Kamados are the best charcoal grills to slow cook smoky and tasty meals. Read on to find out why.
Kamado charcoal grills are some of the best in the world. These grills are known for their signature egg shape and a highly efficient grilling-smoking experience. Their steel and ceramic build offer excellent heat retention for slow cooking with delicious results. Here are some top picks of Kamados based on several features.
Best Kamado Charcoal Grill- A Comparison
| Best Kamado Charcoal Grill | Best For | Cooking Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamado Classic Joe III | Best Overall | 510 sq. in | Check price |
| Kamado Weber Performer Charcoal Grill | Best Budget | 363 sq. in | Check price |
| Kamado Primo Oval LG 300 | Best Shape | 300 sq. in | Check price |
Best Kamado Charcoal Grill Reviews
Kamado Classic Joe III Charcoal Grill – Best Overall
- Premium 18″ ceramic grill with heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels.
- Patent pending SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber - The first of its kind, the revolutionary SlōRoller leverages Harvard science that transforms a Kamado Joe into one of the world’s most optimal smokers. By distributing smoke and heat in rolling, recirculating waves, the SlōRoller surrounds food in clouds of delicious smoke while evenly distributing heat—resulting in enhanced flavor and significantly reduced hot spots.
- 3-Tier Divide & Conquer - Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures—all at the same time.
The Kamado Classic Joe III has a patented SlōRoller hyperbolic smoke chamber that controls heat and smoke airflow to deliver tasty food. This heavy-duty grill offers temperatures ranging between 500- 750 degrees. You can replace the SlōRoller with heat deflector plates if you want to sear your food perfectly. Cook multiple foods like roasts, grills, and smokes in this three-tiered grill. The grill has an inbuilt thermometer and a top vent that controls smoke and heat.
Pros
- Accessories like a rotisserie can customize your cooking experience
- Reaches high cooking temperatures easily
- Best for smoking
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
- Assembly time is too long
Kamado Weber Performer Charcoal Grill- Best Budget
- 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with a cooking area of 363 square inch
- Gourmet BBQ System hinged cooking grate. Tool hooks: 3
- Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with removable, high-capacity, aluminum ash catcher
The Kamado Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is the best buy on a budget. It’s easy to assemble and has a work table with a side hook for cooking tools. The grill has an inbuilt thermometer and a Tuck-Away lid holder to avoid placing it on the ground. Its cooking grate is compatible with Weber’s Gourmet Barbecue System.
Pros
- Short assembly time of around 45 minutes
- Accessories make the grill customizable
Cons
- No handle makes it difficult to move around
Kamado Primo Oval LG 300 Charcoal Grill- Best Shape
The oval shape of the Primo Oval LG 300 Charcoal Grill is more efficient than round Kamados. Its patented oval design gives you two distinct zones to cook different dishes simultaneously. The carted grill has a cast iron top vent and an inbuilt thermometer. You can use an optional rack that adds 195 inches to the grill’s cooking space. This grill is great for parties because you can cook various foods like twelve burgers, six chickens, and a whole turkey at once.
Pros
- Extendable cooking space
- Easy-lift hinge system
- Saves cooking time
Cons
- Low maximum cooking temperatures of 500 degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best charcoal for Kamado grills?
Lump charcoal is ideal since it’s easy to clean, light, and burns slowly at high temperatures.
Can you use briquettes in a Kamado grill?
Yes. Notably, charcoal briquettes are less efficient, produce a lot of messy ash, and put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Conclusion
Kamado charcoal grills are the best for grilled-food lovers. Based on your preferences and budget, the charcoal grills we reviewed above are among the best Kamados in the market today.