I'm new to Kamado grills but did my homework on the competition and have been very pleased with the Kamado Joe smoker and grill. I was introduced to the Kamado Joe grill and smoker about 2 months ago and I have used it 7 out of 8 weekends. I have smoked beer can chicken, ribs, brisket, pork butts and wild boar sausage so far. The http://www.Kamadojoe.com website has recipes and cooking tips that have helped me be successful everytime. Beyond quality ceramics, they use powder coating and materials like 304 stainless steel and thick finished bamboo for it’s weather and mildew-resistant properties. Other manufacturers like big green egg (BGE) use low grade steel and cypress wood. That’s why your grill is rusty and the wood is weathered after just a year or two. I highly recommend this grill for those who are looking for a premium taste in food.