Grill Bill vs Primo.
Primo is the only oval kamado brand in this comparison: two separate cooking zones for direct grilling and indirect cooking at the same time. Here we put price, specifications and warranty of both brands side by side — including where Primo comes out ahead.
- € 1.599our best-equipped Large
- € 1.933Primo Oval Large, complete
- 4.9/5based on 832 reviews
Grill Bill or Primo: what's the difference?
Primo is the only oval brand in this comparison: two separate cooking zones on one grill, so you can grill directly and cook indirectly at the same time. That shape is more expensive to make, and it shows in the price. On warranty the difference is big: Primo gives limited lifetime on the ceramic, but only 30 days on the thermometer and gasket — the shortest term of all seven brands in this silo. We give 3 years on all other parts. Primo doesn't require registration, we do.
- Primo's Oval Large (complete with base) costs € 1,933. Our best-equipped Large costs € 1,599.
- Thermometer and gasket warranty: Primo 30 days. Grill Bill 1 year on the gasket, 3 years on the rest.
- Primo sells through resellers with their own admission requirement. Grill Bill directly from the manufacturer.
- Primo's oval shape gives two cooking zones at once — something no round brand in this silo offers.
Complete with base — side by side
Compare4 models
Grill Bill Pro II Large
Grill Bill Pro III Large
Primo Oval Large 300
Primo Oval XL 400
RRP
€ 1.349
€ 1.599
€ 1.933
€ 2.492
Grate shape
Round, 47 cm
Round, 47 cm
Oval, 38×56 cm
Oval, 47×64 cm
Grilling surface
1,735 cm²
1,735 cm²
1,935 cm²
2,580 cm²
Number of people
up to 8
up to 8
up to 8
up to 12
Ceramic warranty
10 years, 20 after free course
10 years, 20 after free course
Limited lifetime
Limited lifetime
Warranty other parts
3 years
3 years
Metal 5 years, cast iron/dampers 1 year, thermometer 30 days
Metal 5 years, cast iron/dampers 1 year, thermometer 30 days
Registration required
Yes
Yes
No
No
Transferable
No
No
No
No
Where to buy
Directly from the manufacturer
Directly from the manufacturer
Via reseller
Via reseller
Cart/base
Trolley
Trolley with Grate Organizer
Rolling base, lockable wheels
Rolling base, lockable wheels
Side tables
Bamboo
Hardwood
Yes, fold-in
Yes, fold-in
Grates included
2× half stainless steel + 2× half cast iron
2× half stainless steel + 2× half cast iron
Reversible, porcelain-coated, split
Reversible, porcelain-coated, split
Multi-level system
Yes, Smart Qooking
Yes, Smart Qooking
Yes, two cooking zones (direct + indirect at once)
Yes, two cooking zones (direct + indirect at once)
Heat deflector
2× half-moon 8 mm
2× half-moon 12 mm
Yes, deflector plates included
Yes, deflector plates included
Charcoal basket
Yes
Yes
not specified
not specified
Ash drawer
Yes
Yes
not specified
not specified
Burn time on half load
not specified
not specified
Up to 8 hours grilling or 24 hours low & slow
Up to 8 hours grilling or 24 hours low & slow
Where Primo is better
A comparison that only ever favours us isn't a comparison. These are the points where Primo does it better.
- Two cooking zones at once
The only oval shape
Primo's oval grill splits into a direct and an indirect zone, so you can grill and slow-cook at the same time without swapping appliances. No round brand in this silo — us included — offers that. - Fully covered from day one
No registration requirement
With Primo you don't need to register anything to claim warranty. With us, and most other brands in this comparison, you do. - Up to 24 hours low & slow
Long burn time
With half a load of charcoal you can grill for up to 8 hours or cook low and slow for up to 24 hours. Efficient if you regularly run long sessions.
Where Grill Bill is better
Four points, all of which you can check against Primo's price list.
- € 330 to € 890 difference
Lower price
The Oval Large costs € 1,933 complete, our best-equipped Large € 1,599. For the Oval XL versus our XL the difference runs up to almost € 800. The oval shape is more expensive to produce; you pay part of that extra cost. - 3 years vs 30 days
Longer warranty on wear parts
Primo gives 30 days on the thermometer and felt gasket — the shortest term of all seven brands in this silo. We give 3 years on all other parts. That's the biggest warranty gap we've come across in this entire comparison silo. - No middleman
Direct, no reseller requirement
Primo sells through resellers with their own admission requirement. We're the only seller ourselves: no middleman, no margin sitting somewhere else in the chain. - From € 189 to € 1,699
More sizes to choose from
We make four sizes across three series, from a Small at € 189 to an XL at € 1,699. Looking for an affordable first kamado or an entry model under € 500, there's more to choose from with us.
Frequently asked questions about Grill Bill and Primo
Is Grill Bill cheaper than Primo?
Yes. The Primo Oval Large is € 1,933 complete, our Pro II Large € 1,349, and our best-equipped Pro III Large € 1,599. For the Oval XL versus our XL the difference runs up to almost € 800. Primo's oval shape is more expensive to produce than a round kamado, and that shows in the price.
What's the advantage of an oval kamado?
Primo's oval grill has two separate cooking zones: you can grill directly on high heat on one side while cooking indirectly or smoking on the other, at the same time. With a round kamado like ours you do that in sequence, or with a deflector covering the whole plate. It's a genuine functional advantage, not a marketing gimmick.
Who gives the best warranty on the ceramic?
Both brands give a long warranty on the ceramic: Primo limited lifetime, we give 10 years and 20 years once you complete our free online course. On the other parts the gap is large: Primo gives 30 days on the thermometer and gasket, we give 3 years on everything except the ceramic.
Why do I need to take a course for 20 years of warranty?
Because most damage to a kamado happens in the first few months, from things nobody tells you. Firing up too fast, extinguishing it the wrong way, opening the lid at the wrong moment. Our free online course teaches you exactly that, and since we started offering it we've seen less damage. The course costs no money, just some time. Complete it and we double the term on the Pro II and Pro III.
Do I need to register my Primo for warranty?
No, with Primo registration isn't required to claim warranty — one of the few brands in this comparison where that's the case. With us registration is required, but with no deadline.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my kamado?
No. That applies to us, but also to Primo, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, The Bastard and Grill Guru: all warranties apply to the first owner only. For us there's also the fact that we can't establish whether a new owner has taken the course and how the appliance has been treated.
Which size should I choose?
For most households the Large is the right choice: enough for six to eight people. Looking for more capacity for large groups, Primo's Oval XL with room for 12 people is bigger than our own XL. Our Small at € 189 is mainly meant as a tabletop model or for a balcony; Primo doesn't make an entry model like that.
Can I see a Grill Bill in person somewhere?
By appointment in Eindhoven. Because we don't sell through resellers, our kamados aren't in showrooms across the country — that's easier with Primo through their reseller network. On the other hand, with us you're in direct contact with the people who make the appliance, even after your purchase.