Big Green egg vs Kamado Joe, Akorn, Primo Pork Butt Throwdown | Use Briquettes Vs. Lump? Experiment

[@BabyBackManiac]

Here's the updated links for those who were asking. (Thanks for letting me know some of them were not working.) 🔴🔴 Honey Hog Rub (Meat Church): amzn.to/2Wfwqsv * ✅✅ Acorn Jr (little red cooker): amzn.to/2T9Hg1v ✅✅ A better meat thermometer tinyurl.com/tyo8x5r ✅✅ Best Instant read thermometer tinyurl.com/yxc525qj ✅✅ Kick Ash Basket (pick the size for your cooker): amzn.to/2WtmbkG

[@BabyBackManiac]

​@@DM-sg3cj The website price doesn't include shipping which the tacked on at the end and the amazon price is typically 14.99. Prices bounce around on amazon. Sometimes it's as low as 9.99.

[@GaryORiveraSr]

@@BabyBackManiac I would love a comparison video against, KJ, BGE and weber Summit!

[@davidschmelz8061]

Why did you go with the Akorn junior, vs the full sized Akorn? Seems like that would have been a more honest comparison to the other Kamados.

[@TheDawgfathasBBQ]

Man I absolutely love your camera work!!! Always so consistent bro.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you Dawgfatha's BBQ. I really appreciate that.

[@PITMASTERX]

Awesome test Justin... loved the aluminum foil clip 😂 I'll give you a link for thick aluminumfoil

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. Thanks Roel

[@SmokedReb]

What an awesome video, while the cook may have been boring I sure loved watching the process and your creativity in how to tell a story.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Brian. I really appreciate that, man.

[@Idle_Hands_Projects]

The production quality of your videos is excellent brother. Keep up the good work!

[@HReality]

Was that a catch pan under the grate or where you adding waster like a broiler? New to all this but thinking about a Komodo

[@thehungryhussey]

Looked like a tiring experiment Justin. Wow! Great job. Those Acorns are great units too! Great bang for the not so many bucks!

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. I was exhausted. Thanks for watching. yeah, those Akorns are great for the pice.

[@ggggggcaipad]

Another great video. Thank for sharing!! Can I ask you what you think of the XR-50, now that you’ve lived with it for a while? I’m in the market for a thermometer and like the 4 inputs.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Sorry I'm late on this. Got bronchitis right after uploaded this. There is a Link in the description box if you want to check out. No thermometer is perfect but It's my favorite. I wish there was a way to turn off the beeps on the handset so when I check the temps at night (turn on the backlight) I won't wake up my wife. and I wish they would have plugs so it could be waterproof without all for plugs in. That said, the extra range (through walls) and the 4 probes and the way you can hang or use a magnet in addition to the stand on the units are huge for me. Again, sorry late on this.

[@ggggggcaipad]

Thanks for replying. Absolutely no need to apologize . I appreciate the feedback on the XR-50. It really looks like the thermometer for me. The 4 inputs are really the deal clincher. Too bad about the bronchitis. I hope you’re feeling much better.

[@TROYCOOKS]

You got snow and I didn't get any pictures of it? Come'on man? LOL I'll take some of that pulled pork off your hands!!!! Great comparison video Justin! Love ya bro!!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

What can I say, it was cold out there. you know I forget to take video of weather unless you are there to remind me. lol

[@PickledAndFermented]

T-ROY COOKS Ive got truckloads up here in Canada. All yours :)

[@jorgelopez9620]

Love me some t roy

[@BabyBackManiac]

Me too @Jorge! Very funny, @Dunning-Kruger

[@mosiah9205]

“Not sponsored.... who would pay for this?” HAHAHA 😂😂😂 Absolutely savage!!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. It's gotten to the point where every video I make people accuse me of being "secretly sponsored" if I don't specifically say they are aren't Weird, I know.

[@jimburch7318]

Whatever

[@GrillTopExperience]

That's a neat trick to keep your grill clean. I don't understand the idea that leaving them dirty means more flavor.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Especially on the outside of the cooker. lol.

[@dankraft]

People who say a dirty grill adds flavor don't have any idea what they're talking about.

