MarkG

@4b4 If you're willing to push an extra £100, you should look at the Wild Goose. Comes with deflector, divide and conquer system. However, do be warned that issues are NOT limited to these Aldi ones, it just appears the nature of ceramic BBQ's in general, and a whole lot of luck. I've had two Wild Goose's delivered, both came with damage also (along with my damaged Aldi one). They are supposed to be delivering another one today, however looks like they have forgot. I'm on the verge of giving up on ceramic BBQs as getting one has been an absolute nightmare.

@liam Yeah it's not ideal if you're going to be nervous about the damage. Mine is going back because Aldi wont give a partial refund now after La Hacienda have been in contact with them. It's also my first BBQ, so I didn't want to spend the big money until I knew it was for me. The Weber seems like an option for me at the moment, and then keep an out out on off-season sales.

Update: Aldi no longer offering the partial refund as they are advised by La Hacienda to collect any damaged ones. Mines going back.

I don't know if the person who posted this on the FB group is on here, but this is a recent update from Aldi that I thought is worth sharing: I've not accepted the £75 the offered me yet, I wanted to test the Kamado first. So it may be a good idea for those who have accepted still have their 3 year warranty in tact. I'm going to call them later today to see if I'll still be able to get what they offered with the warranty, if not, then I will be returning it.

@liam I got mine built yesterday, hoping to have a go with it later today. Curious to why you are having second thoughts?

Yep, that looks exactly like mine, and a lot of others by the looks of it. Definitely appears more a manufacturing issue than anything else.

Little update... I've pushed them to £75 off. Covering the crack with ceramic paint will not affect warranty. They said it's all in my notes so it's all in writing. I can also use it for 60 days with a no-quibble refund if I have a change of mind, that's standard apparently, so anyone with damaged ones can test it out. I said I'll let them know next week if I'll keep it. I did try get £100 since @Airtime0007 mentioned they had offered that, but they wouldn't budge.

Yeah I think I need to ring again and get them to confirm that too. At first it seemed great, but now it seems iffy without further clarification.

I did look a Kettles, but it seemed like the Kamado was better for the low and slow 8-12 cook, without need for much intervention. I guess the short term ones are due to using cheaper materials, so eventually they will give up, unlike the KJ and BGE with their lifetime warranties.

If it cracks because of that issue then they will refund the rest of the cost, so if in 1 year it breaks, I'll get my money back. I don't know how they'd determine it was from the arrival damage, but it just seems like a no-question refund right now because the damage as been logged on my order.

Just had this from Aldi: They just told me I can test the Kamado, and if there are no issues, I can continue using it with a partial refund of £50. If there is an issue because of it within those 3 years, they will refund the rest to the full amount. I'm now tempted to keep the Kamdo at the value of £300, if it breaks within 3 years, full collection and refund. This appears a win-win situation? Who knew buying a Kamado could be so stressful.

Be curious to know also, and if it is worth that bit extra. I've read about fireboxes cracking, which they replace. I knwo this puts it 2.5x the price of the Aldi one, so it is a big jump, given that probably a lot of people (including myself) wanted it to get started in the Kamado world, before dropping a large amount of money on it.

I've seen a KJ classic, with the D&C system and newer firebox for £869. ~ £300 more you get the lifetime KJ warranty, over the 1 year with the Goose. Tough decision now!

They offered me £50 first time, they spoke to management first. I asked if they can do more and she said no, I was considering it but after further inspection, it's a no go.They'd have to offer me £200 to keep it as it is 😂 It's on the right hand side of the lid on mine. I'm almost certain mine is not damaged by the courier, as it was wrapped up well without damage. I think I'll go Wild Goose too, only downside is it's a 1 year warranty. Anything to worry about there?

I think I'll take the refund over keeping it for £50, it looks more concerning than first appeared.