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The 8 Best Kamado Grill 2022 For Smoky Taste: Top Picks & Buying Guide

If you are looking for the best Kamado grill, go with this list. Our top picks are first-class quality for durability and versatility.

These ceramic charcoal Kamado grills are great for both grilling and smoking, thanks to their phenomenal thermal insulation. If you properly take care of them and maintain them, the best Kamado grills may last a lifetime.

To help you decide on one out of the 8 best products on this list, Battersby analyzes each one based on its pros and cons. Scroll down to read the details!

Contents

The 8 Best Kamado Grills Reviews You Can Buy On Amazon 

As you will see below, Kamado Joe KJ23RHC is one of our top Kamado grills. It is our top choice as its quality and features far exceed what the price can offer.

However, there are other options if you want to spend a little less or take your Kamado grill on the road. Take a look at our top eight below.

#1. Kamado Joe KJ23RHCBest For Outstanding Insulation

Product’s highlights

Some people are used to grilling with a Big Green Egg. But most of them gradually fall in love with Kamado Joe Classic II the most.

Traditionally, the Kamado grill itself and all the processes are so simple and intuitive that there is no special need for instructions.

The airlift hinges are one of the innovative elements that have made this grill popular. It’s easy to open the lid with one finger without worrying about the lid falling off while you work.

The split grid cooking system increases versatility. This Kamado grill allows you to create different zones, using them for cooking different dishes simultaneously.

It’s easy to give your food an intense smoky scent with uniform airflow. The redesigned top vent is lighter and more corrosion-resistant. 

Cleaning is easier and more efficient than ever with the removable ash drawer. From now on, you will no longer be afraid of the mess after grilling, and barbecues can happen more often.

Kamado Joe Classic even focused on high-quality wire mesh fiberglass spacers that offer better insulation. That material makes this Kamado grill more durable so that you can use it for a long time with no need for replacement.

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red

10 new from $1,147.76
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Outstanding insulation
  • Durable material
  • Insulated ceramic
  • Stainless steel grates
  • High-quality construction
  • Robust and solid construction
  • Keeps warm for a long time
  • Spring mechanism for opening the lid with easy
  • Lifetime Warranty

Con

  • Small cooking space

Bottom line

The Kamado Joe Classic II is a perfect grilling tool that’s perfect for smokers. It’s fantastic equipment made of insulating ceramic. 

This grill represents an almost optimal balance between functionality and price. Plus, you will get a lifetime warranty with this purchase.

#2. Broil King 911470 KegBets For Fuel Consumption

Product’s highlights

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 differs markedly from other Kamado grills in the style of Kamado, which we had to work on.

Instead of bulky ceramic refractory materials, the cooking chamber BKK 5000 represents a well-insulated double-walled steel coat. 

You will find rings of refractory bricks in a coal fireplace, like traditional Kamado grills on a ceramic base. The outside of the grill has a pleasant paint finish, “Metallic”, which looks just amazing. 

There is a reinforced gasket on the lid, ensuring the tightness of the grill. The lid is light. It also opens easily because springs on the Kamado grill take on the part of the load. 

By the way, the cooking grates are 18.5 inches made of durable cast iron at an angle and have two positions in the cooking chamber: upper and bottom. 

The kit also includes a rotating grate for the second level. It’s a fantastic advantage that comes standard. It is how you can cook food on two levels at once. 

The lower and upper air intakes are very sensitive and work excellent. There is an intake at the bottom pull-out drawer. This drawer serves as a convenient ash pan and air intake housing.

Fuel consumption is very efficient. We can’t even believe that the Kamado grill uses half less charcoal than other Kamado grills.

However, the plastic wheel seems weak compared to the weight the Kamado grill is carrying. We do not recommend moving it on rough terrain.

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic Charcoal

3 new from $1,185.30
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Well-insulated double-walled steel coat
  • Built for last
  • Efficient consumption 
  • Cast iron grill grate for uniform heat

Con

  • Plastic handles

Bottom line

The KEG 5000 will last a long time. We like its efficiency, lightweight, and ease of use. Its appearance and, of course, the taste of food cooked on will delight anyone.

We would recommend purchasing KEG 5000 if you have a large family or a lot of friends. You can take this grill with you on trips, to parties in the city and the cottages. 

#3. Char Griller E16620 Kamado Best For Lightweight

Product’s highlights

The Char-Griller brand focuses on grills slightly different from ceramic grills. But ultimately a more economical product that is well-built and sturdy. 

The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado charcoal grill looks like any other Kamado but is steel, making this Kamado grill more economical. However, this material has its pros and cons.

It’s lighter, cheaper, and more mobile than a ceramic grill. The solid base and heavy steel construction make this model a durable and reliable picnic companion.

