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

🔴🔴 Honey Hog Rub (Meat Church): amzn.to/2Wfwqsv *
✅✅ Acorn Jr (little red cooker): amzn.to/2T9Hg1v
✅✅ A better meat thermometer bit.ly/3NVirVV
Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe vs primo vs Akorn Jr in a pulled pork throwdown for the ages (too dramatic? lol). Which kamado makes the best pork butt, & will they burn Weber charcoal briquettes vs lump…or will the BGE Minimax explode just for trying? (just kidding on that last part)
This was a fun experiment. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I enjoyed making this one.
Other Products used/mentioned in this video:
Best Instant read thermometer bit.ly/436BFfp
Kick Ash Basket (pick the size for your cooker): amzn.to/2WtmbkG
My favorite youtube camera:
Canon 90D amzn.to/2neGwgJ
Rode Wireless Go mic amzn.to/2nogwzI
Amazing Music for KZbinrs (click for free trial)! share.epidemics...
Check out my Amazon store (aka "The Toilet Paper Store") for the BBQ (& video) products I used in this video:
www.amazon.com...
___
*Disclosure and Attribution:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have similar arrangements with other companies so affiliate links may apply.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@thirstbuster78]

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

[@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.

[@SkitzoPhr3nia]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@EverydayBBQ]

Such an outstanding production, brother! You never disappoint!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks brother.

[@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.

[@talon769]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Will do, Mark.

[@montay87ify]

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

[@GallaghersGrub]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

It would fit on a fire escape. ;-)

[@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...

[@chadajacobs]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks, Chad. I really appreciate it.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ;-)

[@SnSGrills]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dave. It’s a great therm

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@NorthTexasBBQAddicts]

Cool comparison man! Great job

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank's man.

[@colincorreia8979]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@JC-to3lq]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@DaveMurphy58]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dave. I really appreciate that.

[@Crazybizo]

“Not a sponsored video, because who would pay for this” 😂😂😂

[@Smokinggunbbq]

I actually laughed out loud at the foil scene

[@sunnya5632]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@harleyrngr]

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

[@EPiiiC69WiiiN]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

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

[@heklyr3370]

Gotta say, the slapstick moment with the foil was cracking me up! Nice work, man. Got a sub from me

[@duaneledford4511]

Great cook as usual Justin, I love the wind and foil that was funny. Guess me and the wife will have to drive down from Tennessee and help you eat all that pork LOL. Weber charcoal works really well they just need to lower the price some! Thanks for the video you always make us laugh!!!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. Thanks Duane. Yeah, they need to get that price down.

[@madswinebbq]

Justin: I have this trick. I clean them. Next scene is Consuela from Family Guy cleaning kamados: Si, yes, we need more lemon pledge.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Joe: "OK"

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@mack1707]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you Mack. I really appreciate that.

[@stevehilliard1495]

I have a Akorn Junior & have really liked it. It is so efficient, I have actually done 3 cooks on the same batch of lump charcoal. It's main drawback is it has limited grill space. Once you figure out the vent settings it is pretty consistent for quite a while. Great video & suprised at the results

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Steve, Appreciate your feedback. Yeah, it's a great little cooker. And unlike the small ceramics, it's actually portable (lighter and you don't worry about breaking it.)

[@In-Marty-We-Trust]

I used a thick 10” plate instead of the diffuser plate so it works as a diffuser/drip/water pan. With a water pan it beats the stall period and locks temps at 215-225 as long as there’s water in it. It is crazy efficient burning little logs of charcoal.

[@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

[@damienjinxmisa]

I’ve had the Acorn jr for about 4yrs now and I absolutely love it. People are always amazed at my grilling on it.

[@BabyBackManiac]

It’s a great cooker...especially for the price .

[@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.

[@robertbain2435]

Note to self: During the Zombie Apocalypse, there will still be charcoal at Justin’s house, and maybe some leftover pork butt.

[@BabyBackManiac]

"... Also, bring coffee or diet Mountain Dew. He loves that." ;-)

[@chris.fitzgerald]

Baby Back Maniac who would have thought that we would be in a different kind of apocalypse a year later. Stay safe. Cheers from the stay at home Jersey Shore.

[@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.

[@dallinkimball4644]

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

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Dallin. I appreciate it.

[@waynehamlin2379]

Cracked me up .... "this is not a sponsored video...obviously - 'cos who would pay for this" lol Great video - interesting results

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Wayne. I have this weird problem where people actually bash me for not disclosing sponsors of videos that don't have sponsors. I actually get more name calling for that than when I actually DO sponsored videos and disclose the sponsors. So part of that was a joke and part of it was self defense. lol

[@rogierdikkes]

I was told by the seller of my BGE that briquettes have sand as a binder, and thus clog up the vents faster.

[@BabyBackManiac]

That's one of the reasons why I use the natural hardwood briquettes. Thanks for watching

[@iamrichrocker]

saw a your neighbor with binoculars watching you from their upstairs...think they were drooling..

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. That's funny.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BuckeyeBackyardBBQ]

I have the char girller and love it. works great for ribs and pork but!!! another great vid Justin! would love to see you do some baby backs on a kamado grill!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Buckeye. at the end of the video I pointed to a video where I did just that. Check it out if you have time.

[@bradz7]

Fantastic video mate. I may now regret giving my Akorn away. haha. After buying a KJ late last year I just didn't think I'd ever use it again.

