These cookbooks really make the process friendlier. They walk you through step-by-step so you can avoid disappointment and end up with mouthwatering smoked meat. My personal favorite is (insert book) – the recipes are creative and foolproof.

I think it’s awesome that smoker cookbooks meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you are new to smoker grills or have been smoking meats for years, there’s a book that fits. They really help you get the most out of your equipment.

With the right guidance, I believe anyone can become an excellent smoker. There’s something magical about the whole process. These cookbooks capture that – they’re almost like a trusted advisor you get to take right to your backyard. I’d encourage any aspiring smoker to grab one – it makes the journey to smoked meat mastery that much more fun!

Best Smoker Cookbooks

A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Check Price on Amazon

Author: Aeron Franklin

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle

If you want a cookbook that teaches you the ins and outs of smoking meat, then you need to purchase a copy of Aeron Franklin’s best-selling manifesto.

This beautiful book was first published in 2015 and features a detailed history of the author’s experience with smoking. It also includes full-color photographs and a collection of gourmet recipes, complete with detailed instructions.

It’s clear that Aeron Franklin is a man who knows his barbecue, as this book covers all you need to know about the process – from wood chips and meat cuts to curing and how to build the perfect fire.

The manifesto currently has over 1700 ratings on Amazon and continues to receive rave reviews from readers around the world.

Pros

• The manifesto has been written by a professional smoker with a successful career in the barbecue world.
• The instructions are easy to follow and come with additional information about how to smoke various meats.
  The manifesto features beautiful pictures and full-color plates, which compliment the text and detailed recipes.

Cons

• The number of recipes is rather small when compared to other smoker cookbooks available online.

The Wood Pellet Smoker And Grill Cookbook

The Wood Pellet Smoker And Grill Cookbook

Check Price on Amazon

Author: Peter Jautaikis

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle, audiobook

This smoker’s manual was first published in 2016 and covers everything from cooking meat to wood pellets.

In contrast to the other entries on our list, this book was not written by a professional chef and was instead composed of a passionate smoker with decades of experience.

In fact, Jautaikis is one of the most relatable authors we’ve encountered, as his book contains hilarious facts about his life and hobbies.

The publication places a lot of emphasis on the importance of wood pellets and how this can impact the taste of the meat. It also contains a spectrum of recipes, from barbecued brisket to wood-smoked trout.

The cookbook is available in various formats and can be purchased as a hardcover or kindle reader.

Pros

• The manual contains detailed diagrams and color pictures, which are accompanied by simple instructions.
• The recipes are easy to understand and feature clear steps that can be followed to ensure delicious meat.
• The manual also includes practical information on how to operate a smoker and the materials you will need.

Cons

• The author is not a professional smoker and instead uses his personal experience to outline the process.

Project Smoke

Project Smoke

Check Price on Amazon

Author: Steve Raichlen

Formats Available: paperback, hardcover, kindle

If you want to perfect your smoking skills, then we recommend purchasing a copy of Steve Raichlen’s best-selling book, which features some of the most innovative recipes we have ever seen.

This stunning book was first published in 2016 and contains over 100 recipes from smoked mushrooms to a delicious vanilla rib glaze.

It also includes practical information on how to improve your craft, as well as how to use wood pellets and find the best machine for your purposes.

The book is the work of a successful journalist and contains decades of research and smoking experience.

Nowadays, the book can be purchased as a paperback or hardcover. It is also available as an e-reader for kindles and other devices.

Pros

• The cookbook contains a wealth of information, which covers everything from wood pellets to smoker upkeep.
• The creative recipes are easy to follow and feature simple instructions accompanied by diagrams and pictures.
• The cookbook is available in several formats, which include paperback, hardcover, and electronic options.

Cons

• Some customers have complained that the Kindle version is hard to navigate, which can make it difficult to follow the recipes.

Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue

Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue

Check Price on Amazon

Author: Jeff Phillips

Formats Available: paperback

If you are new to the world of smoking and want to produce delicious meat, then look no further than this incredible handbook.

Perfect for beginners, this cookbook walks you through the process of smoking meat and features simple instructions to ensure the best results.

Among the various recipes, you will find classic dishes such as chicken and ribs. However, the book also offers more unique options in the form of smoked duck and rich chocolate cake.

Written by Jeff Phillips, the handbook is packed with information and features the author’s own tips on how to get started.

The only drawback is that this book is only available in paperback, which can make it less accessible to kindle readers. It is also important to note that the book’s structure is not ideal and could be damaged while you cook.

Pros

• The handbook contains practical information, which covers the best wood pellets and how to set up your smoker.
• The book features a wide range of recipes, which range from chicken and ribs to smoked duck and fish.
• The handbook includes a large selection of products, which can be purchased for future use.

Cons

• As previously mentioned, this book is only available in paperback and has been described as delicate.

The Complete Electric Smoker Cookbook

The Complete Electric Smoker Cookbook

Check Price on Amazon

Author: Bill West

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle, audiobook

We all know there are countless ways to smoke meat. So if you own an electric smoker, then we recommend purchasing a copy of this useful cookbook.

Like the other options on our list, this book contains over 100 recipes and can be used to make a range of dishes from smoked shrimp to tender pork loin.

The book also works as a beginner’s guide, covering everything you need to know about the smoking process and how to perfect it.

When you have mastered the basics, the book also includes advanced chapters, which will teach you about rubs, marinades, and injections.

Everything in this book can be made in an electric smoker, although some recipes are also suitable for traditional containers. The cookbook is available in several formats and can be purchased online.

Pros

• The guidebook is available in several formats and can be purchased online as a hardcover or e-reader.
• Because of its simple instructions, the book is suitable for beginners and includes chapters for advanced smokers.
• The guidebook has been specially written for electric smokers and features countless recipes and tips.

Cons

• Despite its wealth of information, advanced smokers may find the recipes basic when compared to complex alternatives.

Now that we have covered some of the best cookbooks available, let’s take a closer look at what makes the best smoker cookbook.

Buyer’s Guide

The idea of purchasing a cookbook may sound like a simple task. After all, every cookbook contains delicious recipes and useful tips.

However, there are certain elements that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a smoker cookbook. Elements that help to ensure that the book meets your expectations and needs.

In the section below, we have outlined some key points that should be kept in mind when it comes to purchasing a smoker cookbook.

By consulting these points, you will be able to select the best cookbook for you, saving you time and money.

Recipes

When it comes to purchasing a smoker cookbook, the first thing you need to consider is the recipes included.

While the additional information can be useful, it’s the recipes themselves that will determine your final decision. It’s important to remember that you are purchasing a cookbook and not a manufacturer’s guide.

Of course, no two cookbooks are the same, which means there are many possible recipes to choose from. However, it’s important to find recipes that you can understand and follow, as this will ensure the best results.

Some cookbooks will only include a small selection of basic recipes, so it’s best to purchase a book that contains a range of recipes from simple dishes to more complex creations.

This way, you can build your culinary experience and challenge yourself once you have learned the basics.

In addition to recipes, a good smoker cookbook will also include cooking techniques and additional information. This can be anything from how to clean your smoker to the best wood pellets for certain meats.

While recipes can help to produce delicious food, this additional information will make sure that your smoker is prepared.

Author

Cookbooks are often written by authors who have spent years perfecting their craft.

The author has undoubtedly put a lot of thought into each recipe and the accompanying text. If an author does not provide enough detail or fails to explain something clearly, then it could lead to problems down the line.

To avoid any confusion, it’s always best to buy a book with an established reputation.

For example, we included A Meat-Smoking Manifesto by Aeron Franklin on our list, who began his culinary career selling smoked meat by the side of the road.

Since then, Franklin has gone on to win numerous competitions and has poured his experience into his book.

In most cases, the experiences of the author will translate into their work.

For example, if an experienced chef writes a book about smoking, they will likely know what works and what doesn’t. In contrast, a novice might struggle to get the hang of things and end up making mistakes.

This is why it’s worth spending extra time researching the author, as well as reading reviews online. You can learn a lot about the quality of the book by looking at other people’s opinions and experiences.

Number Of Pages

The number of pages in a cookbook is another factor that needs to be considered before buying one.

As mentioned above, a good smoker cookbook will contain a wide variety of recipes, so it’s essential that the book isn’t too short.

Ideally, the book should contain between 100 and 300 pages, but this varies depending on the size of the book and the type of recipes included.

If the book is too long, it may become difficult to read through all the content. Conversely, a book that is too short will lack depth and won’t give you much guidance when preparing meals.

It’s also important to note that some books will feature large images and detailed instructions.

These types of books tend to be very useful for beginners, however, they can also be expensive. It’s better to look for a cheaper alternative that provides similar information.

Price

Of course, the price of a cookbook is going to vary greatly depending on its contents. However, there are some factors that influence the cost of the book.

First, the more pages a book contains, the higher the price. This is because the publisher must pay for printing costs and the author has to cover their own expenses.

Second, the quality of the paper used also affects the price. Some books use high-quality paper, while others opt for lower grade paper.

Finally, the design of the book can affect the overall cost. For example, a glossy hardback book will be more expensive than a plain paperback.

Format

When choosing your cookbook, it’s important to consider which format you prefer. There are three main options: Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle. Each option offers different benefits, so it’s worth considering them carefully.

Paperbacks are generally inexpensive and easy to carry around. They are also great for cooking at home since they don’t require electricity. However, they aren’t always suitable for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

They also come with the drawback of being prone to damage from moisture and humidity. The covers can easily split or fall apart, and the pages can yellow over time.

Hardcovers offer greater protection against these problems. They are also easier to keep clean and dry compared to paperbacks.

Hardcovers can also look attractive in your kitchen, as they often have beautiful designs and colors. However, they are usually quite heavy and bulky. If you want something portable, then a paperback is probably best.

Kindles are small electronic devices that allow users to download eBooks directly onto their devices. They are extremely convenient, as they make reading simple and quick.