[@JC-fj7oo]

I think it's an excuse for laziness.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Personally I prefer to keep mine clean. And honestly, if I didn't Id never hear the end of it. You would be surprise how much grief I get if I don't wear gloves...as if every human walking the earth wears gloves when cooking for their families. lol

[@johncahill612]

I think that was a myth started by Al Bundy...

[@PeterGregg]

Watched this on my Roku TV while I was hungry - big mistake lol. This video plays like it was on the FoodNetworkTV, awesome quality, awesome food, big thumbs up, terrific video, thank you!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Peter. I was going to call you today but I'm sick as a dog and lost my voice. If I'm better by Tuesday I'm driving to Oklahoma and would love to catch up.

[@mrdiazjr27]

Brother I want to thank u so much..I’m in Home Depot 2 days ago looking for a planter for my indoor herb garden.. lo and behold I look up at the pallets stacked all the way up top and I see them like a pallet full of gold..it was half a pallet of Weber charcoal they never brought down..I begged the guy on fork lift to bring it down for me told him it was on sale..I took 10 bags brother at 3.90 a piece..didn’t take mor cause they were torn but may go back for those too. Lol.i live in a nyc apartment brother now I hve use of a yard where it is that I keep my grills but I hve no storage so basically I hve charcoal under my mattress right now.. lol..thank u thank u once again

[@BabyBackManiac]

Lol. That's awesome! Congratulations on the score!

[@travisbartholomew6046]

I was planning on upgrading my akorn that I've had since 2015, however after this video I believe its worth keeping especially considering how great of condition the complete unit is in thanks to keeping the optional cover on it between cooks. I strictly use misquite lump mostly from winco, what is the longest cook you have done on a char griller Akorn without adding more fuel? What was your temp if you can remember? How does that compare with the ungodly expensive ceramic units? Thanks for a great video and some perspective

[@colincorreia8979]

I Neeeeevvvvveeerr leave a comment, but I had to say - loved your video. Genuine, unpretentious, and great quality. Subscribed.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Great video as always Justin. Got a question, and it's just me being naive to different forms over BBQ. But what's benefit to using a ceramic smokers as opposed to a say Weber Kettle or PBC? Maybe that would be a cool comparison video. And if you've already done it, sorry if I missed it. Have a good one brother. Cheers

[@matthewtieszen2569]

I cant speak for maniac's experience but switching over from a 20" Weber to a Big Joe I've found it easier to maintain temps, fuel/coal consumption is less allowing for a longer cook before having to add more/adjust/etc. However, for me, it takes longer to get to temperature in the Kamado. But it is also a much larger grill.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, most of it is the stuff Matthew said. The other thing is there is a lot more temperature range. The PBC only runs at one temperature. The kettle has a much narrower range. The kamados will go from 180 to over 1000. On the flip size the PBC and kettle are way more durable and portable. Honestly, it's like automobiles. A motorcycle, honda, or dump truck will all get you were you want to go...they just do it differently.

[@talon769]

I so love your videos! Informative AND funny!!! Keep'em coming!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Will do, Mark.

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day Justin and greetings from Tasmania Australia, enjoyed watching the comparisons between each grill using those heat beads as we call them down here. I have subscribed to your channel after buying a KamadoJoe Classic 2 and I go back over your previous videos as they are very helpful, kind regards John.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks for watching John. Really happy to have you here

[@johnkinnane547]

Baby Back Maniac thanks for replying back to me, you have a lot of experience and your easy yo follow both with recipes and equipment reviews which is very helpful to an old bloke like me thanks again Justin. John

[@BabyBackManiac]

@@johnkinnane547My pleasure, man.

[@progers5019]

Kamado Land, where all butts are equal. Nice job giving us a comparison cook. Just goes to show a good Pitmaster can give you a good plate of pulled pork cooked on anything. Want to see that Summit and LSG in action.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Phil. Coming soon...

[@ericousleyjr9119]

Man Justin your videos ALWAYS raise the bar. Excellent job once again. That’s enough pulled pork for the KZbin community lol. Also off topic what do you think is good for editing videos? Sorry had to ask your opinion lol.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Sorry I just now saw this. I got sick right after this uploaded. I use Final Cut Pro exclusively. It's made by apple. I don't even know how to use another tool but I know Troy really like Premier pro. You have to lease it monthly so it's more expensive than Final Cut but that's what all the windows pro users usually use.

[@dallinkimball4644]

Even tho its a boring test. I like watching stuff like this.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dallin. I appreciate it.

