If you’re a grilling enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Burch Barrel and the Big Green Egg. Both are highly popular kamado-style grills that have gained a reputation for their versatility and excellent taste. But which one should you choose?
While the Big Green Egg has been around for decades, the Burch Barrel is a newcomer that has taken the grilling world by storm. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two grills and help you decide which one is best for you.
But first, let’s answer some of the most common questions about the Burch Barrel and the Big Green Egg. How does a Burch Barrel work? What is comparable to Big Green Egg? What is the alternative to Burch Barrel? And what is the difference between kamado and Green egg?
Don’t worry, we’ll cover all of these questions and more in detail. So, grab a cold drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the world of kamado grilling.
Burch Barrel vs Green Egg: A Comprehensive Comparison
If you’re in the market for a new grill, you’ve likely come across two big names: Burch Barrel and Green Egg. Both of these are high-quality products with a dedicated following, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each one to help you make an informed decision.
What are Burch Barrel and Green Egg
Burch Barrel
- Burch Barrel is a relatively new brand, founded in 2017 by a couple in Missouri.
- They offer a unique “barrel” design that can be used for grilling, smoking, and more.
- All of their products are made in the USA and come with a 1-year warranty.
- Their grills use wood pellets as fuel, which gives food a unique flavor.
Green Egg
- Green Egg, also known as the Big Green Egg, has been around since the 1970s.
- They were the original ceramic “kamado-style” grill and have since become a household name.
- Green Eggs are known for their versatility and can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, and more.
- They come with a limited lifetime warranty and are made in Mexico.
Design and Build Quality
Burch Barrel
- As previously mentioned, Burch Barrel features a unique “barrel” design that sets it apart from other grills.
- The barrel is made of 22-gauge steel and features a porcelain-coated cooking grate.
- The lid is made of stainless steel and comes with a built-in thermometer.
- The grill has a total cooking area of 604 square inches.
Green Egg
- Green Eggs are made of ceramic and have a classic egg shape.
- The ceramic material provides excellent insulation and can retain heat for long periods.
- They come with a stainless steel cooking grate and a temperature gauge.
- The grill has a total cooking area of 262 square inches (for the smallest model) up to 672 square inches (for the largest).
Fuel and Cooking
Burch Barrel
- Burch Barrel grills use wood pellets as fuel, which gives food a unique smoky flavor.
- The pellets are automatically fed into the grill, which makes it easy to maintain a consistent temperature.
- The grill can reach temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for searing and grilling.
- The Burch Barrel can also be used for smoking, low and slow cooking, and even baking.
Green Egg
- Green Eggs can be used with both charcoal and wood chips for smoking.
- The ceramic material provides excellent insulation and helps maintain a consistent temperature.
- The high-quality gasket on the lid ensures a tight seal, which helps regulate the temperature.
- Green Eggs can reach temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for grilling, smoking, and baking.
Price and Value
Burch Barrel
- Burch Barrel is a more affordable option than Green Egg, with prices ranging from $1,399 to $1,799.
- Considering the high-quality materials and versatility of the grill, the Burch Barrel offers great value for money.
- Plus, its unique design is sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
Green Egg
- Green Eggs are priced on the higher end, with prices ranging from $859 to $3,499.
- While they are more expensive than other grills, they are also more versatile, durable, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
- If you’re looking for a grill that will last a long time and offer endless cooking options, a Green Egg is a great investment.
Both Burch Barrel and Green Egg are excellent options for anyone who loves to grill, smoke, and bake. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and budget. If you want a unique design and the ability to use wood pellets, the Burch Barrel is a great option. If you’re looking for a classic and versatile grill that will last a lifetime, a Green Egg is the way to go. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be investing in a high-quality product that will help you create delicious meals for years to come.
Kamado Joe: Another Option for Grilling Perfection
If you’re in the market for a new grill, you’ve likely heard about Burch Barrel and Green Egg. But have you considered Kamado Joe? Here’s what you need to know about this contender:
What Is Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe is a brand of grills that utilizes the kamado-style cooking technique. This involves using a ceramic shell to provide superb heat retention, creating a controlled environment that allows for precise cooking. Kamado-style grills are known for their versatility, as they can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, and more.
Features of Kamado Joe
- Kamado Joe grills are made of high-quality ceramic that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking.
- The grills are designed with an airtight seal, allowing for precise control over temperature and smoke.
- Kamado Joe grills come with a patented “Divide & Conquer” cooking system, which allows for multiple cooking zones and flexible cooking options.