They are also lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel. However, they are not designed for cooking, so if you plan to use your Kindle for this purpose, you’ll need to buy a separate device.

Weighing Your Options

There are many things to take into consideration when deciding what kind of cookbook you want. In addition to the features discussed above, it’s also important that you choose a cookbook that suits your lifestyle.

For example, if you spend most of your time indoors, then a paperback might work well for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, then a Kindle would be a good choice.

In general, we recommend that you go with whichever format works best for you. You may find that one type of cookbook is perfect for your needs, but another type is better suited to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Smoker Cookbook Is The Best?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your personal preferences and requirements. It’s impossible to say which cookbook is “the best” without knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re a beginner, we would recommend Jeff Phillips’s Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue, as this book contains simple instructions and easy-to-follow recipes.

However, if you are looking for something more advanced, then Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke is a great choice, as the book contains creative recipes that push the boundaries of smoking cuisine.

Of course, the final decision is yours to make and will depend on what you want out of your cookbook.

What Kind Of Recipes Do I Need For A Good Smoker Cookbook?

It’s true that there are some basic recipes that every smoker cookbook should contain. These include meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, sauces, and spices.

However, the recipes themselves shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when choosing a cookbook.

You also need to think about how much information each recipe provides.

Some books provide detailed step-by-step instructions, while others simply list ingredients and leave the rest up to you. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as the book has enough information to get you started.

Should I Purchase A Book With Pictures?

Yes! We highly recommend that you purchase a cookbook with pictures, as this makes following the recipes even simpler.

Most cookbooks come with photos of the finished product, but sometimes these aren’t very clear or don’t show all of the steps required for preparing the dish.

If you can see exactly what you’ll need in order to prepare the food, then you won’t have any problems following the directions.

The post Best Smoker Cookbooks appeared first on Own The Grill.

So whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned pro looking to see what all of your options are, read on to find out which types of smokers are best for you!

What is a Smoker?

A smoker is an outdoor cooker that’s designed to cook foods low and slow for long periods of time.  They’re also meant to add a smokey flavor to your food by exposing your meats and foods to the smoke generated by your fire.

As far as types of smokers go, there are a lot of different ones!  Some are best suited for beginners, and some for experts.  They come in all different shapes and sizes too.  Read on to figure out which one is the best fit for you.

What Are The Different Types of Smokers?

Horizontal Offset Smokers

Horizontal Offset Smokers are what come to mind for me when I think about smokers in general.  They just have that classic look and are often the types of smokers you’d find outside of a BBQ joint.

These smokers are the preferred choice of pit masters, and they have a little bit of a learning curve associated with them.  If you’re a total beginner, it might take a few tries to start to get your fire and smoke right.

Of course, if you can tame the horizontal offset smoker, you’re handsomely rewarded with deeply complex and delicious BBQ.  They have the ability to impart the sort of smokey flavor on your food that will satisfy even the keenest taste buds for smoked meat.

Horizontal offset smokers are made up of two main parts.  First, there’s a main cooking chamber that’s typically pretty wide and has grates for placing your food.  Typically, there are exhaust and intake vents on the main chamber that allow you to adjust your smoker’s airflow and temperature.  There’s also a door that you can open to rotate your food and let out excess smoke if you need to.

The second main component is the firebox, which is offset to one of the sides of the main cooking chamber (hence the “offset” name).  It has an access door and typically some vents built in as well.  You light your fire in the firebox, and the generated heat and smoke is funneled to the main chamber.  This indirect heating method will slowly cook and flavor your food with the smoke that comes off of your fire.

Some horizontal offset smokers will also have a grate on the firebox for direct heat grilling, turning your smoker into a smoker grill combo.

It’s worth noting that you can definitely find horizontal offset smokers out there for $300 or less – we’ve just found that these lack quality and often don’t retain heat as well as they should.  Offset smokers also have a subset called reverse flow smokers.

Horizontal Offset Smoker Pros

• The best type of smoker for professionals and experienced pit masters
• Easily add more fuel or flavoring wood chips to your fire without opening the main cooking chamber.  This is a HUGE feature that helps you maintain consistent temperature
• Many double as smoker grill combos, all you need is a grate installed over your firebox
• Built in ventilation systems let you control your temperature and smoke levels
• Can easily be used for cold smoking
• Ideal for cooking lots of foods at once or large cuts like brisket and beef ribs
• Ongoing fuel costs are pretty low – these smokers are efficient users of heat
• Quality offset smokers are built to last a lifetime with proper care

Horizontal Offset Smoker Cons

• Well built units can cost quite a bit of money, typically in the $1,000s
• The learning curve for temperature and smoke management is steep compared to other types of smokers
• Smoking in colder weather or climates can be a challenge
• They’re pretty big and heavy, so you need to make sure your patio or deck can accomodate

Great beginner offset smoker:

Vertical Offset Smokers

Vertical offset smokers are somewhat similar to a horizontal offset smoker in design, with a few key differences.

