They don't want you to know THIS...

[@claybeaux4959]

Thanks for the great videos! I have an Akorn and it is my first Kamado. Being new to the Kamado style, i wanted to start with a cheap one and see how i liked it first. I am hooked! It is nice to know the accessories for the KJ also fit the Akorn. A great benefit is that I can acquire the accessories over time, and when it is time to purchase a KJ I am ready to roll some smoke!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Right on!

[@VTtwinner1969]

I have had (2) Akorns, that both rusted out in a few years. Both were kept in my garage when not in use. I then went to a Green Mt grills pellet grill for 3 years, and then finally bought a Kamado Joe Classic 3. I've used the KJ for 7 months, and there is no comparison to the pellet grill and Akorn. I struggled constantly with maintaining a constant temp in the Akorn. I believe it's all about the thermal mass and tightness of the KJ. I am glad that I started with the Akorn, in that I learned the hard way about moving slowly towards your desired final cook/smoke temp. There is no doubt that the price of the KJ is super high, and the main reason for not buying it earlier. But the fact that you can buy replacement parts for the KJ that are steel, makes me believe that the KJ will last for a long long time.

[@kengerace]

Bought an Akorn coming up on two years ago and was my first experience with Kamado style grills. I was a Webber charcoal cooker for the longest time. Was blown away by its efficiency, construction, and capability. But it’s steel…it has a shelf life. I just couldn’t swing the $$ for the ceramic ones. I was gifted a large BGE and love it. I haven’t started down the accessory route yet but all things being equal the efficiency of the Akorn is mind boggling using a third to half the charcoal per cook and ash clean out is a snap not requiring a shop vac or sweeping out a little hole. That aside I do tend to use the BGE more. I’ve found the Akorn has become my portable grill. I take it camping and tailgating and whether smoking or grilling it’s aces above any kettle grill around. One accessory I really like on the Akorn is the movable fire basket. It allows you to move the coals from the bottom of the grill to within a few inches of the cooking surface for unbelievable sear. Thanks for your videos I’ve learned and am learning lots.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks! Glad its worked so well for you.

[@AOqueso]

Been using the non-auto version for 10 years now. She’s a champ

[@fonzierosea]

Man love the innovative thought behind this and would love to have one as well! I enjoy watching your content! Keep them coming!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks

[@paulthomas3782]

Great video James, always good to know what other accessories fit, kamado Joe accessories here in Australia are outrageously priced and extremely hard to get.

[@omgphoto]

That's an amazing video! I own both the Akorn Kamado and the KJ Classic! I might just start swapping accessories. Thanks for all you've done for the Kamado community, young man. Keep rocking!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks so much. Both cooks that are coming out went well so they definitely work

[@omgphoto]

I'm on pins and needles!!

[@tom_schroeder]

Great video. You are helping me understand when it would be a good time to advance beyond my Akorn.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks Tom

[@2krazyketos]

Thanks for teaching me how to use a Kamado style grill. Now I wish I would have gotten the big Joe instead of the classic. We’d love to have you on a channel at some point

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

thanks, i have gotten off my keto routine but the pants are suggesting i need to pay more attention to my diet again lol

[@jonspeak2807]

Thank you 🙏 I have learned a lot about a ton of topics.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@testtube7404]

Nice demonstration...after watching your creative test and learning that the SlowRoller fits a little shy in the Acorn. I am now leaning towards the Kettle Joe for the SlowRoller per Ceramic Kamado is too heavy to haul upstairs to my kitchen balcony.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

That spot makes sense for the kettle

[@DirkHarrington]

Been around for a bit now ... Glad to see continued growth in the channel/community! Content is great as always 👊

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@purleybaker]

Great video James. I bought the SloRoller stand alone to go with my BGE and liked it so much I ended up buying the KJ half moon racks. But you're correct, it was expensive compared to the cost of an Akorn. Still, I had an Akorn years ago and struggled to keep temps down and get smoke flavor. I would be interested to see a cook on yours with the SloRoller.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Good stuff! Got a video coming out in the next few weeks with it

[@mygrillshot]

Did I miss the slo roller cook in the Akorn? Love mine but have never been able to get a smoke ring no matter what I try. More Akorn videos please. Love your videos and channel.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

No it got moved to Thursday if memory serves me correctly

[@jeffwhitfield173]

OMG, i've been waiting to see this video....i have a 3 Akorn (one is the auto-kamado) and now i really want a slo-roller now. I cook ribs and brisket daily and started a business with my 3 Akorn kamado. I watched u do a cook using the slo roller and I have always wanted one ever since but NOW i can go out and get this accessory now. Thanks for this video!!!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Have fun!

