Primo Ceramic Grill with oval design. Made in USA.

The Ultimate Guide to Primo Ceramic Grills: Sizes, Features, and Buying Tips

Ready to upgrade your grilling experience with a ceramic grill that’s built to last and crafted for versatility? Primo Ceramic Grills deliver premium quality, unique oval design, and all the cooking options a serious backyard chef could ask for. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from sizing and specs to accessories, smoking tips, and what makes Primo stand out.

Why Choose a Primo Grill?
The Oval Advantage
Grill Models & Sizes
Build Quality & Materials
Heat Performance & Versatility
Cooking Styles & Techniques
Essential Accessories
Cleaning & Maintenance
FAQs

Why Choose a Primo Grill?

Primo is the only ceramic grill company that manufactures all its products in the USA. Built with precision craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, Primo grills are more than just a cooking appliance—they’re an investment in flavor, flexibility, and durability. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pitmaster, Primo offers a high-end ceramic cooking experience that supports searing, baking, roasting, and smoking all in one unit.

The Oval Advantage

Most ceramic grills on the market are round. Primo’s patented oval shape creates a distinct advantage in cooking style and layout. With an oval design, you get more useable cooking surface and better airflow control. This makes it easier to cook with two zones—searing on one side and roasting or smoking on the other—without needing extra hardware.

The shape also accommodates larger or oddly-shaped cuts of meat, such as whole racks of ribs, briskets, and even pizza stones or griddles. If you’ve ever felt cramped using a round kamado, the Primo oval changes the game entirely.

Grill Models & Sizes

Primo offers three main sizes to suit different cooking needs:

Primo Oval JR 200: The most compact model with 210 square inches of cooking space. Ideal for couples, apartment patios, or tailgates.
Primo Oval Large 300: A mid-size grill with 300 square inches of space. Great for small families or everyday use.
Primo Oval XL 400: The largest and most versatile with 400 square inches of primary space, expandable to 680+. A true workhorse for hosting and big cooks.

Each model is also available in “All-In-One” versions with a cradle, shelves, ash tool, and grate lifter—perfect for those who want a ready-to-cook setup out of the box.

Build Quality & Materials

Primo grills are made from premium ceramic, fired at over 2000°F to achieve superior heat retention, moisture preservation, and durability. The exterior glaze is scratch-resistant, weather-proof, and built to withstand the elements.

The internal grates are made from reversible stainless steel, giving you the option to raise or lower your food for different searing heights. Hardware components use stainless steel and powder-coated materials to prevent rust and corrosion.

These grills are one of the only brands made in the USA.

Heat Performance & Versatility

One of the biggest draws of ceramic grills is their ability to maintain a wide range of temperatures with minimal fuel. Primo grills can cook low and slow at 180°F or blast up to 700°F+ for steakhouse-quality searing.

The thick ceramic walls retain heat exceptionally well, requiring less charcoal than metal grills for longer cooks. Once dialed in, you can set your temps and hold them for hours with very little adjustment—perfect for briskets, pork butts, and ribs.

Cooking Styles & Techniques

Primo grills are known for their versatility. You can cook in the following styles:

Direct Grilling: Burgers, steaks, chops, and kabobs.
Indirect Roasting: Whole chickens, turkey, roasts.
Low and Slow Smoking: Briskets, pork shoulders, ribs.
Baking: Artisan bread, pizza, desserts using heat deflectors.
Dual-Zone Cooking: Use both direct and indirect zones at once.

Mastering these techniques is easier on a Primo due to its consistent temperatures and adjustable vents.

Essential Accessories

If you're investing in a Primo, a few accessories can unlock its full potential:

Heat Deflector Plates: For indirect cooking and smoking.
Cast Iron Griddle: Ideal for searing or cooking breakfast on the grill.
Pizza Stone: High-heat baking for crispy crusts.
Extension Racks: Double your cooking space for large meals.
Rotisserie Kit: For perfect rotisserie chicken, turkey, and more.
All-In-One Stand: Turns your grill into a portable, self-contained cooking unit.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Primo grills are surprisingly easy to maintain. Ash builds up slowly thanks to efficient fuel usage, and the ceramic body self-cleans at high temperatures like a pizza oven. Here are a few tips:

Empty the ash drawer every few cooks using the included ash tool.
Brush the cooking grates clean after each session.
Once a month, run the grill at 600°F+ to burn off internal residue.
Store your grill under a cover to protect the hardware.

With proper care, your Primo grill will perform beautifully for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Primo grill last?

With proper maintenance, the ceramic shell can last a lifetime. Primo offers a 20-year warranty on ceramic components and a 5-year warranty on metal parts.

Is it worth buying a Primo over a Big Green Egg?

Absolutely. The oval shape offers more flexibility, the USA-made quality is unmatched, and Primo grills are competitively priced with more features included standard.

How much charcoal does a Primo use?

Primo grills are extremely efficient. A single load of lump charcoal can last 12–20 hours depending on temperature and setup.

Can I use wood chunks or chips?

Yes! Primo grills are excellent for smoking, and wood chunks or chips can be added to the charcoal for extra flavor.

What’s included with a Primo grill?

The base model includes the ceramic grill body and grates. “All-In-One” versions also come with a stand, side shelves, ash tool, and grate lifter.

Conclusion: Is a Primo Grill Right for You?

If you’re looking for a grill that can do it all—smoke low and slow, sear at high temps, bake pizzas, and roast large cuts—the Primo Ceramic Grill delivers exceptional performance across the board. Its patented oval design, premium ceramic construction, and wide range of accessories make it one of the most versatile and user-friendly kamado-style grills on the market.

Whether you're cooking for a small family or hosting a neighborhood barbecue, there's a Primo model that fits your needs. And with unmatched durability and made-in-USA quality, it's a long-term investment in better food, better control, and better backyard experiences.

Ready to join the Primo community? Explore our full lineup of Primo grills, accessories, and expert tips to get the most out of every cook.

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Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store

Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.

Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.

Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!

We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!

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