Most notably, the main cooking chamber on a vertical offset is set up with multiple cooking grates (often 4 or 5) stacked on top of each other in a chamber that’s fairly narrow but pretty tall.  Heat and smoke travel through the main chamber vertically.

The offset box is to the side of the vertical main chamber and typically functions just like a horizontal offset firebox.  This is where you start and manage your fire, and can even grill with direct heat if you have a grate installed.

The main chamber will have vents built in to help with temperature and smoke control, and also a front door for access to your food and the main grate areas.

One of the best things about vertical offset smokers is how much cooking area they provide considering how small their footprint is.  Since all of the grates are stacked vertically, you can actually get a lot of food cooked at once on a smoker that doesn’t take up a lot of ground.

Vertical Offset Smoker Pros

• You can cook a TON of food with a smaller footprint thanks to the vertical main chamber design
• Can last for decades if looked after properly
• Not very many different parts are used in the construction of these smokers – which reduces your risk for breakage
• Ongoing fuel costs are low
• Many can double as a smoker and grill

Vertical Offset Smoker Cons

• Well made units are on the pricey end of the spectrum
• The large cooking chamber can be overkill if you don’t plan to cook for lots of people
• These are more of “specialty” types of smokers – other than a couple of models available online, they’re tough to find

Great beginner vertical offset smoker:

Water Smokers

One of the most widely owned types of smokers on the planet is the water smoker.  It’s because they’re really simple to use, take up minimal space on your patio, and produce some super delicious results.

The anatomy of a bullet smoker is really interesting and sets you up for success as the pit master.  At the bottom of the “bullet” is a charcoal tray where your charcoal and wood chip fuel goes.  Right above your fire is a water pan which is there to evenly distribute heat across the cooking chamber.  It also catches drippings from your food and helps to keep your smoked meats moist.

From there, you have either cooking grates, racks, or hooks where your food is placed while it cooks.  Bullet smokers typically have an easy open lid and some kind of ventilation system to let you control the airflow into your unit.

These smokers are the ideal type of smoker for your backyard and have the perfect amount of capacity to cook for small and medium sized gatherings.

Water Smoker Pros

• Very inexpensive – bullet smokers are on the cheap end of the spectrum and still offer really nice quality
• Small footprint, the compact size is ideal for almost every type of patio
• Widely available, there are lots of brands and models to compare and choose from
• Great for on the go smoking.  It’s not too hard to take bullet smokers on the go for your next camping trip or tailgating outing

Bullet Smoker Cons

• Lots of cleanup is involved, the water pan needs to be thoroughly cleaned after each use
• Not a lot of cooking capacity compared to other types of smokers
• Not great for direct heat grilling

Great beginner water smoker:

Kamado (Ceramic) Smokers

The kamado grill is one of my absolute favorite pieces of cooking equipment, regardless of type.  A proper Kamado grill is also an outstanding smoker, and it’s got the versatility to be an outstanding grill and wood fired oven too.

Kamado grills aren’t priced in the bargain bin.  A typical quality one that’s made of ceramic will run you at least $1,000 and likely more.  But these things are built to last forever, and they are of the utmost quality in terms of cooking ability and integrity.

These ceramic cookers rely on millenniums old technology that’s tried and true.  Ceramic is an outstanding insulator, and built in dampers and vents let you precisely control the amount of airflow that goes into your grill, and by extension temperature.  The ceramic construction and egg shaped design let you maintain a constant low temperature for very long periods of time – perfect for smoking.

All you need to convert your kamado grill between a smoker and a grill is a heat deflector plate.  Most nice kamado grills come standard with one.  All you have to do is place the deflector in for indirect heat smoking and remove it for direct heat grilling.

Kamados are great because they’re designed to maintain temperatures as low as 200°F for smoking and as high as 700°F for searing and baking.

These kamado smokers are best fueled by lump charcoal, and you can achieve some of the absolute best flavorings by smoking in a kamado grill.

Kamado Smoker Pros

• The ultimate premium versatile grill and smoker.  You can smoke, sear, grill, and bake the most delicious foods on a smoker
• Made of the highest quality materials.  Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg in particular both use some of the most premium quality ceramic to make their grills
• Easily maintains constant temperatures for extended periods of time with minimal work
• Smaller profile compared to some other smokers – they are pretty easy to make custom built cabinets for too
• Great for smoking in cold weather thanks to ceramic insulation

Kamado Smoker Cons

• One of the most expensive types of smokers on this list
• It can take a while to get your temperatures down.  While temperature management is fairly easy on a Kamado, if you crank it up too high it can take a super long time to get it back down
• Very heavy, don’t plan on taking a Kamado smoker on the go with you

Great beginner Kamado smoker:

Pellet Smokers

Pellet smokers are another type of smoker that offer tons of versatility – but they’re quite different from kamados.  Instead of 3,000 year old technology, pellet smokers rely on newer innovations to the grilling space.