[@davidlieux2558]

Great stuff! Keep up the good work... will definitely be watching

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks

[@ignatiusl.7478]

I love your dog!

[@D-Mag]

What if you put a gasket on the slow roller to seal it off? What’s your thoughts on this? Bought an auto kamado before buy in a KJ to see how I like it.

[@joeygilliam2820]

Great videos James! Looking to buy an Akorn and I’m glad I found your channel! Now my question is…what color is/was your Akorn? I see that they offer a graphite and a slate color but they look the same on their website. Thanks!

[@maxxarramas]

Can confirm the classic Joe slo-roller off amazon comes with an expander rack that fits in my Akorn AutoKamado. I had to get a 17" cooking grate for $30 since the roller doesn't come with it, and the setup just barely clears the temp probe which is in installed in the back of the upper dome in the Auto Kamado. There's just under an inch between the cooking grate and the top of the slo-roller in this setup, so water/drip pan options are somewhat limited. I'm happy to send you some photos if that helps. What do you think about wrapping the base of the slo-roller in some foil to create a better seal around the bottom of the Akorn base?

[@alexpeaugh2116]

Great tips max-how does the slow roller perform in the akorn? Able to get a clean fire without crazy high temps?

[@maxxarramas]

​@@alexpeaugh2116 No problem keeping it consistently at 300 at all, but also almost no smoke on my ribs. I think part of it is the Auto doesn't provide a consistent airflow but instead goes in on/off cycles which doesn't provide the kind of circulation the sloroller needs.

[@Bigs73]

My Akorn cost me $299 cad 7 years ago, what a bargain! I still use it today but I do prefer my KJ Classic III for low and slow, although my Akorn is still a champ after all those years, rusty but still working! 😁 It definitely got me started using a Kamado style grill and never looked back since.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

The price is such a deal

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Love these tips! Maybe there’s an Akorn in my future as a travel Kamado!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks Al

[@giant80000]

Looking for more videos in this playlist. Would love to see a high temp pizza comparison on the Akorn for example.

[@dryfly1999]

What brand gasket did you put on the rim?

[@AustinLove2]

Does the wing basket fit? Thank you for the great videos!

[@omgphoto]

BTW, I've named my Akorn "Char2D2" and My KJ Classic is "Smokey-Wan Kenobi". Just for your information :)

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

You win lol. Awesome

[@racrx7]

Would love to add the Sloroller to my new Auto Kamado. Nice mash up video of different brand accessories 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks! 👍

[@jasonbrock5768]

Thanks for another informative video. Got a Auto Komado and enjoying it very much. Would love a Komado Joe

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@brv002]

Wow! That's awesome! Now I'm wondering if these accessories also fit Walmart's Expert Grill Kamodo. It's almost identical to the acorn and I've seen a few videos where the heat deflector from the acorn fits on the Expert Grill. Man, I started by researching about maybe buying a used BGE, now I'm further down the rabbit hole 🤔😆

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

If I ever come across one I would try and test fit them

[@leonardcianciotto547]

Could you do double indirect with the stone underneath the sloroller?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I will try

[@CoolJay77]

Great work James. Rooting for you, you are a hair away from reaching to the 100K mark.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Much appreciated!

[@tomstrock2379]

I have had my kj 1.3[ highly modified] for almost 12 yrs now. Have 2 Akorn jrs. And just picked up an auto when walliworld had them for $224. That's less than most kj accessories, which will fit it. The kj devide and concer rack also fits nicely on the Akorn firebox, which opens it up to the use of the saopstone. I have been eyeing the slow roller ever since it came out, but have yet to pull the triger. I have really been enjoying the convenience of the auto Akron. Just plug it in, hit the charcoal with a regular torch for 10sec, set the desired temp, and let the fan do all the work. Dried peppers yesterday at 200 for 5 hrs with no problem.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

That’s an amazing deal

[@tomstrock2379]

Thanks to one of your commenters for giving me the heads-up. According to my wife, I didn't need another grill, but how could I pass up a deal like that.

[@ChristopherWorkman]

do you think the SloRoller would work just as well in the Akorn Auto Kamado as it does in the Akorn??

