The Oval. Compact. 210 in² of Patented Two-Zone Kamado Power — Made in the USA.
The Primo Oval Junior brings the same patented two-zone firebox as the full-size XL 400 into a 100 lb. package built for smaller patios, balconies, and tailgates — without giving up any of the 180–850°F range.
Most compact kamados ask you to choose between portability and performance. The Oval Junior doesn't. The patented oval firebox gives you true simultaneous direct and indirect cooking zones at 210 square inches — direct sear on one side, indirect roast on the other, at the same time. The SuperCeramic walls lock in heat so efficiently that a full 180–850°F range is available from a grill that weighs half what the Round does and fits on a balcony. The upgraded hinge drops lid force by up to 70%, split stainless steel grates are reversible for different cooking styles, and the whole setup can go mobile with the optional Primo GO cradle. Made in Georgia since 1996 and backed by Primo's Limited Lifetime Warranty on ceramic parts — this is the serious kamado that actually goes where you do.
Full Kamado Capability in a Compact Package
Four specs that show how much performance fits in 100 lbs.
210 in²
Oval Cooking Surface
Patented two-zone oval firebox — expandable to 360 in² with optional extension racks.
180–850°F
Temperature Range
Full low-and-slow to high-heat searing range — same as the larger Primo models.
100 lb
Compact Weight
Half the weight of the Round — pairs with the optional Primo GO cradle for mobile use.
Lifetime
Ceramic Warranty
Ceramic body backed by Primo's Limited Lifetime Warranty — made in Georgia since 1996.
What's Included in the Box
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Primo Oval Junior Ceramic Kamado Grill (Model PGCJRH)
- Primo Oval Junior ceramic kamado grill body
- Split stainless steel cooking grates
- Cast aluminum chimney cap with integrated rain protection
- 5-position stainless steel lower vent door
- Lift-and-lock hinge system with soft-close felt gasket
- Analog dome thermometer
- Cool-touch ergonomic handle
Sold Separately
- Primo GO portable cradle
- Heat deflectors
- Extension racks (expand cooking surface to 360 in²)
- Natural lump charcoal
Deep Dive — Primo Oval Junior
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210 in² of Two-Zone Grilling Potential
The oval design offers 210 in² of direct and indirect cooking space. Add the optional rack system to expand your grill area to 360 in² and unlock more versatility on a premium ceramic kamado grill.
Configurations & Fuel Options
Fueled by natural lump charcoal for wood-fired flavor. The patented oval firebox supports side-by-side direct and indirect zones; add optional accessories like heat deflectors, extension racks, and the Primo GO portable cradle (all sold separately) for expanded workflows.
High-Sitting Dome & Easy-Lift Lid System
Perfect for whole chickens or small turkeys. The upgraded hinge reduces lift effort by up to 70% and features a soft-close felt gasket and cool-touch handle for smooth operation.
USA-Made with Primo SuperCeramics
Manufactured in Georgia, the Oval Junior uses premium SuperCeramics and a scratch-resistant, lead-free porcelain glaze to ensure long-lasting heat retention and unbeatable flavor control.
Primo Oval Junior Features and Benefits
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Patented Oval Shape: Enables true two-zone cooking unlike any round kamado grill.
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210 in² Primary Grill Area: Expandable to 360 in² with optional racks.
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Stainless Steel Grates: Reversible, split design for multi-style cooking.
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Easy-Lift Hinge: Up to 70% reduced lift force with soft-close felt gasket system.
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Cool-Touch Handle: Ergonomic grip with secure, stable operation.
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Weather-Ready Vent Cap: Cast aluminum with built-in rain protection.
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Integrated Thermometer: Analog dome thermometer for accurate reads.
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Made in the USA: Handcrafted in Georgia using Primo SuperCeramics since 1996.
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Portable Option Available: Pair with Primo GO for full mobile grilling power.
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Lifetime Warranty: Ceramic body backed by Primo's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Who It's For — The Deck & Den Take
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The Oval Junior is the right pick if you want full Primo kamado performance — two-zone oval firebox, 180–850°F range, SuperCeramic heat retention, lifetime warranty — but your space or your cooking style doesn't justify a full-size grill. At 100 lbs. and 21" × 16.25", it fits a condo balcony, a smaller patio, or the back of a truck with the Primo GO cradle.
If you regularly cook for more than two to four people or want to run two large independent zones at once, the Primo Oval XL 400 at 400 in² is the more capable tool. The Junior's 210 in² is the right size for most everyday outdoor cooking, but it has a ceiling.
Worth noting: the Primo GO portable cradle is sold separately. If portability is the main reason you're looking at the Junior, budget for both together — the grill body alone doesn't include any stand or base. Also confirm what stand or table arrangement you'll use for fixed patio setups before it arrives.
