These egg-shaped grills provide a delicious smoky flavor along with excellent grilling. So, are you in search of the best kamado grill? This article features the list of the top 7 best kamado grills of 2021.
The thick insulated ceramic sides of the kamado grill absorb more heat than a regular grill and these work as an unbeatable option for low and slow cooking. Apart from that, you can configure the vents and turn it into a convection oven to make wood-fired pizza.
In terms of durability, the kamado grills have a reputable name in the grilling industry. Even, some kamado grills like the Kamado Joe classic ll charcoal grill features a 2-tier divide and conquer the cooking system.
You can cook different food at different temperatures at the same time. You must also know the essential factors to consider before investing in any kamado grill. The buying guide section will be going to help you with this. So, let’s get started with the list of the top 7 best kamado grills.
List of the Best Kamado Grills
The Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker charcoal grill is among the best kamado grills available in this market. At a very reasonable price point, this grill offers the most durable build quality and additional features that can be found in an expansive grill. The dimensions of this kamado grill measure as 20.5 in x 21.5 in x 25.3 in and it weighs around 37 pounds only. The Char-Griller Akron Jr Kamado Kooker charcoal grill features 153 sq. in. of the cooking surface area along with 14 in diameter of cast iron grates. Hence, this kamado grill is the best fit for cooking meals for your family. Another great advantage is the high build quality of this grill. This grill features a powder-coated exterior finish and porcelain-coated steel interior finish. Moreover, the top quality of 22 gauge steel is used here. This kamado grill from Char-Griller comes with triple wall installation. Therefore, it can easily retain heat and maintain temperature from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, it comes with an easy dump ash pan that makes cleaning procedure after cooking a lot easier. This grill also features adjustable top and bottom dampers to maintain airflow. It also has a built-in temperature gauge for precise temperature control. Hence, you will be going to maintain the right heat and temperature while using less charcoal. Apart from that, it has short and sturdy legs that make it stable on uneven grounds. It also has two durable side handles to move this grill around quickly. Overall, the Char-Griller Akron Jr Kamado Kooker charcoal grill is an excellent option as a budget but features a full kamado grill. Features
1. Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill
Here, we have another best kamado grill from Char-Griller. If you can pay more for some extra features, but in a budget range then this grill is made for you. There are some extra features available with this grill model that make it preferable to the previous model. When assembled, the dimensions of this grill measure as 45 in x 31 in x 47 in (length x width x height) and it weighs around 97 pounds. The main highlight is the 447 sq. in. of total cooking surface area that this kamado grill offers. It comes with 314 sq. in. of primary cooking area and 133 sq. in. of removable warming rack area. This grill features cast iron cooking grates. It also comes with an easy dump ash pan that makes cleaning a lot easier. This grill also comes with a built-in temperature gauge. Same as the previous model we listed above, it also has triply walled 22 gauge steel insulation construction that retains heat perfectly. It can also easily maintain cooking temperatures ranging from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The Char-Griller Akorn also features a powder-coated exterior finish and porcelain-coated steel interior finish. The adjustable top and bottom dampers maintain even airflow while working on the grill. There are two folding black metal side shelves with tool hooks also available for cooking assistance. Its cart comes with large eight-inch front wheels with a locking rear caster. Overall, the Char-Griller Akron kamado charcoal grill stands as an unbeatable budget kamado grill option that is packed with lots of useful features. Features
2. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
