I started out buying a competitor's grill... It had a couple design issues and actually broke during the first use. Luckily I didn't have any problems returning it and replacing it with the Kamado Joe. This grill is leagues ahead of the competition and I wish I had saved the headache and bought the KJ from the start. The overall design, the divide and conquer, and the build quality are superior to other options. This is my favorite grill.