Can't decide!

I've decided I want a Kamado style grill. I like what I've read about them and I think I would enjoy one and get good use out of one. Before I go into my issue, my plan is to keep my Kettle (everyone should have one of those, they are great!), get a kamado, and build a wsm style smoker, similar to Fwismoker's Jamie, when I find a good used cheap 18.5".

Ok so to my issue. I don't like to spend money so I'm looking fairly cheap. Ive come down to the Vision Classic (usually $450-500 at Sam's) or the Char-Griller Akorn (I can get one right now at WalMart for $250).
I'm worried if I don't get the Vision I will always wish I did. But I can put out $250 way easier than $450-500 (not financially but mentally.....but I also like quality). I've heard a lot of good things about each but I just cant decide.
If I go with the Vision I will have to wait until next Spring when they are back in stock at Sam's again and I don't know if I can be patient that long. I wish I would have been able to find one when they were on sale a month ago but unfortunately they were gone at all Sam's close to me.
The Akorn is cheaper and would easily allow me to save money for things to cook! I may have to do a few mods but nothing it should need is hard to do or expensive.

What would you do? (I know someone is gonna say build a UDS...lol)

qman said:

Surely you can find the Vision somewhere besides Sam's? Remember, buy once, cry once.

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I've seen them other places but usually about $100 more than Sam's regular price.

captndan said:

I love the Acorn and that's a very good price. Might have to replace the lid gasket after about a year. What are you waiting for?

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Good question. Just want to make sure I'm happy with my decision. I past up the Vision all summer because I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the $450 on it.

Put it this way. If I could get the Vision for $300, maybe $350 I'd do it. But who wouldn't, right?

And the Akorn, honestly even though I've read good things, I'm worried about the fact it's still a Char-griller product. ...That's probably the biggest thing making me think twice about it.

SmittyJonz said:

I'd get a Primo Oval XL.

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While I'd love to have one they are way more than what I'm comfortable with spending. I did look into both the Primo and the large BGE.

deguerre said:

Also, how clumsy are you? :becky:

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I would say I'm not very clumsy. I'm assuming you asked that because of the potential to break the ceramic? Whatever I get it will be getting wheeled into a "cooking area" then wheeled back into a covered "storage" area. That's another Pro for the Akorn as it wouldn't be as fragile.

ssv3 said:

Start hunting some Vision kamados down at Sam's locations. There are guys grabbing them for $249-$299 closeout price.

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Oh man! I've looked and looked and looked. Nothing close to me or any of my family. Seems most people who were getting the great deals were all up in the northern states.

Wickedcajun said:

Cant help you, brotha... Im doing the same thing!!!

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Maybe this thread will help you out too then :becky: