People often leave Primo out of the conversation when talking about ceramic grills, but these kamados should defiantly be considered if you are in the market for a ceramic cooker. I’ve done extensive research on Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg, but I wanted to find out how Primo compares to the other ceramic grills.
Primo grills are unique in that they are the only oval-shaped ceramic kamado grill on the market. The oval design means Primo grills can create two-cooking zones; a hot zone and a cool zone for indirect low-and-slow roasting or smoking. Primo is also the only Kamado grill made in the USA, and are built to last with a lifetime warranty on the ceramics and 5 year warranty on the metal. The unique features of the Primo give this amazing grill every right to stand alongside popular ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe. Primo makes another grill called the Round, a traditional kamado, a similar design to other popular kamado grills on the market, such as the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe.
For the latest price and information, check out the Primo here at BBQ Guys.
What are Primo Grills?
Primo Grills are a line of ceramic kamado-style grills made by the Primo Ceramic Grill company, which is based in Tucker, Georgia. The company produces several models of grills, including the Primo Oval XL 400, the Primo Oval LG 300, and the Primo Round. These grills are made from high-quality ceramic and are designed to provide excellent heat retention and temperature control. They come in a variety of sizes, and are suitable for both small and large groups.
The Primo grills are also known for their versatility. They can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, and even roasting. They are also designed to be used with a variety of different types of fuel, including charcoal, wood, and even electricity.
Two-Zone Cooking Sets Primo Apart
The design of the Primo Oval is where this ceramic grill really shines. The oval shape allows for the 2-zone cooking, something other popular kamado-style grills aren’t able to do. Primo also offers a firebox divider to further separate the two cooking zones, making for even more effective separate cooking spaces.
Although this comes at an additional cost, you might find it useful. Still, the 2-zone cooking works brilliantly without the divider too, so if you don’t feel you need to pay extra for the device, then don’t.
The Two-zone cooking style isn’t anything new in the outdoor cooking world, but it is for kamado style cookers, so Primo has really pulled out all the stops with their designs to create something truly unique.
One of the few drawbacks with Kamado-style cookers like the BGE and Kamado Joe is they cannot create a hot-zone and a cool zone without the use of deflector plates, and Primo Round also fits into this category. Primo Oval, however, because of the oval design, allows you to build up hot coals on one side, creating a hot-zone and a cool-zone on the far side. The Primo Oval’s ability to cook in 2-zones makes it perfect for low-and-slow roasting and smoking.
Primo Oval XL 400
- The Primo Oval XL 400 is a ceramic grill with a large cooking area and patented oval shape for superior cooking efficiency and accessibility.
- Can grill, bake, roast or smoke any food, making it perfect for grillers and barbecuers who share our passion for great food.
- Available as “grill only”, with optional Primo Cart, Basket, One Piece Island Top and other Oval XL grill table models and carts.
- Made in the USA, with 4 out of 5 Americans preferring products made in the USA*.
- Patented oval design sets it apart from round ceramic grills, offering exceptional cooking efficiency and true two-zone cooking.
- Versatile, can also be used as a grill, oven, roaster and smoker, allowing for versatile cooking options.
- Offers amazing flavor with the combination of ceramic shell and 100% natural lump charcoal.
- Grill weight of 230 lbs (104.33kg), cooking area of 400 sq in. (2,580 cm2) with an additional 280 sq in. (1,806 cm2) with the optional rack system, total cooking area of 680 sq in. (4,386 cm2).
- Cooking grid of 18.5″ x 25″ (47cm x 64cm), temperature range of 200°F—750°F+ (93°C—399°C+).
- Please note, this information provided is not coming from reliable statistics, but using it as a marketing language to emphasize the high quality of the product.
The Primo Oval XL 400 is a ceramic grill that I’ve been using for quite some time now, it offers a large cooking area and a patented oval shape for superior cooking efficiency and accessibility. You can grill, bake, roast or smoke any food, making it perfect for grillers and barbecuers who share our passion for great food. It’s available as “grill only”, with an optional Primo Cart, Basket, One Piece Island Top and other Oval XL grill table models and carts.
What makes it special is that it is made in the USA, with 4 out of 5 Americans preferring products made in the USA*. The patented oval design sets it apart from round ceramic grills, offering exceptional cooking efficiency and true two-zone cooking. I’m impressed with how versatile it is, it can also be used as a grill, oven, roaster and smoker, allowing for versatile cooking options. Flavor-wise it’s a winner, it offers amazing flavor with the combination of ceramic shell and 100% natural lump charcoal.
