Mini vs Mini Max vs Jumbo Joe

distanceman

I'm curious if anyone decided to go with a Weber Joe or Jumbo Joe vs a Mini/Mini Max? I know they're all different animals, but sort of same basic idea-ish. 

I am 9 months into an XL, and thinking about something portable. Naturally I want another Egg; however, justifying 6x the cost for a MM vs Jumbo Joe...for something I'd use infrequently. Just curious and I know  I'm not the first to consider these options. 

johnnyp

Since buying it, i use my MM much more than my XL.  Just makes sense most nights 

WeberWho

I really enjoy my Mini. Not worth the price of admission though in my opinion. I found my mini used for $100. I think it's worth about that for the limited size you get out of it.

Don't forget about the Small BGE. It works like it's bigger siblings. Plus it's only 4 lbs heavier than the Minimax for traveling. Just a thought anyways 

distanceman

@johnnyp that's partly why I'm afraid to go with the MM haha. But I guess different tools for different purposes. 

@WeberWho Good input, thanks. I'll keep my eye on the mini for a good price and also look into the small. 

DoubleEgger

Check out an Akorn Jr. It’s lightweight and portable without the concerns of cracking your ceramic egg while transporting it. It’ll cool faster than the heat absorbing ceramic which is better for tailgating etc. Great price point for infrequent use too. 

tenpenny_05

watch the first part of this video (I really like Justin, you should subscribe) he really sums up the minimax well. 
The akorn Jr and the jumbo Joe are both way better options for what you are looking for.
https://youtu.be/19rRJgY5uAM

cookingdude555

I have the three you listed, and the Akorn jr. I leave eggs at home. The risk and hassle is not worth the charcoal savings and slightly better product. I always recommend the jumbo joe for portability, they can’t be beat. I have two. They travel great and cook as much as a large egg. 

BugFreak72

If you buy a Weber I would suggest the Smokey Mtn instead of the Joe. I have the 18in and the 14in and both are very portable. I bring the 14in on rv trips all the time. Take out the middle section and set the grate on the charcoal basket and it works just like the Joe. It's the best of both worlds, a smoker and grill in one portable unit.

I've even used my 18in for low country boils by setting the pot right on the grate directly over the charcoal basket.

JohnInCarolina

DoubleEgger said:

Check out an Akorn Jr. It’s lightweight and portable without the concerns of cracking your ceramic egg while transporting it. It’ll cool faster than the heat absorbing ceramic which is better for tailgating etc. Great price point for infrequent use too. 

Plus it’s way easier to keep clean.

DoubleEgger

JohnInCarolina said:

DoubleEgger said:

Check out an Akorn Jr. It’s lightweight and portable without the concerns of cracking your ceramic egg while transporting it. It’ll cool faster than the heat absorbing ceramic which is better for tailgating etc. Great price point for infrequent use too. 

Plus it’s way easier to keep clean.

I haven’t made fun of your dirty egg in a while. Don’t bait me. 

The Cen-Tex Smoker

I sold my minimax and got a jumbo joe for beach trips camping etc. im happy with the trade. I think they are $40-$50,Lightweight, cools down fast, don’t have to worry about breaking ceramics, and has a bigger grill area. Im not doing low and slow on a minimax size egg anyway and as a grill, the jumbo joe is every bit as good as a MM. I actually prefer it

distanceman

Thanks again for the recommendations. I'll check em out. Ironically I sold an Akorn Jr. after I bought the XL. I do like the idea of an 18" portable grill, and I'll also relook at the Akorn Jr and WSM 18". 

Carolina Q

I had a large and a mini. I had gotten to the point where the mini was my primary cooker... until my dog knocked over the table it was on and trashed it. I replaced it with a Smokey Joe. Meh.

Then I bought an Akorn Jr and that's almost all I use now. I still use the large from time to time, but mostly, the Akorn gets the call. And as with the mini, it travels well. The Webers (SJ and 22 1/2) get nuthin'.

blasting

A medium for the backyard would compliment your XL perfectly, then a 50 JJ for portability.  Pretty much perfect.

fence0407

I have a mini and large egg. I found the mini for $250 brand new/full warranty from a local place going out of business. Happy with my setup but sounds like you need a little more space. You should get a Blackstone to round everything out. 

YukonRon

I own a MMx, it has become a workhorse. We use it for vacations, camping, tailgating, week night cooks when it is just my beautiful wife and I, and also during big cooks to keep the apples going.
Very fond of the MMx and would replace it in a heartbeat, if anything happened to it.

HeavyG

A few years ago I bought a Kamado Joe Jr. rather than a MiniMax. Quite a bit cheaper at the time (might still be - not sure). I don't really consider either of those to be easily portable but the KJ Jr. is a dozen pounds or so lighter than the Max. My KJ Jr. is my most used grill these days.

I bought an Akorn Jr. last summer just cuz it was on a great sale and I wanted to check one out. It's probably not a life long purchase as it will likely rust out in less than a decade but it is about the same grid size as the other two and about half the weight of a KJ Jr.

Just depends on what you would define as portable. If you're ok with humping around the weight of a Max or KJ Jr. I'd go with one of those. If they are too heavy I'd go with the Akron Jr.

However, if I was just looking for something to grill stuff on the beach or a picnic I'd go with the Weber Jumbo Joe for the light weight and larger grid.

GregC

Just bought a MiniMax several weeks ago, used it 4 times a week since. Was a great choice for me.

Focker

I like having them all honestly.
Small egg and transporter for times I want an egg that behaves like it's older sibling on the tailgate.
14 WSM for smoking and portability perched on a picnic table.
Akorn Jr for ease and beaterability, theft deterrence, again perched on a picnic table.
Jumbo Joe for large egg real estate.

SonVolt

Theft deterence because no one would want it enough to bother stealing it? 

Focker

SonVolt said:

Theft deterence because no one would want it enough to bother stealing it? 

Yeah, and I wouldn't be as pi$$ed as if the egg and custom table went stolen. 

The Akorn Jr. has a cover, which is nice.