Focker said:

So did Mr. Loafer go rogue from BGE or another ceramic grill company to form KJ?  

Seems like these folks have been around this scene with the design flaws they are quickly addressing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7sCb1B9hiQ

SaintJohnsEgger said:

I'm not rich or anywhere near rich. Been similar-retired the last 3 years. Or mostly unemployed. Or between contracts. It LOL depends on how you want to spin it...

all that hat to say I don't get the chance to be a snob very often and the 2 BGEs sitting on my patio are my one snobbish achievement.  Makes me feel life has meaning.

I would hope it's just being outside and relaxing and doing something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Not just the color of your grill. Nothing snobbish about buying a quality product. Buying an expensive product just to part of a click reminds me of grade school and not being able to afford  name brand clothes like the in crowd. You, raising 4 kids...I know you have made sacrifices, just like my parents did. You deserve to have a nice grill or 2 if that's what you enjoy.

DoubleEgger said:

RRP said:

RRP said:

Two things have really surprised me. First that the "on the clock buffalo" let this thread survive 30 minutes or at least didn't even sink it! He has been far more lenient than shown on far lesser threads mentioning competition or even minor after market products! Secondly that the KJ owner was so adament about 2017 improvements being good but wait to see what we add for 2018! I mean if I were even considering buying a KJ I'd probably wait 7 more months! Or if I had to buy now and the dealer didn't have the new and improved 2017 model in stock then rest assured he better be giving me a deep discount on the 2016 or older models he hasn't moved yet! 

Not stirring the pot, BUT I still wonder if other than to Darian if my opinion/observation might see at least twilight tonight let alone the light of day tomorrow! 

I do agree with the statement about the year models. That's going to stiff some of the low volume dealers. It seems like they want to move to a big box sales model. 

They don't just want to, they have. I saw the KJ at Lowes last weekend. 1299.99. The new Block charcoal or whatever it is called was 24.99/bag. I wonder if they are going to dissolve their small-volume model since they do roadshows and are moving downmarket(in everything but price) with selling at place like Lowes(I'm not being critical, but Kamados are a niche high-end product in the grill marketplace overall). It's kinda sad in a way. The dealer network is what helps make eggfests and get-togethers happen. I don't see someone walking into Lowes to make that happen.

Eggcelsior said:

DoubleEgger said:

RRP said:

RRP said:

Two things have really surprised me. First that the "on the clock buffalo" let this thread survive 30 minutes or at least didn't even sink it! He has been far more lenient than shown on far lesser threads mentioning competition or even minor after market products! Secondly that the KJ owner was so adament about 2017 improvements being good but wait to see what we add for 2018! I mean if I were even considering buying a KJ I'd probably wait 7 more months! Or if I had to buy now and the dealer didn't have the new and improved 2017 model in stock then rest assured he better be giving me a deep discount on the 2016 or older models he hasn't moved yet! 

Not stirring the pot, BUT I still wonder if other than to Darian if my opinion/observation might see at least twilight tonight let alone the light of day tomorrow! 

I do agree with the statement about the year models. That's going to stiff some of the low volume dealers. It seems like they want to move to a big box sales model. 

They don't just want to, they have. I saw the KJ at Lowes last weekend. 1299.99. The new Block charcoal or whatever it is called was 24.99/bag. I wonder if they are going to dissolve their small-volume model since they do roadshows and are moving downmarket(in everything but price) with selling at place like Lowes(I'm not being critical, but Kamados are a niche high-end product in the grill marketplace overall). It's kinda sad in a way. The dealer network is what helps make eggfests and get-togethers happen. I don't see someone walking into Lowes to make that happen.

