Hi there - I realize I'm late to the party, but I looked into buying a Kamado Big Joe 2 this fall, and I just couldn't pull the trigger because of the price point. I've owned Weber 22" kettles for 20+ years, and they've always performed consistently for me year-in and year-out, no matter the weather (I actually enjoy grilling in the winter). I love the way the KBJ looks, and it certainly appears to be a well-made product with lots of attachments available. The price point will always be an issue for me, BUT.... if I was able to spend $1,500+, I would go with the KBJ2 because it's got the well-known ceramic heat retention (perfect for slow cooks in the winter), it's larger than the 18", and the KJ brand has useful features that will make the cooking experience better (i.e. the lid counterweight, the covered top vent that doesn't move when you open the lid, better gasket, etc.). Plus the red just looks so dang cool. Good luck!