The oven maintains the temperature very well. Knowing how to adjust the vents allows you to maintain 250°F for 5 hours for slow grilling of smoked ribs.

The cooking space is quite spacious. This model can grill 27 sandwiches at once. 

The cooking grates provide uniform heating, and a warming shelf keeps food cool. In addition, the Char-Griller Akorn is easy to maintain and clean.

We tried a trick that will help you prolong its quality for years to come. When you first take the grill out of the box, spray its surface with a Rustoleum coat. And the Kamado grill will be fine from then on.

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite

2 new from $329.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Budget
  • Lightweight and mobile 
  • Folding side shelves
  • Upper and lower dampers for temperature control

Cons

  • The steel is not as strong as ceramics
  • Limited warranty

Bottom line

If you’re seeking a Kamado-style grill that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, the Akorn Char-Griller will make you a lot of money and a few years of frying. But this Kamado grill won’t last a lifetime. In the future, steel will rust over time.

#4. Kamado Joe KJ13RHBest For Compact Size

Product’s highlights

Kamado Joe Junior is the smallest grill in the series. But in terms of its key features, it is in no way inferior to its larger brothers. 

Thanks to its modest size, such a grill goes into operation faster. Meanwhile, the ceramic chamber retains the ability to keep warm for a long time. 

The boiler made of thick-walled ceramics keeps the heat inside. Plus, the combustion chamber and a lid tightly fit the boiler to avoid heat loss.

You can take your innovative Joe Jr. for outings, picnics, pool parties, camping, and other fun. Joe Jr. weighs just 75.58 pounds and boasts a 149 square inches cooking space, enough to cook a whole chicken with vegetables.

The thick-walled ceramic casing blocks out heat, moisture, and odors. Besides, you can experiment with indirect heating using the heat baffle plate for an even more varied menu.

Transportation of the grill in the car becomes quite affordable for a company of several people. And a whole crowd of friends and like-minded people can get satisfaction from a picnic.

Our only wish is that the manufacturer can add wheels for Joe Jr. This addition helps you move the Kamado grills without many people’s assistance.

Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill, 13.5 inch, Blaze Red

25 new from $352.47
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Optimal dimensions and weight
  • Versatility
  • Short preparatory period
  • Medium cooking area

Con

  • No wheels included

Bottom line

If you fancy spending time outdoors in large barbecues, go with this Kamado Joe Jr. Red. The main advantages of this product are mobility as well as lightness. 

View more: Best Vertical Pellet Smoker

#5. Oneinmil KamadoBest For Budget

Product’s highlights

Traditionally for Kamado Joe grills, the set of accessories includes a grate holder and a poker. The upper flap protects the insides from water ingress even during heavy rain.

The opening mechanism is a massive spring block. This Kamado grill allows you to open the lid with one little finger and hold it in the position you left it for as long as you like. 

This machine has a five-section combustion chamber and ash pan with guides for collecting ash into a scoop. Here we see a classic cast-iron grate without any dividers.

If you are a lover of perfect striped steaks, a cast iron grate with slots of this grill will please you. The built-in thermometer can control temperatures up to 800°F.

After the coals have ignited, you can maintain the intensity of the heat using two dampers, an upper and a lower one. Their design is elementary; instructions are not needed here.

We have four levels of heat: very high, high, medium, and low. At the low level, both dampers are almost closed. 

The lower flap is half-open for the medium and high heat, and the upper controls the heat. When both flaps are fully open, the heat is very high.

A thick ceramic barrel keeps heat higher and longer. This Kamado grill uses charcoal fuel instead of cinders, giving you real charcoal and a smoky taste.

However, the compact design of Oneinmil Kamado is only enough to satisfy 3-4 servings. If you need the best Kamado grills to prepare more people, consider the Weber Summit Kamado E6.

Oneinmil Kamado 13" Ceramic Charcoal Grill - Multifunctional Barbecue Grill for Variations on Cooking Methods, Outdoor Tabletop Portable Egg Style Black

Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Full accessories 
  • Easy to open the lid
  • Built-in thermometer
  • Four levels of heat

Con

  • Small serving

Bottom line

#6. Weber 18201001 Kamado E6Best For Dual-Walled Insulation

Product’s highlights

The Weber Kamado E6 is one of the largest charcoal Kamado grills on the market. It comes with a 24-inch diameter that matches with the grill of XL size. 

There is a two-layer boiler and a lid included in the design. Dual-walled insulation helps minimize the heat loss through the grill wall.

The internal heat retention helps your dishes cook thoroughly without drying out. When the temperature heats up quickly, the flesh is well-done but still retains juice.

That feature also ensures not to over-heat up the outer case of the grill, protecting you from burning. The steel construction with a porcelain-enameled finish brings a sleek look and lasts the grill for a long time.

The grill has two levels of charcoal grate placement. Placing the grill on the top level creates a typical charcoal grill while placing the wire rack on the lower level creates a baking oven. Having installed a divider between the coal and the working grate, we get a smokehouse.

Although the Weber Summit E6 is heavy, it comes with a massive tricycle frame on wheels for moving the Kamado grill easily. This design provides storage locations for the grate for coal and the heat deflector. 

Here are the pros and cons that we have listed for you to decide quickly.

Weber 18201001 Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill, Black

2 new from $1,249.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Big size
  • Dual-walled insulation minimizes the heat loss
  • Steel construction with a porcelain-enameled finish for long-lasting
  • Two levels of charcoal grate placement
  • Portable
  • Large cooking space

Con

  • Heavy

Bottom line

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 charcoal grill is a true premium Kamado grill. It combines the advantages of ceramic Kamado grills with the practicality and versatility of traditional Weber charcoal Kamado grills.

#7. Kamado Joe KJ15040320 Kettle JoeBest For Innovative Accessory

Product’s highlights

Kettle Joe by Kamado is a new charcoal grill that follows the classic Kamado style. At first glance, it mirrors the classic Kamado Joe ceramic design with the familiar shape, trolley, shelves, and vibrant red.

Instead of a ceramic base and lid, the Kamado Joe has everything covered with porcelain enamel. The Kettle Joe will come with a SlōRoller – the most innovative variation of Kamado Joe.

The SloRoller will help distribute the heat more evenly than ceramic baffles or heat shields. This feature gives your food more smoke flavor, resulting in consistent and delicious cooking.

The grill comes with a hinged lid for easy access when opening or closing. The hinge will adjust to ensure that the lid is properly closed when using the scooter or cooking without it.

Kettle Joe has a firebox that uses ceramic inserts as on most Kamado grills. It helps improve heat retention, fuel efficiency, and grill longevity over time.

We love the idea of Kettle Joe’s attached extendable table. These collapsible tables help prepare and cover the space. So you can keep plates, pans, and tools close at hand while cooking. 

The Kettle Joe will be compatible with the iKamand Temperature Control Fan that helps set your grill on autopilot. This compatibility will allow you to have more free time and not mess with fire.

Kamado Joe KJ15040320 Kettle Joe 22 inch Charcoal Grill, Blaze Red

12 new from $399.00
1 used from $367.08
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber for better taste
  • Easy access
  • Increased durability
  • Temperature control
  • Preparing the space

Con

  • Ashtray made of thin metal

Bottom line

Kettle Joe is an innovative invention in the Kamado family. You can use it to grill meat and vegetables at the same time.

Unlike the traditional Kamado grill, it is not constructed from ceramic but porcelain enamel. This material helps you to have a light Kamado grill. With the help of wheels, everything is now much easier to move.

#8. Char Griller E6520Best For Triple Walled Steel Insulation 

Product’s highlights

Char-Griller has long been the market leader in the US barbecue market. You can use Char-Griller E6520 AKORN Kamado as a smokehouse.

You can heat the grill very quickly with cast iron cooking grates. They uniformly cook your foods and do not require any maintenance.

The sealed cover can control the temperature better and avoid heat loss. You will have more time to have fun with friends because the temperature sensors and chimneys will be responsible for grilling.

Char-Griller E6520 comes with two wheels for easy mobility to any campsite and any yard. You can prepare food and place the grilled goods on the extended table attached to the grill. Everything seems to become easier!

This pro ceramic charcoal grill can last for a few years, thanks to heavy-duty steel construction. The triple-walled steel insulated design protects you from burns. That feature also prevents internal temperature changes due to the environment.

The ceramic construction increases the weight of all parts, including the lid. But rest assured that opening the lid won’t take much effort.

The opening mechanism is a massive spring block. This Kamado grill allows you to open the lid with one little finger. 

But the ease of opening does not affect the tightness. The grill has a latch installed in the handle area, which fixes the lid in the pressed state when you close it.

Char-Griller E6520 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill Cart, Ash

Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 8:52 am

Pros

  • Cast-iron grill grates for uniform cook
  • Temperature sensors for heat control
  • Triple walled steel insulated design minimizes heat loss
  • Extended table included
  • Massive spring block makes it easy to open the lid

Con

  • Heavy

Bottom line

In short, the Char-Griller E6520 AKORN Kamado charcoal grill offers you many benefits. It comes with many features that make cooking more convenient and less time-consuming.

If you’re a minimalist, you won’t go wrong with this grill. There’s plenty of space for you to prepare food without the need to bring an extra table or rack.

Buying Guides For The Most Kamado Grills

Purchasing a new Kamado grill is an investment in your smoking and grilling future. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last and will give you great grill enjoyment if you take good care of it.

If you are looking to buy a new Kamado grill, pay attention to five things that will help you narrow down their choices:

Budget

Kamado products come in a wide range of prices. Consider your budget and only look at the ones that you can afford to buy.

Material

It’s necessary to analyze the pros and cons of two types of Kamado – ceramics, and steel. The result will help you decide which material is best for you.

A steel kamado is perfect for those who just want to try Kamado cooking without wasting a fortune on a ceramic grill. By doing this, you will gain experience and figure out if this type of grill is right for you. 

If you like it, we would advise you to upgrade to Kamado ceramic, which is more expensive but much more durable and offers better insulation.

Each of these materials has its pros and cons. Here are the key characteristics that you need to consider to make the right choice:

  • Weight and mobility: Ceramic models are very heavy. On the other hand, steel models are much lighter, making them easier to move around.

If you’re looking for portability, you should look for a very small ceramic Kamado style grill or a lighter steel model.

  • Quality: Ceramic Kamado grills are of much better quality. They contain fewer individual elements than steel Kamados.
  • Durability: Steel models are much more resistant to mechanical damage. The best Kamado grills are also better suited for travel. But their lifespan is short as they rust.
  • Warranty: Ceramics are 100% corrosion resistant but prone to drop cracking. Ceramics usually have a lifetime warranty, while steel is only given a few years at best.

Related: Best Gas Grills Under $500

Size

For its price and size, the Kamado grill does not offer much space. The exception is models with multi-level cooking systems.

Remember that the larger the size, the higher the price. Mobility is also limited.

Peculiarities

Pay attention to whether the Kamado that you are considering includes all the necessary accessories.

Some manufacturers sell their products without the base elements, which look great at first glance due to the lower price. But once you add all the extras, the price can be much higher than if you just bought everything at once.

Guarantee

A good guarantee is an integral part of every purchase, especially one you spend a lot of money on. Even a reliable manufacturer can make a mistake, so you should determine what the warranty covers and for how long.

FAQs

What Is The Best Kamado Grill: A Ceramic Or Steel Grill?

The ceramic construction increases the overall weight of the grill. Still, it retains the heat inside better than steel as purists of Kamado prefer ceramic Kamado grills because of the quality and taste of the dishes and the insulation of the materials.

What Does A Kamado Grill From A Regular Grill?

There are a few reasons why we prefer the Kamado grill for certain purposes. The kamado cooking method is completely different from traditional grilling.

The best Kamado grills always outperform all other types of grills. In this case, airflow and insulation are also important, which give the food an even better taste.

Here are some reasons why we love cooking with Kamado: 

  • Smoky taste
  • Flexibility
  • Durability
  • Excellent insulation
  • Efficiency
  • Heat retention

How Does The Flexibility Of Kamado Grills Manifest?

Kamado is phenomenal at grilling and smoking. But with all the accessories available, it can also turn into a great oven for bread and pizza, paella stove, and more.

best kamado grill

Are Kamado Grills Durable?

Durability applies to the ceramic models, which are 100% corrosion resistant. That characteristic makes Kamado a profitable investment for life in good hands.

Are Kamado Grills Insulated?

Kamado grills feature superior insulation. For that reason, they require less fuel to maintain the temperature. There is no grill more airtight than ceramic Kamado ones. 

The insulating properties of the Kamados are so good that we recommend them as the only charcoal grills for winter cooking.

Do Kamado Grills Feature Heat retention?

The Kamado grill is great for maintaining a fixed temperature for many hours. It can reach very high temperatures in a short time. This feature makes it perfect for both quick grilling and slow smoking.

Are There Any Disadvantages To Kamado Grills That I Should Be Aware Of?

Several factors can make you reconsider buying portable Kamado grill models.

  • Price: The ceramic grill is one of the most expensive types of Kamado grills. You can use up to 10 times more of them than a regular charcoal grill.
  • Temperature and time control: Newbies can have a ton of problems with temperature control. Learning how to operate the vents takes time and practice and getting the lump charcoal to burn to the correct temperature.
  • The weight: This mainly applies to ceramic models, which are very heavy. It is the type of grill that needs to stay in one place as it is not easy to move.

Final Words

In the reviews above, we’ve covered the best Kamado grill and the reasons why they rank in our top picks. We hope these reviews will help you define your own needs and narrow down which grill is right for you!

The Kamado Joe KJ23RHC is our first pick. It’s not as small as the Kamado Joe KJ13RH., but not as heavy as the Weber 18201001 Summit Kamado E6.

If you are looking for good quality Kamado grills but in the middle of the price and size range, you won’t go wrong with the Classic Joe II. But you may also have your own needs. Thank you for reading!

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