BGE XL vs. Primo Oval XL

dabaxter

I am strongly considering buying a ceramic grill smoker and have narrowed down my choices to the largest sized BGE XL and Primo Oval XL. Both are similarly priced and both have dealers close to my home. They both appear to be about the same thickness and materials. I think they both offer an additional rack to increase cooking capacity.
I like the BGE XL because it appears to have a little more grid space, according to specs and appearance. It also appears to be a little taller and larger. It looks like it might have a little more lump capacity. It is hard to tell for sure, since I can't put them side by side. I also like its hinge arrangement a little better.

I like the Primo Oval XL, because it appears to be a little more versatile with its multiple racks and firebox divider.

I plan on both grilling and slow smoking.

Between the BGE XL and Primo Oval XL...
Which is better and why?
For grilling?
For smoking?
I would appreciate your input, assuming you own one of these.

BobS

The big step is going to a ceramic grill. A couple stand out on the top of the heap.

Most folks here like the BGE (big surprise).

I have two brands and love them both.

Pharmeggist

Hi dabaxter,
I am glad you came here to ask your question. I looked at the other ceramics and considered the Primo XL at one point. However, all of my immediate family have BGE's but that wasn't the deciding factor. What was for me was the Eggfests, Eggthusiasm, and eggheads. I bought a Large BGE and a Small for versatility... I can do Boston Butt indirect on the Large and cook Steaks on the small cooking at entirely two different temps and time frames. If I were you you might consider this arrangement for about the same price as an XL. I added a mini later on for tailgating my wife suprised me with it If I bought the other one I would be green with envy :evil:

Pharmeggist

Check this site out

www.nakedwhiz.com

It will give you tons of information about ceramic cooking!

UGAVET

You probably wont go wrong with either purchase. i have the xl, large, small and mine. I like my XL alot and now there are alot more eggcessories that are available for the XL. I have looked at the Primo at one point and i do like the design but Primo only has a 20 year warranty which the BGE has a lifetime warranty and customer support is excellent. Also this forum is much more active than the other brand and can be a huge support mechanism to get you thru the learning curve. BGE is the gold standard in ceramic cooking, Primo is a satisfactory secondary player that may give you a slightly different experience than an egg but end results are probably similar. Hope you pick the egg.

AzScott

I was debating the Primo as well. I went for the BGE for several reasons. The forum, accessories, Eggfests, and once again the forum. I have yet to see an actual Primo so I won't go into quality. I do know that I was apprehensive about it being green but now I think it looks great and wouldn't want black.

Either way, you're in for some great food!

UGAVET

i have seen the primos up close and personal and they seem like they are made ok but i have read some post on other forums about the whole base cracking. I know that can happen with the egg as well, just ask BENTE. However BGE support is unhearlded. The owner of Primo im pretty sure used to be with BGE and bolted and did his own thing so its not like he created something entirely new.

Rollocks

The warranty and service on the Egg are better. Also if you buy the XL flip ring you get even more space than you would on the primo.

http://www.eggaccessories.com/xl.html

fishlessman

2 is always better than one, one smoking 30 pounds of butt while you grill up some steaks or chicken or whatever on the second. i wouldnt pick either, i would buy two large eggs and be done with it. ive never cooked on either of the ones you mentioned, but i would rather have two and i like the larges best out of the lineup.

Nature Boy

The forum rules advise against making comparisons, but I will say I am confident that you should get an egg. The company is top notch, they back their product, and the ceramics (while not made in the US of A) are made in a place that is known especially for their quality ceramics.

Good luck with your decision!
Chris