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Quick Summary: There are many benefits to a Kamado grill. Its convection-like cooking delivers quick and even cooking. Its efficient design also allows for easy lighting of the charcoal with a fire starter instead of lighter fluid. Plus, the grill gets up to temperature quickly and it’s easy to maintain the same temperature. A good top-down fire in a Kamado grill can last for 12+hours. And if you want to smoke through the wintertime, it is a great option due to its even cooking temperature and heat retention. The grill has top-notch heat insulation. All around, we rate the E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill as the best Kamado Grill. That’s because it’s affordable, innovative, and easy to use.
Kamado is the Japanese word for stove. Regardless of the brand, Kamado grills work on some basic principles. It’s a wood-burning vessel with thick walls. It’s got vents on the top and the bottom for temperature control.
This grill has the ability to smoke and grill on one pit. The key to the Kamado grill is airflow. It has a ceramic insert that rests between the coals and the grill surface. Heat is pushed out around the edges and away from whatever you’re cooking.
If you want to cook with direct heat, just remove the ceramic insert. Either way, you can a perfect sear for a steak. If you’re in the market for a grill, it’s important to consider size, warranty, design features, construction material, cooking grates and top vents.
If you usually cook for 5 to 10 people, a large size Kamado grill is a good choice. Kamado grills are made of ceramic or steel.
Keep in mind that a steel grill will rust out sooner than a ceramic one. Do the cooking grates have hinges? You may want to consider one with hinges if you want to add more smoking wood as you cook.
Both top vents with a single or double wheel cook well, but a double wheel will you more precision in reference to temperature control. We’ve researched some of the best Kamado grills to assist you in your selection.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Kamado Grills
- Reviews of 10 Top Kamado Grills
- What is A Kamado Grill?
- How to Choose the Best Kamado Grill?
- Final Verdict
Comparison of 10 Best Kamado Grills
 | 1. The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill (Best Overall)This Kamado grill features over 300 inches of cooking space with a warming rack. Its insulated design delivers more heat with less fuel. The surface is very spacious for cooking, and its exterior finish is steel. Its cart is made of tubular steel with rubber wheels. Plus, it has an easy dump ash can. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Grill BBG Ceramic Grill Cooker (Best Budget)This Kamado grill has a heavy ceramic body, which is ideal for burning charcoal. A cast iron top tamper gives you perfect control over airflow. Its bamboo side shelves are sturdy and easy to fold won. Dual tier cooking grates give more space. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal GrillThe Char-Griller has 153 square inch cooking area with cast iron grates. Top and bottom air dampers ensure precise temperature control. This grill is affordable, lightweight and durable. Features include heat gauge, hinged locking lid, dual air-flow dampers and triple wall steel with insulation. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Vision Pro Kamado Charcoal Grill with CoverThe Vision Kamado grill can reach 700 degrees in just minutes and has superior heat retention. Ceramic construction eliminates burn risk. This grill comes with a lifetime warranty for all of its ceramic parts. It features a self-contained cooking space to eliminate flare-ups and hot spots. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Cart and Ash Charcoal GrillThis grill has an insulated design for more heat and uses less charcoal. You get insulated heat for juicy meats. Its dual adjustable dampers can maintain specific temperatures and its cast iron cooking grates heat evenly and enhance flavors. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal GrillThe Kamado Joe KJ23RHC is a multi-level grill with a half-moon design that lets you cook in different styles and different temperatures. Its top vent keeps consistent for good airflow management. With its patented air lift hinge, the grill dome can be lifted with a single finger. Its firebox increases grill efficiency. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Primo Grill and Smokers 773 All-in-One Kamado Round GrillThis all-in-one grill includes ash took, cradle, side shelves and grill lifter for a complete grilling package. It’s made of premium grade ceramic for flavor retention. With its high sitting lid, you can cook turkeys and chickens vertically. Its stainless draft door allows for maintaining consistent temperatures. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Primo 779 Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Smoker GrillThe Primo features a unique round design for more versatile and flexible smoking and grilling. Its exterior features a top-grade ceramic with a protective porcelain glaze. It’s made of the highest quality ceramic for durability and efficiency. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Beacon Ceramic GrillThis Kamado grill has side folding trays and a metal stand. Its trays give extra space for food. It features a unique egg-shape grill. It’s ceramic and ideal for outdoor use. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Vision Grills Classic P Series Kamado Charcoal GrillThe Vision offers 87 square inches of cooking surface. It comes with a bottom draft vent that has a spark screen. And with its easy-to-read thermometer, you can keep track of the temperature. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Kamado Grills
Best Overall
1. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
Grill and smoke your barbeque in style with Char-griller Akorn Kamado Grill. It has a primary cooking space of 314sq inches and a warming rack measuring 133sq inches.
