Howdy:

I've had a Char Griller Akorn for 9 years and am pretty satisfied with it from a size and quality of cook standpoint, but the bottom ash catcher section is about to rust through (stored covered, but outside) and I can't adjust the intake vent anymore.

What, if anything, am I missing vs an egg, Kamado Joe, primo, etc? Assuming I get another 9 years out of the next Akorn, it's way more attractive to buy another $300 setup vs even ponying up for $500 for a bare bones large BGE off marketplace. The Primo intrigues me the most with a better layout for the cooking area, but a large BGE is the most common find. Will I use less charcoal? Does it hold a temp more consistently?

We are 1-2 per week users, most often burgers or steaks that I'll smoke for 20-30 minutes, then open the vents and place a cast iron on the grill to get super hot for a food final sear and to keep from heating up/smoking the kitchen. I do 1 or 2 briskets a year and spatchcock chicken, ribs, or a pork shoulder about 10-15x a year.

Thanks in advance for yall's advice.

Can't speak to the others, but I have had a BGE for 15+ years. I can't imagine buying anything else. Temp hold very stable. Keeps moisture in as well.

What size do you have? How have parts other than the body stood up to the test of time?

I have a large. My mom has an XL. In my opinion the Large is easier to cook from. Parts have been good. I replaced the metal ring around it, but it was just rusted from living in Houston for a decade.

Get the ceramic Akorn - it is fantastic

Have a link? I don't see anything but the insulated steel models like what I have.

Same boat. Got one for Father's Day maybe 8 years ago but I've noticed the same rust. I can still use my vent though.

Have an offset for smoking and mostly use Akorn as a grill but like having it for longer indirect type cooks where I don't want to fire up the smoker.

Anyway, you are not alone lol. Good question.

Not sure if they still sell them, but as of a couple years ago you could buy that bottom piece on the chargriller website for less than $50.

NRH ag 10 said:

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Howdy:

I've had a Char Griller Akorn for 9 years and am pretty satisfied with it from a size and quality of cook standpoint, but the bottom ash catcher section is about to rust through (stored covered, but outside) and I can't adjust the intake vent anymore.

What, if anything, am I missing vs an egg, Kamado Joe, primo, etc? Assuming I get another 9 years out of the next Akorn, it's way more attractive to buy another $300 setup vs even ponying up for $500 for a bare bones large BGE off marketplace. The Primo intrigues me the most with a better layout for the cooking area, but a large BGE is the most common find. Will I use less charcoal? Does it hold a temp more consistently?

We are 1-2 per week users, most often burgers or steaks that I'll smoke for 20-30 minutes, then open the vents and place a cast iron on the grill to get super hot for a food final sear and to keep from heating up/smoking the kitchen. I do 1 or 2 briskets a year and spatchcock chicken, ribs, or a pork shoulder about 10-15x a year.

Thanks in advance for yall's advice.

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What cslifer mentioned, but now $63..

Ashpan AKORN Black (6719, 96719 ) Kit
Model:
900101
$62.99

Black ash pan is a replacement part for AKORN Kamado models 6719

I'm on my 2nd Akorn, IMO an overachiever, in the insulated / long cooking game.
This evening's output..

cslifer said:

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Not sure if they still sell them, but as of a couple years ago you could buy that bottom piece on the chargriller website for less than $50.

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This would definitely be the move...had I not been so neglectful that the lower part of the body is also rusting.

I think I'm going to get another Akorn and will drill a very small hole at the bottom of the ash tray so water can drain

NRH ag 10 said:

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Have a link? I don't see anything but the insulated steel models like what I have.

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i got mine at HEB for like $300 - gonna have to search but i bet they are still out there -

i still have my 13 year old regular Akorn - these two are beasts

I am with JeremiahJohnson, have had a BGE for 20+ years and would not be without one. Too old for a stick burner and the BGE does everything we need. Almost nothing really to maintain, just empty the ashes.