Primo 774 Ceramic Charcoal Smoker Grill, Oval Junior review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Primo
Power Source	Charcoal
Color	Black
Item Weight	95 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	21.5 x 21 x 24.5 inches
Fuel Type	Charcoal

product features

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Unique oval design for more flexible and versatile grilling and smoking
210 square inches of standard cooking surface; up to 360 square inches with rack extensions
Exterior features a premium-grade ceramic blend coated with a protective, lead-free, scratch-resistant porcelain glaze
Highest quality ceramic for increased efficiency and durability
Measures 24 by 22 by 16 inches; 20-year warranty for all ceramic parts; made in USA

product description

Size:Junior

Product Description

The Primo Oval Junior Smoker Charcoal Grill is a Medium-Large Size model with all the benefits of the original Oval ceramic benefits. Standard Grill Features: Cast-Iron Chimney Vent, Precision Thermometer, Easy Lift & Lock Hinge System, Soft-Close Felt Gasket, Quick-Clean Porcelain Cooking Grid, User Manual/ Recipe Book Grill Dimensions in inches (H by W by D): 24 by 22 by 16 - Cooking Surface: 210 Square Inches (with Rack Extensions: up to 360 Square Inches)

Amazon.com

The Primo Oval Junior charcoal smoker grill is the ultimate outdoor ceramic cooker, featuring 210 square inches of standard cooking surface (and up to 360 square inches with optional rack extensions). It also offers a cast iron chimney cap, easy-to-read thermometer, reversible cooking grates, stainless steel lower vent door. And Primo's unique oval design allows for greater flexibility and versatility. You'll be able to cook using both direct and indirect methods at the same time.

Primo's unique oval design allows for greater flexibility and versatility ().

The Primo grill lineup: Oval Junior, Oval XL, and Oval Kamado (from left to right; stands not included).

With a Primo grill, you'll be able to:

Cook a wide variety of foods, including steaks, chicken, pork, turkey, fish, pizzas, vegetables... you name it!
Grill and/or smoke while maintaining a consistent low temperature or high temperature
Evenly heat across the entire surface of the grill

The Primo Oval Junior measures 24 by 22 by 16 inches (HxWxD). The only ceramic grill manufactured in the USA and constructed to the highest specifications, Primo grills are backed with a 20-year warranty on the ceramic portion and 5 years for its metal parts.

Durable Handcrafted Ceramics

Primo's handcrafted ceramics are designed to provide the upmost strength while providing superior temperature control and maximum moisture retention. By curing the finish at temperatures exceeding 2400-degree F, the glaze is permanently bonded to the ceramic body for long lasting durability.

The exclusive ceramic formula delivers consistent temperature control. From its smallest to its biggest grills, Primo can provide smoke temperatures as low as 95 degrees F or exceed searing temperatures of 750 degrees F.

Primo's bands and stands feature a baked-on, powder-coated, high-gloss finish for durability and easy maintenance. The commercial grade porcelain is applied to the grilling racks here in the USA and are crafted for a lifetime of use.

Perfect 7mm grill spacing so food stays on the grill, not in the fire, while maximizing searing efficiency.

Maximum Cooking Versatility for the Outdoor Chef

Many restaurants use the intensity of direct grilling to seal in the juices to foods, then finish the cooking process over soft true indirect or convection grilling style.

Similarly, with Primo's two-zone design, you're not limited to just one cooking style. Using the divider plate, you can cook a steak with direct heat on one side and chicken with indirect heat on the other side. You'll be able prepare the perfect meal, whether via direct cooking, true indirect, convection, baking, direct and true indirect, convection and true indirect, baking and direct, backing and convection, and so on.

Primo's two-zone design provides maximum cooking versatility to get the same big-name restaurant result at home, and at a fraction of the cost.

Optimized Grilling Surface

With Primo's exclusive flush rack design, a backyard chef is able to maximize the use of the Oval's grilling surface. Reversible grilling racks allows for food to be grilled a different intensities.

Natural Lump Charcoal

Primo recommends using its Primo brand Natural Lump Charcoal for best results. Burning cleaner, hotter, and longer, natural lump charcoal produces less ash than briquette style charcoal. It's also quick and easy to light--unlike charcoal briquettes that require patience--and is a renewable fuel source. Other natural lump charcoals are also fine to use in your Primo.

What's in the Box

Primo 774 Oval Junior grill; cast-iron chimney vent; precision thermometer; easy lift and lock hinge system; soft-close felt gasket; quick-clean porcelain cooking grid; user manual; recipe book

product details

important information

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Questions about Primo 774 Ceramic Charcoal Smoker Grill, Oval Junior

Is possible to add an electric or gas starter to the Primo Joe

Answer: If I want a hot fire for steaks or pizza use the little fire starter cubes and it is ready in about 10-15 minutes. I also have a Looftlighter that works great if I want to hold its hand for 5 minutes. I also found the chimney to work well when I'm setting the smoker. I suspect an electric coal starter would also work, but if you are thinking about using this without coal, I have never seen anything for that function.

