10 Best Kamado Grills 2025 in the United States

The Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile cooking device that combines the best of grilling and smoking. With a spacious cooking area of 447 square inches, it can accommodate up to 27 burgers at once, making it a suitable choice for gatherings or family cookouts. Its triple-walled steel insulated design helps maintain consistent temperatures, which is essential for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.

One of the standout features is its cast iron grates, known for excellent heat retention and even cooking. The grill's ease of use is enhanced by its adjustable dual dampers and built-in thermometer, allowing users to control the cooking temperature accurately. Additionally, the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan simplifies cleanup, which is a great convenience for regular users.

However, the grill weighs 97 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to maneuver despite its 8-inch locking caster wheels. While the grill is free-standing and comes with a bottom storage shelf and foldable side shelves, the number of racks is limited to one, which could be a downside for those looking to cook multiple types of food simultaneously.

The AKORN Kamado's build quality is robust, with alloy steel construction and a powder-coated finish that promises durability. That said, assembly is required, which may be a bit challenging for first-time users. Accessories like the grill cover and smoking stone are sold separately, which could add to the overall cost.

This grill’s strength lies in its versatility and sturdy build, making it suitable for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Potential buyers should consider its weight and the need for additional purchases to enhance its functionality.

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is a well-built ceramic charcoal grill designed for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want flexibility and durability. Its 18-inch size offers a decent 250 square inches of cooking space, making it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The thick ceramic construction retains heat efficiently and provides excellent temperature stability, which is essential for slow smoking or high-heat searing.

One standout feature is the advanced ventilation system, including the Kontrol Tower Top Vent, which allows precise airflow control from low-smoking temps around 225°F up to a sizzling 750°F. This makes it versatile for many cooking styles. The Air Lift Hinge reduces the dome’s weight, making it easier to open and close compared to traditional kamados. Additionally, the Divide & Conquer cooking system lets you cook different foods at once on multiple levels, adding to its flexibility. The included cart with locking wheels and side shelves improves mobility and workspace, which is helpful for outdoor setups. However, the grill is quite heavy at 232 pounds, meaning it’s less portable without the cart.

While the ceramic and cast iron materials boost durability, these grills can be more fragile if dropped or mishandled. Kamado Joe is known for solid build quality with good customer support. This grill suits users looking for a premium, versatile kamado that balances traditional ceramic heat retention with modern conveniences. If you want a reliable charcoal smoker and grill for year-round use and don’t mind its weight, this is a strong choice.

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill stands out with its robust steel construction and porcelain-enameled finish, ensuring durability and longevity. The dual-walled insulation is a significant advantage, offering precise temperature control and efficient heat retention, essential for both low and slow smoking and high-heat searing. The grill features a large 24-inch cooking area, making it suitable for feeding a crowd and allowing for versatile two-zone cooking setups. The adjustable grate and diffuser plate contribute to maintaining consistent temperatures, which are critical for smoking meats effectively.

The RapidFire lid damper facilitates quick temperature adjustments by boosting airflow, while the built-in lid thermometer is helpful for monitoring the cooking temperature. The One-Touch cleaning system simplifies post-cooking cleanup, a big plus for hassle-free maintenance. Additionally, the grill is part of the Gourmet BBQ System, though additional cookware is sold separately, which may be considered a downside by some users. Weighing 132 pounds, the grill is solid but may require effort to move around.

The build quality of the grill is impressive, though it does require assembly, which could be a minor inconvenience. For those looking for a high-quality, versatile charcoal grill with excellent temperature control and cooking area, the Weber Summit Kamado E6 is a strong contender.