Time will tell if the KJ will stay at the Lowe's stores. Our Lowe's does sell some of the high dollar Weber gas grills as well as off-set smokers.
The move into Lowe's might just be a summer advertising ploy, similar to the BGE Eggs that mysteriously show up at Sam's Club and such. Who knows.
I agree 100% about the Dealer network. Not for the Fests and such as KJ has shown little interest in doing this in the US. But for educating the customer so they do not start their cooking experience blind. But then again, there are MANY BGE dealers who know squat about cooking on the EGG but try and sell them. I'm lucky as my local dealer is now fantastic. Not to mention my BGE distributor, Paragon in Dallas...Those guys ROCK...
My only gripe with KJ is their continued effort to flood the market with Road Shows and now Lowe's that kill the local dealers who can truly sell, educate and help their customers who buy KJ. I also know in the past, KJ dealers struggled to get product to stock in their stores as KJ backordered products but they were still selling full force at their Road Shows. I do like their products and their repair and replacement policy shipping direct to my front door. I even stopped in to visit their warehouse a couple years ago. Very nice people. I just have a big issue with the way they have treat their dealers. I still have one of my KJ Jr grills but have let my Classic and Big Joe go. Like @Eggcelsior said, a good Dealer is invaluable. I know I can always stop in any get help. When they do help I always try and buy something, even if it's only a bottle of spice. I have also dropped them some things to try like Rockwood, and a couple weeks ago a bottle of DP Mole Rub. They are a Dizzy dealer but did not know about the Mole.
It's great that this post has remained and for the most part has been VERY informative and civil. Enough rambling for now.

fishlessman said:

all these inovations are nice.  if bge just put a bottle opener on the band the comp would be toast

That guy redeemed himself in the second video.    I couldn't imagine leaving a successful corporate job to start a brand new company in what seemed to be a highly penetrated market.  

Looks interesting. I'd like to see what they have planned for next year 

@SaintJohnsEgger I too take pride in my egg, and like you don't splurge often

That's a little embarrasing

stlcharcoal said:

blasting said:

That's a little embarrasing

Since the video, the large comes with a new hinge, new box, and 3" thermometer.

Guess their dealer charges for assembly.....we don't.  And I still don't get the "it call comes in together" ploy.  Whatever.  What if you don't need the nest and mates?  It all adds up to the same price--those parts aren't free.  Five $20s or all in one $100 bill.....who cares, it spends the same.

Kamado Joe does sell their 2 larger models in a standalone version that does not include the stand/side tables. They sell for a couple hundred bucks less.

Until 2017 the standalone versions were priced the same but they came with all shiny stainless steel hardware (including the top vent). Looked really sharp.

SaintJohnsEgger said:

Photo Egg said:

SaintJohnsEgger said:

I'm not rich or anywhere near rich. Been similar-retired the last 3 years. Or mostly unemployed. Or between contracts. It LOL depends on how you want to spin it...

all that hat to say I don't get the chance to be a snob very often and the 2 BGEs sitting on my patio are my one snobbish achievement.  Makes me feel life has meaning.

I would hope it's just being outside and relaxing and doing something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Not just the color of your grill. Nothing snobbish about buying a quality product. Buying an expensive product just to part of a click reminds me of grade school and not being able to afford  name brand clothes like the in crowd. You, raising 4 kids...I know you have made sacrifices, just like my parents did. You deserve to have a nice grill or 2 if that's what you enjoy.

Thanks @Photo Egg. 

I love just sitting outside and enjoying this time of year in Florida. I've sacrificed over the years and still have to; I've got two daughters that will be going through med school. My family comes first but my eggs are my most prized possession. I'm willing to drive older cars and skimp in other areas for my eggs. And while I don't rub it in other people's faces, I do take pride in owning my eggs and I love to talk about them any chance I get.

Your a good man Charlie Brown...

bigbadben said:

stlcharcoal said:

thetrim said:

That guy redeemed himself in the second video.    I couldn't imagine leaving a successful corporate job to start a brand new company in what seemed to be a highly penetrated market.  

Not to take anything away from him, but that's how a lot of new companies are started.  Somebody that is bored in their job, has the money, and as willing to take the plunge to escape.  The dream job I wanted from grade school to grad school was to be an air ambulance pilot (helicopter).  I got the job at age 22, but after 10+ yrs, the schedule, risk, stress, etc was too much to handle with four young kids.  I walked away from a six figure career and hundred of thousands of dollars worth training, to be a stay at home dad and grow my fledgling charcoal company.  Best thing I ever did.

I would love to hear more.   I am one a similar path, not the charcoal part.  

Sure, send me an email......address is on the profile page.