- The brand offers several sizes, so you can choose the grill that best fits your needs.
Benefits of Kamado Joe
- Kamado Joe grills are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a wide range of dishes with one appliance.
- The ceramic construction of the grill helps retain heat and moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful food.
- With its precise temperature control, Kamado Joe makes it easy to cook food to perfection every time.
- The “Divide & Conquer” cooking system makes it easy to cook different types of food at the same time, without worrying about cross-contamination.
Kamado Joe vs. Burch Barrel and Green Egg
While Kamado Joe shares some similarities with its competitors – namely, the use of a ceramic shell and airtight seal for precise temperature control – there are some key differences to consider:
- Kamado Joe offers the “Divide & Conquer” cooking system, which Burch Barrel and Green Egg do not.
- Kamado Joe offers several sizes to choose from, while Burch Barrel and Green Egg are limited in size options.
- Kamado Joe is generally more affordable than its competitors.
- Kamado Joe has a wider range of accessories and add-ons available.
When it comes down to it, which grill you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, if you’re looking for a versatile, affordable grill that will allow you to cook a wide variety of dishes to perfection, Kamado Joe is definitely worth considering.
Burch Barrel Review
Have you been looking for an outdoor cooking appliance that can deliver exceptional searing and smoking functions? Look no further, as the Burch Barrel grill is here to quench your thirst for a culinary adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about this grill:
Design and Build Quality
The grill’s design is a blend of retro and contemporary styles, making it a culinary masterpiece in any backyard. The Burch Barrel Grill features an offset firebox that doubles as a grill. The primary chamber consists of three grates to maximize the cooking area. Moreover, the grill comes with two side tables, a thermometer, and cast-iron grates.
Cooking performance
One of the most significant advantages of the Burch Barrel grill over the Green Egg is its versatility for cooking. The Burch Barrel grill doubles as both a smoker and grill, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes. The grill’s offset firebox facilitates indirect cooking, which enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Fuel Consumption
Approximately 10lbs of charcoal is sufficient to cook for up to 12 hours on the Burch Barrel grill, making it a cost-saving appliance for culinary enthusiasts.
Ease of Use
The Burch Barrel grill is easier to use than the Green Egg since it doesn’t require frequent adjustments of the fire. You need to light the charcoal and wait for it to reach the desired temperature before placing the food.
Price
The Burch Barrel grill retails at around $1,200, which makes it slightly pricier than the Green Egg. However, the combination of grill and smoker functionality makes the Burch Barrel an excellent value proposition.
Key Takeaways:
- The Burch Barrel grill features an offset firebox that doubles as a grill, providing ample space for cooking.
- The grill’s versatility in cooking, allowing it to smoke and grill, is one of its main advantages over the Green Egg.
- The Burch Barrel grill consumes less fuel, making it an excellent choice for people conserving on the grilling budget.
- The Burch Barrel grill is easier to use than the Green Egg since it doesn’t require frequent fire adjustments.
- The Burch Barrel grill retails at approximately $1,200, making it a pricier option than the Green Egg.
How Does a Burch Barrel Work
If you’re thinking about investing in a Burch Barrel, you’re probably wondering how it works and what sets it apart from other outdoor cooking options like the Green Egg. Here’s everything you need to know:
Overview
The Burch Barrel is a unique outdoor cooking appliance that combines the functionality of a grill, smoker, and fire pit. It’s designed to be versatile and easy to use, with a range of features that allow you to cook everything from burgers to brisket to pizza.
At its core, the Burch Barrel is essentially a barrel-shaped grill with a fire pit built into the bottom. This design allows you to cook with both direct heat (for grilling) and indirect heat (for smoking) at the same time.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features that make the Burch Barrel stand out:
- Dual cooking zones: The Burch Barrel has two cooking zones, one for grilling and one for smoking. This allows you to cook multiple types of food at different temperatures simultaneously.
- Adjustable heat: The Burch Barrel has a unique air flow system that allows you to adjust the heat easily. You can open or close the vents on the bottom of the barrel to control the temperature inside.
- Rotating grill grate: The grill grate on the Burch Barrel is designed to rotate, which helps ensure even cooking and prevent hot spots.
- Easy to clean: The Burch Barrel is easy to clean, with a removable ash pan and drip tray that make it simple to dispose of ash and grease.
How to Use It
Using the Burch Barrel is relatively simple, but it does require a bit of practice to get the hang of. Here are the basic steps:
- Set up the barrel in a safe location, away from flammable objects or structures.
- Add your preferred fuel source (wood, charcoal, or a combination of both) to the fire pit.
