A review of 8 of the most popular, advanced, and proven kamado grills on the market is presented in this guide to the best kamado grills.
By the end of the article, you’ll know which is the best kamado grill for you, and what you can expect from the experience.
You almost always want to improve your hobby or passion at some point.
A longer trailer is purchased by outdoor enthusiasts, a bigger lens is purchased by photographers, and a replica mountain is built by model railroaders. How do grillers make their living?
People head to the store to pick up an outdoor kitchen that looks big and shiny. There are also those who make charcuterie as fine art. Kamado grills, on the other hand, are a great solution for some.
You’ll definitely want to check out our comprehensive Kamado buyers guide if you’re considering making the jump.
There are thousands of years of history behind kamado grills, but the one that we know today is an insulated egg-shaped grill. The lid has a hinged design that allows air to flow above and below the grates. Ceramics is still the best material for kamado grills, but some are made of steel or even cast iron. The thick walls of these containers are excellent for insulating, they are highly efficient, and they are capable of holding both high and low temperatures, making them perfect for both grilling and smoking.
At Kamado Joe, we don’t take our achievements for granted. Kamado Joe Classic was a high-quality grill that was rated well by our testers, but the Classic Joe III takes it to another level, offering cyclonic airflow that allows both heat and smoke to be controlled at low and high temperatures, up to 500 degrees. You can use heat deflector plates to get the perfect sear on steaks or amazing restaurant-style pizza when the temperature rises to up to 750 degrees.
Temperature can be monitored easily with the integrated thermometer and heat and smoke can be controlled with the top vent. When you’re done cooking, the ash pan makes clean-up quick and easy with the heavy-duty wheeled cart.
In addition to the Divide and Conquer cooking system found on the Classic Joe II, this grill enables you to cook in layers, providing more cooking space closer to the coals and cooking surfaces suitable for cooking different foods. With the system, you can cook for the whole family as well as for parties. The total cooking area is 510 square inches. The variety of accessories available for Kamado Joe grills makes them even more versatile.
Despite its price, the Kamado Joe Classic III ups the ante with the Classic II with a larger cooking area, stainless steel insert, and superior smoking abilities.
Pros
Excellent heat retention thanks to the ceramic body.
On the primary cast iron cooking grates, there is a surface area of 314 square inches, plus an additional 133 inches on the upper rack, for plenty of space for cooking and smoking. A temperature range of 200-700 degrees is possible, so it can be used for anything from low-and-slow cooking to blasting hot cooking. You can remember which damper position you prefer because the damper has numbers on it.
The grill’s exterior is powder-coated and its interior is porcelain-coated, and it’s made of triple-walled 22-gauge steel rather than ceramic. Sauces, rubs, and spices can be stored on two metal shelves, which you can fold down when not in use. Ash pans make cleanup a breeze when it’s time.
With this cart, you can position it exactly according to your needs. It is constructed of tubular steel, with rubber wheels that help it roll smoothly. In spite of its 100-pound weight, it is lighter than ceramic grills of equal size. If you’re not familiar with kamado grills, you can use the cookbook that comes with it.
Pros
Construction made of durable metal.
Kamados made of ceramic is lighter in weight.
A surprising amount of cooling is maintained on the exterior.
The grill appeals both to people on a budget and to those who aren’t interested in a large, heavy grill. This portable device weighs just 37 pounds. A sturdy, short base keeps it stable on uneven surfaces, while side handles make it easy to move.
153 square inches of primary cooking space are sufficient for a family meal. The cast iron cooking grate measures 14 inches in diameter. In spite of its size, this grill has a number of features that are available on larger grills, such as triple-walled 22-gauge steel construction and the capability to maintain temperatures between 200 and 700 degrees. Powder-coated exterior, enameled interior, and easy-to-clean ash pan make this a great grill.
Pros
An affordable option
Suitable for portable use
The range of temperatures is large
Cons
The installation of the front handle can be challenging
It looks like a quality piece of furniture in your deck or backyard, with its acacia wood table that surrounds the grill. Most kamado grills come with stands, but this one takes things to the next level, with an acacia wood table that holds and surrounds the grill. With plenty of storage underneath the shelf, it’s easy to keep tools, plates, and condiments organized. Having a slatted surface that drains rainwater easily, and wheels that allow you to move it to the right spot, this table is a great addition to your patio or garden. 604 square inches of primary cooking space is offered by the bi-level cooking grate on this grill. A larger grill, without a table, is also available from Duluth Forge.
Pros
For even cooking, ceramic shells hold heat.
Great heat control is made possible by excellent ventilation.
This smoker works great for smoking.
Charcoal can be snuffed out by shutting it off.
Cons
Several gimmicks are sacrificed in favor of quality.
Consider the Kamado Joe Big Joe II if you’re a Kamado Joe fan and want to increase your cooking space. There are 604 square inches of cooking space with the included grill expander.