For the latest price and information, check out the Primo here at BBQ Guys.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Patented Oval Shape | Allows for exceptional cooking efficiency and true two-zone cooking. |
| Premium-Grade Ceramics | High-quality material used for the construction of the grill. |
| Reversible Cooking Grates | Allows for flexibility in cooking options. |
| Optional Rack System & Accessories | Additional options for expanding the cooking area and customizing the grill to suit your needs. |
| Large Cooking Area | 400 sq in. (2,580 cm2) with an additional 280 sq in. (1,806 cm2) with the optional rack system, for a total of 680 sq in. (4,386 cm2). |
| Cooking Grid Size | 18.5″ x 25″ (47 cm x 64 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 200°F-750°F (93°C-399°C+) |
| Grill Weight | 230 lbs (104.33 kg) |
| Made in the USA | Product is manufactured in the United States. |
| Use as Grill, Oven, Roaster, Smoker | The grill can be used in multiple ways, including as a grill, oven, roaster, and smoker. |
| Produces Juicier Food, Wood-Fired Flavor | The patented oval shape and premium-grade ceramics are designed to produce food that is juicier and has a true wood-fired flavor. |
| Dimensions | 28″ (71.12 cm) wide, 21.5″ (54.61 cm) deep, 27.5″ (69.85 cm) tall. 12″ (30.48 cm) of clearance is required behind the grill to open properly. A minimum of 2″ (5.08 cm) of clearance is required around the exterior surface of the grill. |
Cooking Capacity of the Primo Oval XL 400
It is difficult to say exactly how much meat can be cooked on the grilling area of the Primo Oval XL 400 without additional information about the thickness and type of meat being used. However, with a cooking area of 680 square inches, the grill would be able to accommodate a significant amount of food at one time.
This is assuming that the optional rack system is used. If this isn’t the case the cooking area is 400 sq in. It is always recommended to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum capacity of the grill. It’s also important to note that it’s also depends on how you want to arrange the meat on the grates as well, such as whether you want to use direct or indirect cooking method.
| Primo Oval XL 400 Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 400 sq in. (2,580 cm2) |
| Thermometer Icon | Temperature Range: 151 – 850 F (66 C – 454 C) |
| Cooking Grate Icon | Optional Rack System: 280 sq. in. (1,806 cm2) |
| Grilling Capacity | Chicken Icon: 8 Whole Chickens |
| Turkey Icon: 2 Whole Turkeys | |
| Steak Icon: 12 Steaks | |
| Burger Icon: 20 Burgers | |
| Ribs Icon: 10 Racks of Ribs | |
| Ears of Corn Icon: 12 Ears of Corn |
Primo Oval LG 300
- Build a mound of natural lump charcoal in the fire box, using a full box for smoking and searing temperatures or half a box for two-zone cooking
- Light the charcoal with a fire starter cube or chimney starter, leaving the dome open
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the charcoal to build a small bed of embers
- Close the dome, fully open the draft door and top vent, and adjust the airflow to reach your target temperature
- For grilling, set the draft door fully open and regulate the temperature with the top vent. For roasting set the draft to one-third open
- Charcoal can be relit 2-3 times for multiple cookings, by stirring the used charcoal and adding 30% new charcoal
- Never use lighter fluid to light the charcoal as it will impart a “fuel” taste to your food
- To control the temperature, follow the “Lighting” instructions and close the top vent down to one-third open when you are 25°F (4°C) from your target temperature
- Adjust the air flow of the top vent in 1/4” increments to regulate the temperature
- For low temperature cooking, start with a small fire in one area of the charcoal, then close the dome and allow the temperature to come up slowly
- Adjust the draft door and top vent as needed to maintain the target temperature
- Note that it’s easy to raise the temperature but difficult to lower it.
| Specifications | Primo Oval LG 300 |
|---|---|
| Grill Weight | 125 lbs. (56.70kg) |
| Cooking Area | 300 sq in. (1,935 cm2) |
| Optional Rack System | 195 sq in. (1,258 cm2) |
| Total Cooking Area | 495 sq in. (3,193 cm2) |
| Cooking Grid | 15″ x 22″ (38cm x 56cm) |
| Temperature Range | 200°F—750°F+ (93°C—399°C+) |
Cooking Capacity Primo Oval LG 300
| Grill Specifications | Primo Round |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 300 sq in. (1,935 cm2) |
| Temperature Range | 151 – 850 F+ (66C-) |
| Optional Rack System | 195 sq. in. (1,258 cm2) |
| Weight | 152 pounds |
| Grilling Capacity | |
| Chicken | 6 Whole Chickens |
| Turkey | 1 Whole Turkey |
| Steak | 8 Steaks |
| Burger | 12 Burgers |
| Ribs | 8 Racks of Ribs |
| Ears of Corn | 8 Ears of Corn |
Round Charcoal Primo
- Model: Primo Round Large
- Functions: Grill, smoking, roasting, baking.
The Primo Round Grill is one of my favorite ceramic grills to use. With a weight of 200 lbs (90.72 kg) it has a sturdy and well-built design. The cooking area is 280 sq in. (1,739 cm2) and the cooking grid is 18.5″ in diameter (47cm). It’s capable of reaching temperatures between 151-850F (66C-), allowing for a wide range of cooking options. The temperature range is great for achieving that perfect crispy crust on a steak or a slow-cooking a brisket.
Grilling wise, it has a capacity of 4 whole chickens, 1 whole turkey, 6 steaks, 10 burgers, 4 racks of ribs and 8 ears of corn. This makes it perfect for small to medium sized gatherings or family BBQs.
One thing that I really like about this grill is that it has a good balance between its weight and size. It’s not too small that you can’t cook enough food but it’s also not so large that it takes up too much space. The Primo round grill is the perfect combination of convenience and functionality. I highly recommend it for any outdoor cook.
For the latest price and information, check out the Primo here at BBQ Guys.
| Specifications | Primo Round |
|---|---|
| Grill Weight | 200 lbs (90.72kg) |
| Cooking Area | 280 sq in. (1,739 cm2) |
| Cooking Grid | 18.5” dia. (47cm) |
| Temperature Range | 200°F—750°F+ (93°C—399°C+) |
Primo Round Grill Capacity
| Grill Specifications | Primo Round |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 280 sq in. (1,739 cm2) |
| Weight | 200 pounds |
| Temperature Range | 151 – 850 F+ (66C-) |
| Grilling Capacity | |
| Chicken | 4 Whole Chickens |
| Turkey | 1 Whole Turkey |
| Steak | 6 Steaks |
| Burger | 10 Burgers |
| Ribs | 4 Racks of Ribs |
| Ears of Corn | 8 Ears of Corn |
For the latest price and information, check out the Primo here at BBQ Guys.
How To Use a Primo
- Build a mound of natural lump charcoal in the fire box, using a full box for smoking and searing temperatures or half a box for two-zone cooking
- Light the charcoal with a fire starter cube or chimney starter, leaving the dome open
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the charcoal to build a small bed of embers
- Close the dome, fully open the draft door and top vent, and adjust the airflow to reach your target temperature
- For grilling, set the draft door fully open and regulate the temperature with the top vent. For roasting set the draft to one-third open
- Charcoal can be relit 2-3 times for multiple cookings, by stirring the used charcoal and adding 30% new charcoal
- Never use lighter fluid to light the charcoal as it will impart a “fuel” taste to your food
- To control the temperature, follow the “Lighting” instructions and close the top vent down to one-third open when you are 25°F (4°C) from your target temperature
- Adjust the air flow of the top vent in 1/4” increments to regulate the temperature
- For low temperature cooking, start with a small fire in one area of the charcoal, then close the dome and allow the temperature to come up slowly
- Adjust the draft door and top vent as needed to maintain the target temperature
- Note that it’s easy to raise the temperature but difficult to lower it.
Cooking Grates
The grates are reversible, as with the Primo Round, so you get the same benefits of being able to drop the grates closer to the coals for more effective charring. If you get the XL Primo Oval, it will provide you with ample cooking space.
Vent Improvements
Primo has improved the cast iron damper and Allen screw air flow controller, so it is a little more sturdy. However, you still need to open the lid carefully if you want to avoid having to move the Allen screw into place every time you check on your food.
Reversible Cooking Grates
The Primo Round has reversible cooking grates, so one side allows you to keep the cooking surface flush with the felt insulation, but when flipped over, the grates drop by around 2 inches, putting your meat closer to the charcoal beneath and allowing you to get a wonderful charred effect on your meat because of the increased heat.
The Primo Grills are Heavy!
The problem with all ceramic cookers is they are extremely heavy, and Primo Round is no exception. However, once the Primo round Kamado is in position, it’s simple to use and the spring-loaded hinge on the lid makes it easy to open and close without difficulty. Before you assemble your Primo, make sure you’re happy with the location because once it’s assembled, that’s where it’s staying!
Controlling the Vents
The cast iron damper pivots on a spring loaded Allen screw for quick adjustments for controlling air flow to the cooker, but this leaves much to be desired. The point of the Allen screw is to hold your setting in place so you don’t need to readjust the airflow every time you open the cooker. In practice though, the screw falls short and you will need to adjust the airflow every time you open the lid to ensure the correct amount of air is flowing in through the top damper because the screw falls out of place really easily.
The lower vents work much better, with a stainless steel sliding intake vent that can be controlled with ease and stays put without issue. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the upper damper as there is a buildup of gunk after low and slow cooking sessions. Make sure you stay on top of this by cleaning it regularly or else the gunk can start to rot, and potentially drip on to any future cooks.
Multiple Configurations – Choose Your Accessories
There are a variety of accessories available when you buy a Primo, so you can configure your Round Kamado however you wish. Besides the deflector, Primo offers baking stones, rib racks, chicken sitters, extender grates and more. Movable ceramic feet that elevate the hot ceramic a few inches above your deck or patio come standard with this model. A cart with side tables is optional.
The Pros and Cons of Primo Grills
As with all grills, there are pros and cons:
Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Unique reversible grates
Cons
- The round design doesn’t allow for the 2-zone cooking.
- The upper vent moves when opening lid.
- Extremely Heavy
Primo vs the Competition
Once upon a time there was only the Big Green Egg, but nowadays there are several quality kamado grills that are worth considering. Kamado Joe has taken the mantle as best kamado, but there are several ceramic grills that have entered the market, meaning we are spoiled for choice.
| Feature | Primo Ceramic Grills | Kamado Joe Grills | Big Green Egg Grills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic construction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Available sizes | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
| Versatility (grilling, smoking etc) | High | High | High |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Customization options | Limited | Some | Some |
| Price range | Medium to High | Medium to High | High |
Primo vs Kamado Joe
Most people in the barbeque community consider Kamado Joe the best of the ceramic grills simply because of the quality of materials and continuous innovation. However, the Primo Oval has a larger cook surface than the KJ and has the 2-zone cooking capabilities. In terms of price, there isn’t much difference between Primo, BGE and Kamado Joe. Obviously price will vary depending on the size and the accessories.
One of the best features of the Kamado Joe is the ability to cook at multiple levels called the Divide and Conquer grilling system. Although the Primo grill can only cook at one level, this isn’t much of a disadvantage because the width means the Primo can cook indirectly, which is similar to the multi-level system on the Joe.
The Spring Assisted Hinge
Anyone who has used a ceramic grill will tell you how heavy they can be. Even lifting the lid is hard work. The Kamado Joe also uses the air lift hinge, a design feature that takes almost all the weight of the lid. BGE has followed suit, but the hinge isn’t of the same quality as the Joe.
Primo has also adopted the hinge to take most of the weight. As with BGE, the hinge makes light work of the lid. However, when compared to the Kamado Joe air lift hinge, it falls short. The Primo spring assisted hinge hood is good, but gets nowhere near the quality of the Kamado Joe airlift hinge.
In the Primo vs KJ conversation, the Primo Oval design has the advantage over the Joe because of the ability to create a hot zone and a cool zone. However, the Joe has a multi-level grill grate which also allows for 2-zone cooking. The multi-level grates on the Joe can grill meat at a low temp on the top grate level while grilling at a higher temp at the lower level closer to the coals.
Primo vs Big Green Egg
Big Green Egg has been around since the mid-70s, so it has the solid reputation and a large following of “Egg heads”. The common criticism of the BGE is the à la carte style of purchasing. If you only want a basic egg, then this is a good option. The BGE has made some improvements the past few years, but it still falls short of the Joe in many categories.
The biggest advantage BGE has over Primo and the rest of the competition is choice. The BGE offers more choices than any other kamado, with more sizes and configurations. Primo, and most other kamado grills, offer a few choices, whereas the BGE can please a wider range of people. In terms of customer service. BGE is far superior since they have been at it much longer. BGE are very selective with their dealers, and it’s reflected in their level of service.
The BGE is the cheapest of the mainstream Kamados. However, you only get the basic egg, firebox, a cooking grate and a built-in thermometer. All other Egg-cessories are extra, including everything else is extra, including the heat deflector plate, the stand, side tables and cover. A Kamado Joe costs about $700 more than the basic egg, but once you add a stand, side tables and a heat deflector, the cost is almost identical.
So once you add in these “extras” with the BGE, the price is similar to the KJ, which includes everything, plus more. A KJ comes equipped with a stand, side tables, deflector plate, pizza stone, cooking racks, etc. Some people prefer the BGE and don’t need the extras. Not only are the prices similar, the KJ is made with quality components.
For years, BGE got by on its name and reputation, but in recent years the competition closed in on the Big Egg. Kamado Joe’s innovation set it above the competition, however Primo has a few advantages of its own, namely the oval design, and its American Made. The oval-shaped design of the Primo allows for more cooking styles and more meat. Primo has the patent on the oval design, meaning KJ and BGE cannot bring our an oval shaped ceramic kamado. This is perhaps one reason Kamado Joe has innovated with the multi-level cooking system.
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