Most notably, they rely on electronics and an automatic feeding system to feed wood pellets through an auger that then gets ignited to cook your food.  All of your temperatures, smoke levels, and other aspects of your cook can be controlled from a built in LED display – or even a phone app for some brands.

Because of that, pellet grills are known as “set it and forget it” style cookers.  That is, you can choose your temperature and smoke settings and kick back while your smoker gets to work for you.  Minimal to no babysitting is required.

Pellet smokers utilize wood pellets designed for smoking.  They’re repurposed wood and sawdust that get compressed into little wood capsules – which are then ignited in the pellet grill.  It’s a super high tech and sustainable way to get to enjoy wood fired taste!

Instead of a firebox, pellet smokers have a hopper where they load their pellets.  It’s from the hopper that they are fed through the auger.

Pellet Smoker Pros

• Super easy to use and a great option for beginners and pros alike.  The easiest way to get wood fired taste
• Versatile and great for both smoking and grilling
• Wood pellets for smoking are cheap and widely available
• Lots of brands, sizes, and prices to choose from

Pellet Smoker Cons

• Nice pellet smokers can get a little pricey
• If you don’t have a big hopper, you can run out of fuel mid cook if you aren’t careful on longer smoking sessions
• You’re relying on electronics that are more prone to break

Great beginner pellet smoker:

Electric Smokers

Electric smokers are another type of smoker that falls into the set it and forget it category.  They rely on an electrical plug in connection that heats an electric heating element, similar to what you’d find in your oven.

Electric smokers are as hands off as they come.  You literally just have to plug it in and turn a dial to get going.  If you want to add wood flavor, most electric smokers have a drawer or tray where you can add wood chips for extra flavoring.

With electric smokers in particular, you have to be careful about what you buy.  There are a lot of cheaply made units out there that are a complete waste of money.  You’re buying a unit that relies on electronics, and you want to make sure you buy something that’s going to last.

The other consideration with electric smokers – even with wood chip flavoring, your food won’t pick up the same level of smokiness as it would in a charcoal smoker.  It’s just a slightly less authentic smoking experience.  The food from electric smokers is still delicious!  It just lacks some of that traditional smokey BBQ flavor.

You may have noticed that electric smokers share some similarities with pellet smokers – if you’re interested in these two smoker types, check out our electric vs pellet smoker comparison guide next for more.

Electric Smoker Pros

• Small, compact profiles compared to many other types of smokers
• Incredibly easy and straightforward to use
• Despite the small profile, the vertical design of electric smokers means multiple grates and lots of cooking surface area
• Typically on the cheaper end of the spectrum

Electric Smoker Cons

• You have to store your smoker under a cover or indoors to protect the electronics
• Can’t use these units as a grill, no direct heat option
• Food lacks the deep flavor and complexity of charcoal and wood fired smokers
• Lots of cheaply made units are out there in the marketplace

Great beginner electric smoker:

Drum Smokers

From a general design perspective, drum smokers are about as simple and basic as it gets.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, as some incredible award-winning BBQ has been made from drum smokers before.

At the bottom of a drum, you have a basket for your heat source of charcoal and wood.  Above the charcoal basket, you have a grate, racks, or hooks where your meat is placed while it smokes.  There are also vents built into the top and bottom of the drum to help you control your temperature.

Since drum smokers are so simple, you actually see quite a few homemade iterations out there!  If you want something that’s professionally designed and made, there are plenty of drum smokers out there on the market too.

Drum Smoker Pros

• Simple and straightforward design, also typically pretty cheap
• A small footprint means it won’t take up too much space on your patio
• Great at maintaining temperatures for long periods of time
• You can make your own drum smoker at home with only a few parts
• Most can be converted for direct heat grilling

Drum Smoker Cons

• Not the most aesthetically pleasing type of smoker – in fact, these are fondly (or not so fondly) known as ugly drum smokers by some in the outdoor cooking community!
• Not the most cooking area compared to other smokers

Great beginner drummer smoker is:

Propane (Gas) Smokers

If you’re in the market for a set it and forget it smoker – the propane smoker is another type of smoker that could be a great fit for you.  Functionality wise, it’s pretty similar to an electric smoker.  Instead of a plug in, there’s a hose that connects to a propane tank.

All you have to do from there is open your propane tank, turn a knob on your smoker, and you’re rocking and rolling from there.  A gas burner ignites the propane to heat and cook your food.

The frustration with these types of smokers is that most don’t come with a temperature gauge built in.  So it might take a couple of tries to get used to how far you need to turn the dial to achieve certain temperatures.

Propane Smoker Pros

• The ongoing cost of propane fuel is fairly cheap
• A true set it and forget it style of smoker
• Doesn’t take up very much space
• Easy to use and very cheap to acquire one

Propane Smoker Cons

• Some of the cheaper units leak heat and lead to poor results
• Refilling your propane tank can become a hassle
• You can’t convert these smokers for direct heat grilling

Great beginner gas smoker:

Which Types of Foods Can I Smoke?

You can smoke some good food!  Smokey flavors interact really well with a wide variety of foods.

