In the 1950s, the grill shape of choice was the kettle grill, made popular by none other than Weber. These days, grillers have a smorgasbord of grill shapes, configurations, and fuel sources to choose from, but the Kamado grill is arguably one of the most unique designs on the market today. And the concept isn’t just for looks—for some grillers, the shape is ideal for barbecuing food using a technique that’s centuries in the making.
But for most grilling enthusiasts, the Kamado grill is uncharted territory, so we want to shed some light on what these grills are, how they can be beneficial, and which models we think buyers should consider. Learn more inside as we spill all the secrets in this guide.
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Shop NowWhat is a Kamado Grill?
Before we get into some of our favorite Kamado grills on the market today, let’s do a deep dive into all things Kamado grills and grilling by answering some of the most basic questions you need to know before purchasing one of these specialty grills.
The History
Kamado grills have a long, interesting history that backs to ancient China in the Qin Dynasty, where they were used as rice cookers and called ayan-steamer. During the Kofun period in Japan, the original kamado grills were transported there. After years of trial and error and perfecting the design of these cooking vessels, the Kamado grill was equipped with grates so meats such as fish, poultry, and beef could be cooked using the setup.
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How Does a Kamado Grill Work?
Kamado grills are egg-shaped and ideal for direct and indirect cooking, which is traditionally fueled by charcoal. Working like a heating furnace, a kamado grill circulates hot air uniformly through the tank, creating an ideal environment for cooking meat, fish, and even vegetables. Thanks to the ceramic material used in kamado grills, they use less charcoal than traditional metal barbeque grills.
Due to the thickness of the ceramic, Kamado charcoal grills are more efficient at preventing heat loss, which concentrates the temperature as much as possible, quickly turning coals ash-red. Air flows evenly through the bottom of the vessel, constantly fueling charcoal with oxygen to maintain a live heat, then passing through the chimney at the top. The path of smoke from the bottom of a kamado grill the top also encourages smoke distribution, meaning smoked means cook particularly well in one of these grilling setups.
Lighting a Kamado Grill
To ensure the best cooking on a kamado grill, you will need to use high-quality lump charcoal, fire starters, or lighter cubes. You never want to use lighter fluid in a ceramic grill, because it can soak into the grill and create an unwanted odor when in use. Ideally, you want to fill the fire basket in your Kamado grill about 40% full, whether you are doing a slow, indirect cook or fast, hot grill. Using fire starters made of paraffin and sawdust is preferred, and allowing the charcoal to fully activate and create clear smoke will allow for the perfect grill, every time.
How Do Kamado Grills Compare to Other Grills?
As we said before, the best Kamado grills use less charcoal than metal barbeque grills, because they don’t have to compensate for heat loss. Coal creates air, and more air can create meat to dry out. Since Kamado grills use less charcoal, they also produce less air, making for the perfect, juiciest cuts of meat right off the grill.
Kamado Grill vs Gas Grill
Gas grills use propane or natural gas and can reach levels of 300–600 degrees Fahrenheit and are best for grilling or searing. On the other hand, Kamado grills reach temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit and create the perfect environment for grilling, searing, roasting, smoking, and even baking, such as making a Neapolitan pizza in a kamado grill.
Kamado Grill vs Pellet Grill
Both a pellet grill and Kamado grill share versatile cooking functions, like roasting, searing, smoking, and baking, but due to the construction of Kamado grills, they are superior in allowing for low and slow grilling, by keeping even heat throughout the full process. However, pellet grills tend to be easier for users to manage since they come with a self-feeding auger that feeds pellets into the heat source automatically. Some users prefer a pellet grill because of the size, too, and nowadays, manufacturers also offer flavored pellets that can be paired with proteins for one-of-a-kind smokey flavor.
Are Kamado Grills More Expensive Than Other Grills?
When investing in a Kamado grill, you can expect to spend anywhere from $800–$1,000, but you will quickly find that they are not your average backyard grill. Because of the premium ceramic material used in Kamado grills, they are more expensive the metal grills, but, like they say, you pay for what you get. Kamado grills interiors are unmatched for heat retention, and Kamado grills are also made to last a lifetime. So, though a Kamado grill costs more than a regular grill, with the proper upkeep and maintenance, the best Kamado grill can ensure years of grilling and outdoor gatherings.
Pros and Cons of Kamado Grills
Let’s look at the pros and cons of a Kamado grill.
Pros
Versatile Cooking
They offer versatile uses of cooking, including roasting, searing, baking, grilling, and smoking.
Easy to Clean
Easy to clean.
Wide Temperature Ranges
Wide temperature ranges can be sustained for a long period.
Durable Ceramic Materials
Ceramic materials last a long time and are very durable.
Juicy, Succulent Meats
The low airflow in Kamado grills makes for the juiciest, most succulent meats.
Cons
Not Recommended for Lighter Fluid
Lighter fluid or cleaning solvents are not recommended to be used in ceramic grills since they will absorb the fluid and create an odor.
Fragile Material
Ceramic is a fragile material and can be prone to fractures or cracks.
Specific Charcoal Required
A specific type of charcoal is required when cooking in a Kamado grill.
