If you want one charcoal cooker that can sear, smoke and bake with outstanding fuel efficiency, yes. If you mainly grill quickly a few times a month, a kettle grill delivers most of the flavor for a fraction of the price.
Hands-on reviews
Kamado Grill Reviews: What We’ve Tested So Far
Kamado grill reviews for every ceramic and steel kamado we tested, from Kamado Joe to the Char-Griller AKORN. Compared on searing, overnight smoking and value, so you know which is worth it.
- 5
- models tested
- 4.3/5
- average score
- October 25, 2026
- last updated
Full ranking
Every kamado grill we’ve tested, ranked by score
We ran each kamado through a 700°F sear, an overnight smoke at 225°F and a pizza bake. This is not yet a ranking of the whole category, and we have not tested a Big Green Egg.
01Best overall4.6Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe Classic Joe II 18"
Best for frequent cooks who want one grill for steaks, pizza and overnight smokes.
- Held 225°F for over 12 hours on one load of lump in our overnight pork shoulder test
- Passed 700°F in about 15 minutes from a cold start, hot enough for a hard steak crust and pizza
Skip it if: Tight budgets, small balconies, or anyone who moves the grill around.
250 sq in · Charcoal · tested 4 weeks
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02Best budget pick4.5Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe Classic Joe I
Best for first-time kamado buyers who want searing and long smokes from one grill.
- Held 225°F for over 10 hours on one load of lump in our overnight pork shoulder test
- Passed 700°F in about 15 minutes from cold, the same searing range we saw on the pricier Classic II
Skip it if: Anyone who needs a light, movable grill or a big grate.
250 sq in · Charcoal · tested 4 weeks
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03Most cooking space4.2VEVOR
VEVOR 18-Inch Ceramic Kamado
Best for families who want an 18-inch kamado with shelves and lift assist for less.
- Thick ceramic walls hold low smoking temperatures steadily on one load of lump
- Air-lift hinge holds the dome open at any angle and makes the lid easier to lift
Skip it if: Anyone who wants two-zone racks in the box or a long published warranty.
About 181 sq in · Charcoal · tested 4 weeks
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04Best value4.1Char-Griller
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado
Best for first-time kamado cooks who want a big grate and a light, crack-proof body.
- Triple-wall insulated steel holds low smoking temperatures well for the price
- Steel body won't crack from a knock or a cold start the way ceramic can
Skip it if: Anyone who wants ceramic-level heat holding in cold, wet weather for years.
445 sq in total · Charcoal · tested 4 weeks
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054.0London Sunshine
London Sunshine 15-Inch Ceramic Kamado
Best for couples and small households who want kamado cooking in a small space.
- Thick ceramic body holds low smoking temperatures steadily on one load of lump
- Reaches searing heat, with a maker-rated range of 180–750°F
Skip it if: Anyone who cooks for a crowd or wants two-zone racks in the box.
About 133 sq in · Charcoal · tested 3 weeks
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Buying advice
What matters when choosing a kamado grill
Kamados hold heat exceptionally well, so they use little charcoal and stay steady for overnight smokes.
- 01
Ceramic quality and gasket seal
A kamado is only as good as its seal. Thick, well-fired ceramic and a durable gasket let you hold low temperatures for 12+ hours on a single load of lump charcoal.
- 02
Ceramic vs steel kamado
Traditional kamados are thick ceramic: heavy (often 150 lb+), superb at holding heat, but they can crack if dropped or heated too fast from cold. Steel or insulated double-wall kamados are lighter and will not crack, but they generally hold heat less well than thick ceramic. Four of the models we have tested are ceramic; the Char-Griller AKORN is our tested steel kamado.
- 03
Hinge and lid assist
Ceramic lids are heavy. A spring or air-lift hinge makes opening the dome safe and one-handed — a big quality-of-life difference on cheaper models.
- 04
Size
18-inch kamados are the most popular all-rounders; larger models add capacity for big cooks but use more fuel and weigh 250+ lb.
- 05
Accessories and multi-zone systems
Divide-and-conquer racks, heat deflectors and pizza stones turn a kamado into a smoker, oven and searing station. Check what is included versus sold separately.
Budget
What each price tier gets you
Entry
Under $900
Smaller or simpler kamados with basic hinges and fewer accessories.
5 tested · top scorer: Kamado Joe Classic Joe II 18"
Mid-range
$900–$1,500
Premium ceramics, lid assist, multi-zone systems and carts included.
We haven’t tested a model in this tier yet.
Premium
$1,500+
Larger sizes, upgraded ventilation and digital fan controllers.
We haven’t tested a model in this tier yet.
Who should skip a kamado grill
If you want to cook a quick dinner minutes after getting home, a gas grill is faster. If you need to move the grill often, a kamado’s weight is a problem.
If you want hands-off smoking, a pellet grill is easier. For a cheaper way into charcoal, start with a kettle from our charcoal grill reviews.
Go deeper
Kamado grill guides
The four guides that matter most if you own or are choosing a kamado grill.
Head to head10 minKamado Grill vs Regular GrillA ceramic kamado smokes and sears on one fire; gas is faster and a kettle is cheaper. Our test results show which fits how you cook.Read the guide 
Best-of guide21 minBest Charcoal GrillsSix hand-tested kettles, offsets and charcoal smokers matched to how you cook and how much you want to tend the fire.Read the guide 
How-to11 minCharcoal Grill Temperature ControlHow to set your vents and coals for smoking, roasting or searing, and how to fix a charcoal fire that runs too hot, too cold or won't hold steady.Read the guide 
How-to13 minSmoked Pork ShoulderThis guide takes pulled pork from shopping to shredding, covering the cut, rub, stall, wrap, rest, a cook-day timeline and fixes for dry pork.Read the guide
Quick answers
Kamado Grill FAQ
01Is a kamado grill worth it?
02Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg — which is better?
We have not tested a Big Green Egg, so we cannot compare how they cook. On paper, Kamado Joe’s Classic models ship with a cart, a split-level rack system and a lid-assist hinge in the base price, while the Egg is usually sold as the cooker alone with those parts as add-ons. Compare the total price of the setup you actually want.
03Is a kamado a good smoker?
Yes. Thick ceramic walls and a tight seal let a kamado hold 225–275°F for many hours on one load of lump charcoal. Use a heat deflector for indirect cooking and adjust the vents in small steps, because ceramic is slow to cool once it overshoots.
04Can a kamado crack in cold weather?
Ceramic can crack from thermal shock. Bring it up to temperature gradually in cold weather and keep it covered and dry.
05How long does a kamado take to heat up?
Roughly 15 to 30 minutes for smoking temperatures and longer for very high heat. Ceramic is slower to heat than steel, but holds that heat far longer.
06Can a kamado be left outside?
Yes, with a cover. Dry the inside after heavy rain before a high-heat cook, and protect a ceramic kamado from freezing water in cracks.
07Are kamados good for beginners?
Yes, if you’re patient. The steady temperatures are forgiving once you learn to make small vent changes and avoid overshooting.
Keep browsing
Other grill types we’ve ranked
Not set on a type yet? Start with our best grills overall, or see every category winner side by side.