The firebox features a six-panel design to prevent cracks, a slide-out ash drawer, and folding side shelves, as well as stainless steel grates, an airlift hinge, and wire mesh fiberglass gaskets. Aside from its price tag, this grill weighs more than 375 pounds, which makes it another hefty purchase.
There are many clever features on this kamado-style grill to make it stand out from the crowd. The airflow system on this grill provides an improvement over typical kamado grills. Right-side intake vents are easier to adjust than bottom vents since you don’t need to bend down.
Cast-iron grate sections can be removed for refueling charcoal, and a chrome swing-out grate attachment raises the cooking surface while grilling. There are two layers of steel construction on this grill, as well as removable ash and drip pans, fold-down side shelves, and a storage shelf on the bottom.
Pros
System of airflow that is innovative.
The cooking surface swings out.
Cons
I don’t like the overall design as much as the competition.
Compared to the cast iron grills below, this grill performs better than the larger Kamado Joe versions and is priced between the two. Despite being smaller, don’t let its size fool you. A whole chicken can be roasted in it for example, and it works great for single-family meals. Perfect for people who don’t want to entertain large crowds and just want a kamado grill.
As a camping grill or for a tailgating party, this is one of the few kamado grills I could see taking on a trip. Still, it’s heavy (more than most camp grills, except for the heaviest cast iron smokers), but light enough to be moved around short distances and still produce amazing results.
Pros
Kamado Joe fans will find this grill to be an excellent entry-level grill.
A superbly constructed product.
Cons
Size-wise, it is heavy.
Ashes pan not provided.
What to Look for in a Kamado Grill
Source material
Kamado grills are most often made from ceramic since it keeps heat well at high and low temperatures. As ceramic gets thicker, it will maintain temperatures better and be heavier. There is no doubt that ceramic’s main disadvantage is its weight. It could easily crack on impact if you dropped a ceramic grill (since it’s heavy) despite it being highly resistant to heat, cold, and other outdoor elements. There are many innovative ways for competitive barbecuers to transport their ceramic grills, while others use models made of lighter-weight steel with double- or triple-walled walls. As a result, steel is lighter and more affordable than ceramic, but it will not last as long since it is more susceptible to corrosion and the elements. As well as cast iron, kamado grills are also available in stainless steel.
Dimensions
A free-standing kamado grill doesn’t take up much space, but the cooking surface is somewhat limited because of its vertical design. It is the diameter of the grill grate that determines the size of a kamado grill. Including any stands, handles, or table attachments, the grill will be about six to ten inches larger overall. For grilling hamburgers for a crowd or smoking multiple whole birds, you’ll need at least an 18- to 24-inch grill. That’s the size range that falls into the “large” or “extra-large” territory. Just keep in mind that larger kamado grills are heavier, so if you want to move frequently or travel with your grill, keep that in mind. When compared with Weber kettle grills, which measure 22 inches and weigh 32 pounds, Kamado Joe grills weigh 371 pounds, and Big Green Egg grills weigh 219 pounds.
Bells and Whistles
Its ability to maintain the temperature so easily is the beauty of a kamado grill. Kamado grills have an egg-shaped body (often with a daisy wheel or vent cover on top) and a hinged lid that covers grill grates and top and bottom vents, which regulate the flow of air in order to set or maintain the temperature. The lid of most models also includes a thermometer that can be replaced. The lifespan of a grill is unlikely to be extended by gimmicky features like integrated electronic or motorized elements. Spend your money on upgrading materials and sizes, as well as adding accessories and attachments that are easily removable and replaceable.
Parts and pieces
Kamado grill accessories include a few necessary items (legs and a thermometer) and a variety of other items that will improve your cooking experience (e.g., table, grill grate expander, ceramic heat deflector, etc.). Alternatively, some brands offer a grill body and let you choose your preferred accessories for an additional price, while others sell a basic grill body. Pay attention to what’s included with the grill you want to buy when shopping, as the costs of accessories can add up quickly.
Warranties
It is important to protect the investment made in a kamado grill, especially a large ceramic one. Check the warranty information of the brand before you make a purchase, as some warranties only cover certain parts of the grill, while others have shorter terms. The manufacturer’s warranty may only be honored for the original owner when purchasing a kamado grill secondhand.
Cost
There is a general correlation between price and the quality, craftsmanship, and size of the product in this category. In light of the diverse options available, the price of kamado grills can vary significantly, starting at around $300 for smaller steel models and rising as high as $10,000 for high-end “designer” models. An inexpensive ceramic kamado grill with sufficient accessories can be bought for about $1,000 to $2,000 by hobby grillers. The brand you choose as well as the accessories you buy will influence the amount you spend.
