If you are someone who grills regularly, you might be interested in getting a Kamado grill. The term is derived from the Japanese word for “stove” or “cooking range”. The ceramic, charcoal-fueled grills have many uses such as smoking, baking, and roasting, in addition to grilling. Are they worth it? Well, that depends on how much you’ll use it. Yes, upfront it may cost you a pretty penny, but their versatility is unmatched. Most people who purchase kamados wind up using them all the time because they do such a good job with pretty much any kind of cooking you throw at them! Here are some of the best Kamado grills.
Big Green Egg, Large
Big Green Egg is the most popular brand of Kamado in the US today, and it’s often viewed as the industry standard. With a 262 sq. in. cooking area, the Large Egg can cook up to 8 steaks, a 20-pound turkey or 12 burgers at once! Do not be confused with the fragility of the eggs you might find in a grocery store carton, this unit weighs a sturdy 162 lbs. The thick walls of this grill store more heat than regular charcoal grills, allowing it to radiate around the food as it cooks. “Eggheads” will tell you that it’s those same thick walls that make the BGE so efficient.
VISION Grills Ceramic Kamado
The Vision Grill offers you an impeccable cooking experience. It includes an integrated, easy-to-read thermometer with cooking temperature zones, and this is the only unit on the market with a setup for an electric charcoal igniter—a super convenient feature. It’s very user-friendly, despite what you might think when you see the price tag. Assembly is a snap, but you’ll want to grab a buddy before trying to lift this grill off the ground.
Kamado Joe Classic III 18-Inch
Considered the Rolls Royce of Kamados by some loyal devotees, the Kamado Joe Classic III will meet your high expectations, as it has a well-built design and houses the most important features of any Kamado-style grill. Its unique Divide & Conquer cooking system let you do just that: cook various foods at different temperatures. Composed of a 3-tiered rack that holds up to four additional half-moon grates, this unit allows for a larger cooking area up to 510 sq. inches. From chicken to pork to brisket – you’ll be making some of the best meals you have ever eaten on the Classic Joe III!
Weber Summit 24-Inch Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill
If quality and longevity are values you look for in a grill, check out the Summit Kamado by Weber. The 24″ stainless steel cooking grate gives you plenty of space to add up to 2 big briskets and the option to add a third with the stainless-steel extension rack. You’ll love all the accessories for it too: the pizza stone, griddle, wok, and poultry roaster make this kamado the most versatile in its class. Also, the easy cleaning system makes cleaning ashes a breeze, versus others smoker grills where you must scoop out ash or dump it by flipping it over.
Blaze 20-Inch Cast Aluminum Kamado Grill on Stainless Steel Cart
Made from one-inch-thick solid cast aluminum, the Blaze Kamado offers superior durability and outstanding temperature control. Its heavy-duty, 12mm thick 304 stainless steel cooking grate retains heat and helps you achieve an excellent sear. This unit is basically an all-in-one because its deluxe cart beneath the grill features an enclosed cabinet, shelves and hooks keep supplies conveniently located—and the casters allow you to effortlessly reposition and lock your grill in place as needed.