# Best kamado BBQs

Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-kamado-bbq
Publisher: Char and Smoke. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/how-we-pick

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.

## Products

### 1. London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Barbecue Grill 15 Inch with Stand, Black

Grill diameter: 33.5 cm; Body: Ceramic, 0.8 in wall; Weight: 42 kg; Stand: 4-leg stand with side handles; Temperature range: 82 to 399 °C

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.

### 2. London Sunshine Ceramic BBQ Charcoal Kamado Grill 13 inch Portable Tabletop BBQ Grill with Stainless Steel Grates Black, Black

Grill diameter: 11 in (28 cm) grate; Body: Ceramic, 0.8 in wall; Weight: 22.6 kg; Stand: Steel stand, bamboo handles; Temperature range: 82 to 399 °C

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.

### 3. Char-Griller E6714 AKORN Jr. Kamado, Ash Portable Charcoal Grill, Junior

Grill diameter: Not stated (155 sq in); Body: Triple-walled insulated steel; Weight: 16.2 kg; Stand: Not stated; Temperature range: 93 to 371 °C

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.

### 4. 13" Ceramic Kamado BBQ Grill, Portable Charcoal Barbecue Smoker Oven with Built-in Thermometer, Thick Wall Heat Retention, Stainless Steel & Cast Iron, Outdoor Mini Egg Grill for Patio Camping

Grill diameter: 12.6 in (32 cm) tray; Body: Ceramic, about 20 mm wall; Weight: 31.5 kg; Stand: Not stated; Temperature range: 10 to 427 °C

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.

### 5. 12 Inch Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Folding Legs Mini/Small Stainless Steel Kamado for Outdoor Camping Picnic Patio Backyard Meat Barbecue Cooking Food Grade BBQ Black

Grill diameter: 12 in model, grate not stated; Body: Ceramic; Weight: 7.5 kg; Stand: Folding legs; Temperature range: Not stated

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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