The grill features triple wall made of 22-gauge steel that renders it exceptionally sturdy and durable.
Besides, the robust steel wall provides insulation that retains the cooking temperatures between 200°F-700°F.
What’s more, Char-Griller charcoal grill comes with adjustable top and bottom dampers.
That allows proper flow of air in and out of the grill to keep the temperature in control for uniform cooking. Besides, the grill has a unique design that lowers the consumption of charcoal
Also, Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker has its steel interior coated with porcelain finish while the exterior finish is powder-coated.
That makes it highly robust and long-lasting. Also, the grill comes with 2 large 8-inch front wheels and back locking caster wheels for easy movement.
Even more, this Kamado grill comes accompanied with the necessary accessories including locking cover, 2 foldable black metal shelves, ash pan, and heat gauge.
As such, you’ll simply go right into preparing your food.
Pros:
- Low-maintenance
- Simple design
- Wheels make it very portable
- Above-average temperature regulation
Cons:
- Not rust-resistant or waterproof
- Made of stainless steel
- Learning how to adjust the temperature may be tough for beginner grillers
Best Budget
2. Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker
If you want to make an amazing barbeque, Pit Boss Kamado charcoal grill is the thing.
This grill is built to last thanks to thick and sturdy ceramic walls used in the construction. What more, thick walls enable the unit to retain heat.
Besides, it comes with a cast iron damper positioned at the top that allows for efficient airflow into the grill.
As such, you’re to control the cooking temperature to the desired level.
Additionally, the unit comes with a simple-to-read thermometer that enables you to keep track of the temperature.
What’s more, Pit Boss Ceramic grill features robust side shelves made of bamboo wood offering a platform for the easy preparation as well as serving of food.
Adding to the fact they’re foldable, and it gets simple to store. Also, this kamado grill has dual-tier 567sq inches stainless steel cooking grates that are highly robust.
The upper grate is flappable to adapt to provide enough cooking space and to make the best use of the surrounding heat.
Pros:
- Quality raw materials
- Two layers of cooking space
- Calibrated vents
- Handsome bamboo finishing
Cons:
- Can’t use wood chip or pellets with this grill
3. Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Charcoal Grill
Courtesy of Char-Griller Kamado Grill, you can now enjoy the sweet smell of charcoal and barbeque in the outdoors during the hot summer.
The unit offers a cooking area of 153sq inches or 14-inch diameter enough space for your grilling and smoking.
Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Grill features a triple 22 gauge steel wall thick enough for the unit to retain the cooking temperatures between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, it comes with dampers, one at the bottom and an adjustable top damper to ensure proper airflow and for easy temperature control as you grill or smoke your food.
The innovative design makes the grill energy efficient to consume less charcoal. Char-Griller Akorn has an exterior finish powder coated while the steel interior finish is porcelain coated to make it highly robust so it can offer you a lifetime service.
What’s more, the grill comes with short legs to keep the unit sturdy as you cook. Plus, it has two robust easy-grip handles that so you can have the unit in the outdoors.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Compact design
- Can be used as a smoker
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Flimsy handles
4. Vision Grills Kamado Pro Ceramic Grill
Vision Grills Kamado is your perfect companion when it comes to searing, grilling or smoking.
It comes with double indexed draft knobs positioned at the bottom plus a calibrated vent at the top such that it can move from 200°F-700° within minutes.
What’s more, the grill features super thick ceramic walls.
That property not only favors even convention cooking but also offers proper temperature control and exceptional heat retention.
As a result, it ensures efficient coal consumption as well as reduce production of ashes.
Besides, despite the super high temperatures in the interior, the unit has an exterior design that sees you don’t sustain any burns.
Also, to make it easy to enjoy your barbeque anywhere you choose, the Vision Kamado Grill Pro features a cart with two lockable caster wheels and the setup is simple. That makes it possible to move it around and keep it stable as you cook.
Besides, Vision Grill Kamado Pro has 2 robust surface adjustable drop-down side shelves. Combined with a large cooking area of 596sq inches, it’s possible to cook large pieces of food.
Also, the unit comes flip stainless steel cooking grate for effortless loading of fuel.
Pros:
- Works great as a smoker
- Excellent ventilation for heat control
- Ceramic shell holds heat for even cooking
- Can be shut down to snuff out charcoal
Cons:
- Sacrifices some quality for gimmicks
5.Char-Griller 6520 Akorn Kamado Grill
For tasty food, a quality kamado grill is all you need. Char-Griller 6520 Kamado Grill features triple-walled 22 gauge steel that offers proper heat insulation to maintain the temperature 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, the grill comes with a powder-coated exterior finish while the interior steel finish has a porcelain coating. As such, you can be sure the unit is built to last.
