Best Kamado Grills For 2022

Jason Webster
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When you’re looking for the best kamado grill, there are quite a few features and qualities you need to consider.

For example, the exterior of the grill needs to be durable enough to withstand temperatures up to 500F and withstand a power range between 200-40,000 BTUs. You must also have a cooking surface, lid, and vents that are tightly sealed to prevent heat and smoke from escaping.

NameCategoryProduct
PIT BOSS 76250 Heat DeflectorBest OverallPIT BOSS 76250 Heat Deflector
Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal GrillBudget PickChar-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill
Kamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal GrillUpgrade PickKamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal Grill

1. PIT BOSS 76250 Heat Deflector

Our rating: 9 / 10

PIT BOSS 76250 Heat Deflector

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Pros:

  • Nonslip handle
  • Heat proof up to 1200 degrees
  • Available in three colors

The Pit Boss is a heat deflector, which is one of the most essential accessories for your grill. This product is basically a thick steel or cast iron ring that distributes heat evenly across the surface.

It lives up to its name, beyond protecting the surface of your kamado grill from the intense heat. It deflects heat downward and away from the meat. It helps to set a uniform temperature in the grill chamber.

The Pit Boss heat deflector is a must-have accessory for every Pit Boss Kamado Grill owner. This frame can be installed over a ceramic fiber blanket and is also heat resistant up to 1200 degrees.

2. Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill

Our rating: 8 / 10

Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill

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Pros:

  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Convenient features
  • Multiple cooking options
  • Great customer service

Cons:

  • Lacks sufficient insulation
  • Inferior materials
  • Unreliable customer support

Char-Griller is a Spanish company that has been in the business of manufacturing outdoor grills and smokers since 1958. It has earned a strong reputation over the years for the design and durability of its grills and smokers.

We were surprised by the sheer number of satisfied customers who took the time to leave their opinions about the product online.

These days, Char-Griller is well known for its superior construction. Its charcoal grills are made with a combined steel and powder-coated cast iron construction which assures unmatched heat retention and grill durability.

3. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill

Our rating: 8 / 10

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill

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Pros:

  • Durable construction
  • Patented double wall construction for excellent heat retention
  • Includes a cooking grate and two side tables

The Char-Griller E16620 is a very popular product in the grilling community. It’s a smaller Kamado grill that fits both charcoal and wood chips perfectly. You can use this grill for year round smoking and grilling.

The Akorn Kamado features a durable refractory veneer ceramic interior and a wrap around charcoal and wood holder. The ceramic interior assures even heat distribution and is resistant to heat without an excessive amount of fuel.

You can cook large quantities of meat with this kamado as it holds up to 50 pounds. This product also comes with 2 side tables for placing plates, grilling tools, or for extra cooking space.

4. Kamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal Grill

Our rating: 8 / 10

Kamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal Grill

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Pros:

  • The charcoal basket aligns with the charcoal vents on the hood of the grill.
  • The venting system is very effective.
  • The stainless steel sidewalls hold temperature very well.
  • This canopy is large and very easy to assemble.
  • This is a large grill.

Cons:

  • The handle on the door does not stay attached.
  • The wheels need to be tightened quite a bit.
  • The wheels are a little large for some surfaces.

Kamado Joe Big Joe II (Red) grill is the newest addition to the Kamado Joe family of pocket kamado grills. The Big Joe II is certified for Kamado Joe's USDA set of standards. It boasts the unique Kamado Joe adjustabe temperature control system which is a primary component to creating the perfect smoking and grilling experience.

This grill is made of advanced ceramics, sturdy stainless steel, and thick insulation. It has a stay-cool steel handle and a unique adjustable air intake system. The Big Joe II Charcoal Grill won the award for "Best Professional Four Burner Grill" from "Best Professional Grills of 2015."

5. Primo 7500 Charcoal Grill

Our rating: 8 / 10

Primo 7500 Charcoal Grill

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Pros:

  • Large cooking surface
  • It has a built-in thermometer

Cons:

  • The wooden handles can get pretty hot
  • The paint chips easily

Another great pick if you’re looking to upgrade to Kamado grill is this Primo 7500 Charcoal Grill. This grill may cost a little bit more, but it will last you a long time due to the superior quality of its construction.

This grill comes with a simple design, but it’s actually a pretty large surface that can hold up to 22 burgers.

The grill uses charcoal, and the stainless steel ashtray makes it easy to clean up after you’re done and get it ready to use again. The assembly of this model is quick and easy, and the large surface and heat control lets you smoke a large spread over the course of multiple hours easily.

6. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill

Our rating: 7 / 10

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill

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Pros:

  • Large enough for a whole family or a small party
  • The design makes it easy to assemble and clean for its size
  • Comes at a great price

If you want to get that steak just right, you need to have a big grill. The Classic II from Kamado Joe is a great example of how large you can go without compromising features.

This 18 inch charcoal grill has an easy to use damper and temperature gauge. The other fantastic feature of this BBQ is the large cooking area (800 sq. in.) and that it has a uniform temperature, which will allow you to cook that BBQ to perfection.

The charcoal grill has a steel and cast iron body with porcelain-enameled interior. The material make up will provide the excellent heat, which you need to cook food just right.

7. Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill

Our rating: 6 / 10

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill

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Pros:

  • Available in different sizes
  • Efficient controlling
  • Strong and durable
  • BBQ Guru iGrill3

One of the best things about the Broil King Keg 5000 cookers is the dual level cooking system, which allows you to use all accessories on the top shelf or keep it closed and place accessories on the bottom shelf.

It also features a direct lighting system which allows you to sear your meat right outside of the barbecue. It comes with a built-in tool rack for all of your grill tools.

It has a built-in drip pan for catching all your fat drippings and for easy clean-up. It also comes with a temperature gauge to see your grill’s temperature at a glance.

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

Our rating: 6 / 10

Kamado Joe Jr. KJ13RH Charcoal Grill 13.5 inch Blaze Red

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Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Easy to assemble
  • Very few plastic parts
  • No need for lighter fluid
  • Large cooking area
  • Better than ceramic grills

Cons:

  • Kamado Joe won't heat beyond 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • It's very heavy and you need to find a place to store it
  • Not compatible for use with gas grills

The Kamado Joe is a small yet versatile charcoal grill that doesn’t need charcoal starter (which means no lighter fluid taste). It can go up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using a combination of lump, ceramic briquettes, and herbaceous wood. It’s ideal for cooking a variety of different foods and is hands down one of the best kamado grills you can own.

This little kamado grill comes with a side table, a storage shelf, and instructions. It can be used as both a smoker and a grill, although the kamado does not have enough airflow to work well in cold weather. It’s constructed out of ceramic and has minimal parts made of plastic.

9. Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker

Our rating: 5 / 10

Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker

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Pros:

  • Ceramic Coating
  • Adjustable temperature settings
  • 112 square inches of cooking area

Cons:

  • Dust can be a bit problematic
  • Takes a bit of time to heat up

Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ is a 22-inch kamado grill, which is the largest kamado grill on our list. The Pit Boss 71220 comes with lots of innovative features such as a removable ceramic lid, quick-start ignition, metal mesh storage and dishwasher safe grilling accessories. It also comes with a temperature gauge on the front panel to monitor the temperature.

It features 557 square inches of cooking space and weighs 128 pounds. You can easily control the temperature of the grill with the sliding dampers as you go from high to low temperature settings. It is a highly durable grill, but it is recommended that you avoid temperatures greater than 375 degrees.

The Pit Boss 71220 Kamado grill can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can be high, but since the grill is ceramic, it is actually very efficient with fuel consumption. Since this grill is mostly interior, it is very easy to cook food indoors during bad weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Kamado grill is the best?

There are many different styles of Kamado Grills. It is the best for any person who is looking for a grill that is very versatile, able to reach high temperatures and prepare virtually any type of food. The Kamado will do one thing, master grilling or roasting.

If you are a master of the grill, think about getting a Kamado. It’s worth the cost and the kamado will last you a lifetime. There is nothing on the market like a Kamado. It is a barbecue that is made in Japan out of clay. You can modify your Kamado to be used for all different cooking styles, grilling, baking, smoking, and roasting and you will have the ability to cook anything on it.

What is a Kamado?

Are Kamado grills worth the money?

Compared to a regular grill, Kamado grills are expensive because they use a heat radiation technology called “air convection”. This allows for an even heat distribution and eliminates hotspots. It means that you can cook your food evenly from all sides.

The advantage of the Kamado grill is that it heats up slowly, and once it reaches the optimal temperature, it retains it for a long while. This is a great help for people who’ve got plans for a multi-hour grilling session.

Besides, a Kamado grill’s insulating properties also help preserve the flavors of meat, fish, and vegetables. Furthermore, most Kamado grills are made of materials that are not prone to rusting and are of high quality.

Which vision grill is best?

The vision grill offers a large cooking area in comparison to other kamados in the market today. It is versatile enough to be used as a main cooking appliance or as an extra grill if you have a larger grill. The Vision is very easy to assemble. You can be cooking your meal in just no time! The Vision has a unique configuration which increases the ventilation system and the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber of the grill. This results in lower fuel usage and lowers the time you need to keep the grill at the right temperature. It cooks evenly and for a long time and maintains the heat well. This grill is definitely a great investment.

Is Kamado Joe as good as Big Green Egg?

Kamado Joe is the little brother of Big Green Egg. Just like Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe is a ceramic cooker. Both are solid and heavy.

Good news for Kamado Joes! The price of Kamado Joe is in a different league than Big Green Egg. Kamado Joe is less than half the price of Big Green Egg.

Big Green Egg is bigger, heavier, and more capable than Kamado Joe, but it’s also more expensive. Kamado Joe is lighter, a little smaller, and cheaper than Big Green Egg. So if someone is looking for a decent kamado cooker at a good price, then Kamado Joe could be the best choice.

What is the difference between Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe?

Here is a full comparison between Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that having a high-quality grill is a great asset in any barbecue enthusiast’s arsenal. Everyone has different preferences, and one size does not fit all! It is where we come in. Our mission is to assist everyone with breaking down the confusion of which grill is good for them. You will be able to see which ones fit your taste, features, and order it in time for summer.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
PIT BOSS 76250 Heat DeflectorBest OverallPIT BOSS 76250 Heat Deflector
Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal GrillBudget PickChar-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill
Kamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal GrillUpgrade PickKamado Joe BJ24RHC Big Joe II Charcoal Grill