Next, we have the most popular kamado grill available on this planet. The Kamado Joe classic ll charcoal grill is an excellent mixture of innovation and top quality craftsmanship. The dimensions of this classic kamado grill measure 26.4 in x 26.4 in x 36 in and it weighs around 250 pounds. This grill provides 406 sq. in. of cooking surface area that can be extended up to 508 sq. in. Hence, if you are in search of a kamado grill for your whole family, then it is an excellent option for you. Moreover, it comes with a 2-tier divide and conquers a flexible cooking system that allows you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures at the same time. This cooking versatility is the main highlight of this grill. It also has a control tower top vent that provides precise airflow management during dome opening and closing. This dual adjustment top vent is made up of powder-coated cast aluminum. It allows you to cook in temperatures from 225 degrees Fahrenheit to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, this dual adjustment top vent is mold and rain resistant. It also features a patented airlift hinge that reduces the dome weight by 96%. The removable ash catcher is also available here that allows easy cleaning. You can even say that this grill offers the most comfortable grilling experience. The fiberglass mesh gasket ensures an air-tight seal. The self-activating stainless steel latch traps the smoke and heat to cook more efficiently. The advanced multi-panel firebox includes a six-piece design that increases grilling efficiency. This grill also has a grill cover that will protect your grill from outer elements and a premium cart along with locking casters and wheels. Overall, the kamado Joe classic ll charcoal grill is among the best kamado grills to get premium and precise cooking and smoking results. Features
3. Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill
If you loved the above-listed kamado grill from Kamado Joe and you can also extend your budget for extra premium features and innovation then make sure to check out the Kamado Joe classic joe III charcoal grill. The dimensions of this grill measure 30 in x 46.5 in x 50.5 in and it weighs around 230.6 pounds. This premium 18 in ceramic grill comes with a three-tier divide and conquer partition cooking system that allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. This grill also includes a control tower top vent which is a side venting chimney and offers precise temperature control. This Kamado Joe grill also features a pull-out ash box that ensures easy cleaning after the cooking session. This kamado charcoal grill also has a sturdy flip-up side table for added cooking convenience. The airlift hinge is also an advantageous feature that reduces the dome weight by 96%. A charcoal basket is also available here to create separate cooking zones and master temperature control. This grill can easily maintain the cooking temperature between 225 degrees Fahrenheit to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Another unique feature of this kamado grill is the patented stroller hyperbolic smoking chamber that creates rolling heat for even heat cooking. A top-quality grill cover is also included with this grill. The thick-walled beat resistant shell perfectly locks in smoke at any temperature. A premium quality rolling galvanized steel cart is also included with this product to move this grill around quickly. As per this detailed discussion, we can say that the Kamado Joe classic joe III charcoal grill is a premium quality kamado grill packed with lots of innovative features. Features
4. Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Charcoal Grill
Suppose you need a big kamado grill from a reputable brand then it’s time to look at the Kamado Joe big joe II charcoal grill. The dimensions of this grill measure as 33.5 in x 33.5 in x 39.37 in and it weighs only 250 pounds. This 24-inch premium kamado grill features 452 sq. in. of cooking surface area. Hence, you will be able to cook for your whole family at once. Another advantageous feature is the exclusive divide and conquers the flexible cooking system. This includes a half-rack design that doubles the cooking space and provides multilevel cooking. Moreover, it allows you to cook various food at different temperatures. It also features a self-activating stainless steel latch that perfectly locks in smoke and heat. Moreover, the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket also comes in hand for an air-tight seal. This big joe II grill from Kamado joe also includes an airlift hinge. This allows you to raise the heavy lid with just two fingers because it reduces the dome weight by 96%. It also features an advanced multi-piece firebox that retains heat perfectly. The patented rust-resistant control tower top vent maintains a consistent air setting for precise airflow management. This kamado grill also includes a grill cover that will protect your grill from outer elements. The commercial-grade 304 stainless steel is used in the grill that makes it a durable and long-lasting kamado grill. Features
5. Kamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal Grill