In fact, we’ve dedicated an entire post to our favorite meats for smoking, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Brisket
• Ribs (beef and pork)
• Chicken and Turkey
• Pork

Fuel Type

Smokers are fueled by any of the following fuel types:

• Charcoal Briquettes
• Lump Charcoal
• Wood chips, chunks, and logs
• Wood pellets
• Gas (Propane)
• Electric

All of these types of fuel have their pros and cons too.  Typically lump charcoal, briquettes, and wood will lead to the tastiest, most flavorful results.  These types of smokers typically have a learning curve and will take some practice to master.

Gas and electricity fueled smokers on the other hand will be much more convenient to use and won’t require any ongoing fire management while your food cooks.  Because of that, they’re great choices for beginners.

Versatility

Unless you have a ton of space on your patio, you may be looking for something that’s versatile and will allow you to grill in addition to smoke.  Electric smokers and gas smokers in particular are completely unable to convert to direct heat grilling.

If versatility and quality are important to you, kamado grills and pellet smokers are a great place to start.  Both do a spectacular job of both smoking and grilling, and kamados are even fantastic pizza ovens as well.

How Big Is Your Crowd?

How many people do you typically cook for?  Is it just for small groups of friends and family?  Or are you the type to host massive cookouts and family reunions?

The thing to keep in mind with smokers is that your food takes a long time to finish cooking.  On a grill, your food will cook quickly and you can grill in multiple batches to get away with a smaller cooking surface for a larger crowd.

That’s not the case for a smoker.  If you’re smoking your favorite type of meat for 6+ hours, you can’t just throw another batch on if your guests are still hungry.  You need to have enough cooking area from the start to handle all of the food to feed your crowd.

Types of Smokers – Final Thoughts

Hopefully, by now you have a solid understanding of the types of smokers out there!  If you were on the fence about a certain type, maybe now the best choice for you is more clear.

In any event, it’s great to know what is out there in the world of smoking.  Which type of smoker do you have at home?  Let us know about it in the comments section below and which one is your favorite!

The post What are the Different Types of Smokers and Which Are Best? Our Complete Guide appeared first on Own The Grill.

Alright, that last part is a little bit of a stretch!  But in all seriousness, there are countless grill configurations and options out there – and it can be overwhelming to choose one of them to best suit your needs.

There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to comparing different types of grills.  Surface area, which types of cooking they can do, temperature control, and many other things come into play.

We’ve created this resource to highlight all of the different options on the market, with the hopes of equipping you with the knowledge to know and choose the perfect grill for your needs.

Remember, at the end of the day it all comes down to your personal preference.  But in the rest of this post, we’ll get into the different types of grills and highlight the pros, cons, and distinctions of each.

Types of Grills

Gas Grills

Gas grills are the most widely used type of grill across the world today.  It’s not hard to see why; they’re convenient, efficient, and versatile.

They’re the perfect type of grill for the casual griller or beginner due to how easy they are to use.  With minimal effort, a gas grill can reach high temperatures quickly, and can make some excellent quality food for your family and friends.

That’s not to say the pros don’t use gas grills – far from it.  You’ll find some top pit masters utilizing easy-to-use gas grills at their homes and restaurants.

Gas grills are also very straightforward and easy to clean.  For me personally, this is a huge turn on because the last thing I want to do after enjoying a delicious meal is to have to clean a bunch.  Within the gas grill genre there are a few different variations:

Propane

Gas grills are fueled by either propane or natural gas.  Propane grills are in nature the more portable of the two, because propane is stored in portable tanks that can typically be bought at your local supermarket. Propane grills are super easy to use, but you’ll need to refill your propane tank from time to time.

Natural Gas

Natural gas grills connect to your home’s built in natural gas line, and are often used for built in grills.  However, some freestanding grills (including one of my grills!) can be fueled via a natural gas connection.  Natural gas grills eliminate the need to ever need to go to the store to buy fuel.  You just pull it out of the preexisting gas lines in your house.

Infrared Grills

Infrared grills are powered via either propane or natural gas, and rely on infrared technology which spreads heat evenly across the entire grilling surface.  This happens extremely fast, and the infrared technology also prevents the flames from reaching the grates.  Infrared grills are known for zero flare ups, super even temperatures, and are great for searing in addition to “normal” grilling needs.

Flat Top Grills

Flat top grills are typically fueled by a propane connection, and distinguish themselves with a flat, griddle surface.  As far as food results go, flat top grills tend to make juicier food because none of the drippings fall below grates and vaporize.

The tradeoff is that flat top grills will typically make slightly less flavor rich results compared to a grill with grates for the exact same reason that the drippings don’t vaporize and smoke back up into your food.

Flat top grills are a fantastic way to make breakfast, burgers, sauté veggies, and many other practical uses.

Freestanding

A freestanding gas grill comes with the added benefit of mobility.  They are not attached to anything our built in to a cabinet, so you can move them around freely and as needed.  Freestanding gas grills can be powered by either propane or natural gas.