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Great video! Totally enjoyed your review. Thank you!

[@marcuserlandssonfrischenfe5635]

Great vid as always! What are you spraying on the meat? is it just reg water? For the tenderness?

[@SnSGrills]

Great video as alway! Thanks for the XR-50 love!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dave. It’s a great therm

[@OskarGoldman]

Thanks for another great video, Justin! I got 6 bags of the Weber charcoal on sale so I am very excited to smoke some meats soon! What do you do with all that pork?

[@BabyBackManiac]

We gave it to our roofers that work working on our house last week. Glad you got the charcoal deal

[@indyguy411]

I enjoy your vids and learn a lot. Thanks for making your videos.

[@EverydayBBQ]

Such an outstanding production, brother! You never disappoint!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks brother.

[@JC-to3lq]

That cleaning tip was amazing! I will use that going forward. Everyone pay close attention.

[@johnme4443]

love the way you do the vids,no lie ive learned good bit from them. ps..what you sippin on?

[@BabyBackManiac]

It was cold and early...coffee. lol

[@darksideemt]

Loved your video (first time viewer). Watching cause I just ordered an Akorn Jr. It’s my first grill of that type, how do you like it? Definitely paid attention to your comments on it during the start.

[@raadkins16]

Awesome stuff!!! I may have missed it but I am watching this on low volume in the middle of the night while taking care of the baby 😬. How does the Akron Jr. handle a deflector? Did you make one homemade and if so what does it consist of? Or do they make a deflector and used a stock one?

[@BabyBackManiac]

The deflector itself is a pie pan in the rack is something that used when sealling jars. I can’t remember the name of it. Sorry. It was definitely homebrew though

[@NorthTexasBBQAddicts]

Cool comparison man! Great job

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank's man.

[@tylerstangle2409]

That music @ 4:59...so gangsta! I love your channel.

[@Aggie1295]

Do you have a preference of the komodo cookers?

[@BabyBackManiac]

Totally depends on use case. They're kind of like knives in that they'll do something different.So what I need whatever it is they are good at, I prefer that particular cooker.

[@tyl4045]

Is the Kick Ash basket compatible with the vision grill?

[@johnbreznau1352]

How many times did you have to add fuel to the acorn jr.?

[@GallaghersGrub]

Great vid as always. That pork looked great! Also surprised by the Acorn.

[@BabyBackManiac]

It would fit on a fire escape. ;-)

[@henryratajczak3071]

I always enjoy your videos. We have a junior Akorn along with Old Country Brazos Smoker , and love both. You're right about the Akorn Jr. It just does a better job, and it's so much more efficient on coal. I can't tell of taste the difference between lump coal or bricketts . Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.

[@BabyBackManiac]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching, Henry!

[@henryratajczak3071]

I have a Carolina apple cider vinegar barbeque sauce recipe for you 2 cups apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon catsup 1/2 teaspoon ceyanne pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt. On medium heat bring to boil wisk the ingredients making sure the sugar, and salt is completely desolved. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature. Pour into a jar or bottle. Place in the refrigerator over night (optional). Shake up the ingredients, and use it for pulled pork sandwiches. Send it to Troy's

[@BabyBackManiac]

I just saw this I've been sick and fell behind on comments. Thank you, Henry. Sent it to Troy this morning.

[@henryratajczak3071]

@@BabyBackManiac how are you doing now ??? I hope everything is going well with you and your family. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos.

[@sunnya5632]

I've never watched your videos until now, I like your humor! :)

[@fredbulkley9747]

Awesome video, as always. I love my baby Akorn. They don't last me very long between traveling, tailgating, and lots of use, but I just buy a new one every year or so. Great little cooker for the money! I've done all night cooks with briquettes in my larger kamado, and it works fine as long as I keep the ash pot clean.

[@BabyBackManiac]

I'm starting to love this thing more and more.

[@chadajacobs]

Justin, you do some great editing on your videos and I love your sense of humor.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks, Chad. I really appreciate it.

[@bridgesgijsbers6349]

I have a 1/4 inch steel 55 gallon offset. I produces amazing bbq.. but I also have an Akorn Jr... I've been doing research to find if I can smoke on it for easy going smokes where I dont' have to tend a fire non-stop. Thanks for the video!

