Kamado Grills are versatile outdoor egg-shaped outdoor grills that can perform the functions of grilling baking, smoking, roasting, searing, and barbecuing. Originating in Japan thousands of years ago, these grills have developed into sought-after ovens for personal and professional chefs all over the globe. If you have found your way to this site, you are likely considering the purchase of a Kamado Grill, and I’m sure you have noticed there are a lot of different options available on the market that have differences in design, function, materials, and price.
Needless to say, with all of the options available, you could spend a lot of time and energy searching through all of the information available on this internet, to make a good decision on a purchase. But, you don’t have to! Our experts have sifted through the product information and details on highly rated Kamado Grills and have highlighted notable product features along with pros and cons that will help you make your product comparisons. This article also includes additional resources, such as, frequently asked questions and important things to consider that will help you get the information you need to make a smart choice when purchasing a great Kamado Grill to get you all set up to start cooking outdoors.
1. Best Overall: Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II
The Kamado Joe classic charcoal grill is a handsome backyard addition for all your old-school BBQ needs. Coming in at 250 lbs and 26.4 by 26.4 by 26 inches, this is a substantial grill. Fortunately, the build quality from top to bottom impresses beyond a shadow of a doubt. Kamado’s classic Joe II is equipped with a stainless-steel finish, secure chamber locks, and a fiberglass mesh gasket for an even seal. It also sports an 18-inch ceramic grill and half-moon inset. The later is particularly great as it allows for cooking at two temperature ranges, but can also double as a way of adding a bit of smoke to your meal.
Kamado Joe also packs this charcoal grill with extra features and functionality. One example are the air lift hinges to make opening and closing the hood easier. According to Kamado, this makes opening the lid 96% easier – although we weren’t able to test this ourselves. In addition, the tower-like top vent is fantastic for regulating vertical airflow through the BBQ. This allows careful temperature regulation of between 225 degrees up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Stainless-steel finish with and 18-inch ceramic grill.
- Stainless steel latches, and fiberglass mesh gaskets for a complete chamber seal.
- Includes cast-iron cart and lockable wheels and casters.
- Half-moon inset allows for cooking at two distinct temperatures, plus some in-built smoking functionality.
- Vertical airflow control via a rain-resistant top-grate.
- 4 x 26.4 x 36 inches.
- 250 lbs.
- Lifetime warranty via Amazon registration.
Cons
- Consumer reports of poor customer service, especially if not registered through Amazon.
2. Best Value: Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
If you are looking to save some money, consider the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal grill. This grill features a powder coated 22 gauge steel exterior finish with a porcelain coated steel interior finish. It has a 314 square inch cooking surface and has the added features of a removable warming rack, an ash pan and a built in temperature gauge. This model offers an efficient design at an affordable price.
PROS:
- Cast iron cooking surface
- Versatile cooking can do searing, low temp cooking and smoking
- Cart is constructed of tubular steel with rubber wheels and locking casters
- Good value
- 1 year warranty on parts
CONS:
- Can be difficult to regulate temperature
- Kamado-style (not fully ceramic)
3. Best Heavy Duty: Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker
The Pit Boss Kamado ceramic grill is a great heavy duty model that is of high quality. It has a great look and is able to perform all of the versatile features one looks for when purchasing a genuine Kamado Grill. This model has thick ceramic walls that radiate the heat into the food that you are cooking, locking in moisture and enhancing flavor all while efficiently using the fuel. The Pit Boss Kamado grill has a two tier cooking surface and is held together with heavy duty hardware and has a wood handle and springs that make the heavy duty lid easy to lift and hold in position.
PROS:
- Solid construction
- Authentic design
- Heavy duty fittings
- Side shelves fold down for
CONS:
- Higher cost
- Very heavy, can be difficult to move
4. Best Tabletop: London Sunshine Ceramic BBQ Charcoal Kamado Grill
If you are looking for all of the features of a genuine Kamado Grill in a space, saving compact design, be sure to consider the London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Grill. This unit is easy to assemble and has all of the features of the higher quality larger authentic models including: a thermometer, cast iron vents, a cast iron grate and a porcelain enameled cooking grate. It is important not to carry this when it is hot, but it is perfect for transporting when cool and is ideal for use in the backyard, at picnics, and/or camping.
The mini portable piece is ideal for Backyard, Picnic and Camping BBQ cooking while you enjoy food and drink together with your friend and family.
PROS:
- Efficient and economical
- Versatile, multi-function cooking
- Constructed from high-quality, durable materials
- Authentic design
- Comes in two attractive colors
CONS:
- Cooking surface has a smaller diameter, which limits capacity
5. Best for Tailgating: Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
The Broil King Kamado Grill is designed for durability and performance. This keg-style Kamado grill is designed with a double-walled steel grill body. This grill package comes with a chrome swing-away rack, detachable side shelves, a mobility cart and a multi tip-tool. This grill also has a removable wheeled base that is trailer hitch adaptable, so you could use it for tailgating. This model is designed for quick easy clean up with a removable ash collector. It is also backed with a 10-year warranty on the grill body and a two year warranty on the remaining parts and paint so you can be confident with your purchase.