Answer: There is an optional electric starter or you can do an air lighter

Answer: No, there are many options for lighting the coals and I have used most of them. I find the chimney starter the best option for the money.

Answer: Not to my knowledge. The best solution is a device called a "Loof Lighter"(so?). It looks like a large curling iron and generates heat that lights the coals very fast.

AMAZON INFO PRIMO Oval Jr Cooking Surface: 210 Square ,PRIMOS WEB PAGE 310 square inches of cooking surface ¿WICH IS WRITE?

Answer: In the item description it says: 210 square inches of standard cooking surface; up to 360 square inches with rack extensions

Answer: 210 is right for the grill in standard form. There are optional extension grates the fit above the main cooking surface to expand total cooking area. We are a 2 person household, the standard grill has more than enough room for us.

Answer: I think the default set up is 210? But you can almost double it if you get the upper level extensions. One place I saw said 360 square inches with the 2 extensions. So the base size isn't _that_ big, thus 'junior', but can still do a good bit. :)

Answer: Don't know. Because I have a different model -- the Oval Junior. If you measure the grates you can calculate the are using the formula, a = pi * r1 *r2. On my Junior I usually use fire on one half (the left), and cook indirectly on the other side using a stacker rack which is small as you go up (to fit in the lid). So my hot side is 99 square inches, and my indirect side is 99 + 70 = 169 square inches, or 268 square inches total. I have found this adequate for cooking for four people, including cooking the vegetables. If you are lazy, calculate.com will do the calculations for you.

Does this grill come with the little ceramic feet?

Answer: Mine did. I've had it for many years though. I presume they still would, but you also can use any heat barrier/ceramic/brick

Answer: No, the feet are now sold separate from the grill. A $2 patio stone works just as well.

Answer: No. They will have to be purchased separately.

Answer: Yes it does

Could you cook a 15 lb Turkey in this grill?

Answer: Yes, you could even do (2) 14 pound turkeys.

Answer: If the lid closes . You would have to cook it long and slow,to not burn the outside.

Answer: Yes

Does this grill come with the legs?

Answer: The feet don't come with the grill.

Answer: I’m pretty sure that I purchased the feet separately. Depending what stand option you choose, you may not need them. I purchased a teek cart with my grill and needed the ceramic feet to lift the grill. A metal cart may not require them. Great grill!

Answer: No. They are sold separately. Please feel free to give me a buzz with questions.

Answer: Mine did not. I put it up on three pieces of fire brick in a bench I made for it. They offer a set of three as an accessory or a cart for more money.

Answer: No it doesn't. You can purchase spacers to allow you to place it on some other support that hopefully is not too flammable. I bought their stand which is REALLY well made. Enjoy

Answer: No, you have to buy a stand separately. I got the portable one and am happy with it.

Answer: No it’s the head unit only

Can anybody comment as to the packaging gotten any better? Amazon is great at replacing but I'd rather not go through that

Answer: No, the packaging is terrible. We sent back 2 grills because they both arrived broken. We ended up not buying it in the end because we are tired of dealing with it. They lost a sale. This was just last month.

Answer: Packaging and shipping were so bad that we returned the Primo and purchased it locally. Probably not a good mail order purchase.

Answer: Mine came in fine.. enjoying real bbq.. if there is no smoke in the meat.. there is no bbq.. bbq sauce compliments the smoke of the meat.. if there is no smoke there is no bbq

Does this use a lot of charcoal? I sometimes cook just for one. So im not cooking that much. Would waste charcoal to fire up bbq for just one small fi

Answer: It won't typically use all the charcoal when its used. When you are done grilling, be sure to shut the damper all the way and close the vent at the top. This will essentially "shut off" your charcoal grill. Next time you grill, you can assess the need to add more charcoal or just ignite your coals from your previous burn.

Adjust themonter ?

Answer: You cannot adjust the thermometer, you can control the temps by opening and closing the vents.

Answer: No, But should not rely on it anyway due to its location other than when grilling. Go with wireless with two leads. One for grill and one for meat.

Could you cook a 15 lb Turkey in this grill?

Answer: Yes, you could even do (2) 14 pound turkeys.

Answer: If the lid closes . You would have to cook it long and slow,to not burn the outside.

Answer: Yes

For warranty concerns, are you an authorized dealer? Does Primo warrant fully a ceramic grill purchased from your company?

Answer: Hello. We are an authorized Dealer and Primo will fully honor any grill purchased from us.

Answer: Bought mine off Amazon. Can't remember the exact dealer that shipped to me, but filled out registration card. I did have an issue about 5 years later. They sent me a complete shell and hardware , felt already installed. New hardware to re-install the bands. I stripped one of the hinge bolts and they even sent me a new hinge. The catch..??.. I did have to pay shipping on the shell. $150.

Answer: No I am not a dealer, I was just a customer

Is this easy or laborious to clean?

Can this grill withstand cooking in below zero weather?

Answer: Mine arrived cracked and so did the second one. If you can get one that is not cracked I think you could cook below zero if you are that crazy Good Luck

Answer: I've cooked close to zero (10 or so)without any problems... Both high heat and low and slow. Never below zero.

Answer: Yes - we used ours at Christmas when it was about 5

Answer: I live in Florida.

What is the difference between primo 775 large vs 774 junior?. it is clear the 774 one has 210 sq in (24x22), but i am not clear about the 775 one...

Answer: The Primo 775 Large Oval Grill features 300 square inches of cooking space and a 15" x 22" cooking grid. The Primo 774 Junior Oval Grill features 210 square inches of cooking space and a 13.5" x 18.5" cooking grid.

Answer: The large is what you want if your cooking a lot of food. It will handle a 14 pound brisket no problem. The 774 junior is much smaller. I use mine for racks of ribs, but I have 4 different ceramic grills. Get the large if it is you first primo and you can afford it. The junior can travel if that’s what you are looking to do.

Product reviews of Primo 774 Ceramic Charcoal Smoker Grill, Oval Junior

John St John : Tipping Problem

Let me get the bad stuff out of the way first, since overall I love my Primo Junior.

When I first got the Primo I set it up on a stand in the place it will go once I complete the outdoor cooking station I'm building. I was quite surprised to find that with the lid open a slight push on the lid would cause the Primo to start tipping over backward. I thought perhaps the hinge mechanism required some adjustment to prevent the lid from going going back too far, and promptly called the manufacturer. The woman I spoke to didn't seem too anxious to help, but suggested I take a picture of the Primo and e-mail it to their warranty department. I did so, and received a form response saying I would hear from them shortly. That was more than a month ago, and I have yet to get anything.

However, the Primo is set next to a wall (or I should say 10" from a wall, which is the minimum clearance), and I was able to use some 2 x 4s to build a simple wedge structure that supports the Primo just under the lip on either side of the hinge. This solved the tipping problem. Nevertheless, this is a seriouds issue. I imagine the tipping is avoided if the optional stand or table is purchased, but the manufacturer needs to alert purchasers to this potential problem.

That being said, let me say that all the good things people say about the Primo, and kamados in general, are absolutely true. I've done over a dozen cooks, and the result in each case was great.

Unless you are a very experienced cook I would strongly recommend that you purchase a digital food thermometer such as the Maverick ET732. Mine works great, and in my opinion it's essential to getting quality results.

Also, unless you intend to limit yourself to steaks and hamburgers (and if so you shouldn't be spending the money for a kamado) you'll need to get the D plates and their supports to do indirect cooking.

As you might expect, there's a bit of a learning curve in using the top and bottom vents, but it's not steep. Just remember that it's a lot easier to raise the temperature than it is to cool it down.

The oval shape of the Primo gives it an advantage over round kamados, not only because food items are often oval-shaped (e.g., a turkey), but because you can use just one half of the Primo if you're cooking only a couple of steaks or burgers (you'll want to get the optional divider for this). I think the Junior is the perfect size for a small family. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining then you should opt for the XL if you have the space.

One special note. I got the pizza stone just as an afterthought, and didn't get around to doing a pizza until a few days ago. My wife and I both agreed it was as good as we've ever had in any restaurant. Plus, you can use top-quality ingredients, and the recipes online are endless. So definitely invest in the pizza stone.

Lastly, something needs to be said about the aesthetics of the Primo. It's shape and texture are a strong contrast to the cheap pressed metal of your classic BBQ. While it might not rise to the level of an objet d'art, it is nevertheless quite easy on the eye.

Fabian Law : it's my favorite thing to cook on

it's my favorite thing to cook on. everything tastes better. all I had to do is figure out the vent and daisy wheel for temp control.

Butch : I never recieved one in working condition

I order one of these and the first one arrived cracked, I ordered a replacement and the top part was damaged. I cannot really comment on the product. The packaging is absolute horrendous

pjnola : Precision control

My father decided I should have a big green egg, and wrote me a nice big check to buy it (Thanks!). But it turned out that his very generous donation wasn't enough to cover the cost of a BGE, so I did a little research and found the Primo.

