Why?

 

Lack of searing ability.

Going to visit my friend today who loves his BGE. We'll see if he grills up something for us. He usually does. I can ask him any questions you might have.

My buddy Alex

That does look good!

I don't know jack about grilling, but this was awfully nice...

^ Your pictures are not exactly helping my wallet here.

The $300 Bubba Keg: Spatchcock chicken:

Where can you get a Bubba Keg for $300?

 

I'm guessing it does the same thing as the BGE, but made with different materials...these things inspire crazy fanaticism that makes me pause--people are crazy for the thing they bought, and despise everything else.

Bubba Keg is now Big Steel Keg and costs around $600.

In regards to people being crazy about BGE, nothing all that different from any other hobbies or gear acquisitions.

Mine was the older version and Home Depot was blowing them out for $300 so I grabbed one if the last ones available.

I thought about getting a BGE or Traeger for a long time.   However, I wanted something I could put away in the garage when I wasn't using it (and Tim wanted something cheaper) so I ended up going with a Weber Smokey Mountain (18") which is $300, for smoking.  For grilling, we have the small "Old Smokey" ($29) which is cheap but works great (they are made by a company here in Houston).   The medium isn't that much more and would probably be better for a family.  The small one is perfect for the two of us.   Charcoal is much more work that a pellet or gas grill, but I like it.  

 

 

Just spotted a BGE on a boat in Pensacola

And another. Must be a thing down here.

Bubba Keg is now Big Steel Keg and costs around $600.

In regards to people being crazy about BGE, nothing all that different from any other hobbies or gear acquisitions.

 

Man, glad I got mine from Orchard Supply Hardware for $350.

 

Allowed me to get all obsessed with upgrades like computer controller, custom racks and grates, and Smoke Daddy.

 

Ugh, I really want to have one month of not being sick, I haven't BBQ'd since MOA3.  

 

Although if I had the room on my balcony, I'd sooooo have a small Traeger as well.  Just too damned convenient, got one helluva smoke ring on those butts at MOA3!!!

Edited April 4, 201313 yr by Edwood

Actually, I think Big Steel Keg is now in 700-800 range.

^So, the same as a BGE. So how does one decide?

^ Wee bit cheaper than BGE, though BGE's price vary depending on the dealer - I was quoted anywhere from $800 to $1000 for a large BGE w/ no accessories.

 

Big Steel Keg is larger than a large BGE and it also comes with a stand.  Adding a stand adds another $100 to BGE.

Also, BGE is not as durable as the Keg.  Not to mention a LOT heavier.  If you don't plan on moving it around, then it shouldn't be a concern.  FYI, the Keg weigh in at around 100 lbs with the stand. 

 

The BGE has it's own retro look charm, while the Keg looks like a R2D2's Redneck Cousin.

Costco is selling Traegers again.   The Junior model is $300.  Worth it?  Or next size up is better?   The Traegers Junior looks to be perfect size for smoking two Butts side by side.