I have been using my large BGE for 7 years on a weekly basis, year round.
As mentioned up up thread there are 2 main reasons I am a devout BGE user.
1. Versatility. Yes you can produce good smoked meats on kettles, drums, offset smokers, etc. But how many of those can be used the next day to cook home made pizza at 600+ degrees in 5 minutes? How about doing high temp steak searing? It is a incredibly versatile cooker...it is not merely another "smoker."
2. Warranty. LIFETIME warranty on the whole thing. I have had multiple parts fail from heavy use (namely the internal ceramic fire ring and fire box both cracked and the bottom fire grate finally broke ). A call to my local BGE dealer (Chef JJs in Broadripple....awesome place btw) and proof of my original purchase (keep your receipt) and he ordered me brand new parts.
Yes, the up front cost is expensive but as with most things in life you get what you pay for. I will never EVER have to purchase another smoker/grill again. How long do typical grills last? 5 years maybe?
One other tip..if I was to buy one now I'd wait for a local "Eggfest" and buy one used. They take brand new eggs and use them for a demo day where folks cook tons of great food. You can reserve purchase one of these demo models at a nice discount over brand new and they've essentially been used for 1 weekend.
One of the main reason I asked the original question in this thread is there IS an EGG FEST coming up on 3 June 17 at a dealer that is 1 minute from my home. EggFest address - The BBQ Store, 17007 Doty Rd, New Haven, IN. Just outside of Milan Center if you know where that is. I stopped in there Saturday with some questions and to browse. While there, two other prior customers stopped in to buy accessories and charcoal. From both families, I heard nothing but praise and rave reviews. They too mentioned the lifetime warranty. The BBQ store (name of the dealer) stocks all of the repair parts, they do not have to order. In just a few hours, you folks did exactly what I hoped for, gave me good feedback. I liked hearing all the pros from those that have one, and all the cons from those that do not. I will check out a cpl of the competitors (not LOWES based on reviews here) and I will make my call in the next few days. The BBQ store owner told me I could buy one anytime, but if I decide before 12 May 17, I can get in on the EGG FEST pre-buy at a nice discount - 20%.
Feel free to continue the debate, I love the input; but no way will I get in between the pro and con BGE/Weber/propane/etc, just like I do not tell anyone here what the right answer is in 9mm vs .45cal, or AR vs. AK, or god forbid, what bourbon is the best....
After I read this I realized I had 1 more question for the fans: Does the type of charcoal matter? Lump wood? briquets? either? other? I did get some opinions on that as I was in the store.
Thanks.