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Buying guide

Best kamado BBQs

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    London Sunshine 15 in kamado: 33.5 cm grate on a stand

    The 33.5 cm stainless grate has a folding side so you can add charcoal mid-cook.

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  • Best value

    Char-Griller Akorn Jr: triple-wall steel, 16.2 kg

    The body is insulated steel rather than ceramic, which matters if it will travel in a car boot.

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  • Most features

    London Sunshine 13 in tabletop kamado: gasket and vents

    A glass fibre gasket, cast iron top vent and stainless bottom vent are all listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A kamado is an egg-shaped charcoal grill with thick walls and a tight lid. Because the body holds heat so well, it can smoke at low temperatures for hours on a small amount of charcoal, then run hot enough for pizza or a seared steak by opening the vents. Most are ceramic, which is heavy but stable; some use insulated steel instead, which is lighter and less fragile. What separates a good kamado is the grill diameter for the number of people you cook for, the wall thickness and gasket that keep heat in, the stand or cart it sits on, and how heavy it is to move. This guide compares five kamados in sizes from 12 inches upward, by grill diameter, body, weight, stand and the temperature range each maker states. All facts come from the listings; where a listing leaves out a figure we say so.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · London Sunshine

London Sunshine 15 in kamado: 33.5 cm grate on a stand

A 15 inch ceramic kamado on a four-leg stand with stainless steel grates and a 33.5 cm cooking area. The largest grate in this guide, for cooking for three or four people.

In its favour

  • The 33.5 cm stainless grate has a folding side so you can add charcoal mid-cook.
  • A sturdy four-leg stand with handles is included, so it stands at working height.
  • The stated range of 82 to 399 °C covers slow smoking through to high-heat searing.

Good to know

  • At 42 kg it is heavy to move once set up.
  • The listing does not mention a gasket or a lid thermometer.
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Listing title: London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Barbecue Grill 15 Inch with St...

No. 2 · London Sunshine

London Sunshine 13 in tabletop kamado: gasket and vents

A 13 inch ceramic tabletop kamado with a glass fibre gasket, thermometer, cast iron top vent and a steel stand. A well-specified choice for two people or a small patio.

In its favour

  • A glass fibre gasket, cast iron top vent and stainless bottom vent are all listed.
  • The body and lid arrive pre-assembled, so setup is just the handles and stand.
  • Bamboo handles and a steel stand make it easier to place on a table.

Good to know

  • The 11 inch cooking grate is small for more than two or three people.
  • The maker warns it must not be carried while hot, so plan where it will live.
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Listing title: London Sunshine Ceramic BBQ Charcoal Kamado Grill 13 inch Portable Tab...

No. 3 · Char-Griller

Char-Griller Akorn Jr: triple-wall steel, 16.2 kg

A kamado-style grill with a triple-walled insulated steel body instead of ceramic, 155 sq in of cooking space and side handles. Lighter and less fragile than ceramic for trips away.

In its favour

  • The body is insulated steel rather than ceramic, which matters if it will travel in a car boot.
  • At 16.2 kg with side handles it is easy to take camping or to a picnic.
  • A stated 200 to 700 °F range (93 to 371 °C) covers smoking and searing.

Good to know

  • The 155 sq in cooking area is small for a family meal.
  • The listing does not describe a stand, gasket or thermometer.
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Listing title: Char-Griller E6714 AKORN Jr. Kamado, Ash Portable Charcoal Grill, Juni...

No. 4 · DAHAD

DAHAD 13 in ceramic kamado: 20 mm wall, thermometer

A 13 inch ceramic kamado with a 20 mm thick wall, built-in thermometer and bamboo handles, made from ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron. Suits a small patio for two to four.

In its favour

  • A ceramic wall of about 20 mm is listed for insulation and even heat.
  • A built-in thermometer shows the dome temperature without lifting the lid.
  • The 32 cm tray is larger than the 11 inch grate on the London Sunshine 13 inch.

Good to know

  • At 31.5 kg it is heavy for a model sold as portable.
  • The listing does not describe the stand, gasket or vent materials.
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Listing title: 13" Ceramic Kamado BBQ Grill, Portable Charcoal Barbecue Smoker Oven w...

No. 5 · AUPLEX

AUPLEX 12 in ceramic kamado: folding legs, 7.5 kg

A small 12 inch ceramic charcoal grill with folding legs and a stainless steel finish, sold for camping, picnics and the patio. The lightest kamado in this guide by a wide margin.

In its favour

  • At 7.5 kg it is by far the lightest kamado here and easy to carry.
  • Folding legs make it compact to store and transport.
  • The ceramic body is designed to retain heat and spread it evenly, according to the maker.

Good to know

  • The listing gives no temperature range, grate size, vents or thermometer details.
  • At 17.5 cm tall it is a shallow cooker better suited to grilling than big joints.
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Listing title: 12 Inch Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Folding Legs Mini/Small S...

More buying guides: Kamado grills

Char and Smoke chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.