Cooking Zones Difficult to Create
Cooking zones are difficult to create in round Kamado grills, though oval-shaped ones can achieve this goal a little easier.
Our Top 5 Kamado Grills
Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into all things Kamado grills, we want to showcase some of the favorite models that we have in stock today. Each Kamado grill is unique in its features, but all have the same goal of creating premium cooks for any desired grilling experience. We will be looking at Kamado grill reviews, features, and sizes.
Broil King® Keg 5000 Freestanding Charcoal Grill-Metallic Charcoal Grey
Starting with this Broil King Kamado grill, we can see that it is finished in a striking Metallic Charcoal Grey color, with a wheeled base that is trailer hitch adaptable, as well as two removable side shelves. Enjoy 480 sq. in. of cooking surface, which includes 280 sq. inches of cast iron cooking grates. This Kamado grill is the perfect setup for someone on the go who enjoys camping, travel, and outdoor activities. With the trailer hitch adaptable wheelbase, you can take this Broil King® Keg 5000 freestanding charcoal grill with you anywhere.
Standout Features
- Deluxe Accu-Temp Thermometer
- Rust Resistant Porcelain Coated Cooking Chamber
- Removable Steel Ash Tray
Featured Broil King Keg 5000 Review
"Had this for about 3 years now. It is so versatile and well made. I use it for smoking, baking and grilling. Never had an issue. I did an 18 hour brisket on it and still had a good amount of charcoal left."
Primo Grills® Free Standing Grill
Shop This Primo Grills Kamado Grill
If you enjoy cooking large amounts of food, then this Primo Grills® LG 300 grill delivers powerful cooking technology on 300 sq. in. of cooking surface. Finished with black ceramic, black bar handles, and a wheeled under-rack, this Primo Kamado grill is sure to be a showstopper to any backyard barbeque. Easily cook up your famous steaks, chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or roasts, ensuring all who eat from this grill are satisfied. The Easy-to-Read thermometer will keep you in the know at all times, ensuring you cook each meat or veggie to perfection, along with the Primo Ceramics, which allow you to cook low and slow, or fast and hot.
Standout Features
- Durable Side Shelves
- Powder Coated Hardware
- Locking Front Casters
Caliber™ 22" Powdercoated Red with Stainless Steel Handle Pro Kamado™Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Calling all apartment dwellers! This Caliber™ 22" Pro Kamado™ charcoal grill and smoker weighs only 75 pounds (versus 200 pounds) and is perfect for transporting up steps to place perfectly on your outdoor balcony. Serve and enjoy friends and family with the heat-resistant outside shell and 314 sq. in. of cooking space. We love that it’s also experftly crafted right here in the U.S.A. and features triple insulation for better temperature management and an easier user experience.
Standout Features
- Patented Flue-Way for Precise Temperature Control
- Triple-Insulated Design
- Integrated Rotisserie Option
Big Green Egg® Free Standing Nest Package for Large Egg
Shop This Big Green Egg Kamado Grill
This large-sized Big Green Egg Kamado grill is the best in its class for baking, roasting, smoking, and more. Whether you want to cook a 20-lb turkey, 12 burgers, eight steaks, seven racks of ribs, or six chicken breasts, the Big Green Egg ticks each box seamlessly. Enjoy pizza parties, impromptu cookouts, and even meatloaf on this Big Green Egg® grill package that has everything you need to start your kamado grilling journey. This is the perfect Kamado grill for any frequent party host or block-party master.
Standout Features
- 262 sq. in. Cooking Surface
- More capabilities than all other conventional cookers combined
- Best-In-Class Limited Lifetime Warranty
Primo Grills® Free Standing Grill
Shop This Primo Grills All-in-One Kamado
Making the perfect main grill or accent grill for a current smoker or gas grill, this Primo Grills® Free Standing Grill gives users the ultimate versatility when it comes to cooking and grilling. This Kamado ceramic grill comes with a porcelain-coated cooking grate, stainless steel draft door, and an easy-to-read thermometer. Whether you’re an avid griller or just someone who wants to get outside more often, this Kamado grill is the perfect new investment for you.
Standout Features
- Heat-Resistant Gaskets
- Fold-Down Side Shelves
- Premium Grade Ceramics
Kamado Grill FAQs
Kamado grills take some practice at becoming efficient in grilling, but once you get the hang of it, Kamado grills are worth the investment, especially because they are great for wood-fired cooking.
Because of the precise temperature control, the point of a Kamado grill is to be able to grill, roast, smoke, and cook all your food together or separately.
Kamado grills are generally traditional charcoal grills, though they can be turned into smokers or outdoor convection ovens.
At Friedmans Appliance, we proudly support each consumer's desire to have the best outdoor grill on the market. We believe that Kamado grills cater to each homeowner's needs, with different sizes, cooking capabilities, features, and more. That’s why we encourage anyone who is looking for a new Kamado grill to visit us online or in-store to find the best Kamado grill to fit your unique lifestyle.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Kamado Grills at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop outdoor kitchen appliances online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you get familiar with our kamado grill selection, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
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