- Light the fire and adjust the vents to control the heat.
- Place your food on the grill grate and cook to your desired level of doneness.
- Enjoy your delicious meal!
Why Choose the Burch Barrel
There are several reasons why the Burch Barrel is a great choice for outdoor cooking:
- Versatility: As mentioned, the Burch Barrel can be used to grill, smoke, and even bake. This makes it a versatile tool for outdoor cooking.
- Unique design: The barrel shape and rotating grill grate are not only functional but also add to the Burch Barrel’s aesthetic appeal. It’s a conversation starter and a focal point for any outdoor gathering.
- Durability: The Burch Barrel is built to last, with high-quality materials and construction that can withstand the elements and years of use.
In conclusion, the Burch Barrel is a unique and versatile outdoor cooking appliance that offers a range of features that set it apart from other options like the Green Egg. By combining the functionality of a grill, smoker, and fire pit, the Burch Barrel allows you to cook a wide variety of foods with ease, while also adding a stylish touch to your outdoor entertaining.
Comparable Alternatives to Big Green Egg
If you’re interested in a kamado-style grill but want to consider other options besides the Big Green Egg, there are a few comparable alternatives available on the market. Here are some that you might want to check out:
Kamado Joe
Dubbed as the “Big Green Egg Killer,” Kamado Joe offers a line-up of ceramic grills that are similar to the Big Green Egg but come with some added features. Some of the key differences include:
- Divide and Conquer cooking system: This allows you to cook foods at different temperatures and on different surfaces simultaneously.
- Air lift hinge: This hinge system makes it easier to open and close the lid, even with one hand.
- SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber: Kamado Joe’s flagship accessory provides superior temperature control, heat distribution, and smoke circulation.
Primo
Primo offers a range of ceramic grills that are often compared to the Big Green Egg but have some differences that set them apart:
- Oval shape: Primo’s grills are oval-shaped and offer more cooking space than the Big Green Egg’s round shape.
- Patented oval design: This allows for two-zone cooking, which means you can have direct and indirect heat simultaneously.
- Easy lift-and-lock hinge: This hinge makes it effortless to open and close the lid, and you can do it with one hand.
Burch Barrel
If you’re willing to consider an alternative type of grill altogether, the Burch Barrel might be worth checking out. The Burch Barrel is a combination grill, smoker, and fire pit that boasts a unique design and multiple cooking capabilities.
The Burch Barrel has some distinctive features, including:
- Hanging skewer system: This allows for vertical skewer cooking, which is great for kebabs or whole chickens.
- Swivel cooking grate: This provides easy access to your food, and you can adjust the distance from the fire to regulate the cooking temperature.
- Fire pit mode: This allows you to convert the Burch Barrel into a fire pit for ambiance or warmth.
While the Big Green Egg is undoubtedly an excellent grill, it’s not the only kamado-style grill on the market. By exploring some comparable alternatives like Kamado Joe, Primo, and Burch Barrel, you might find a grill that’s just as good—or even better—than a Big Green Egg.
Big Green Egg Vs Other Kamado Grills
When it comes to kamado grills, the Big Green Egg is undoubtedly the most popular brand out there. However, there are some other great kamado grills in the market that are worth considering. Here are some of the best kamado grills apart from the Big Green Egg:
1. Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe is another brand that provides some stiff competition to the Big Green Egg. Apart from having great build quality, Kamado Joes come with a unique divide and conquer cooking system that allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
2. Primo
Primo is another premium kamado grill, known for exceptional build quality and superior heat retention. A notable feature of Primo grills is their oval shape, which allows for more cooking space than traditional round-shaped grills.
3. Vision Grills
Vision Grills make high-quality kamado grills that are cheaper than the Big Green Egg but still offer impressive performance. Vision Grills come with an ash drawer for easy cleaning, and their grills can achieve high temperatures quickly.
4. Char-Griller Akorn
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly kamado grill, the Char-Griller Akorn is worth considering. It’s significantly cheaper than the Big Green Egg, but it still offers excellent performance and can reach high temperatures quickly.
5. Pit Boss
Pit Boss kamado grills offer great value for money. They’re cheaper than the Big Green Egg but still have excellent build quality and temperature control. Pit Boss grills also come with a versatile cooking system that allows you to smoke, grill, sear, bake, and roast your food.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Green Egg is the most popular kamado grill, but there are other great options available in the market.
- Kamado Joe, Primo, Vision Grills, Char-Griller Akorn, and Pit Boss are some of the best kamado grills apart from the Big Green Egg.