[@albertocast7505]

Great video like always Can you tell me what your 3 top barbecue are

[@BabyBackManiac]

Right now Lonestar Grillz offset, Weber 26 kettle, and Weber Summit Charcoal grill.

[@harleyrngr]

I love my Acorn Jr but have never tried to use briquettes with it. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@sodbuster4411]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. What kind of vacuum did you use ti extract the ash?

[@BabyBackManiac]

Shop vac with drywall bag works great.

[@tdowns]

Baby Back Maniac thanks.

[@RhinoAg]

What are those charcoal starters I want some. No link on your page I could find. Would love to sponsor you with a purchase.

[@BabyBackManiac]

They are called tumbleweeds. If you click over from any of my Amazon links, I’ll get credit for the sale. Thanks for thinking of me

[@ssierux]

Superb quality video. Thanks

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you very much I'm really glad you enjoyed it

[@mashpotatohat]

GREAT CHANNEL! Any idea where I can get a cover for the acorn jr?

[@BabyBackManiac]

I feel like I've seen them at Lowes occasionally. You might try the chargriller website.

[@BallisticBBQ]

Fantastic video Justin! I bought a bag of Kingsford "Lump" with the intent on trying it out in a ceramic. Maybe one of these days I'll get to it. :)

[@BabyBackManiac]

I'm sure your kamado will blow up. Don't do it. ;-)

[@Sig_P229]

Shopvac! Of course!! Good thinking

[@BabyBackManiac]

Get a drywall bag. It will make a mess if you don't. Lesson learned a long time ago. lol

[@Sig_P229]

@@BabyBackManiac Thanks for the tip! Love your channel 👍

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you!

[@jlp7184]

Was that the Akorn jr being compared with the other big grills? Would that make a difference?

[@ardisgraham1100]

Enjoyed the video as always. Maybe I missed it, but what was the temp of your smokers? I know you said the Acorn went up from 225-400F but what was the temp you wanted? Also, I’m wondering to what temp did you cook the meat? Thanks!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

I was shooting for 250-ish. I usually don't cook for temp with pork butt. I probe it and when it's tender I pull it out. But that's usually around 200

[@PacoGP17]

Wow you just saved me a couple hundred bucks lol thanks for the video

[@BabyBackManiac]

Any time!

[@richardg4817]

Your videos just keep getting better! One reason I bought the Summit is it can burn both briquettes and lump, but your experiment proves briquettes can be used in ceramic kamados. I love the Weber briquettes, especially with the recent sale. BTW, what kind of tumbleweed starters do you use, and do you like them better than the Weber cube starters?

[@BabyBackManiac]

I like them better than the Weber because they weber's are more messy. I think I'm using the actual tumbleweeds.

[@spenzalii]

Great video. I've had my full size Akorn for almost 5 years now. It's showing it's age (probably need to take it all apart and replace the hardware this spring) but it still cooks like an absolute champ. I will absolutely get another one once I can't refurb my original, and will keep an eye out for an Akorn Jr.

[@BabyBackManiac]

They're really nice cookers for the price and they last a long time if you keep water out of them.

[@doddgarger6806]

I found a very important mod with them you have to do if it sees any rain Have to drill a small hole in the bottom of the ash pan both layers to allow it to drain ive seen lots of them rust out because of this I take better care of mine than that had my jr for 5 yrs probably still perfect

[@nsuinteger-au]

Have you used Rambler? If so how do you compare against Akorn Jr? Thanks and loved the video!

[@DJUntz2323]

Do you by chance know if the big joe grill extender will work on your Weber summit kamado?

[@srt10venomous]

Love the videos, been watching them all , trying to figure out what grill to get .. NEED HELLLP picking the right thing... What do you recommend for Smoking/ Searing and able to fit a brisket ... and i dont really want to spend 2k on a Big Joe.. was really leaning towards the Joe or egg, but dont think i can justify the price, and have been now thinking webber 26/kettle ..... also dont want to be out every 20 minutes adding fuel....so what do you recommend

[@handcannon1388]

I've done a couple full packer briskets on my 22" kettle with a SNS, and they come out fine. I usually seem to get 8-9 hours at 225 before having to add fuel. You can also just take the meat in and finish it in the oven after you wrap it; it makes zero difference in the final product. A new 22" (provided you don't already own one) and the SNS will likely run around $250.

