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Originally Posted by Canehdianman
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I'm not sure why you couldn't be convinced. The BGE is dense ceramic. That has its own disadvantages, weight in particular.
The Akorn is an affordable alternative. For 1/2 to 1/3 the price, you get a kamado style cooker, that will hold decent heat. Its also relatively light in case you want to take it to a friend's house.
The BGE can get to temperatures without damage far in excess of any other kamado I've seen so far. Dome temperature is one thing, but I've had my BGE so hot (900 degrees plus, grill temp, not the actual coals) I've seared (sunterra, not thick enough honestly, tenderloins) steaks for a minute a side, and ended up with medium rare to medium after they sat in foil for 10 minutes, while aiming for rare. Oops. They still presented great.
I've also done low-and-slow, and I think a metal kamado could compete on this level. I use the BBQ Guru, so as to not have to tend to the air flow every ten minutes. Using the Guru, I can sleep overnight and wake up to see there is still plenty of charcoal for the rest of the cook/smoke. 18 hour pork butts-- no problem, no refilling charcoal.
Some kamados might be capable of this, but I doubt it, but again I doubt most consumers actually care. If you just want to do a steak at 700 degrees grill temp, or smoke some ribs, the other options are great.
What bothers me is the BGE folks overcharge for the unit to some extent, but then really overcharge for the necessary accessories--- nest, folding side tables, etc.. They know they have a captive customer. Also, adjustment of the dome alignment is a pain.