Besides, the unit comes with a cart complete with two locking wheels allowing you to move it in the outdoors with ease.
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker has a primary cooking space of 314sq inches and 133sq inches of warming rack.
Besides, it comes with a side cart for easy preparation of food, serving as well as the storage of utensils.
Also, Char-Griller Charcoal Grill features a top damper that is adjustable for the efficient control of airflow and heat.
Alongside the damper is a temperature gauge for temperature checking. Located at the bottom is another damper and ash pan that allows for airflow control and easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Excellent temperature control
- Durable construction
- Provides excellent smoke flavor
Cons:
- Finish prone to chipping and scratching
- Takes a while to assemble
6. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Charcoal Grill
Rated 4.9 at the time of writing this review, Kamado Joe grills depicts innovativeness and sophistication.
It comes with creative airlift hinge that cuts the dome weight by as much as 96%. Kamado Joe grills a unique technique, flexible divide and conquers cooking system.
What’s more, this kamado grill adopts a half-rack design that maximizes the cooking area while allowing you to cook different foods on different tires simultaneously.
Besides, this grill comes with a unique tower top vent made of aluminum, rainproof and that does not rust to help control and maintain consistent airflow.
Kamado Joes grill comes complete with a robust cast-iron cart with wheels that rolls for easy moving.
And it gets better with a ventilation dial and a slide-out ash drawer for effortless cleaning. This Kamado Joe Grill features fiberglass made from double-thick wire mesh. That makes it possible to seal tightly.
At the same time, the construction gives the gasket a lifespan 10 times more than the conventional ones.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Innovative
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Pricey
- A bit fragile
7. Primo Grills and Smokers All-in-One Kamado Round Grill
Looking for a kamado grill that will allow you to prepared perfectly grilled burgers, steaks and more?
A product made in the USA, Primo Kamado Round Grill is your ideal companion.
Also, Primo Kamado grill is built to last. It has thick ceramic walls that take heat first and retain it for an extended duration.
The grill features a stand with 3 caster lockable rubber wheels for easy moving.
As such, it’s simple to move it around in the outdoor as you prepare and feel the taste of real barbeque.
Surprisingly, this grill comes almost 95% assembled and with the stand and the tables attached all in one.
You only need two or three people to lift the grill onto the legs, and you’ll have it completely set up in minutes.
What’s more, this grill comes with two shelves positioned on either side that offer an excellent platform for food preparation as well as serving.
Besides, this kamado grill features an ash tool positioned at the bottom. That offers you effortless cleaning as the ash collects at the bottom where it’s easily accessible.
Pros:
- Multipurpose
- 20-year warranty
- Portable with caster wheels
- High-quality construction
Cons:
- Heavy
- Pricey
8. Primo 779 Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Smoker Grill
For outdoor charcoal grilling and cooking, Primo kamado style grills never disappoint.
Primo grill features specially crafted and robust ceramic shell that renders the unit highly durable.
Also, the ceramic has been reinforced with glaze heated to over 2400° F to create a strong bond.
The design of the ceramic provides excellent temperature control while also ensuring maximum moisture retention for tender food.
Thanks to the ceramic formula of the Primo grill, the temperature of the unit can range from 75°F excesses of 750°F.
Primo Charcoal smoker grill comes with a 2-tire design making possible to try multiple cooking styles.
You can cook your food by direct, true indirect, backing, conventional and a combination of the four styles.
Also, the grills features flush racks that allow for optimum use of the available grilling cooking area.
Besides, the racks are reversible making it possible to heat the meat at different temperatures.
Pros:
- Thick ceramic construction
- Innovative features like sliding ash tray
- Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other grills
9. Beacon Ceramic Grill, Black with Side Folding Trays & Metal Stand
Enjoy the distinct smoky flavor of your barbeque with Beacon Ceramic Grill in your outdoors.
Beacon Kamado Grill is made of a thick and sturdy ceramic shell that renders the unit highly durable.
Besides, the material is capable of withstanding high temperature and also retain the heat for extended durations.
Besides, the grill features foldable 13 inches side trays that provide a raised platform for the preparation of your food.
Also, for easy storage, the side trays can be folded.
Also, it features a robust metal stand that raises it so you can sear and grill without the need to bend.
Besides, it comes with a daisy wheel top vent that turns easily and which allows for proper airflow into the grill to ensure maximum combustion of the charcoal and fewer ashes left.
Pros:
- Side folding trays for cooking
- Good construction
Cons:
- Tough to clean
10. Vision Grills Classic P Series Kamado Charcoal Grill
Vision Kamado Charcoal grills never let down. This unit features a robust, thick ceramic construction with a shiny charcoal finish that readily absorbs heat, allows for active heat circulation and retains the heat for long.
It comes with a stainless steel cooking grate measuring 87sq inches offering enough cooking area.