[@srt10venomous]

@@handcannon1388 Thanks, I have only had gas grills in the past but could never get into using it that much.. But I do feel the switch to charcoal where i can smoke briskets, jerky etc. will bring back some love for the bbq... Currently i have no bbq as mine died.. been watching videos for 3 weeks now and each week i find something else i like.. But at this point i think you are right and the webber is the way to go.. Thanks for the advice..

[@BabyBackManiac]

The Weber is definitely the way to go in this situation. I would get the 26 if you ever plan on cooking for more than about 4-5 people. It's not he steaks that fill it up. Its the steaks and sides AND having part of the cooker as a "safety zone." That said, the 22 is also a great choice and you can find them on craigslist or facebook marketplace for 25 bucks. You can always try that and drive it for a while and see if you even miss the extra space of the 26

[@tacticalmacabee18]

This was great! Been wanting to upgrade my Akorn Jr to a kamado Joe but this got me thinking that the grass maybe isn't all that greener on the other side 😂

[@pompeyexileuk205]

Those look delicious. Love your sense of humour Justin, wrestling with that foil. With that weather you could have been here in the UK where we're so used to it. Just out of interest, I only have a Pit Barrel smoker. Do you have a barrrel cooker or is that not your thang and would you ever consider getting one? I know your good mate Troy has.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Oh yeah. They're great. Troy let me borrow his for a couple months and I really enjoyed it. Sorry I'm late on this. I've been sick.

[@pompeyexileuk205]

Oh heck! Hope it's nothing too serious, like sick of all that beautiful BBQ meat you have to cook and eat on our behalf. If it's just a cold, a nice hot toddy to reduce your temperature with a side of ribs to keep your strength up will do you the power of good.

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. Thanks Paul, I'm doing much better now.

[@jasonburns6411]

Great video as always Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you I really appreciate that.

[@smokingtarheel3003]

Great entertainment tonight watching this video. Do you have the Akorn jr heat deflector? I've had issues with the fire going out on a butt cook and wild temp swings too. I use the vision more often, with great success. I like the Joe, someday. :)

[@BabyBackManiac]

Hey Tarheel. now I have a canning rack and pie pan. I like it better because it makes ItEasy to throw out grease by wrapping it in aluminum foil. Plus, it's less likely to crack if I drop it. lol

[@smokingtarheel3003]

@@BabyBackManiac I'll have to try that Justin. I was also using lump. Never considered using briquettes in a Kamado. It has rained more than ever up here in NC this winter. I'm almost ready for the hot weather. I'm behind on my outdoor cooks.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, I really enjoy our 2 weeks of spring and fall when the weather is nice. lol

[@smokingtarheel3003]

@@BabyBackManiac Hey Justin, can you possibly send me an amazon link to the rack you use or the diameter on the bottom? I hate to have to ask, but I want to try it on the Jr. I think that would allow more air flow. Sorry to be a pain.

[@mack1707]

If not the best, at least top 5 cooking channel on KZbin.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you Mack. I really appreciate that.

[@thomac131]

I have the full size Akorn as my first cooker that I can do just about anything with. For the price especially someone trying the bbq waters I don’t know how it can be beat. I just know that now that I have the bbq bug I want a larger offset just for cooking space. That’ll take some time to narrow down although I do love the Lonestar Grills I’ve been seeing around. Thanks again for being you and doing what you do. I am grateful 😊

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Thomas. I appreciate that man. Have a great week

[@capnkrik1]

I had an Acorn and I loved it.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, great cooker for the price.

[@chris.fitzgerald]

I wish I had something witty to say, but I do not, so I will just say, great informative video as always. Especially for those (me) looking at getting a kamado style cooker. Maybe save a few bucks and get the Akorn, the price difference buys a lot of meat, and might keep me from sleeping on the couch, or outside with the new cooker...lol. Cheers from the Jersey Shore

[@BabyBackManiac]

LOL. It's a fun cooker and good for the money but it will not last long if you are anywhere near the ocean. Go into it thinking 2-3 years as your expectation. That salt water is brutal.

[@kennethdebbiedavis865]

My KJ has issues with buildup in the vent cap. Any cleaning tips?

[@BabyBackManiac]

Not really. I wish I did. It drives me nuts. I may end up selling it some day because of that.