[@BabyBackManiac]

You probably would not have and now you've shared the BBQ love with someone else. No regret. lol

[@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

[@jeffveron8783]

I have the Akorn jr and I absolutely love it. In fact, I got rid of all other smokers after buying mine. Only complaint I had was how short it is so I went to Lowe’s, bought some 1-1/2 diameter round table legs, pushed them up into the three hollow Akorn legs and now it’s about belly/chest high. I highly recommend the Akorn!

[@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!

[@elHobo]

Justin, I know you know this and maybe I missed the reference but from a ash restricting airflow in the intake especially on the short squatty grills, using the ash rake once and at most twice a cook will resolve that issue. It takes ten seconds but solves the problem. You don't even need to pull the ash out just push it to a side.

[@BabyBackManiac]

It's not usually the ash in the pot that causes the issue. It's the stuff that doesn't fall through and snuffs out the coals above the fire great. The medium big green egg was the worst offender (shape.)

[@ronaldgosselink7519]

wow, never thought of cleaning my cookers.. mind is blown love your channel man

[@BabyBackManiac]

Lol

[@therookiegriller7997]

I really enjoy your videos man, great sense of humor. I stocked up on Weber Brikets as soon as I saw your IG post.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Awesome. Sorry I'm late on this. I've been sick. Glad you got in on the deal

[@indyguy411]

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

[@hawkeyeted]

I’ve got an Akorn Jr and love it. It’s perfect for smaller cooks. If you use quality lump you can get some excellent cook times. I ran a basket of B&B lump and got 9 hours at ~230*.

[@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

[@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.

[@scottroberts3705]

As always great video Justin!! Scott

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Scott. I appreciate it

[@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!

[@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 😂

[@handcannon1388]

They all looked good, Justin, and I don't see why your charcoal bargain should be any problem. It was kind of funny to watch you try to deal with that foil in the wind (mostly because I can relate to how frustrating that is). I think if I had a dedicated outside table for that sort of chore, I would consider affixing some bulldog paper clips to it to hold the corners of the foil or butcher paper until I was ready to wrap. Fifteen minutes work and a five dollar investment in hardware would likely cure that problem indefinitely. Also, most people smoke pork butts to pull, but they are also delicious simply smoke-roasted and sliced. Try a low-sugar rub with a lot of savory spices and pull the butt off the pit at around 180-185 degrees. It should still be tender and juicy, but likely will hold together when slicing. Have a great week.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah man. Had I known that storm was going to roll in like that I would have been a lot more prepared. haha. I actually have clamps I use for stuff like that but it didn't cross my mind until right at this moment. Lightning Witts Strikes again!!! lol

[@ShaunsJeep]

This is awesome i always cook with Briquettes and throw wood chips in it to give that smoky flavor and you testing it on grills that i am looking to purchase in the future makes me a little more at ease. Thanks for the awesome content and subbed for hardwork and testing.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Happy to have you here, Shaun. Thank you so much for watching

[@cynthiagarza4735]

You make it seem so easy. I hate cleaning charcoal grills.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Honestly Cynthia, it starts with having a batch of dedicated grill rags that I don’t care if they get dirty and don’t fall apart like paper towels. Once you get that lined out, the rest is easy. Just got to stay on top of it

[@beers-jackofbbq]

Great comparison! I was only able to get 8 bags of the charcoal, so I will use that in my kettle, but good to know I can use in my Big Joe! Thanks for sharing!

[@BabyBackManiac]

My pleasure!

[@BBQLIFE]

Great video Justin it's great to know there's not a lot of difference between the cheaper kamandos and the expensive ones.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Not with the food. There is differences in the construction and build quality.

[@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!

[@dkbarbagelata]

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

[@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.

[@calescapee9642]

I like the Mack and Myer tune there.

[@danobrien3760]

I like your video's for many reasons, but something that always has me coming back is your HD filming, high production value.

[@sifu_xander]

Sincerely the PRIMO is the winner, it was shown!

[@rustykc]

Interesting comparison! You're approaching 50k!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

I know man. My dad would be so excited.

[@thomasballard2632]

Excellent video.... enjoyed the comparison.... and the pork looked great ! Thanks for sharing Brother ♨️👍😎

[@BabyBackManiac]

My pleasure, man

[@Walt1119]

Good vid, I have the big Acorn and love it, it is several years old, I replaced the gaskets w felt looking gaskets that I got off amazon and it helped the control of the temps much better.. For the price the Acorn cannot be beat and even not considering the price it’s a great kamado! Thanks for sharing. W

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah it’s a great cooker for the money

[@KGBALLER50]

This is a DAMN DAMN DAMN GOOD VIDEO.

[@jasonburns6411]

Great video as always Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you I really appreciate that.

[@livebig247]

On Akorn, open top and bottom damper till you get till about 200°F, then leave bottom damper open all the way and set top damper a little less than #1. May need to tweak, but just a tad open or closed during cooking

[@rodagerter7813]

Hi Justin, love all your videos, love all toy's in your backyard, my question is, if you had one grill and smoker, what would it be, and why???. Thanks

[@BabyBackManiac]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHetnXWdg9aZr6c hope this helps.

[@daddydutchbbq]

Justin, i wouldn't turn down any of that pulled pork ! They all look darn good! Nice comparison, i too stocked up on the charcoal sale Thanks to you ! Great job !

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks man. Stay warm.

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Great video! Totally enjoyed your review. Thank you!