[@leonardcianciotto547]

For those of you who have used the aftermarket sloroller for the series 1 ceramic cookers, have you found that the proximity of the top plate to the meat overcooks the bottom of the meat? I found this to be true of my sloroller on the Kettle Joe, compared to using a deflector plate in my Oklahoma Joe Bronco, which is farther away. Just wondering if the aftermarket one for the ceramic cooker has the same issue. Thanks

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

this is how i setup my big joe 1 with it, works just as well as the series 3 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/roCbcp2sir-pecU

[@Boater]

Don't know if they're available to you in Canada, but the Ceramic Grill Store in Texas has a set of grill racks that could also fit the slo roller at a lower price point than the BGE setup. Just thought it might be worth checking out. Enjoyed the video!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

i bought the PS Woo and extender for my egg from them, didn't know they would fit too... good to know

[@Boater]

@@SmokingDadBBQ well, I don't know for sure either. Just thought of it as another option to get things to fit.

[@MinnesotaFats]

I cooked with an Akorn before getting my big joe. I made some amazing food with it, but it's so much easier on the joe. I wouldn't want to go back. Upgrade the gaskets on that Akorn (top and bottom). Air control is critical on the Akorn. The fire will get away from you in a hurry.

[@paulengel5413]

any chance you'll be testing and comparing the new Spider Grill Huntsman soon? I'd like to see how it stands against your komado's.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I’d love to if the team reaches out and asks me too

[@ManCaveMeals]

This market space amazes me at how it can push accessories that cost as much as these do :) Congrats on getting near 100k!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

It’s crazy to think it’s near the cost of my entire Akron Kamado. Thanks, nearly there

[@Aswaguespack]

What accessories might fit an Akorn Jr?

[@simpleman9449]

Is the Sloroller from the classic 3 and classic 2 the same?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes but the stand alone version comes with a grid that is a little smaller and less tall to preserve some dome height for series 1/2

[@andrewp1308]

Hi James, love the video. Has really given me a few things to think about with my Akorn. I'm just curious about the additional gasket you've added to yours. Am I correct in assuming it's a LavaLock series gasket or something very similar? Thanks *Edit* Forgive my ignorance, new subscriber here. Just found your how to video on the upgrade. Order placed, look forward to seeing what results I get 😁.

[@icollidge]

I am so happy you got an Acorn, I bought an Acorn due to budgetary constraints (I couldn't justify a big green or KJ as a first buy), plus they are crazy expensive in Australia. I was massively hesitant, as you have the best tutorials on youtube and I resigned myself to just trying to translate your knowledge across to an Acorn. Which I did to an extent, I got it working okay, but since you got one, so much more knowledge is within reach. Thanks mate.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers Ian

[@mjbuisse]

Just make sure you never allow it to get wet, as once it gets wet the ash collector rusts out and renders the grill useless.

[@j777]

But will it damage the joetisserie quicker because it's more exposed to higher heat.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I didn’t notice any damage/ Seemed fine

[@JDT859]

Can anyone confirm if the rack that comes with the Slow Roller kit fits the Akorn??

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYDMinihq9qhn7M

[@peterodriguez2364]

I've recently purchased the auto kamado .. same as th akorn but with pid.. I used the bottom of a cannibalized webber kettle from a UDS build . Very similar to the slow roller.. with the 3 slots covered by the stainless diffuser that comes with the cooker it works well.. not sure how well in comparison it would work but I did make it fit all under the standard cast grate. Anywhoo. It would be nice to see a proper aftermarket made for the akorn style units.. thanks for th videos.. I'll be looking forward to more recipes

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I like the sound of your setup

[@baja_overlander3653]

I have Akorn, and I was very disappointed, only 2 accessories on the market, pizza stone and a SS grill grate, but thanks to your reviews I have purchase some other accessories from other brands. I think I will stay 2 more years before I switch to Kamado Joe.

[@Capt4pct]

Does anyone know if you can buy seals for the Akorn? I have had mine for close to 7 years, very little deterioration due to rust and it stays outside in a humid environment. I do have a cover for it, and it is somewhat sheltered from the elements, but not much. It cooks well, although long cooks are more challenging. Last cook I noticed smoke escaping from the top vent gasket and some around the main gasket. I want to buy a Komado Joe, but the price is holding me back. I can afford it, but do I really want to pay that much? That is my dilemma. I'd like to replace the gasket and top vent seal, but can't find that option on the Chargriller website.

[@michaelhenson7511]

You can check on Amazon for smoker gasket tape. One of SDB's video shows him adding some to the Akorn to help fix smoke leaks, but for the life of me I can't find it again since I've watched so many the past few weeks.

