The 9 Best Kamado Grills And Smokers To Buy In This Year

Grill & Chill Table Big Green Egg / Kamado Joe / by RusticWoodWorX

Cover Grill & Chill Table Big Green Egg / Kamado Joe / by RusticWoodWorX (1500x844)

Table of Contents

1. What are the advantages of using a Kamado grill?
2. What are the best alternatives to the Big Green Egg?
3. How do Kamado grills work?
4. What are the key features to look for in a Kamado grill?
5. How to choose the right Kamado grill for your needs?

What are the advantages of using a Kamado grill?

Kamado grills have gained popularity among barbecue enthusiasts due to their unique design and excellent cooking capabilities. Here are some advantages of using a Kamado grill:

1. Versatility

A Kamado grill can be used for various cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, baking, and even pizza making. Its ability to maintain a consistent temperature makes it suitable for a wide range of recipes.

2. Temperature Control

One of the greatest advantages of Kamado grills is their ability to maintain a steady temperature for long periods. The ceramic construction and tight seal of these grills allow for precise control over the airflow, resulting in consistent heat distribution.

3. Fuel Efficiency

Kamado grills are known for their exceptional fuel efficiency. The thick ceramic walls of the grill retain heat, reducing the amount of charcoal needed for cooking. This not only saves money but also makes it easier to control the cooking process.

4. Moisture Retention

The ceramic construction of Kamado grills helps retain moisture in food, resulting in juicy and flavorful dishes. The grill's design prevents excessive drying, making it ideal for cooking meats, vegetables, and even desserts.

5. Durability

Kamado grills are built to last. The ceramic material used in their construction is highly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. With proper care, a Kamado grill can last for many years, providing consistent performance throughout its lifespan.

6. Enhanced Flavor

The unique combination of ceramic construction and airtight seal in Kamado grills helps enhance the flavor of food. The heat retention and even distribution ensure that every bite is infused with delicious smoky goodness.

7. Easy to Use

Despite their advanced features, Kamado grills are surprisingly easy to use. Once you understand the basics of temperature control and airflow adjustment, you can achieve consistent results with minimal effort.

8. Impressive Heat Range

Kamado grills can reach high temperatures, making them suitable for searing steaks or cooking pizzas at a blistering pace. They can also maintain low temperatures for slow smoking or roasting, giving you the flexibility to cook a wide variety of dishes.

9. Attractive Design

Kamado grills are not only practical cooking appliances but also add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Their sleek ceramic design and various color options make them a visually appealing addition to any backyard or patio.

10. Community and Support

Choosing a Kamado grill opens up a world of community and support. The popularity of these grills has led to the formation of online forums, social media groups, and local gatherings where enthusiasts share recipes, tips, and tricks.

Overall, the advantages of using a Kamado grill make it a top choice for barbecue lovers who seek superior cooking performance, versatility, and exceptional flavor.

What are the best alternatives to the Big Green Egg?

The Big Green Egg is undoubtedly a popular choice when it comes to Kamado grills, but there are several alternatives available that offer similar features and performance. Here are some of the best alternatives to the Big Green Egg:

1. Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe is a well-known brand that offers high-quality Kamado grills with excellent features and performance. They have a range of models, including the Classic, Big Joe, and Joe Jr., catering to different cooking needs and budgets. Kamado Joe grills are known for their durability, innovative features like the Divide & Conquer cooking system, and their extensive accessories lineup.

2. Primo Oval

The Primo Oval series is another popular alternative to the Big Green Egg. Primo grills feature an oval shape, which provides more cooking space compared to traditional round Kamado grills. They are known for their exceptional heat retention, versatility, and ability to cook with both direct and indirect heat. Primo grills also offer a wide range of accessories, such as a pizza stone, rib rack, and ash tool.

3. Vision Grills

Vision Grills offers a range of affordable Kamado grills that provide excellent performance and value for money. Their grills feature a ceramic construction, sturdy build quality, and a patented ProZone cooking system that allows for precise temperature control. Vision Grills also offer various accessories, such as a lava stone, electric starter, and grill cover.

4. Char-Griller Akorn

For those on a budget, the Char-Griller Akorn is a great alternative to the Big Green Egg. The Akorn features a steel construction with a triple-walled insulation design that provides excellent heat retention and durability. It also has a unique airflow control system that allows for precise temperature adjustments. The Char-Griller Akorn offers a large cooking surface and is available at a fraction of the price of other Kamado grills.

5. Broil King Keg

The Broil King Keg is a unique Kamado-style grill that combines the benefits of a Kamado with the convenience of a traditional charcoal grill. It features a double-walled steel construction with excellent heat retention and durability. The Broil King Keg also has a cast-iron cooking grate that provides excellent heat distribution and searing capabilities. It offers a range of accessories, such as a rib rack, pizza stone, and diffuser kit.

These are just a few of the best alternatives to the Big Green Egg. Each brand offers its own unique features and benefits, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a Kamado grill.

How do Kamado grills work?

Kamado grills are unique cooking devices that have been used for centuries. They are designed to retain heat and provide excellent temperature control, making them suitable for various cooking methods. Here's a closer look at how Kamado grills work:

1. Ceramic Construction

Kamado grills are typically made of high-quality ceramic material. The ceramic construction helps retain heat, allowing for consistent cooking and temperature control. The thick walls of the grill absorb heat and radiate it evenly, creating a stable cooking environment.

2. Airflow Control

Kamado grills have adjustable vents at the bottom and top, allowing for precise control over the airflow. By adjusting the vents, you can regulate the amount of oxygen that enters the grill, thus controlling the temperature. Opening the vents increases the airflow and raises the temperature, while closing them reduces the airflow and lowers the temperature.

3. Charcoal as Fuel

Kamado grills use lump charcoal or charcoal briquettes as fuel. Lump charcoal is the preferred choice for many enthusiasts due to its natural composition and ability to reach high temperatures quickly. Charcoal briquettes, on the other hand, provide a longer burn time and more consistent heat.

4. Heat Retention and Distribution

The ceramic construction of Kamado grills helps retain heat, making them incredibly efficient and fuel-efficient. The heat is distributed evenly throughout the grill, ensuring that food cooks consistently. This allows for precise temperature control and eliminates hot spots.

5. Multi-Level Cooking

Kamado grills often come with multiple cooking grates or racks, allowing for multi-level cooking. You can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, making it convenient for preparing a complete meal. The ability to cook with both direct and indirect heat further enhances the versatility of Kamado grills.

6. Heat Deflector

Many Kamado grills come with a heat deflector or a ceramic plate that sits between the charcoal and the cooking grate. The heat deflector helps create a more indirect cooking environment, allowing for slow smoking, roasting, and baking. It prevents direct heat from reaching the food, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.

7. Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature in a Kamado grill is a combination of adjusting the airflow through the vents and monitoring the temperature gauge. By opening or closing the vents, you can increase or decrease the airflow, thus raising or lowering the temperature. The temperature gauge on the grill lid allows you to monitor the internal temperature accurately.

These are the basic principles behind how Kamado grills