Atlanta Grill Company no longer BGE?

SGH

HeavyG said:

Shame on Pepsi for taking the low road in its advertising. 

I liked when Pepsi advertised like this. 

I almost converted to Pepsi. 

Legume

HeavyG said:

DoubleEgger said:

HeavyG said:

Shame on Pepsi for taking the low road in its advertising.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4gsLVjI9jY

Of course a shill for KJ and Pepsi doesn’t see an issue...

FTFY

I'm sure you're using "shill" as a compliment (high road) rather than as an insult (low road) of course.

That’s f’n funny.

flexfusion

I stopped by there last Saturday morning and I couldn't believe it!  First of all the parking lot was almost vacant ,and when I went into the store (where I bought my Egg) it was totally quiet with several sales people starring at me.  I saw Gary the guy I bought my Egg from and he explained they made the switch but wouldn't elaborate why. They don't even sell Stihl power equipment anymore either,  and that was a big part of their business.  Gray said they are moving North of Alpharetta to North Hembree Rd.  I know KJ's are good but I think the company has gone too far in jazzing the KJ to the point it doesn't resemble a cooker.  Roswell Hardware was always a fun place to visit but not that way now.  

flexfusion

After leaving Roswell Hardware, I  went north up Bill Elliot's Hwy 9 and stopped at two different Ace Hardwares and they both sold KJ's. Managers said they had dropped selling the BGE and didn't elaborate why.  

distanceman

Well, I think KJ keeps pushing the envelope. I’m still not convinced they have a susatainable business model, but I guess time will tell. I may double down on BGE and grab a Minimax for my birthday or Christmas! 

Releasing a “Do Joe”, Classic III and Gen II Wireless Temp Controller (since the first gen was defective). 

HeavyG

Your screen capture didn't provide Brennan's answer to the "what is that hole" question. His response was that it was for a feature they were planning but decide not to go ahead with and to ignore the hole.

He also provided some interesting info regarding the issues some folks have been having with the iKamand:

"iKamand Update. We have sold over 3500 iKamands in North America. A little over 3% were dead on arrival due to manufacturing issues at our supplier and an additional 4.5% have stopped working since consumers purchased them. We have about 700 active users who are using their devices several times a week. In addition to manufacturing issues our biggest issue is with managing heat under certain “usage scenarios”. The most problematic scenario is when a user is grilling at high temps and has the iKamand on the bottom vent. When they go to shut down the grill they close the bottom top and bottom vents with the iKamand on the bottom vent. If they forget to close the baffle on the iKamand all the heat in the grill will want to escape through the bottom vent and the electronics will get overheated. In addition to damaging the components the signal strength is also impacted by this overheating. We are working on a number of hardware updates that will protect the electronics from any overheating scenario. The first picture shows a thermal image of the unit in our testing. The next picture shows a part made out of Ultem plastic (high temp insulator - circled) that we are adding to create a compartment for the electronics. In order to create space on the inside of the unit for this component we have gone with a smaller but more powerful fan. The additional space created is going to allow us to explore more antennae options as well. We have found that the antennae we are using works well but the signal strength is somewhat dependent on the relative orientation between your grill and your router. We would like a multi-directional antennae. The more powerful fan is also allowing us to add a “flap door” on the inside. When the fan engages the door opens. It closes when the fan shuts off. This not only allows us to protect the electronics from overheating but also should allow for better temperature control. We are also intending to add a sensor on the board to warn the consumer of a potential overheating scenario. Our initial testing this week has gone extremely well. More extensive testing will happen over the next month. If all goes well these changes will be implemented and available in a Gen II product in 12 weeks. Apologies to anyone who received a defective unit or who accidentally damaged their electronics. Full refunds and/or exchanges will be provided. I would like to add that the team at Desora are continuously updating the APP and are also working to allow the device to work directly with your phone (without WiFi) and a number of innovative features that we can’t talk about just yet. We have also hired manufacturing consultants to implement a thorough quality control plan at the factory. Sorry for the long winded update. Appreciate the feedback. I think we understand the initial issues and I am very encouraged by the improvements that the team is working on."

*************

KJ shill...over and out...

Ozzie_Isaac

SmokeyPitt said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

The KJ billboard bothers me because the arrow is not pointing at the BGE sign.  It is pointing to the right.

   Ooohhhh.  Epic.  I get it now.  Very funny.

Ozzie_Isaac

DoubleEgger said:

Legume said:

Slow week in the ATL I guess.

It’s clever, snarky, something a younger company that’s trying to catch up would do.  Can’t imagine why anyone here would get their parties in a wad over it.  KJ taking their shot, whatever.

I can call out someone for taking the low road without my panties being in a wad. I think it’s a low class billboard. Others may disagree. That’s cool too. 

 I like it.  Doesn't make me want a KJ, but I still find it hilarious.  Kind of like an Elon Musk tweet.

SGH

Ozzie_Isaac said:
Elon Musk 

Is that a rip off of Jovan Musk?

odie91

Lol that billboard is a low blow, but even if I was a BGE loyalist, I'd still think it's more hilarious than anything.  Heck I bet the folks at BGE headquarters probably think it's kinda funny.

THEBuckeye

GATraveller said:

Anyone whose ever dealt with the guys who work at AGS know this is on par with how they operate.  They're all a bunch of d!cks.