[@johnsummers7528]

Great video. What about us lot that are already subscribed for the comp!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

You're in! Its not just new subs, all subs

[@4stringerbass540]

I will be very interested in seeing if the Slo Roller performs in the Akorn. I love my Akorn as it is the grill I learned how to smoke on and I will be so happy if I can get more of that smoke flavor with this addition.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%

[@gbouley1]

Interesting, have you looked at the chargriller Auto Kamado

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thinking about one

[@Lamond27]

Thank you sir, Like so many people who are getting into the kamado grill experience i could not justify spending 7 time the price for KJ or Big Green Egg. So here is my question for you. If Temperature control is such an issue with the Akron(too hot). Why not use less Charcoal??? Seems pretty straight forward adjustment to me. I absolutely love my Akron, it Sears, and grills phenomenally. I have not tried it for smoking meats but in all honesty i probably would not even try. I have a great electric smoker that covers that technique for cooking. Seriously before anyone Knocks Electric smokers... add some charcoals to it and let me know how that worked out... Home run. Lets not make things harder... instead lets be smarter about how we use our tools. Lastly, by no means am I discrediting SmokingDadBBQ i have learned so much from this channel, the explanations, techniques and the joy James expressing in his videos are refreshing and enjoyable to watch. Please keep posting.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks and that’s 100% the approach. Way less fuel to promote a smaller / cleaning burning fire

[@alexpeaugh2116]

James great content! Does the slow roller in the akorn burn a cleaner fire like you are able to accomplish in the KJ? Problems I’ve found with burning a clean fire in the akorn is keeping the temp down..hoping the slow roller helps!

[@Craig419]

I got a Tip Top Temp for my Akorn. It enables me to get temps lower while having the bottom vent more open. I think that helps me get cleaner burns while also keeping the fire from getting smothered.

[@Kyle-nj1gz]

James, what is the diameter of the base of the slow roller? I'm curious if it would fit my Broil King keg.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I borrowed it for this video from the folks who purchased my classic 3 when I bought my series 1 so I don’t have it to measure at the house. Sorry

[@Kyle-nj1gz]

Any chance you could measure diameter of where it sat in the Acorn to have a real close estimate. Would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[@nigelroffey]

hi I have a large BGE, will the slow roller fit in it?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes. Chef Tom at all things bbq did a video showing the classic sloroller working in the large egg

[@tims6865]

@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks, just what I was about to ask!

[@RumandCook]

Interesting for sure. Good find!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks Jake

[@deanzaf1]

Hi Smoking Dad, are you able to do a review/comparison on the Ceramic model CharGrill Kamado? I believe it’s model #6020 on their website. Would be good to see how it fares in comparison to KJ and BGE and whether any of their products work with the Chargriller ceramic models

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I will see if I can get one

[@deanzaf1]

Thanks@@SmokingDadBBQ,you’re the best!

[@RaNDoM_MAI]

do a review on the akorn auto kamado, should be better airflow

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Will try and get one

[@Dhall-sg2hf]

the slow roller stand alone costs almost as much as the akron grill itself 😆

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

Great info

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@lamartrotter]

It would be rather simple to fashion a fire-proof gasket for the SloRoller. Should I happen to come across a second-hand one I will let you know.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

sounds good

[@markburton9614]

I bought the Akorn because of price. Thanks for this unconventional video of accessories that would fit it.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad I could help!

[@Mitchbandito]

I am subscribed and I was gonna get ready to hopefully by a big Joe classic Joe when is the giveaway? When is the drawing and can you put me in please? I absolutely want one so bad thank you.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Once I hit 100k we do the giveaway

[@maisie9867]

Well my Christmas list just got bigger!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@chilibean3000]

Ecosystem?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

A family of products / accessories made to work with it

[@natebrain1]

Hes trying to say that chargriller isn't making their grills to fit kamado acessories and to make Kamado Joe look good. Just like apple iphone and android are different phones that use different chargers and store bought acessories. A ecosystem is a style of parts/acessories that work together with a particular device. In this case the device is the chargriller and the acessories are Kamado Joe acessories. Kamado joe doesnt market or make their acessories to be chargriller or big green egg or vision grill just because. They make them for Kamado Joe. Now its a bonus when your bbq acessories fit in other types of ceramic bbq's. However its not expected. Chargriller makes their grills optimized for chargriller, kamado makes their accessories work for Kamado.! If kamado spent their time focused on making their acessories work for all grills then id pass on buying a kamado as id want my kamado accessories to be quality for my kamado grill.

[@bigDbigDbigD]

Why do none of the pizza setups have a door? Send you will have no temp control.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its stupid IMO... how expensive would it be to add something that saves your charcoal from burning up once done

[@adamparisi745]

While the Joe 3 is obviously the better option, the $800+ difference buys a lot of meat to barbeque🙂.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

At least a few briskets lol

[@daedaeallday4003]

FIRST!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Winner winner

[@boray6454]

Excellent superber video and information! Thank you for the video!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks