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Akorn lid tore off - options on new kamado

Discussion in 'The Smokehouse' started by basod, Jul 13, 2019.

  1. basod

    basod

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    Hey guys been MIA after buying an old cj7 in early June- but still grilling like always.

    Night before last the captive nuts on the Akorn pulled out the back- made for a fun time finishing some wings.

    Anyways the bottom is rusted out as well and my heat deflector is cracked in two and being supported by an old framing square.
    I could rebolt the lid and ride it through until Labor Day sales.

    Looked at a BGE and kamado joe as well as much better priced Weber kettles, traegers as well but the electrical chit that will fail in those someday has me leaning kamado.

    Looking for thoughts and input while trying to stem the cash flow after my Jeep purchase and tool spending spree.
     
  2. CoachSchaller

    CoachSchaller

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    how long did the Akorn last for you?
     
  3. basod

    basod

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    I purchased in spring of 2017 so just over 2 years. In fairness it wasn’t covered for the first few months until I ordered the cover and stone for it. Winter of 18 it lived on the front stoop while the deck was ripped off and it kinda got neglected- hard to cover when hot and rained over night.
    It’s taken two diggers as well once when cleaning and I forgot to latch the lid and another a few weeks back when it was in the yard while staining the deck it got tippy on the grass and went over. There was some:drunk:involved on that one.

    It still cooks fine. I’d buy another one if the price hadn’t gone to 325+tax and I need a new stone+35.
    The only thing I don’t like on it is the center grate- there’s no need for an opening to add charcoal it just cakes up with crud.
     
  4. basod

    basod

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    Funny thing is the longest lasting grill I’ve had was the cheapest- $100 kingsford barrel grill. It was still working fine when I gave it away after 6 years of lots of grilling and smoking.
     
  5. gbreda

    gbreda

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    Ceramic komado would be my suggestion. Joe, BGE, Primo, etc. Whatever is best priced as they can be spendy but they last forever.

    I think Lowes carries the Joe now, maybe some sales or discounts?
     
  6. gbreda

    gbreda

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    Oh and never push a komado when moving it-always pull it. One of the first things I was told by the dealer I bought from as they tip over real easy if pushed.
     
  7. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    you got 2 years out of it?:rofl: :lol: stop being cheap and buy somthin
    quality .....if you like to cook!
    2yr 325+tax+35 = your on your way to somthin more solid
     
  8. basod

    basod

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    I spent $6 this morning on SS bolts and put it back together in a 30mins plus had extra bolts to fix my shop fan that the GF hit when she pulled in the garage:headbang:
     
  9. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    Ok....maybe new gf?
     
  10. Chaz

    Chaz

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    :eek:

    :rofl: :lol:
     
  11. basod

    basod

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    She bought me the fan 8-10 years ago after watching me sweat my arse off working on my former ole blue truck- Been working on this CJ7 to get the bugs out. In no particular order:
    Rear brake shoes
    Parking brake cables
    Front wheel bearings and hubs
    Full fluid changes diffs, transfer case transmission and engine. Then rear main seal leaking like a sieve.
    New rear main seal and pan gasket.

    Went on some spending sprees at harbor Freight Tools and broke down and finally bought a tool chest that I’ve needed badly for years, literally two days later the lid fell off the Akorn
     
  12. basod

    basod

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    Should have added new shackles and bushings front and rear that was a a royal pita
     
  13. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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    What CJ? I don't see no CJ...:whistle:
     
  14. basod

    basod

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    This should probably go elsewhere
    6E29192A-E0DD-4DA5-980F-49EEB4CB4966.jpeg EB8413DD-C790-4E7C-8B3F-8A971B47D03B.jpeg
     
    Sean, Marvin, FatBoy85 and 14 others like this.
  15. basod

    basod

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    This is the state of the Akorn ash pan
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Chaz

    Chaz

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    That pan looks a bit worn.
    :eek:

    As to the Jeep pics, your thread, your rules.

    But I must admit..
    "It's a Jeep thing".. and honestly, I don't understand.
    :)

    But it's a nice looking machine.
    :yes:
     
  17. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    How about the Grilla Kong ceramic style? Was just talking about it today with a co-worker of mine who was looking at the Kamado Joe.
     
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  18. basod

    basod

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    Nice looking grills and price point it’s in the running.
     
  19. gbreda

    gbreda

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    Good looking komado-I think I have seen one of these somewhere but maybe a brand similar to it.

    Quick note might be to make sure it comes with or has cooking accessories available that you might want. It appears to have a 20 or 20.5" grate diameter which may make using 18" accessories difficult.
     
  20. basod

    basod

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    Looked a bit closer at the Grilla brand. They basically outsource everything to China, the Kong is a Pit Master/ Louisiana Grills with their own designed SS base.
    The ceramic mold is the same on all of them.

    Still looks like a good value.