Why are kamado grills so expensive?

The ceramic itself

A kamado's body is a thick ceramic shell, glazed on the outside, moulded and fired in a kiln. Large ceramic pieces need careful moulding, slow drying and controlled firing to avoid cracks, and some are rejected along the way. Inside sit a firebox and fire ring, also ceramic, that face direct heat and thermal shock every cook.

That ceramic is what lets a kamado hold steady temperatures for many hours on very little charcoal and shrug off cold weather. It is also the main reason kamados cost more than steel grills, which are stamped and enamelled at high speed.

Weight, shipping and storage

Kamados are very heavy for their size, and ceramic must be packed carefully to avoid breakage. Moving them from factory to warehouse to retailer to your home costs far more than shipping a steel kettle of a similar size. Retailers also need space to store and display them. Our Kamado Joe sizes and weights article gives a sense of the mass involved.

Heavy lids need strong hinges and steel bands. Spring-assisted hinges, such as Kamado Joe's Air Lift hinge, add cost but make a heavy lid safe and easy to open.

What the price includes

Prices are hard to compare because brands bundle different parts. Some sell the bare cooker and charge separately for the stand, side shelves and heat deflector, which you need for low and slow cooking. Others include a cart, shelves, deflector plates and extra racks in the box. Always compare like for like.

Warranty, dealers and brand

Big Green Egg sells through a network of authorised dealers in the UK, and both it and Kamado Joe offer long warranties on ceramic parts. Dealer support, replacement parts and owner communities add value but also cost. Some of the price is simply brand: the Big Green Egg in particular has a strong following and holds its value second-hand.

Check warranty terms on the maker's UK site, as cover differs for ceramic, metal parts and the gasket, and some require registration or purchase from an authorised dealer.

Where cheaper kamados cut corners

Lower-priced kamados from brands such as Kamado Bono, Monolith's entry models or supermarket specials can cook very well, but check these points: thinner or less consistent ceramic that may crack; basic hinges without spring assistance; felt gaskets that wear quickly; bands and vents that rust; and missing parts such as a deflector or stand. Small kamados with grates under 40 cm are also much cheaper simply because they use less ceramic.

Our is a Big Green Egg worth it article weighs the premium against alternatives, and Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe compares the two best-known brands. If a kamado's price is hard to justify, our best charcoal BBQs guide and best charcoal smokers guide cover cheaper ways to grill and smoke.

Note:Whatever you spend, lift a kamado with at least two people and use a stand or cart rated for its weight. A dropped kamado can crack and cause injury.

See the best charcoal BBQs →

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Big Green Egg so expensive? Ceramic manufacture, weight, a dealer network, a long warranty and strong brand demand all add to the price, and stands and accessories are often extra.

Are cheap kamados any good? Many cook well. Check ceramic quality, hinge design, gasket, included parts and warranty before buying.

Does a kamado save money on fuel? It uses little charcoal on long cooks thanks to the sealed ceramic, but fuel savings alone rarely cover the price difference.

Do kamados last longer than steel BBQs? A well looked-after ceramic body can last many years. Metal parts and gaskets wear and need replacing.