Next, we have another best kamado grill from a very well-known brand. The dimensions of the Broil king keg 5000 kamado grill measure as 41 in x 27.5 in x 47 in and it weighs around 126 pounds. Unlike ceramic grills, this Keg kamado grill comes with an insulated double-walled steel grill body. Hence, it will not crack like ceramic can and doesn’t absorb odor and moisture as well. The durable design of this grill makes it an unbeatable option. This kamado grill uses two times less charcoal than a typical charcoal grill because of its insulated steel design. Moreover, it also features roto-draft dampers (cast iron top damper and aluminum lower damper). Hence, you will be going to control the temperature for perfect smoking and grilling precisely. Apart from that, metered markings are also available to remember your damper settings easily. The Broil king keg 5000 kamado grill features a cast-iron primary cooking grid that provides 280 sq. in. of primary cooking surface and 200 sq. in. of swing-out chrome secondary rack. The company is providing a 10-year warranty on the grill body and a 2-year warranty on the remaining parts and the paint as well. Its top-quality cast also includes two sturdy shelves for added cooking convenience. This grill also comes with a removable steel ash catcher that helps in cleaning the grill a lot easier. A multi-tool is also available with this grill to assist in cleaning the grill. Overall, the Broil king keg 5000 kamado grill secures its place among the best kamado grills that feature durable steel design along with cooking versatility. Features
6. Broil King Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
If you need a kamado grill for yourself or you and your wife then this pretty compact grill from Chefood will do the job correctly. The dimensions of the Chefood ceramic kamado-style bbq cooking charcoal grill measure as 24 in x 23.3 in x 18.7 in and it weighs around 90 pounds. This grill also comes in a smaller variant that has an exterior diameter of 13 inches and weighs about 50 pounds. Both grills have sturdy but short legs, so it is better to place them over a table. The 16-inch exterior grill model comes with a 13-inch diameter cooking surface and features 138 sq. in. of cooking space. This kamado grill from Chefood also offers thicker walls such that it retains heat so perfectly for slow and low cooking. The Chefood ceramic kamado-style bbq cooking charcoal grill provides FDA 304 stainless steel cooking grid and excellent heat insulation. This grill also includes a 300D waterproof grill cover. Like other ceramic kamado grills, it also features an adjustable bottom air damper and top vent for precise temperature control. Hence, if you are in search of a compact kamado grill to taste grilled steaks, burgers, and chicken with your wife, then this Chefood ceramic kamado-style bbq cooking charcoal grill will be a good option for you. Features
7. Chefood 16″ Ceramic Kamado Style BBQ Cooking Charcoal Grill Pack with a Cover
How to Choose the Best Kamado Grill
It is always a good habit to do some homework before investing in any product. Kamado grill is an investment product that can last for decades. You will not be going to buy this grill every season. As obvious, there are some different characteristics and qualities that make a kamado grill pricer higher than others.
You need to invest in a kamado grill that perfectly matches your requirements. There are some essential factors that you must consider before investing in a kamado grill. Below, we have discussed all the essential factors for buying a kamado grill.
Build Quality
The first and essential factor is to build quality. Make sure the build quality of your Kamado grill is strong and durable. To make a wise purchase, you have to invest in a kamado grill that will last for a long time. Price and build quality are both directly proportional. If you want to get a high build quality product, then you have to pay more. Simultaneously, a low build quality product will cost you less.
Kamado grill with a smaller price tag will be going to struggle in holding the constant temperature because of the thinner walls. Hence, a low-cost kamado grill will not be able to perform well in heat retention.
Make sure to check the thin gaskets because they may not seal tightly. The low quality of metal used in a cheap kamado grill is common. So, make sure to check the metal quality fittings. The best option is to select a kamado grill at a reasonable price without compromising the build quality. You can also find some best examples of this in the above list. The Char-Griller Akron Jr Kamado Kooker charcoal grill is an excellent example of a right build quality grill at a reasonable price.
Grill Size
Make sure to check that the selected kamado grill has the right cooking surface area according to your grilling requirements. The best option is first to decide how much the cooking surface area will be sufficient for you? Will you be going to prepare meals for you and your wife or you have kids as well? Will be there any additional family members or guests?
There are dozens of kamado grills available in the market with different sizes. If you compare an average model of kamado grill with a natural or propane gas grill or a charcoal grill, then there will be fewer square inches of cooking surface area. A small kamado grill will be sufficient for a small family but if you are going to cook big racks of ribs or you have a large family then select a big size model.
