For almost 3,000 years kamado grills have been used, though it’s only in far more recent years that the egg-shaped BBQs have really taken off on a more global scale.
Although they’re generally more expensive than standard charcoal grills and will require some getting used to, they’re an absolute game-changer, particularly renowned for their versatility.
Why should I buy a kamado grill?
Modelled on traditional Chinese and Indian cooking ovens and urns, kamado-style grills likely originated in China, but became standard in Japan and have since been widely associated with the country. Nowadays, however, kamado grills are manufactured all over the world, with The Big Green Egg widely credited as being the first modern-day kamado, made in the United States during the 1970s. The Big Green Egg remains one of the most popular models, though many different brands also produce high quality kamado grills, with a wide range of varying features and in different materials.
Most modern kamado grills are made using ceramic. These thick ceramic walls provide unrivalled insulation, making it easy to hold both very high and very low temperatures, while retaining moisture. The tall dome-shaped lids also allow plenty of airflow, which is crucial for temperature control. As such, kamados are perfect for classic grilling, but also for smoking, roasting, baking and doubling up as pizza ovens, able to reach heights of around 315oC and above. The sides and domes also absorb heat and radiate it so the pizza can cook properly from above.
This versatility is just one of the things that makes kamado grills so attractive, but they’ll also last for years if properly looked after.
Key considerations for cooking on a kamado grill
Once mastered, kamado cooking is an absolute joy, but some key considerations do need to be taken into account, especially if you’re used to cooking using a standard charcoal or gas BBQ. While the ceramic is arguably the main draw, ceramic is of course more fragile than steel. As such, if ceramic kamado grills are dropped or knocked over, they can crack or even shatter. If heated too quickly, they can also crack.
When washing a ceramic kamado grill, it’s crucial to remember that the inside ceramic is porous and will absorb water, which can lead to cracking. The best way to clean a kamado after use is to heat it to its highest temperature and leave it to run for around 30 minutes, then remove any ash before the next use. For the outside, carefully wipe with a microfibre cloth and a gentle detergent mixed with water.
Lighter fluid should always be avoided. Instead us a natural firelighter, or even a chimney or electric starter.
It’s also worth investing in a decent BBQ cover and storing your kamado inside a garage or shed during autumn and winter to prevent elemental damage.
What to look for when buying a kamado grill
When buying a kamado grill, some of the key things to consider are material, size and cost.
While ceramic kamado grills are amongst the most popular, double- or triple-insulated steel options are becoming more readily available. These are more lightweight than ceramic options, but won’t necessarily last as long or boast the same level of insulation. They are easier to look after, however, which may be of interest.
Kamado grills can be huge, but it’s worth noting that the round or oval shape will offer less cooking space than a traditional charcoal BBQ. If you plan on using your kamado to cook for groups, invest in a larger option (ideally with a rack that’s at least 18-inches in diameter), but if you intend on cooking for yourself, a couple or even a small family, a more compact option may be better suited. Mini options are also perfect for portability (although still quite heavy).
Cost is also a key consideration. Some of the big name kamado BBQs will set you back thousands of pounds, and that’s without any real add-ons of note. Some of the more expensive options do come with accessories such as side tables, extra grates and even pizza stones and tools. Consider exactly what you need, and work out the cost of the additional extras on their own. Buying a bundle may work out far more economical in the long run.
Think about ventilation as how you control the heat of your grill relies on ventilation systems. Some are entirely manual, others have specific temperature control settings. What’s best for you is a matter of personal preference. Ideally look for a kamado with a chimney vent that opens fully, which will allow far more airflow. This is useful if you intend on cooking at high temperatures (searing, pizza, etc.)
How we tested the best kamado grills
Testing the best kamado BBQs is an intense experience, considering their functionality and ability to cook at different temperatures. For each kamado, we considered ease of use, assembly, portability and ease of movement, temperature control, airflow and value for money. For each test, we used the same brand of lump charcoal and quickly seared a cauliflower over high heat and slowly smoked a rack of marinated pork ribs.
Best kamado grills at a glance:
- Best overall: Tower Kamado XL Ceramic BBQ - £899.99, Tower
- Best for innovation: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III - £2,149, Amazon
- Best for traditional kamado enthusiasts: Large Big Green Egg - £1,375, Big Green Egg
- Best for huge cookouts: Weber Summit® Kamado S6 Charcoal Grill Centre - £2,329, Weber
- Best for portability: Landmann Kamado Mini - £199.99, Landmann
- Best for beginners: Urban Chef Kamado BBQ Compact - £279, Dobbies
- Best for mid-priced option: Harbour Lifestyle Kamado Ceramic Grill - £799, Harbour Lifestyle
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Tower Kamado XL Ceramic BBQ
Best for: overall
When discussing kamado BBQ brands, Tower isn’t one that generally comes up. The Tower Kamado XL is an absolute game-changer, however. The BBQ has the versatility and quality of more popular brands, but offers excellent value when compared to its direct competitors, at under £1,000 for the egg-shaped grill, stainless steel stand and wooden side shelves.
With an 18.4-inch grilling surface, the barbecue is large enough to cater for around 6-9 people, with a decent airflow vent, fully opening on top of the grill for increased airflow that’s crucial for reaching temperatures high enough to make pizza or for heavy searing. Soft touch handles and a lid dampener are nice details, while the 360-degree wheels make it easy to move around regardless of its weight. The BBQ comes with a sturdy weatherproof cover, and while a heat deflector would be appreciated, they’re fairly easy to source without adding too much onto the total cost.
