James H

What are people's thoughts on accessories for the AK are in general? I've been looking at the YNNI D&C and Kick Ash Basket basket, both of which I like the look of. I'm also consider a Steel Smokin plancha which, again, looks like a great bit of kit. But by the time I have added those items I have dramatically increased the overall cost of the AK. I know it will depends on everyone's preferences, budgets, etc. but are there any accessories which are must haves / that you couldn't live without? Any that you think really aren't required? Or is the AK best used as it is sold and as on as much of a budget as possible? Thanks, James

Hi, Thank you for the input! The cracks are certainly only small, and definitely not one end to another of area. I'll find something to get it a tap with and listen for the ring though! They've definitely not included the ash scraper (or most likely it's rattling around the back of the van still) which, although minor, means I will be going back to Aldi to discuss at least a partial refund even if I am keeping it. So I'll probably include the photos I have then and request their input, or that it the manufacturer, on the defects I've identified... I'll also want them to confirm if I do keep it, partial refund or not, that my warranty won't be affected. Thanks again, James

Thanks for the advice! Assuming I do decide to keep it (which I am leaning towards unless I get the impression the defects will cause poor performance / premature failure), I will definitely be going back to Aldi with all the pictures and asking for a replacement ash scraper / partial refund. So when I do that I will also query the cracks with them to get their steer as well.

Fingers crossed for you! I had AO as a courier and that didn't seem to be much better to be honest.

Hi, Thank you for the advice / guidance... I had to get up and fight the online queue to get this one! I had always read that managing to place the order was only 'phase 1', but I must admit I did have my hopes up that I would somehow get lucky. As long as the little defects I've spotted, which I may have only ever noticed because I have been looking so hard, don't cause it either not perform as well as it should or fail prematurely I am happy to keep it... Although I will be be considering discussing the partial refund with Aldi. I have also noticed I have no ash scrapper with the unit, so I am guessing that is still rattling around the back of delivery van Thanks again!

Hi, Thank you for the welcome! Yes, well possibly... It appears that it may be OK, I've noticed a few imperfections but these may be normal. I've been inspecting it thoroughly as when it arrived in the delivery van it had broken loose of its packaging and was on its side on the floor of the van. I've added some pictures to my post in the other thread. James

Hi everyone, I have just joined the forum and am looking forward to learning from all the experience here! I'm based on the North Essex / Suffolk border. I have a couple of grills - 2 Weber Kettles, a WSM and a Smokey Joe to take camping. I've also just received my Aldi Kamado... With their infamous delivery issues... So I have asked a few questions here to try and help me decide if I should keep it or send it back for the refund. Hopefully speak to many of you soon! James

Hi all, I am new here (I will do a proper introduction in the appropriate section shortly) and managed to bag myself an Aldi Kamado on Sunday. Unfortunately, today I experienced the fabled delivery service... The AK arrived having broken free of its box and on its side in the back of the van. The egg seemed to be in one piece, so I have accepted the delivery rather than rejecting it entirely, and I have spoken to Aldi already. I now have 3 options, if it has managed to survive I can keep it, I can return it for a full refund, or if it is damaged but I am willing to accept it I can discuss this with Aldi and keep it with a partial refund (up to 20% apparently). I’ve started to go round the ceramics with a fine-tooth comb, there aren’t any large cracks / dents, but there are a few minor marks. Before I make any decision, I am hoping some of the more experienced AK owners here can guide me on weather I am being overly picky because I’ve had to check it to this level and the imperfections I’ve found so far are actually normal / won’t impact the functionality of the AK or whether I need to send it back because they’ll cause it to fail / are major issues. There is a tiny crack on the inside of the dome – hopefully 2 pictures of this are attached, one wide angle shot to show the size of it and one zoomed in. There is a small crack on the fire bowl. There appears to be some very light crazing on the external glaze. Any help / input would be much appreciated! Thanks, James.