it for them. 

GrillSgt

^^correct^^ 

To the point of being cultish. Costco's profit is basically their membership fees. 

Jameson19

clifkincaid said:

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Jameson19 said:

Is this turning into the everlasting debate between Mustang vs Camaro? 

Ill admit it, I'm a brand slut, and once I like a certain brand, I'll stick with it until I get screwed. Can KJ cook an outstanding brisket, burger or couple of dogs? Sure. Personal preference...

It's all another reason I love my stage 3 Roush mustang... Are there faster cars, sure. Can those drivers out drive me? Probably not. 

Time me for another bourbon to wash down the double tri-tips I just smoked on my large BIG GREEN EGG!!! 

Pic of the Mustang? 

clifkincaid

Jameson19 said:

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clifkincaid said:

Jameson19 said:

Is this turning into the everlasting debate between Mustang vs Camaro? 

Ill admit it, I'm a brand slut, and once I like a certain brand, I'll stick with it until I get screwed. Can KJ cook an outstanding brisket, burger or couple of dogs? Sure. Personal preference...

It's all another reason I love my stage 3 Roush mustang... Are there faster cars, sure. Can those drivers out drive me? Probably not. 

Time me for another bourbon to wash down the double tri-tips I just smoked on my large BIG GREEN EGG!!! 

Pic of the Mustang? 

Very nice ride

distanceman

alynd said:

for what it's worth, BGE outsells KJ closer to 2:1 than 4:1 as previously stated.  

That may be true, but I was basing 4:1 off a post from the KJ CEO on the KJ Facebook page a few months ago.

snoqualmiesmoker

HofstraJet said:

Don't sleep on the Costco factor helping KJ sales and loyalty. Many Costco shoppers will buy anything Costco sells without doing research first figuring that Costco has already done it for them. 

Hence why so many Traegers are sold there. 

Hans61

I didn't at first, but do now, blindly trust Costco quality - I'm still yet to be disappointed by a Costco purchase - it doesn't hurt to know that the day I am I can return no questions asked 

bboulier

My first ceramic grill was medium BGE.   My second was a KJ Classic.  Both are fine grills.  I think the BGE is more fuel efficient, but that is a small factor.     When I make recommendations to those who considering ceramic grills, I usually suggest the KJ Classic. The price of the KJ Classic (including the divide and conquer system, grate gripper, ash tool, eggmate sides, etc.) is just much lower than the standard BGE plus all the extras one needs to have good performance.   For those who are Primo fans, my first preference was a Primo for its design, but the price was just too high.

pgprescott

bboulier said:

My first ceramic grill was medium BGE.   My second was a KJ Classic.  Both are fine grills.  I think the BGE is more fuel efficient, but that is a small factor.     When I make recommendations to those who considering ceramic grills, I usually suggest the KJ Classic. The price of the KJ Classic (including the divide and conquer system, grate gripper, ash tool, eggmate sides, etc.) is just much lower than the standard BGE plus all the extras one needs to have good performance.   For those who are Primo fans, my first preference was a Primo for its design, but the price was just too high.

No higher than the new KJ. Less   

YukonRon

BGE will be the target, and will remain so.
At this stage, the only thing KJ offers to me, is a "look at us, another me, too, product" from folks on the BGE forum. Nothing else.
Bravo Foxtrot Delta. Good for them. I am sure it does great things. Then again, so does the BGE.
I have an XL. I bought it because it does everything I want it to, consistently, without fail, every cook, providing me with delicious food, and a wonderful lifestyle. I am both a content and loyal owner of the product the BGE folks have provided for me.
So much so, in fact, I remained loyal and bought the MM. It, too, has been a remarkable pleasure to own.
Y'all have your preference. I have mine. My next Kamado will be another BGE, using the same proven technology as I am accustomed to and comfortable with. They are great cookers to own.
Enjoy your KJs, as you should, but please save your rationalizations for the purchase of one to those that really care, as in folks at Costco, or on the KJ forum, or the folks at the KJ events, or even those at the KJ cooking classes. Not here. Last I checked, it is still a BGE forum.
Please do not think I am concerned so much in your choice of Kamado cooker, that you need to justify it. I can't possibly think of a reason for me to be either enthused or non-enthused in your opinion or purchase. Your zeal for the KJ will not impact my decision, just as mine with the BGE will certainly not impact yours.
Again, this is a BGE forum.
Hate the BGE? Get out of this forum and praise the KJs and bi+ch about the BGE with your friends on the KJ forum, not here.

bosco0633

I owned 6 Kamado Joes at one point and now currently own a 23" and 32" Komodo Kamado. 