[@matthewtieszen2569]

Build up during the cook? Ash? Grease? I don't have this problem my big joe. I have had the to vent get 'stuck' after a particular greasy/fatty cook that made it difficult to open/close when cold. I've started to clean the vent after each cook when I clean the grill out. Have used Simple Green to break up the grease as well. Not sure if that is what you meant... or not.

[@BabyBackManiac]

The top vent has been a disaster. I can't tell you the number of people who have told me about issues they have had. I personally don't even use the slide feature because when I raise the lid, it pulls the entire cap off and there is a ton of juice and crap down the back of my cooker and on the patio after low and slow cooks. It's not a good design if you have to clean it every time with simple green. Other than that, I like the cooker.

[@dkbarbagelata]

Great video. Love my Primo XL. Round just doesn't make sense anymore!

[@koruki]

I’m glad to see you vacuum inside the grill. My friends think I’m crazy for doing it lol

[@BabyBackManiac]

It's a lot faster For getting the nooks and crannies.

[@lukebevo86]

@@BabyBackManiac Hey man love the channel keep up the great work. What Vacuum do you use specifically or recommend for cleaning up ash? It is neat and I'd like to start doing I myself. Cheers man....

[@BabyBackManiac]

Luke Bevilacqua any shop vac that accommodates a dry wall bag will work.

[@oggzm4982]

F**K! I have one of the Australian sold Akorns, had it 2 and a bit years, love it, cost me $500AUD....$37 argh!!! recently cooked a 3.5kg pork butt on it, just bloody magic mate :) Love your cooking man, gives us mere mortals something to aspire too ;)

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you for watching, Oggz. Yeah, it was a great deal. Love that my wife found that.

[@scottroberts3705]

As always great video Justin!! Scott

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Scott. I appreciate it

[@montay87ify]

They real mvp in this video is your wife for talking them down an getting a deal like that 😂😂

[@bensanders2508]

For your Akorn, what do you use under the grate the meat is on? Did you purchase the "Smokin' Stone"? Are these extra accessories for blocking heat necessary to do this type of low and slow cooking? If you have something there, do you suggest a foil pan underneath to collect drippings? I guess I'm just curious, what is your set up down there??

[@steves.922]

Always enjoy your helpful videos. I have been cooking on a Weber grills for 45 years. Love them!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Very cool.They make fantastic grills. Have a great weekend Steve

[@FireWaterCooking]

they all cook the same, just each has it's own plus's and minus's. briquettes work fine they just produce much more ash.. Nice Collection Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yep...pretty much sums it up.

[@Viewtoagrill]

Great Channel Justin. I watch your channel for the great info on cooks as well as your editing style... really good... If you are ever down toward Galveston... come by and say hello.

[@BabyBackManiac]

I went there this summer with my son and dad right before he passed away. We didn't even know he was sick. It was a great trip I'll remember forever.

[@Viewtoagrill]

Galveston is a nice weekend trip. I know you can't commit but it is a sincere offer. My office building has the best view of the island... you would all enjoy it. My email is on my about page if you would like to PM me. I saw the video for prayers a few months ago and the the follow up on your burger vid. I am sorry for your loss.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you. It's been very hard.

[@Cookoutcoach]

Lol foil and wind, quite the dynamic duo. Great lookin cook Justin, but now what are you gonna do with 40 pounds of pork....askin for a friend

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. My wife gave it all to the roofers that were working on our house the next day.

[@Cookoutcoach]

Baby Back Maniac that’s very nice of her, also I only got 15 bags of charcoal so your 34 bags of loot makes me feel rather inadequate as a bbq man hahahaha

[@BabyBackManiac]

@@Cookoutcoachlol

[@pat371]

Same experience w my Kamado Joe w/Kick Ash Basket...love the consistency of briquettes! Also, thanks again for the review on the Kamado Joe, your vid was my tipping point!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Pat, I appreciate you watching.

[@wkbarr]

Hello, great video for the ones (like me) shopping around for a solid grill/smoker to go with! Lots of useful info, thank you!

[@BabyBackManiac]

My pleasure man. Thanks for watching.

[@digitalayon]

Very nice doc here man.....just curious why the Summit wasn't included in this.

[@BabyBackManiac]

I explained that in the video, bud.