- Kamado Joe comes with a unique divide and conquer cooking system, Primo has an oval shape, and Vision Grills have an ash drawer for easy cleaning.
- Char-Griller Akorn is a budget-friendly option, while Pit Boss offers great value for money.
- Consider your budget, cooking needs, and preferences before choosing a kamado grill.
What Are the Alternatives to Burch Barrel
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Burch Barrel, there are a few options available to you. Here are some alternatives worth considering:
Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg is another popular outdoor grill that can cook a variety of meats and vegetables to perfection. It’s a ceramic kamado-style grill that offers excellent temperature control and even heat distribution, making it ideal for low and slow cooking or high-temperature searing. One of the key benefits of the Big Green Egg is its versatility – it can be used as a grill, smoker, and oven, giving you plenty of options when it comes to cooking meals for your family and friends.
Weber Kettle
The Weber Kettle is another fantastic alternative to the Burch Barrel. It’s a classic charcoal grill that’s perfect for cooking burgers, steaks, and hot dogs. What’s great about the Weber Kettle is that it’s affordable, easy to use, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space on your patio or deck. The Weber Kettle also has a large cooking surface, which means you can cook multiple items at once without having to worry about running out of space.
Traeger Pellet Grill
If you’re looking for an outdoor grill that’s easy to use and produces excellent results, the Traeger Pellet Grill might be the perfect alternative to the Burch Barrel. It’s a wood-fired grill that uses pellets made from real hardwood to create a unique smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate with other types of grills. The Traeger Pellet Grill also has a digital controller that lets you set the temperature precisely, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Pit Boss Grill
The Pit Boss Grill is another great alternative to the Burch Barrel, especially if you’re looking for a grill with a large cooking surface. It’s a pellet grill that can cook up to 1,000 square inches of food at a time, making it ideal for large gatherings and parties. The Pit Boss Grill also features a heavy-duty construction, which means it’s built to last for years and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe is a trustworthy brand like Burch Barrel, and it is one of the most versatile outdoor grills. It’s perfect for smoking as well as searing with its ceramic construction. What sets Kamado Joe apart is its patented deflector plates and a multi-level grate system that allows for direct and indirect heat simultaneously.
While the Burch Barrel is undoubtedly an excellent outdoor cooking device, its price point may deter some buyers. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives that offer similar features and capabilities at a more affordable price. Whether you’re looking for a classic charcoal grill, a wood-fired smoker, or a versatile kamado-style grill, there’s an option out there that will meet your needs. Consider the above alternatives when you’re looking for a new outdoor grill, and you’ll be cooking delicious meals for your family and friends in no time.
What is the Difference Between Kamado and Green Egg
Kamado grills and Green Egg grills are both types of ceramic grills that have gained a reputation for their excellent cooking performance and versatility. However, these two types of grills have some differences, which may make one option more suitable for you over the other. Here are some of the distinguishing features between the two:
Design and Build
- Kamado grills are traditionally designed with a round shape. They feature a ceramic dome-shaped body, a firebox, and a lower vent for controlling airflow in and out of the grill.
- Green Egg, on the other hand, has a more oval-shaped design. It has an outer ceramic body, an inner ceramic firebox, and a vent system that allows you to regulate the temperature and airflow.
Temperature Control
- Both grills use a ceramic body that retains heat efficiently, which makes for excellent heat consistency and fuel efficiency.
- The Green Egg uses a patented air venting system that allows for precise temperature control. With this grill, you can adjust the temperature by turning the dials on the top or bottom to increase or decrease airflow.
- Kamado grills are also designed to offer temperature control. They come with adjustable vents that allow you to control the airflow in and out of the grill.
Cooking Surface
- The Green Egg comes with different sizes of cooking grates, including a split-level cooking surface that allows for indirect cooking. This feature lets you cook different types of food at different temperatures.
- Kamado grills generally have a circular-shaped cooking grate, which limits the amount of food you can cook at once. However, most of them come with additional racks that support indirect cooking.
Durability
- Both Kamado and Green Egg grills are ceramic and highly durable. They are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor cooking.
- Green Egg grills come with a lifetime warranty on their ceramic components, while Kamado grills generally have a 10-year warranty.
Price
- Kamado grills come at various price points, but they are generally more affordable than Green Egg grills.
- Green Egg grills are typically more expensive than Kamado grills. However, they come in various sizes, so you can choose the size that fits your budget.
In conclusion, both Kamado and Green Egg grills are reliable options for outdoor cooking. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference, design, budget, and features that you prioritize.