I have never owned a BGE but I will state that BGE is what got me into the market.  I wanted a BGE badly but had little to no experience with grilling and charcoal.  (I like to think that I have an understanding now). 

My decision to go to KJ was based on value.  They sold a reasonable product at a cheaper rate plus everything was included unlike the BGE.  

I have seen KJ evolve and the loyal brand following has become cult like just like BGE.  

I truly believe that that there isn't much difference as they will produce great food and have minimal differences.  

I call BGE, KJ and Primo the big 3.  They are the top commercial selling Kamado's on the market.  I would relate them to ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler.  

Brand loyalty creates a we are are better than you mentality but they are all ceramic and do good things to our food.  

BGE is tried tested and true.  They have been around the longest and make a great product.  I didn't like dealer support as I wanted to get things immediately for warranty.  

KJ is the new kid on the block and has excellent customer service and all warranties are handled by the company and free ship to the door.  I like that option plus they are willing to evolve with the times.  I agree it's not innovation because they are not inventing the will.... they are listening to customers and responding to their wishes to make a better grill.  

Primo is made in the USA and the oval design is really great for dual zone cooking.  I think the KJ divide and concur has made them the better dual zone cooking device.  Customer support is not great from what I have read and you pay to ship warranty items.  

The Komodo Kamado is in the eye of the beholder.  You love the look or you hate them.  I can give you 10 reasons why these grills are superior in every aspect but that's not what this is about.  The upgrade to the KK was because I was tired of cracked fire box(clay design issues) and gasket repairs etc.  

I challenge you to find a negative criticism on the internet with respect to the KK.  It truly is the most innovative and over engineered cooker on the market. KK is INNOVATIVE 100%.  Dennis has evolved the design with NASA designed aerogel to help keep heat in and allow you to touch the outside of the grill at high heats.  He uses special refractory cement with technology to prevent cracks.  He created self opening lids before others, built in rotisserie, three rows of grilling, etc etc.  The KK may not appeal to your eye for some but you can't argue the technology of the product. I have owned mine for 2 years and have yet to have an issue.  

I will also add that I am loving pellet smoking currently too.  It's different than Kamado cooking but I don't care. I love cooking and will bang out great meals on anything I cook on.  

I think BGE really needs to start focusing on the market.  I see traeger evolving with design and targeting the younger generation of grillers through an aggressive marketing campaign.  This is what sells grills.  BGE can't rely on its reputation and length of time being in business to continue to grow and sell.  They will be around forever and deserve the respect of being the top Kamado sales company, but need to step into the game more so.  

Thats just my .2

bigbadben

bosco0633 said:

I owned 6 Kamado Joes at one point and now currently own a 23" and 32" Komodo Kamado. 

I have never owned a BGE but I will state that BGE is what got me into the market.  I wanted a BGE badly but had little to no experience with grilling and charcoal.  (I like to think that I have an understanding now). 

My decision to go to KJ was based on value.  They sold a reasonable product at a cheaper rate plus everything was included unlike the BGE.  

I have seen KJ evolve and the loyal brand following has become cult like just like BGE.  

I truly believe that that there isn't much difference as they will produce great food and have minimal differences.  

I call BGE, KJ and Primo the big 3.  They are the top commercial selling Kamado's on the market.  I would relate them to ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler.  

Brand loyalty creates a we are are better than you mentality but they are all ceramic and do good things to our food.  

BGE is tried tested and true.  They have been around the longest and make a great product.  I didn't like dealer support as I wanted to get things immediately for warranty.  

KJ is the new kid on the block and has excellent customer service and all warranties are handled by the company and free ship to the door.  I like that option plus they are willing to evolve with the times.  I agree it's not innovation because they are not inventing the will.... they are listening to customers and responding to their wishes to make a better grill.  

Primo is made in the USA and the oval design is really great for dual zone cooking.  I think the KJ divide and concur has made them the better dual zone cooking device.  Customer support is not great from what I have read and you pay to ship warranty items.  

The Komodo Kamado is in the eye of the beholder.  You love the look or you hate them.  I can give you 10 reasons why these grills are superior in every aspect but that's not what this is about.  The upgrade to the KK was because I was tired of cracked fire box(clay design issues) and gasket repairs etc.  

I challenge you to find a negative criticism on the internet with respect to the KK.  It truly is the most innovative and over engineered cooker on the market. KK is INNOVATIVE 100%.  Dennis has evolved the design with NASA designed aerogel to help keep heat in and allow you to touch the outside of the grill at high heats.  He uses special refractory cement with technology to prevent cracks.  He created self opening lids before others, built in rotisserie, three rows of grilling, etc etc.  The KK may not appeal to your eye for some but you can't argue the technology of the product. I have owned mine for 2 years and have yet to have an issue.  

I will also add that I am loving pellet smoking currently too.  It's different than Kamado cooking but I don't care. I love cooking and will bang out great meals on anything I cook on.  

I think BGE really needs to start focusing on the market.  I see traeger evolving with design and targeting the younger generation of grillers through an aggressive marketing campaign.  This is what sells grills.  BGE can't rely on its reputation and length of time being in business to continue to grow and sell.  They will be around forever and deserve the respect of being the top Kamado sales company, but need to step into the game more so.  

Thats just my .2

You found this thread on FB too huh? 

fishlessman

im just waiting for rtic to storm the market with 300 dollar XL kamados   if they can do yeti knockoffs, they can build a flower pot grill

YEMTrey

If BGE wanted to make some serious scrilla they would make the chiminea again!

RRP

YEMTrey said:

If BGE wanted to make some serious scrilla they would make the chiminea again!

I agree - and I know I would buy one this time! How 'bout it Hotlanta? Anybody got your ears on????

Lit

RRP said:

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YEMTrey said:

If BGE wanted to make some serious scrilla they would make the chiminea again!

I agree - and I know I would buy one this time! How 'bout it Hotlanta? Anybody got your ears on????

People here laugh at people that call it Hotlanta. 

tjv

alynd said:

for what it's worth, BGE outsells KJ closer to 2:1 than 4:1 as previously stated.  

@alynd      One with Costco, one without Costco

t

tjv

bosco0633 said:

I owned 6 Kamado Joes at one point and now currently own a 23" and 32" Komodo Kamado. 

Primo is made in the USA and the oval design is really great for dual zone cooking.  I think the KJ divide and concur has made them the better dual zone cooking device.  Customer support is not great from what I have read and you pay to ship warranty items.  

@bosco     why do you think kjoe's divide and conquer is a better dual zone cooking device.  I am interested to know because I've cooked on both primo and kjoe.

t

jeponline

bosco0633 said:

I call BGE, KJ and Primo the big 3.  They are the top commercial selling Kamado's on the market.  I would relate them to ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler.  

Isn't KJ more like Kia?  Made in an Asian country, stealing features from other manufacturers and calling themselves luxury?

Legume

I don't know about stealing features or whatever, but they've not been the leader and they don't have the name recognition or brand of BGE, so they have to compete on value.  I think the new features (and new pricing) signal a shift in their approach from 'same for less' to 'more for same' or something like that. 

TN_Sister_State

Eggcelsior said:

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pgprescott said:

Hans61 said:

Primo has the same divide and conquer as kj right? 

It's oval and far superior for two zone cooking. Far superior. 

If I was going to get a non-Cadillac/non-egg kamado, I'd do Primo first. 

My FIL has a primo and loves it. He got it due to an insanely good deal from his pool guy he has known for 20 years.  I want to cook on it one time to test out that duel zone he has. 

PlanSB

My biggest issue with BGE is the lack of standard pricing.  I know for a fact that one of my local dealers rips unknowledgeable customers off.  Just list the damn MSRPs on the website, BGE gives the dealers too much room to take advantage of customers, imo. 

vb4677

All I know is I tell people I got a BGE last summer and they are instantly envious.  And not one has ever asked why I didn't get a KJ... or whatever

Legume

PlanSB said:

My biggest issue with BGE is the lack of standard pricing.  I know for a fact that one of my local dealers rips unknowledgeable customers off.  Just list the damn MSRPs on the website, BGE gives the dealers too much room to take advantage of customers, imo. 

Well, the flipside of that is fixed pricing where dealers can't offer discounts.  I paid less for my XL than the standard price.  But I agree, ripping off customers sucks.  if there are multiple dealers in an area, this shouldn't be a problem with a little comparison shopping.

TN_Sister_State

snoqualmiesmoker said:

owned both and both are good.  Sure the Big Joe is better designed than the XL (deeper which helps a ton, and Ive owned and cooked on both) but when your essentially taking others ideas and shipping them to china, well that says so much about the company you run. Essentially they took the bester upgrade people do to their eggs, other ideas from the boards, like  and conquer (ceramic grill store), the new cap (smoke ware), joe blower (the looflighter ), and just copied them in China, offer them at a steep discount.  Capitalism at its best.

This is exactly what i was thinking. Their "innovations" are others ideas simply copied. I have no dog in this fight and even told a friend looking to buy that they are basically equals. Pic the color you like better.