BEST KAMADOGRILLS
The ultimate all-in-one cooker. Kamado grills smoke at 225°F, sear at 750°F, and bake pizza — all with lump charcoal and incredible heat retention.
The ultimate all-in-one cooker. Kamado grills smoke at 225°F, sear at 750°F, and bake pizza — all with lump charcoal and incredible heat retention.
| Smoker | Cooking Area | Fuel | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamado Joe Classic II | 256 sq in (18" diameter) | Lump charcoal | Best Overall |
| Kamado Joe Jr. | 148 sq in (13.5" diameter) | Lump charcoal | Best Portable Kamado |
| Big Green Egg Large | 262 sq in (18.25" diameter) | Lump charcoal | The Icon |
| Char-Griller AKORN | 314 sq in (20" diameter) | Lump charcoal or briquettes | Best Budget Kamado |
| Weber Summit Kamado E6 | 452 sq in total | Charcoal | Best Hybrid |
| Cooking Area | 256 sq in (18" diameter) |
| Material | Ceramic shell |
| Fuel | Lump charcoal |
| Temp Range | 225–750°F |
| Weight | 250 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Kamado Joe Classic II is the kamado that dethroned the Big Green Egg. The Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system lets you set up two different temperature zones at once — sear steaks on one side while smoking vegetables on the other. The air-lift hinge makes opening the 250-lb lid feel almost effortless.
Ceramic heat retention is extraordinary. A full load of lump charcoal can maintain 225°F for 18+ hours or blast up to 750°F for Neapolitan pizza. The limited lifetime warranty shows Kamado Joe's confidence. This is a buy-it-once cooker.
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| Cooking Area | 148 sq in (13.5" diameter) |
| Material | Ceramic shell |
| Fuel | Lump charcoal |
| Temp Range | 225–750°F |
| Weight | 68 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Kamado Joe Jr. packs full kamado performance into a package that fits in your trunk. At 68 lbs on its cast iron stand, it's portable enough for tailgates and camping — while still delivering the same 225°F-to-750°F temperature range as its bigger siblings.
It's perfect for couples, apartment balconies, or as a second cooker for when you want kamado versatility without firing up the big one. The same limited lifetime warranty applies. If you're kamado-curious but don't want to commit to a 250-lb ceramic egg, start here.
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| Cooking Area | 262 sq in (18.25" diameter) |
| Material | Ceramic shell |
| Fuel | Lump charcoal |
| Temp Range | 200–750°F+ |
| Weight | 162 lbs (without nest) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Big Green Egg is the kamado that launched an industry. It's been the gold standard for decades, and the Large model is their best seller. The ceramic shell holds heat beautifully, the dual vent system gives precise temperature control, and the accessory ecosystem (convEGGtor, EGGspander, pizza stone) is unmatched.
The honest comparison to Kamado Joe: the BGE Large costs more and includes fewer accessories out of the box. You're paying a premium for the brand, the community, and the resale value. If those matter to you — and they do to many — the Egg remains an excellent choice.
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| Cooking Area | 314 sq in (20" diameter) |
| Material | Triple-wall insulated steel |
| Fuel | Lump charcoal or briquettes |
| Temp Range | 200–700°F |
| Weight | 97 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited |
The Char-Griller AKORN proves you don't need to spend $1,000+ to get kamado-style cooking. Triple-wall insulated steel mimics the heat retention of ceramic at a fraction of the cost. The 20" diameter actually gives you more cooking space than most standard ceramic kamados.
The tradeoff is durability. Steel will rust if you don't keep it covered, and the paint will chip after a couple of seasons. But at under $400, many owners consider it disposable — use it for 3-4 years, then replace it and you've still spent less than one ceramic kamado. It's the best way to find out if kamado cooking is for you.
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| Cooking Area | 452 sq in total |
| Material | Porcelain-enameled steel |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| Temp Range | 200–750°F |
| Weight | 209 lbs |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Weber took everything they know about grilling and built a kamado. The Summit Kamado E6 isn't ceramic — it's porcelain-enameled steel with air insulation, which actually has some advantages: it's more resistant to thermal shock and less likely to crack than ceramic models.
The hinged diffuser plate is brilliant. Flip it open for direct-heat grilling, close it for indirect smoking — no removing a heavy heat deflector mid-cook. If you're already in the Weber ecosystem and want kamado versatility, this is the one. The 10-year warranty adds serious peace of mind.
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