Thanks Tom. I bought my Har Grill auto komodo last month because of your reviews! I love it! Got a couple of small problems with it, like when it says D 1 I got to close down to almost zero then works perfectly! Always a # down. The cast iron grade is a so awesome!I now fine myself wanting to cook all the time on this Grill compared to my other Grills! Best BBQ investment I've made in years! Thanks again Tom for your videos to help us people decide what to buy! My hats off to you Tom Horsman!!

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Jim! Good to know!

I was just looking at the Kettle Joe at Lowe's today. I think they had it for 399. I couldn't figure out the thing. Lol. You showed me the light. Thanks Tom.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching!

I purchased the auto kamado a couple of weeks ago based, in large part, on seeing it on this channel. It's my 1st kamado style cooker and my 1st PID controlled cooker. I have experience with kettles and inexpensive thin walled cabinet smokers from Masterbuilt and Camp Chef. I was looking for a kamado that would be able to hold temps without the constant babysitting (I was considering the KJ or SNS kamados). This unit fits the bill and it's offered at a great price point. Over the past couple of weeks I've cooked a couple of 5lb brisket flats, 10 burgers at once, hot dogs, a couple of porterhouse steaks, and 10 large chicken drumsticks. With the exception of the chicken, the auto kamado held temps faithfully. I had a flare up with the chicken from the grease that was released which brought the temp from 350 up to 470. Fortunately it was at the very end of the cook and cause no real problems. Overall, I'm very impressed with the performance and build quality. Some observations...the grill was delivered in great shape. It took about 75 minutes to assemble which included unboxing, inspecting, finding tools, redoing the legs bc I put them on wrong at first, and struggling with the bottom shelf. My grate was slightly warped which must've occurred during manufacturing, but I bent one of the tabs and it now sits flat. I wish the center (removable) grate was an inch larger in diameter to allow for easier access to th coals below. I'd like the legs to be a little wider as I've been using the bottom shelf as a place to hold the grate and the legs are showing scratch marks. I think they could have put a drawer in the right side shelf to hold the included temp gauge, grate handle, and detachable electrical plug. Also, I think a hole in the back right corner of the right side shelf would have been a great place to store the upper shelf, and it would add additional space for things like plates or buns. All in all, so far I'm very happy with the Char-Griller Auto Kamado. Edit: I have not had a problem using drip pans with the provided heat deflector. I simply bend the pan a bit before placing it on, and the grate holds it in place with no issues. Also, this unit is very efficient, so if you like a lot of smoke flavor, you'll have to add wood chunks or chips. I'm thinking of buying a smoke tube. Edit 2: I do not get audible alarms when using the downloadable app just a notification and vibration. Maybe it's just my old phone, but I do get audible alarms when I use my Inkbird probes.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks again for Watching Steve! Appreciate the feedback!

I've had my OG Akorn Kamado for at least 7 years. Bit of a learning curve, but I have absolutely loved it. Bottom hasn't rusted out, but I did have to replace the hood (screws on the hinge rusted out, even with the cover), but it has rolled faithfully since I brought it home. The Auto Kamado may be a worthy addition

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Spencer!

I had a Chargriller Kamado and it rusted out in about 2 years. The bottom ash pan actually fell off of it at the very end. I keep my grills covered but not in an environmentally controlled garage. If you have to leave your grills on your deck I would opt for the ceramic coated Kamado Joe. You’ll get more than 2 years out of it.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Robert! Appreciate the feedback

Good review as always. I also had to have the kettle joe when it came out. You must make sure all the ash is cleaned out before each use. I enjoy cooking on it. I think it holds temp very well.. Thanks

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Greg! Good to hear

Tom, thanks for another good video. I’ve about decided on an AK. Any idea if they have a second generation grill next year with changes/upgrades? CG is sold out of the units now, last I saw on their website.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Steve! I have no news on any upgrades or new versions…

Yeah Tom, you’re assessment is 100% spot on. For ease of use and versatility, the AA wd be my choice. The Sloroller is interesting nonetheless. Besides rolling the smoke, I think it distributes the heat more evenly per our Canadian pitmaster Smoking Dad.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Steve! Appreciate the feedback

Now, if only the Akorn had a standard adjustable vent on the bottom, and the ability to turn off the electronics, then it would be a winner for sure.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Lol! That’s available as a part from Chargriller, so it is a winner! Thanks for Watching

@iisreset

Жыл бұрын

I was gonna say, just use a ash pan off a regular Akorn and your good to go.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Travis! Agreed!