[@digitalayon]

Baby Back Maniac you mentioned it but Side by side is always fun. There are some days when wish I still had my Komado Joe.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, variety is fun. (Sorry, just saw this.)

[@mrhardy7660]

Great video... im planning on getting a Kamado soon whats the best value for the money in your eyes

[@michaelwilliams-on1fh]

Justin you are my all time favorite youtube BBQ guy, please post more videos

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you, Michael. Tuesday at 4 PM. Maybe one of my best videos yet.

[@tien90802]

how do u find home depot sales? Just in the weekly ads?

[@zero716]

Do you ever use a water pan in your kamados? I live in Wyoming where it's very dry so I'm on the fence about whether I should try on in mine for some pork butts I'm going to cook on Saturday. Thanks!

[@AngiesPantry58]

New to your channel. Thank you for doing this review. My son & I was just talking about what you can & can't use to cook with these types grills.

[@BabyBackManiac]

I know this is late but I just saw this. Thanks for stopping by, Angie.

[@cookingwithglen152]

Wasn’t expecting for you to say the acorn jr was your favorite, but that’s cool. Really good job on your video man, your B-roll is legit!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you. I wasn't expecting it either. I just call it like I see it.

[@JC-fj7oo]

@@BabyBackManiac That actually makes sense for this test; the acorn is a budget smoker and they probably designed it with more of an average-Joe in mind. Someone who might only be able to find/afford a bag of briquettes and lighter fluid... The BGE manual basically says "if you can afford a 1200 dollar grill, you can get a bag of lump charcoal and a chimney starter. "

[@BabyBackManiac]

That logic would make sense except the 5K dollar komodo kamado is designed to burn Kingsford as well. lol.

[@johnknapp6328]

This must be preparation for the big game. I was curios about your test, I read that the fillers in briquettes stick to ceramic. I have another question in this video, it's about kick ash basket. How was taste of meat after using it in Kamato Joe compared to stock grate, I have heard from others they did not like smothered smoke taste and I wondered if that was because of breathability between grates. Great informative video, along with clean grills your video is second to none. I'll save my question's about the Komodo for another video. Stay warm

[@BabyBackManiac]

No problems with sticking on this cook. I'm not sure if the Weber stuff has fillers though. They said it's 100 hardwood. That said, every Weber made has a ceramic (porcelain) coating over the metal body and I've never heard anyone say they have had an issue with it sticking. I think some of the stuff that's said it designed to sell more home team branded fuel. that's were the real money is made.

[@benbryce2788]

good to see the Akorn doing well, great video

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks alot!

[@DaveMurphy58]

Great presentation ! You seem very comfortable and articulate! Really enjoyed this video!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dave. I really appreciate that.

[@jimriz]

Looks amazing! I don’t have a Kamado yet, and I was wondering if the grill temp probe wire holds up when when run under the lid? Does that cause any air leakage at all? Thanks for the great videos!

[@EPiiiC69WiiiN]

Keep making videos brother man, love you style. So informational!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Sorry I'm just getting back to you. been sick. Thank you.

[@rickhale6396]

I like your since of humor

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you. I really appreciate that. Sorry I'm late on this. I got sick.

[@CB-ld8no]

Low and slow for pork is the way to go. There is no speed test for quality as mentioned. Akorns while metal may not last as long, but look at the parts. The heavy duty grill. I never thought to use a shop vac to get the old ash out. This will save me time and mess. Thanks for the video!

[@armandofragajr.7099]

Just found your channel...enjoyed your content 👍👍

[@gpac713]

Just found this channel while doing a little research because I'm thinking about getting a kamado. Great content, and you seem like a great guy. I'm subscribed!

[@theman4235]

What is this song in the beginning bro? It has such a great feel.

[@hazwanrodziahmadsapuan8700]

Hi.. Could you share akorn jr. vent setting for 215-225. Tq

[@ValkyrieIA]

Justin, a while back you talked about doing a Mak 2 star review. Have you had any additional experience with it? Curious about your thoughts.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Mak and I decided to go our separate ways.

[@KGBALLER50]

This is a DAMN DAMN DAMN GOOD VIDEO.

[@jeffshannon5410]

great comparison Justin! I've always wondered how the briquettes would do in the ceramic cookers it looks like they did fine! great video

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yep. No issues at all. Thanks Jeff