The Roswell HW owner is a ****, IMO. ......overheard fear, uncertainty and doubt sales tactics while berating a woman interested in a lower price-point product. I've commented prior the " I'll be in Atlanta and need to get to Roswell Hardware" was overrated. Nothing unique, just (was last time I was there) a lot of displayed inventory. 

The dealer I bought from in Atlanta was the Big Grill Shop. An ACE (w/Eggs) opened less than a mile from the Big Grill Shop. The Big Grill Shop closed up.

The Mothership coming out with the whole Platinum Dealer requirements up-ended a lot of the Mom and Pop sized dealers.  

Good Riddance to Roswell Hardware, I say. 

THEBuckeye

The larger question, where is @BigGreenCraig hanging his hat now? He was a regular cooker at Roswell HW. The Fall event was a regular event in his circuit. 

Canugghead

HeavyG

Could you actually close the dome with the Jr. there?

Ozzie_Isaac

Canugghead said:

 What is that cast iron looking thing?

Canugghead

@HeavyG someone send me the pictures, I doubt it'd close.
@Ozzie_Isaac I'm speculating it's their convergtor to funnel and redistribute the heat for more even smoking temperature across the entire cooking grid. Without the disc, it's like a Vortex?

stlcharcoal

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

DoubleEgger

I see something that’s going to rust like a mofo 

Photo Egg

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

MJG

I’m just going to keep cooking on my Egg, drinking Tito’s, and $h!tting on both of my daughters boyfriends as long as I can. Competition is good for the marketplace, but I have found what I need.  YMMV. 

stlcharcoal

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

Ozzie_Isaac

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

pgprescott

Ozzie_Isaac said:

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

I thought KJ stole his stuff several years ago and everyone applauded them for their innovation. The D&C system is a hybrid of his stuff and the oval guys ideas. 

distanceman

@pgprescott Yeah, kinda like “innovating” their Do Joe...aka the Pizza Porta v2. 

THEBuckeye

MJG said:

I’m just going to keep cooking on my Egg, drinking Tito’s, and $h!tting on both of my daughters boyfriends as long as I can. Competition is good for the marketplace, but I have found what I need.  YMMV. 

I like your plan! 

Photo Egg

Ozzie_Isaac said:

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

With Tom now being a BGE dealer, his partnering with KJ would be interesting.

DoubleEgger

Photo Egg said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

With Tom now being a BGE dealer, his partnering with KJ would be interesting.

With BGE axing a lot of dealers, he might have gotten “the letter”. 

blasting

DoubleEgger said:

Photo Egg said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

With Tom now being a BGE dealer, his partnering with KJ would be interesting.

With BGE axing a lot of dealers, he might have gotten “the letter”. 

I've heard of, and met dealers who are upset with BGE and dumping them, but why is BGE dumping dealers?  

Legume

be competitive.  with the buyer, and with the dealer.  if not features, then price, or service, or whatever.  I wish I could go to one car dealer and drive a honda, toyota, ford and chevy, but I can't.  with bbqs, you're not test driving anyway, so features and price. 

I have no idea when I would buy another ceramic cooker.  I'll have mine for decades because of the BGE lifetime warranty, but I didn't know when I was shopping for one that was going to be as important as it is.  I'm not sure you can tell people 'pick ours, they're all going to break and we'll give you free replacement parts' as a sales strategy.  my dealer also sold those oval ones and I almost bought one, but of all of the pros and cons the sales guy mentioned, he said more accessories are available for the BGE and there are just many more places that sell them, and that sounded better to me.

how they market, I don't really care as long as it's not mudslinging.  the billboard thing, I still think it's funny.  I think KJ should hire that douche from the chevy ads, he's doing a great job pissing everyone off as they continue to point at Ford.

stlcharcoal

blasting said:

DoubleEgger said:

Photo Egg said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

stlcharcoal said:

Photo Egg said:

stlcharcoal said:

It's kind of a replacement for the plate setter but it doubles as reducing ring / heat intensifier / two-zone.  Without that upper plate, it funnels the heat to make a really freakin' hot zone, with a cooler zone around it; then with the plate on there, it's basically a plate setter without the legs in the way.  I never liked spilling a round kamado into semi-circles, just doesn't work as well as it could.  I think this inner circle / outer circle approach is going to work better. As much as I said "meh" on their "improvements" last year, this new Pro Joe looks like it has some potential game changers.

I would give $150 more just to have the stainless bands and handle. But Really like being able to go direct/indirect during the cook with a Woo and pizza stone. I would like to see KJs in action before I say yea or nea.

Same here!!  I played around with it a little bit, but didn't have time to see all the setups.  With how much taller it is, it's going to be interesting what they can do inside.  XL's have always been so limited on that.  Have to wait and see some YouTube videos of how it all fits together.  I'm sure CGS/Tom will find a way to make a much better aftermarket system for it though!!!! 

 It would be interesting to see KJ partner with Tom and pay him for his IP.  Make it advantageous for him to be exclusive.  That would be the best way to convert Eggheads to KJ. 

With Tom now being a BGE dealer, his partnering with KJ would be interesting.

With BGE axing a lot of dealers, he might have gotten “the letter”. 

I've heard of, and met dealers who are upset with BGE and dumping them, but why is BGE dumping dealers?  

No idea. I didn't get any explanation.  Just "we are terminating your dealer agreement......thank you for your business."  When I called my distributor, they refused to tell me why.  In all fairness, I don't know if this was BGE or the distributor that made the decision. 

I'm not going to discuss it any further, because I want to get to the bottom of it before airing any grievances.