Built-In

As you’d expect from the name, built-in gas grills are built in to a permanent structure like a cabinet or island cooking base.  Built ins are perfect for those looking to take their outdoor cooking space to the next level – and they’re typically high end grills or BBQ Islands.

With proper design, you can maximize space efficiency and have a powerful grill fit into a convenient section of your outdoor kitchen.  Built-in gas grills are typically fueled by natural gas connections.

Gas Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Gas grills can consistently grill delicious food – anything from beef, fish, poultry, veggies, and much more.
• Super convenient.  Gas grills heat up and cool down quickly and require minimum prep time or clean up time.  If you envision yourself throwing food on the grill after work, a gas grill is perfect because you don’t have to deal with building and cleaning up a fire.
• There is a gas grill for everybody. You can find gas grills at budget prices on one hand.  On the other you can obviously spend quite a bit on a gas grill – some larger grills with lots of custom features get up into the $5,000+ range.  You can also find grills at every price point in between!
• Fuel costs are less expensive compared to charcoal or pellet grills.

Cons:

• Foods cooked on gas grills lack that extra smoky flavor that many of us love.
• Poorly made units have a tendency to distribute unevenly and inconsistently.  Be sure to look for units that are built from sturdy materials like stainless steel.  Cheap units can have a tendency to heat unevenly.

Gas Grill Recommendation for Beginners

Weber Spirit II Propane Grill

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Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are also one of the most widely used types of grills.  They differ from gas grills in how the heat is fueled.  With a charcoal grill, you use charcoals bought from a store as the fuel source for your fire.  You light the coals, and create a bed of heated coals which cook your food.

The process of lighting coals and managing the fire to a proper temperature is typically pretty time consuming.  For pit masters who like to show a little tender love and care, this is a perfect way to spend a Saturday.

The best part is, the results of a properly meal cooked on a charcoal grill are fantastic.  You can expect the classic smoky BBQ flavor many of us love from foods cooked on a charcoal grill.

Traditional Charcoal Grills

A traditional charcoal grill has the traditional barrel style design that is common amongst all types of grills.  These grills are typically made from thick cast iron and have adjustable charcoal pans so that you can easily manage your fire.  Food made in a well designed traditional charcoal grill is hard to beat!

Kettle Grills

Kettle charcoal grills are typically much smaller in size and grilling surface area than a traditional charcoal grill.  They get their name from their distinctive kettle shaped build.  They’re usually lightweight enough to take on the go for camping trips or tailgating, and are a great option if you’re looking for that traditional smoky BBQ flavor.

Charcoal Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The go to option if you want extra flavor for your food.  Charcoal grills are a great option for experienced grillers or those who don’t mind investing time into managing your fire.
• Some models, kettle grills in particular, are extremely lightweight and perfect to take tailgating or camping.
• Generally speaking, charcoal grills are cheaper compared to other types of grills.  That being said, it’s important to buy a charcoal grill that’s well made, even if it’s a few extra bucks.  The last thing you want is a poorly made grill that isn’t sealed properly and doesn’t retain heat.
• You can experiment with different types of wood chips for different flavor profiles on your grilled food.

Cons:

• Fire management takes some time investment.  Heating charcoals to the proper temperature can take about 30 minutes.  You also have to spend time cleaning ashes and putting out your fire after you’re done cooking.
• It’s especially hard to maintain consistent temperatures in cold or windy weather.
• Fuel (i.e. charcoal) to cook costs more than natural gas or propane.

Charcoal Grill Recommendation for Beginners

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

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Pellet Grills

Pellet grills are a class of grill that are fueled by little flavored wood pellets.  So, pellet grills are technically wood fire grills – and the results of your grilled food will show it with delicious flavor.  Wood pellets come in a bunch of different flavors; Hickory, Maple, Cherry, Apple, Mesquite, and Pecan are all popular wood pellet flavors used for pellet grills.

From my observation, pellet grills are also one of the most technologically advanced types of grills.  Many of the top brands of pellet grills (like Rec Tec, Traeger, or Camp Chef) are loaded with features that make grilling delicious food incredibly easy.

You can manage every aspect of your grill from a phone application – which comes in super handy for long low and slow cooking BBQ.

Pellet grills combine the best of many worlds – they’re convenient, provide smokey flavor to your food, and they’re definitely a set it-and-forget it style of cooker. Plus, you can make everything from a seared steak to a BBQ brisket on a pellet smoker.

It cuts both ways though. While pellet grills have all of these great qualities, they are also high maintenance. You need to regularly clean sawdust out of your cooking chamber (ideally every 3-5 cooks), and you need to ensure that grease isn’t building up moreso than other grill types.

Pellet Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Many pellet grills are loaded with technological features that allow you to highly customize and control the way you grill.
• Your food will have delicious smoky flavor from grilling with wood pellets.  There are also many different flavors of pellets so you can experiment with different blends and combinations.
• Pellet grills are incredibly versatile, and bona fide smoker grill combos.  Most have temperature ranges from 200-500 degrees so you can smoke, grill, bake, or sear steaks on your pellet grill.
• Clean up is made easy by built in ash trays and management systems.

