Firemonkey

I have to ask... What the story on that dome top, Majestik? I saw the tape and thought you were just trying to keep more tiles from falling. Now I see that strap...which looks structural. How did you end up with that kind of damge to your lid? For those of you who have, or have seen a busted up K, is there any kind of reinforcing mesh inside of them to keep cracks from breaking the unit in two? What abou KK, is there any sort of reinforcing mesh in them (just in case?)

I am wondering what differences you have seen when cooking in a KK. Does it retain heat as well? I saw Dennis' post saying that with less mass, temps could be dropped more quickly. Responsiveness is good, but is it still forgiving enough in an overnight (non-guru) cook? How much cooler does the outside stay when you do a hot cook? Especially around the firebox area...I have a young-un who has come close to learning the hard way once or twice. Are there any other nuances you have noticed?

Thanks theo! I sent you a private message with my contact information. Rick

Thanks J Those were helpful links. I originally thought that the KK was overpriced, until I realized it comes with many accessories K charges extra for. Can anyone comment about the racks KK is currently shipping? One of the things that impressed me withe Kaado was their heavy S/S grills, brackets, etc. Now, where can I see one and how long will it take to get one? Also, I would have to agree with the poster in another thread who said this forum needs more pictures. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words... I wonder what this picture is saying? These open up all around my K when i get it hot. Not crazy hot, just like 500 or so.

Let me introduce myself... My name is Rick, or firemonkey in the online world. I have a #5 kooker made by , er...the other guys. I bought it used from a guy who was moving out of state, and have had it a few months. I do love cooking on it, and was considering getting another, larger one. I was about to pick up the phone and order one, when I stumbled upon this site. After spending the last few hours perusing the information and opinions here, I must admit that I have been enlightened. I have seen first hand the issues that are all to familiar to Kamado owners - cracking, tiles getting loose, adjusting bands for a tight seal, unreachable customer service, etc. I find the Komodo variant to be asthetically superior, and am intrigued by the manufacturing differences. I live outside of Orlando, which would also be a point in favor of KK. I have no outstanding issues with RichardJ et. al., other than a couple unreturned calls and a charcoal order which has been pending for 3 months. Still, I have seen the customer service problems of others, and do find them troubling. I found it refreshing to see Dennis openly responding to questioning, and welcoming comparison of his features. I am confident that I would never get a reply from the Ensenda faction if I were to ask the same types of pressing questions I've seen here. Further, the only comparison I would get of the two brands would be along the lines of "I was here first, they are copy cats." Gee, lets apply that argument to anything else. For example...automobiles? I am in the market for another cooker, and I have some questions. Hopefully, I can find some answers here. My apologies if these are answered elsewhere, I have done alot of reading over the last few hours! -- Since I have some loose tiles and some cracks that open up in the grout lines when my K is hot, what will keep the same sort of thing from happening on a KK? -- What is the turnaround / deliivery time for a KK? What is the FOB location ( I am in orlando so that would be a GREAT answer!)? -- I Have the gas option on my existing K, and I love it. Granted, I only use it for igniting, then switch to a standard draft door, but to go back to a chimney would be..well, backwards. The KK gas assembly looks like it could be cumbersome. Is this true? -- Is the KK material prone to cracking - at any level? -- Does the KK material retain heat as well as, or better than a K? -- Where can I find a copy of the KK warranty? -- Has the time difference been challenging when contacting KK? -- Finally, is there anyone local who would let me stop by and have an up close and personal look at their KK? Sorry for the lengthy post...But I was an answered phone call (the Johnsons are hard to reach) away from ordering another K. Now, I feel like I just found out my wife was cheating on me, but its okay because a sweet, young hottie told me while whispering in my ear! But a little due dilligence is in order before tossing the cheating wife and moving in the hottie, right?