The small size of this grill makes it a perfect solution for grilling, searing and other needs when on the go.
Additionally, the grill has two extended side shelves where you can place your food during the preparation.
Besides, Vision Kamado Grill comes accompanied by a thermometer that allows you to keep track of the cooking temperatures.
What’s more, the kamado grill comes with a chimney on top and a draft door located below so you can adjust the temperatures as preferred.
Also, it comes with metal feet enabling you to place on the table for easy cooking.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Well-made
- Affordable
- Cooks up good flavor
Cons:
- A little smaller than most
What is A Kamado Grill?
A Kamado Grill is a circular stove made from clay or ceramic that uses wood charcoal as fuel for grilling, smoking, and baking.
Some models use pellets, gas, electricity and a combination of wood charcoal and other fuels.
How to Choose the Best Kamado Grill?
Construction and Design
Most kamado grills use ceramic material due to its good heat absorption and moisture retaining capabilities enabling the food to remain warm, moist and tender.
However, steel is now becoming common in grill construction as it’s less fragile and light compared to the ceramic material.
Accessories Included
Different models of Kamado grills means different features. As such, what’s present in one grill may not be available for the other brand.
Aside from other accessories such as wheels, gripper, built-in thermometer, rotisserie, extra racks, weatherproof grill covers, and slide shelves, you want to make sure that your grill is inclusive of a diffuser plate.
If not, you’ll have to incur an additional cost buying it and other essential accessories separately.
Versatility and Efficiency
Different from other grills that have fixed uses, Kamado grills are multipurpose.
Not only are they perfect for grilling and smoking but also you can use it to roast and bake bread or even pizza the same way a wood-fire does.
Besides, there are those premium grills designed to use rotisserie cradle for brown and crisp meat.
Hardware Material
Aside from the Kamado grill itself, there are those accessories that accompany it. The cooking grate, coal (fuel) grate, handles, lid and other should have sturdy construction.
Robust stainless steel and cast iron are the primary materials used in crafting the Kamado grills hardware. The hardware needs to be durable, easy to clean and corrosion resistant.
Construction and Durability
When buying a Kamado grill, you cannot overlook the construction material as you want a unit that will last a lifetime.
Choose the unit from thick ceramic or non-corrosive heavy-gauge materials like stainless steel for durability while at the same time aiding in retaining heat and ensuring even heat distribution.
Fuel
Wood charcoal is no longer the only source of fuel for a Kamado grill. Units fueled by gas, electricity are now available.
Other grill models are dual and use coal combined with one of the other fuels.
Cooking Area and Grill Size
Diameter is the determinant of the cooking size for most grills although oval models are now available.
You want a grill that can cook large pieces of meat regardless of the occasion. Although there are small sizes, an average grill has an 18 inches diameter
Price
The objective is to get the best ceramic grill for the money. If affordable, an expensive large-sized kamado grill offers the best BBQ experience.
However, if on a budget, a small-sized grill with basic features will work just fine.
No Flare-ups
Complaints about flare-ups result from using mediocre Kamado grills. A quality grill has the cooking grate higher above the coal grate.
That way, at all times, your meat or whatever food you’re cooking does not get into contact or too close to the fuel, which is to blame for flare-ups in the conventional Kamado charcoal grills.
And there’s a benefit to that: You won’t eat food charred with charcoal.
Even Heating
The goal is to have your food cook at the same rate. However, that is not possible if your grill has some hot spots. Heat distribution throughout the grilling surface should be uniform.
When shopping, be sure to go for a thick-walled and insulated grill as it retains the heat inside. Besides, it allows for efficient air circulation to ensure that there’s complete combustion.
Combined, these easy to overlook features make it easy to do away with hot spots to ensure that the cooking is consistent.
Flexible Fuel Requirements
When it comes to grill choice, fuel is a major consideration, and the vast array of fuel options makes grills stand out. Initially, Kamado grills used lump charcoal as fuel.
Now the market has models that use gas, electricity or pellets. Electric and gas-fueled grills demand utmost care due to safety issues.
For gas grills, plumbing should be on point to prevent any gas leakages. Similarly, electrical powered grills need a proper and functional connection for the safety of the users.
Charcoal Kamado grills are the best regarding the ease of use, functionality, and safety. Nothing beats the flavor of food cooked on a coal grill.
Related Reading: Outdoor Grill Buying Guide
Final Verdict: Best Kamado Grills
If you’re among those who enjoy the smoky flavor of burning charcoal and the sweet aroma of barbeque, a Kamado grill is a must-have. With the many brands of Kamado grills on the market, it can be confusing to choose.
Fortunately, we relieved you the task and done the research part for you.
Grab one of the best value kamado grills we’ve recommended and taken your BBQ prep a step ahead.