Maintaining
Keeping a ceramic kamado grill properly maintained will ensure it lasts a lifetime (and will be more efficient each time). Grates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use, as with any grill. Regularly clearing the ashes from the grill is also important to keep it ventilated. However, if you are only cooking a quick meal, such as searing steak or cooking burgers, you can just close the vents and save the coals for another day. Before adding more coals, clean out the ashes from a low-and-slow overnight cook. As the daisy wheel becomes sticky or clogged, it must be cleaned, while other parts, like the gasket (which forms a tight seal when the grill is closed), must be replaced. In rainy or snowy weather, grill covers prevent moisture from entering the grill interior, as well as protect the grill’s exterior.
Accessory items
Although kamado-style cookers offer an endless variety of accessories, one accessory is a must. Whatever the model or make of your Kamado grill, you’ll need something to elevate it if you want the bottom vent to operate properly. You may need legs or a cart for some brands and styles, while others come with a stand. You should consider this potential purchase when making your cost comparison.
Several Kamado Joe accessories will fit the Big Green Egg, including the JoeTisserie rotisserie attachment. A ceramic surface is also popular for deflecting heat in kamados. As a result, many cooks use their grills as smokers or outdoor ovens or to cook indirectly. This ceramic piece is interchangeable between Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, and both brands have their own versions.
There are many brands that manufacture accessories for kamado-style grills, including upgrade chimney caps, grilling surface expanders, and digital temperature controllers. In addition, grill grate attachments and expanders can increase cooking surface area, allowing you to cook indirectly, warm, smoke, and more.
FAQs
Q: A kamado grill is what it sounds like.
These grills have egg-shaped forms and ceramic walls that make them stand out from other charcoal grills. It also helps keep moisture and smoke inside, giving your food a more flavorful flavor with a ceramic exterior than a traditional metal grill.
Q: When lighting a kamado grill, what should you do?
Charcoal grills and kamados are very similar in terms of lighting. Light your lump charcoal with a chimney starter or electric starter once you’ve opened the chamber’s air vents all the way.
Q: When cleaning a kamado grill, what do you do?
The grates of your kamado grill will need to be cleaned after cooking with a grill brush. Aside from that, the ash collection pan needs to be cleaned after every use – you can typically remove it by sliding it out from the bottom.
Ideally, you should clean your grill once or twice a year. Vacuum out any lingering debris from the bottom and inner walls of your kamado grill with a plastic bristle brush. Ensure the grill bands stay in place properly by checking their tightness at this time.
Q: What are the benefits of smoking on a kamado grill?
It is popular to smoke on kamado grills for several reasons. Using only a small amount of charcoal, they can smoke for a long time because they retain heat well. They also prevent your meat from drying out because they seal in moisture better than many other smokers. Additionally, their round shape encourages smoke to circulate within the cooking chamber, giving your food a lot of flavors.
Q: A kamado grill has a temperature control knob. How do you adjust it?
In comparison to gas or pellet grills, kamado grills have a bit of a learning curve. Using the vents at the top and bottom of the cooking chamber, you can adjust the temperature of a kamado grill. You should keep the vents partially closed for low temperatures, and you should open them more for high temperatures.
Q: The Kamado grill is used in what ways?
Even though kamado grills require a bit of learning, once you get the hang of them, you’ll be surprised at how stable the temperature inside has become. It is always better to use lump charcoal than lump charcoal, as they burn more efficiently. Charcoal chunks should be layered in the grill box, starting at the bottom with the biggest chunks. Firestarter bricks or two should be nestled into the charcoal, but not all the way down. The charcoal can also be ignited quickly with an electric starter. A kamado grill should never be started with lighter fluid because it penetrates the ceramic and causes an unpleasant smell.
Open the top vent and bottom intake completely. After you have reached the desired temperature on the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. In order to control the flow of air through the grill, you will use a combination of top and bottom vents. Heat will build up on the grill as more air is allowed in. Reduce the airflow coming into the bottom and leaving the top of the cooker if you want to cook at a lower temperature. It is difficult to lower the temperature of a ceramic grill because it holds heat so well. Start cooking once you have reached the desired temperature.
Q: What is the reason behind the high price of kamado grills?
Rather than lightweight, relatively inexpensive metal, these are made from thick, heavy, heat-resistant ceramic. Since they are solidly constructed, they typically last a lot longer than traditional grills.
Q: Kamado grills can be fired up with wood pellets, briquettes, or wood chips?
In case you don’t have your model number handy, read your manufacturer’s instructions for fuel recommendations. A lump of natural charcoal is usually the recommended fuel because it burns hotter, more efficiently, and is made from charred wood without additives. In addition to maple, oak, pecan, and hickory chunks, you can also use hardwood chunks to enhance the smokiness of your food. It is possible to use wood pellets on most kamado grills, but you should check the instructions provided by the manufacturer first. For outdoor cooking, use pellets marked for outdoor cooking instead of pellets made for indoor heating.
Q: The Spruce Eats: Why Should You Trust Us?
In addition to writing and testing products for The Spruce Eats, Donna Currie is a cookbook author. A kamado grill was personally tested by her for this roundup, so she stays up to date on all the latest grills and gadgets.