Auto Kamado!!! I have become addicted to this thing. Once you learn where your top vent goes it stays with 5 degrees either way. I believe this curve depends on where you live as I have the same happen with all my smokers and grills. This thing is awesome as it truly is a all around pit.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Britt! Appreciate the feedback

Great video Tom. I bought the slo roller to go in my egg and it works great but I wouldn't buy the grill itself. The KJ Kettle Joe is selling at a discount, I believe because of some of the things you have pointed out. The choice is pretty clear between these two.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback

Thanks for the information

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Carl!

Excellent review! The auto kamado is looking hard to beat anymore!!!

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Chris! Agreed

Good review Tom, I would choose the Akorn for sure.❤👍

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching! Agreed

I was looking at the Kettle Joe, but just got the Master Built 800 instead. Walmart has it on sale $500, same price as the Kettle Joe. Loving it so far.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching! Congrats on the new grill!

The new Cargriller would be my choice too. Thanks for sharing!

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Darin’

Char griller took the snob out of kamados.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Ted! Yes it did!

I’d go non auto Akorn, $299 Think Walmart has a knock off/off brand expert grill akorn for less. Wanna stay away from electronics/fans for longevity and wear and tear Keep up the great content Tom!

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Greg!

I'd be curious if you would choose the auto kamado vs the spider grills venom, im torn between either sticking with my Weber kettle i have been using for 12 years or get the acorn, price wise is very similar

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Kettle vs Kamado! Sounds like a video title! In my opinion the Kamado has more to offer over the kettle

@doct0rnic

Жыл бұрын

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ awesome thanks!

Love the way that kettle Joe looks

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

As do I ! Thanks for Watching Marlon!

On the kettle joe can you buy something other than the metal plate diffuser thing?

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Haven’t tried anything else, maybe a pizza stone?

The KJ Kettle is $199 at Lowes.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Wayne! Nation wide? Just looked at online and it’s $500

KJ kettle looks like a nightmare to clean btw, they should have went with Black/Gray for the interior

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Greg!

I’m loving the auto kamado. It’s a great grill.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching David! Appreciate the feedback

Thanks Tom! I'm hoping the Akorn goes on sale sometime soon! One thing, how is the Akorn insulated? Is it just an air space or is something in the void?

@stevew9916

Жыл бұрын

There's insulation material between the two layers of steel.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Dennis! Like Steve said, insulation

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Steve! Appreciate the answer

Is the kettle joe discontinued now? I could only find it on the international website.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Aaron! I’m not sure

Any experience with the visions kamado grills?

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Yes, had one, worked well

Thx for the review Tom Edit: after watching this video I’ve came to the conclusion that the red one is for people who like to play with grills, not cook. It’s not even close, the gray one is a real Kamado. The red one is the marketing department going crazy

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Eric! Appreciate the feedback! Thanks

If the Kettle Joe and the Weber Kettle were the same price, which would you choose?

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for Watching! I’d need to think on that one for abit

Tom the question I have is do you think it’s worth it to upgrade from the old Akorn to the auto kamado?

@paulh6517

Жыл бұрын

I certainly think its worth the upgrade. Often I would overshoot my temp on my original Akorn and it would take forever to get it back down. I gave mine away and went with the weber 26". It sure uses a lot more fuel but the temps are easier to control. If you manage temps well on the original Akorn I would see no reason to upgrade. I liked the OG Akorn when I got the temps right. I wish they would increase the diameter of the Akorn grill so one could fit Weber accessories on it. Additionally folding side tables would be nice especially for storage.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Richard! The thermostatically controlled blower makes all the difference, yes it’s worth it

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Paul! Appreciate the feedback

Comment 2, I'd pick KJ to last longer but I'd be happy to have either one

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Adam! Appreciate the feedback

Heard a few are having temp probe on chargriller get kinked and malfunction the controller.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Brad! I have heard the same although I’ve had no issues with mine

@dr.skoals

Жыл бұрын

I had that issue and had to get a free replacement. I wish the probe was in the base and not the lid. It wouldn’t move or put stress on the wire. I was very careful assembling the grill.

My choice too Tom char griller hands down!!!

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Robert! Agreed!

Walmart online sale on Auto Kamado - $224.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Awesome deal

Did you ever compare KJ to SNS kettle?

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Adam! Good idea! Will do

The char griller is definitely nice but the Kamado Joe kettle grill will outlast that grill by 15 years

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Rob! Just curious how you know that….

Just bought the Auto Kamdo at Walmart at 50% off, at 230.00

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Jake! Awesome deal!

Kamado Joe is more about you wasting money on their optional gimmicks....Slo Roller,DoeJoe, Joetisseri, than actually cooking BBQ.

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback

I gotta quit watching now I'm gonna have to get one haha

@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!