The Chefood ceramic kamado-style bbq cooking charcoal grill is one of the best compact grills for couples. The Kamado Joe classic ll charcoal grill is best for your whole family. This grill provides 406 sq. in. of cooking surface area that can be extended up to 508 sq. in.
Construction Material
From the construction material perspective, you will be going to find mainly two types of kamado grills—ceramic Kamado grills and stainless steel kamado grills that are usually coated in enamel. We cannot forget to mention here that one cast aluminum kamado grill model is also available in the market. You need to select anyone according to your requirements because all these have their pros and cons.
If you need a kamado grill which is more tuff such that you don’t need to worry if it is accidentally dropped then select a metal model. The best option is ceramic models. These do not have any chance of rusting, and they can also hold the heat a little better as compared to others. The Kamado Joe classic joe III charcoal grill is an excellent example of quality construction material build.
Vents
While investing in a kamado grill, don’t forget to check the configuration of vents. The vents are an inevitable part of a kamado grill that allows you to adjust the inner temperature.
Hence, you will be able to cook various types of food at their right required temperature. Always make sure to check the feasibility in the option for adjusting vents to set dedicated temperature for their respective foods. It gets more advantageous if your kamado grill offers vents on the top.
Ash Trays
Also, check the functionality of the extraction of ash in your kamado grill. This is very important because most of the kamado grills use coals as fuel and ash in the open air can harm your health. That’s why you will find an attached ash pan in most of the kamado grills. Make sure your kamado grill also includes a perfectly fit ashtray that can easily be removed for cleaning. Hence, you will be able to easily remove the ashtray collecting the residue after the grilling session.
Space for Grilling
It is essential to check the space available on the grill to cook, heat, and prepare. Don’t end up buying a grill with very little room to work on your meals. Also, make sure to calculate how many people will be going to prepare meals on the kamado grill.
You will be going to need a large-sized kamado grill if you want to cook for five to ten people daily. A large kamado grill is also beneficial if you are looking for a two-zone cooking method. As obvious, if you pay more to get a kamado grill with some extra features, then you will be able to prepare several dishes more efficiently. Also, check out the best longest lasting gas grills.
Cooking Grates
Make sure to check the quality of the cooking grates. Most of the cooking grates of kamado grills are made up of enamel steel or 304 stainless steel. Both materials are excellent, but stainless steel always offers more advantages. Don’t forget to check that hinges are also included in the kamado grill so that you can access the area below the cooking grates without lifting them.
Warranty and Budget
Ceramic kamado grills are quite vulnerable to get chips and cracks. Moreover, some parts of the kamado grill like the seal and hinges also have a risk of wear and tear. Even if you are investing in any product, it is essential to check the warranty period provided by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers are so confident about their products that you will also find some grills with a lifetime warranty.
However, there are some grills available, too, with little or no warranty. Think about a bit, even if the manufacturer is not confident about its final product, then how can you expect durability from the product. So, make sure to select a kamado grill with a reasonable warranty period. You can also check previous user’s reviews about the company’s after-sales service.
There are various kamado grills available in the market that ranges from $300 to thousands of dollars. The build quality, brand reputation, and features are some factors that make some grills expensive.
In our opinion, it is also better to invest in a high-quality grill that will last for longer than buying a new grill after a few seasons. Also, you don’t need to pay more for features that are not going to be beneficial for you. You may also like to check out the best gas grill smoker combos here.
Conclusion
Above, we have featured the list of the top 7 best kamado grills. We also discussed in detail the buying guide for the best kamado grill. You just need to sit relax then make a wise decision according to your requirements. A large-sized kamado grill with high build quality will enable you to cook several dishes efficiently.
Don’t forget to share your valuable thoughts with us in the comments section below. Let us know if you have any queries regarding kamado grills. Stay tuned with us for the latest updates on best grills reviews, grilling tips, and guides.