- Apartment and condo dwellers who want a serious kamado on a balcony or small patio
- Tailgaters and campers who want true ceramic kamado performance in a portable-capable format
- Cooks who want the patented two-zone oval firebox in a more compact, lighter package
- Anyone upgrading from a portable or kettle grill to a lifetime-warranted American-made ceramic cooker
- Buyers who want the full 180–850°F range for smoking, roasting, baking, and searing without needing a large-format grill
Full Specifications & Dimensions
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General
| Brand |
Primo |
| Model Number |
PGCJRH |
| Grill Type |
Kamado-Style Ceramic |
| Primary Color |
Black |
| Made in USA |
Yes (Georgia, since 1996) |
Fuel & Cooking
| Fuel Type |
Charcoal (Natural Lump Recommended) |
| Temperature Range |
180–850°F (airflow dependent) |
| Grill Surface Area |
210 in² (base; up to 360 in² with racks) |
| Cooking Grate Material |
Stainless Steel (Split) |
| Thermometer |
Analog |
Construction & Hardware
| Exterior Material |
SuperCeramics with Porcelain Glaze |
| Porcelain Finish |
Lead-free, scratch-resistant |
| Top Vent |
Cast aluminum chimney cap with integrated rain protection |
| Lower Vent |
5-position stainless steel lower vent door |
| Lid Hinge |
Easy-lift with soft-close felt gasket; up to 70% less lift effort |
| Handle |
Cool-touch ergonomic |
Dimensions & Weight
| Overall Dimensions |
21" W × 16.25" D × 21.5" H |
| Weight |
100 lb |
Warranty, Shipping & Returns
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Manufacturer Warranty: Ceramic body is covered by Primo's Limited Lifetime Warranty, honored directly by the manufacturer. Refer to the Primo Owner's Manual for full warranty details and coverage terms.
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Free Shipping: This item ships free to the contiguous United States. See our Shipping Policy for full details.
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Returns: We accept returns within 45 days of delivery for items in original condition. See our Return Policy for full details.
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Price Match: Found a lower price from an authorized dealer? We'll match it. See our Price Match Guarantee for details.
Manuals & Documents
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cooking surface area of the Primo Oval Junior?
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The Primo Oval Junior has a 210 in² primary cooking surface. With optional extension racks (sold separately), total cooking area expands to 360 in².
How does the Oval Junior compare to the Primo Oval XL 400?
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Both use the same patented oval firebox design for simultaneous two-zone cooking. The Junior has 210 in² of primary surface (21" W × 16.25" D × 21.5" H, 100 lbs.); the XL 400 has 400 in² (28" W × 21.5" D × 27.5" H, 250 lbs.). The Junior is the better fit for smaller spaces and portable setups; the XL 400 is the better tool when you need more cooking room or are feeding larger groups.
Does the Primo Oval Junior support two-zone cooking?
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Yes. The Oval Junior uses the same patented oval firebox as the XL 400, which allows simultaneous direct and indirect cooking zones side by side. This is a fundamental advantage of the oval design over round kamados, and the Junior retains it at a smaller scale.
What temperature range does the Primo Oval Junior reach?
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The Primo Oval Junior operates from 180°F to 850°F, controlled by adjusting the cast aluminum chimney cap and 5-position lower vent door. The full range covers low-and-slow smoking through steakhouse-level searing heat.
Is the Primo GO portable cradle included?
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No. The Primo GO portable cradle is sold separately. The grill body alone does not include a stand, base, or cradle. If portability is your primary use case, plan to purchase the Primo GO alongside the grill.
What accessories are available for the Oval Junior?
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Optional accessories include heat deflectors, extension racks (to expand cooking surface to 360 in²), and the Primo GO portable cradle. All are sold separately.
What fuel does the Primo Oval Junior use?
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The Oval Junior uses charcoal, with natural lump charcoal recommended for best performance and wood-fired flavor. Charcoal is sold separately.
How heavy is the Primo Oval Junior and will it fit on a balcony?
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The Primo Oval Junior weighs 100 lbs. and measures 21" W × 16.25" D × 21.5" H — compact enough for most balconies and small patios. Always confirm your building's guidelines for outdoor charcoal grilling before use.
What warranty does the Primo Oval Junior carry?
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The ceramic body is covered by Primo's Limited Lifetime Warranty, honored directly by Primo. Refer to the Primo Owner's Manual for full coverage details and terms.
Is the Primo Oval Junior made in the USA?
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Yes. The Primo Oval Junior is handcrafted in Georgia using Primo SuperCeramics and has been made in the USA since 1996.