PROS:
- Heats up quickly
- Not prone to cracking
- Comes with several accessories and is adaptable to fit on a trailer hitch
CONS:
- Not very easy to regulate temperature
6. Best Color Options: VISION Grills Ceramic Kamado
The Vision Classic Ceramic Kamado grill is a great traditional Kamado grill that offers precision temperature control, calibrated top and bottom draft vents, heat-resistant side shelves with accessory hooks and a large cooking space. If you are looking for a large capacity grill that comes with different color options, this is your pick. This model comes with five attractive color options (Red, Black, Taupe, White, and Chili Red) which can add style to your outdoor decor and it has a 18 ⅞’’ diameter cooking grate. This model has four high quality three inch swivel casters and locking casters.
PROS:
- High capacity, large 18 ⅞ diameter cooking grate
- Three attractive color options
- Solid and durable construction
- Authentic design
CONS:
- Gaskets have been reported to go bad and need occasional replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Kamado Grill?
A kamado grill is an egg-shaped charcoal grill constructed with a ceramic shell based on an ancient Japanese design. Kamado grills originated in Japan over 3,000 years ago as a way to cook rice and developed to be used to grill and roast meats.
What are the benefits of using a Kamado Grill?
Using a Kamado grill has a lot of benefits. The ceramic shell provides a lot of notable benefits including: strong insulation, stable temperatures, low fuel use. Kamado Grills are very versatile and are capable of grilling baking, smoking, roasting, searing, and barbecuing.
What can you cook on a Kamado Grill?
Kamado Grills can cook a wide variety of foods including red meat, fish and chicken. They are also great for cooking pizzas.
What is the difference between a Kamado Grill and a regular charcoal grill?
There are several differences between a Kamado Grill and a typical charcoal grill that affect the performance and capabilities. The fuel for Kamado Grills is natural lump charcoal, which is more natural and made from charred hardwoods, which has a better taste and costs less than conventional charcoal briquettes. Regular charcoal grills use briquettes made of a blend of synthetic materials. It is common to use lighter fluid with regular charcoal grills, which leaves a taste. It is important that you do not use lighter fluid with Kamado Grills, because the chemicals seep into the ceramic shell which affect both flavor and durability of the Kamado Grills. Kamado grills are different than regular charcoal grills because they have a quicker startup time and temperatures are easier to regulate compared to regular charcoal grills.
Can you go more than just grilling on a Kamado Grill?
Yes! Kamado grills are versatile and can be used for grilling, baking (ex. pizzas), and smoking.
What to Look for When Kamado Grill
Material Type
Ceramic Kamado Grills offer the most benefits in terms of flavor, versatility and overall performance. Ceramic Kamado grills are the best for heat retention. However, because they are ceramic they could crack if tipped or dropped. Some Kamado-style grills are made from metal which are lighter and less likely to crack and do not have some of the benefits that ceramic Kamado grills offer.
Quality of Materials
Kamado grills with thicker walls will offer better heat retention and will use less fuel. They will also be more durable. The best Kamado Grills are heavy and have sturdy and strong bases, high quality metal fittings, hinges and latches. Kamado grills designed and constructed with cheaper fittings may be prone to rust or damage. Also seek out Kamado Grills that have quality temperature gauges, this will make a big difference in ease of use.
Size
Kamado Grills come in different sizes, so it is important to think about how you will be using it and what you will be cooking most when you determine what size of Kamado Grill you purchase. The size of the Kamado Grill influences the diameter of the cooking surface grate. The Kamado grills featured in this article have a range from approximately 10 inch to a 18 inch cooking surface.
Accessories
There are a lot of accessories you may be interested in considering when purchasing a Kamado Grill that can make cooking easier, more efficient and more enjoyable. You may want to consider purchasing accessories, such as: stacking grills, pizza stones, rotisseries, skillets and carts. Other accessories like covers or cleaning tools can help extend the life of your purchase.
Cost
Just like with any purchase, some Kamado Grills cost more than others. Authentic Ceramic Kamado Grills are more expensive than models constructed from double walled steel. However, higher price points correlate with the quality and durability of materials as well as function and design. When you are making a Kamado Grill purchase the price point will also often correlate with how long it will last. You can also look at offerings, such as warranties, to help you be confident in your purchase as well.
Conclusion
Kamado Grills are amazing cooking tools that are versatile by design and can perform a variety of cooking functions, such as slow cooking, searing, smoking and baking. When considering your purchase of a Kamado Grills first decide which type you want. Authentic Kamado grills are constructed from ceramic and are more expensive and long lasting, but they can crack if tipped or dropped. An alternative option would be a Kamado Grill constructed with double wall steel, these models are less expensive, lighter but have some limitations in terms of temperature control. Whichever type you choose, you have a great selection of highly rated Kamado Grills to pick from right in this article.