The BGE is widely considered the premier ceramic grill, and I admit I was a little worried that I might be buying an inferior knock-off. But now that I'vs had the Primo for a while, it turns out I needn't have worried. The Primo gives you great quality and precision. Want to smoke a Boston butt at 200 degrees for 16 hours? This will do it. Want to sear a steak at 600 degrees? The Primo will do that, too. And the check that was too small for the BGE got me the Primo, a bunch of accessories, and the lumber and casters to build a nice, sturdy table.

Butch : I never recieved one in working condition

I order one of these and the first one arrived cracked, I ordered a replacement and the top part was damaged. I cannot really comment on the product. The packaging is absolute horrendous

JC : made in america and rock solid grill

My primo grill, once I got one that wasn't broken, buy from your local store, works flawlessly

David C. Johnston : Am I missing something?

There may be something I don't understand, but I can't get it up to heat. Tops out about 250 to 300 F and goes up and down in temp with various openings of flue and chimney. I have looked at YouTube videos. If anyone knows what I am doing wrong, please email me at charlestonlegal@gmail.com.

David C. Johnston : Am I missing something?

Felicia Owens : Love the grill

We ordered the grill several times through Amazon. Each time it was delivered broken. I finally found a local dealer 45 minutes away. Love the grill, but wish it could have been delivered in one piece.

Barbara Cox : Love this Grill!

I have had my primo for 5 years now. I bought it at a BBQ store(about a 2 hour drive), but I buy all of my accessories here on amazon because it is easier. I had a bit of a learning curve, but after two times got the hang of it. The food was amazing. I bought a looft lighter, and the thing is ready to go in 5 minutes. I have replaced the gasket once because I walked away and left the vents open and it got up to about 500-600 degrees and flamed up and melted it in one spot, easy fix. A had a few screws started to rust on my second year and they set me new ones I just e-mailed them and sent pictures of the ones I needed. I am a multi tasker and I am usually cooking 3 other things besides my meat, so I did invest in the digital-Q 4cpm fan. It inserts where the intake vent is and you just set the temp. and a tiny fan goes on and off to keep it at the set temp.....works great. I don't have the luxury of sitting around a grill for 8-12 hours making sure it is at 225. I believe there is even a wireless version you can check and adjust while at work. That is serious multi-tasking....getting paid while smoking dinner! You will smell, like a danger campfire when done but the food just can't be beat. Pizza is delicious in this also, get the pizza stone! Smoked mac and cheese, and baked beans are awesome on this grill as well. Wood lasts forever. It takes a long time for the temp. To go down because it is so insulated so you have to watch it, it just creeps down. I got the metal stand with the two side tables, which workA well and takes up little,space when the sides are folded down. Make sure you cover it when not in use, water can get inside if it rains hard. Get yourself some pit gloves, and you are all set!

Felicia Owens : Love the grill

jimmy the bull : great vendor

i talked to the vendor, his company is a-one. very helpful, kind, and caring.
i recieved the grill in perfect condition today.
the vendor wanted me to call him, to make sure i was satified.

on the river : Two Broken Grills

I can confirm that the packaging on these is not at all adequate. My first arrived with a hairline fracture in the bottom half and the inner bowl split. The replacement arrived completely shattered. I was not around for either delivery: I may try again while I am on vacation and open the box before the driver leaves. Amazon was great about refunding my money, but it just seems wrong to keep mailing me broken grills at 760 dollars a pop.

Felicia Owens : Love the grill

Jonnyb : A good grill/smoker

It is a good grill/smoker. I'm glad I bought the smaller less expensive one. I would buy the larger one if I was entraining more than 4 people often. Also I am glad I bought several of the accessories. Like the diverter plates, extra grill for the top (remember these are sold individually!), the catch pan rack and the tool to handle the grills when hot. Wished I would have bought the clean out tool but I will make something to work.

There is a learning curve that you will have to go through to control the heat and amount of wood/fuel to use. Also the outlet vent does not seal as well as I thought it would and it "gums" up quickly making it difficult to use and clean. The meat does retain more of its own juices as promised. It is heavy and I do recommend building or buying a table to go with it because it is very top heavy and can fall over easily when the internal components are removed and the lid opened.

Shipping: the free shipping was done by a freight company due to the weight. The first grill arrived shattered. It had been turned upside down during transit. So I was lucky I was there to check the package before accepting it. The good news was that I called Amazon and they replaced it immediately and shipped it ASAP. I have ordered the table to go with it and the bad news is that it is now ten days overdue. When I called UPS they said it required special handling and could not tell me when it would be delivered. Definitely keep this in mind when ordering the table!

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