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Buying guide

Best small kamados for balconies and camping

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: largest grate, on a stand

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

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Char-Griller Akorn Jr: light insulated steel kamado

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

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    London Sunshine 13 in: tabletop ceramic with gasket

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

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A small kamado gives you the same low and slow smoking and high heat searing as a full-size egg, in a body that fits a balcony, a small patio or the boot of a car. The catch is weight: ceramic holds heat brilliantly but is heavy, so a 13 inch ceramic model can still weigh more than 20 kg. Steel kamados are lighter but rely on insulated double or triple walls. What separates a good small kamado is the grate size for two to four people, how easily it moves (handles, folding legs or a light body), and whether it has a thermometer, gasket and proper vents to control the fire. This guide compares five compact kamados with grills under about 40 cm across, ranked for small spaces and travel, using only what each listing states.

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: largest 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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Barbecue Grill 15 Inch with St...

No. 2 · London Sunshine

London Sunshine 13 in: tabletop ceramic with gasket

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: London Sunshine Ceramic BBQ Charcoal Kamado Grill 13 inch Portable Tab...

No. 3 · Char-Griller

Char-Griller Akorn Jr: light insulated steel kamado

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Char-Griller E6714 AKORN Jr. Kamado, Ash Portable Charcoal Grill, Juni...

No. 4 · DAHAD

DAHAD 13 in: 32 cm tray and built-in 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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: 13" Ceramic Kamado BBQ Grill, Portable Charcoal Barbecue Smoker Oven w...

No. 5 · AUPLEX

AUPLEX 12 in: 7.5 kg ceramic with folding legs

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

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.