Buy now £899.99, Tower
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
Best for: innovation
Arguably the second most popular kamado brand, after Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe produces innovative kamado grills. The Classic Joe III is the trademark grill, having recently seen an update from the version II.
As well as being well-made and durable, the SloRoller feature is what really sets the Classic III apart. Billed as a ‘hyperbolic smoke chamber’, the hourglass-shaped metal contraption sits over the fire and functions as both a deflector and convection aid. Ultimately it prevents radiant heat from striking food sitting above, preventing the meat from drying out during long cooking times.
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III also comes with a sturdy stand, flip-up side tables, a set of ceramic heat deflectors, an ash tool, a charcoal basket, an air-lift hinge and a three-tier divide and conquer system for creating different grilling and temperature zones. The set-up of pros.
Buy now £2149.00, Amazon
Large Big Green Egg
Best for: traditional kamado enthusiasts
The company generally considered responsible for beginning the modern-day kamado craze, Big Green Egg has garnered a cult following, and for good reason. The brand offers a huge range of kamado grills and stands, plus myriad accessories, with all of the grills being well-built and having outstanding temperature performance, heat retention and stability.
Many sizes are offered, but the large is ideal for home BBQs, with the 18-inch cooking diameter suitable to catering for around 6-9 people. Although excellent, Big Green Eggs are expensive, however, and the stands (which are essential) are sold separately, with nests starting from around £300, as are most of the accessories. Convectors are included as standard, as is a stainless steel grate.
Buy now £1375.00, Big Green Egg
Weber Summit Kamado S6 Charcoal Grill Centre
Best for: huge cookouts
Weber has recently entered the kamado market, with a number of kamado-style grills. At the top end, the Weber Summit Kamado S6 Charcoal Grill Centre is an absolute beast, featuring a grill and a cart which doubles up as a very useful work station.
It’s worth noting, however, that some kamado purists may have an issue with the Weber Summit Kamado. First off, there’s the gas ignition, which makes the somewhat laborious task of lighting coals an absolute breeze. While this does make the whole process easier, some are resistant to give-in to the convenience. It’s a matter of personal preference, but this is by no means a gas grill, it’s a quick-ignite charcoal grill.
The other issue may arise with the grill’s appearance. Looking more like one of Weber’s famous kettle BBQs, the Summit is constructed from porcelain-enamelled steel, without any ceramic. The dual-wall kettle is air insulated however and efficiently holds heat. The grill also has a huge 24-inch diameter, making it perfect for large cookouts.
Other handy features include the ash drawer, which is a nice touch, the fuel grate that can be raised and lowered, the stainless steel diffuser plate that eliminates hot spots, and the cart, which is easy to move around thanks to two large rolling wheels and two locking casters.
Buy now £2329.00, Weber
Landmann Kamado Mini
Best for: portability
Landmann’s Kamado Mini is a smaller version of the brand’s larger grill, constructed with ceramic to provide the heat retention and constant temperatures expected from kamado grills. While the surface cooking area is very small, at around 27cm, the Kamado Mini is a great portable option (albeit still fairly heavy), or for cooking for just one or two people.
While the cooking area is small, the ceramic and high-quality sealing helps to prevent heat loss, so it’s easy to cook in stages. A cast-iron valve in the lid and a thermometer are also included in the cooking chamber, along with an additional ventilation hatch for enhanced airflow control.
Buy now £199.99, Landmann
Urban Chef Kamado BBQ Compact
Best for: beginners
A high-quality ceramic kamado with a built-in thermometer, this grill from Urban Chef is a compact model, slightly bigger than the mini, but nowhere near as big as the larger kamado grills featured. As such, the grill is still fairly portable, but also well-suited to cooking for small numbers of people.
The BBQ comes with a plate setter for two-zone cooking and a cover, but without the extras expected from some of the other brands. Nonetheless, at this price point, it’s a great option for beginners and as a second grill for kamado enthusiasts (perfect as a backup, even for just heating charcoal, without taking up too much space).
Buy now £279.00, Dobbies
Harbour Lifestyle Kamado Ceramic Grill
Best for: mid-priced option
Harbour Lifestyle’s Kamado Ceramic Grill is a decent, less expensive take on the more famous brands’ offerings. Crafted from well-insulated ceramic, the grill has decent vents and a built-in thermometer, also coming with folding prep wing tables, a fire box and a stand with wheel locks.
The grill cooks very well and is versatile, with a large 22-inches of cooking area, though after time the lid closure isn’t as perfect as desired, with the catch not holding quite as tightly as we would have liked. It’s not the biggest of gripes, but definitely something to consider. Otherwise it’s a very credible alternative to the more expensive options from some of the bigger, more well-renowned brands.
Buy now £799.00, Harbour Lifestyle
Verdict
While so many excellent kamado grills are now available, the Tower Kamado XL Ceramic BBQ is a real stand out. Sure, it doesn’t necessarily have all of the fancy bells and whistles as some of the considerably more expensive models, but it more than does the job – excelling in high-quality cooking at both high and low temperatures, while also boasting ease of use, durability and value for money.