Cons:

• Ongoing costs can be more expensive due to the need to replenish your supply of wood pellets.
• If your pellet grill doesn’t have a big hopper, you may need to refill it during a long smoking session.
• Pellet grills require an electric connection.
• Prices tend to be on the medium to high end for a quality pellet grill.
• Pellet smokers are high maintenance – you have to clean them frequently to keep them running in prime condition.

Pellet Grill Recommendation for Beginners

Z Grills-7002B Wood Pellet Grill

Z Grills' flagship grill is also some of the best bang for the buck in the world of pellet grills. Features 697 sq. in. of cooking surface area and a 20 lb pellet hopper.

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Kamado Grills

Kamado Grills are technically charcoal grills, but we feel like they’re deserving of their own class when it comes to types of grills.  The Kamado grill has exploded in popularity in recent years in the United States.

It’s a ceramic grill which conceptually originated in China over 3000 years ago in the form of clay pots.  Technology improvements have taken us from there to the modern day Kamado grill, which is a personal favorite and is capable of making incredible food.

Lumpwood charcoal is the fuel of choice for Kamado grills, and they deliver a truly delicious, smoky flavor to your food.

Ceramic Kamado Grills

The most common material used in construction of Kamado grills is ceramics.  A high fire ceramic grill will almost never crack or fault.  The ceramic material is also spectacular for heat retention, so ceramic grills are perfect for cooking pizza as it’s common for temperatures upwards of 750 degrees Fahrenheit to be achieved.  Due to built in airflow systems, airflow can be controlled to bake or roast foods as well.

Stainless Steel/Cast Aluminum Kamado Grills

Some Kamado grills feature a stainless steel bowl inside of the unit to hold the charcoal.  There’s also some kamado grills that have a stainless steel or cast aluminum exterior shell.  The main difference in stainless steel vs ceramic comes in heat retention and weight.

Stainless steel kamado grills will be less heavy, and also won’t insulate quite as well as a ceramic grill.  That’s not to say you can’t turn the heat up on a stainless steel, you just probably won’t achieve 750 degree Fahrenheit temperatures like a ceramic grill would.

Kamado Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• You can cook and BBQ food for long periods of time without having to constantly manage the fire.
• Flavor wise, you won’t find cookers that make tastier food than a proper kamado grill.
• Construction materials and design lean on 3000 years worth of technology for optimal grilling capabilities.
• Ceramic Kamado grills can reach temperatures of 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Multi-functional – probably the best grill for making pizzas.  Also perfect for smoking, roasting, baking, searing, or grilling.

Cons:

• Kamado grills – especially ceramic ones – are pretty expensive.  View these grills as a long term investment.
• They weigh quite a bit so they aren’t easy to move around.  Plan on hunkering a Kamado grill down in one spot.
• Probably not the best choice for those new to grilling – mostly because of the price and because they have a learning curve

Kamado Grill Recommendation

Kamado Joe Classic III Ceramic Kamado Grill

With multiple cooking racks, an abundance of accessories, and an easy-lift lid, the Kamado Joe Classic III has everything you love to see in a ceramic grill.

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Kamado Grills – Additional Reads:

• Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg

Electric Grills

As you’d expect by the name, electric grills are powered by traditional power outlets and are designed for use indoors.  It’s possible to use an electric grill indoors due to the absence of smoke.

*Important note* DO NOT use a grill, electric or otherwise, indoors if the grill emits any kind of smoke.  Smoke/open fires indoors are dangerous and at a minimum could cause smoke damage to your walls.  There are units designed that are smokeless grills specifically made for indoor use.

Electric grills are typically small in size and are designed for countertop use.  If you’re looking for a simple way to grill some food quickly, an electric grill is a great option.

Electric Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Plug and play – simply find a power outlet, plug the grill in, and get cooking!
• Designed for use indoors, which is super convenient.  Great for apartment use.
• Clean up and maintenance is extremely easy.
• Ongoing fuel costs are almost nil.
• Prices for electric grills are generally pretty cheap.

Cons:

• Electric grills often don’t have a ton of cooking space – you won’t be able to grill for a large gathering or family reunion.
• You must have a traditional electric outlet nearby – so it’s hard to take an electric grill on the go.
• You don’t get the traditional smoky BBQ flavor from an electric grill.

Electric Grill Recommendation for Beginners

Weber Q2400 Electric Grill

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Portable Grills

Portable grills are a sub class of grill that could technically also fall into some of the other categories on this list.  So whether it’s powered by propane or charcoal, a portable grill is one that you can take with you on the go.  It’s the perfect way to grill delicious food camping, tailgating, or wherever else your travels might take you.

Portable Grills Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great for tailgating or camping, you can have delicious grilled food on the go.
• Can be used at home too.  They’re typically small in size so they won’t take up a ton of space on your patio or deck.
• Since portable grills are typically smaller, they run on the lower end of the price spectrum.  You can find a very cost efficient portable grill.

Cons:

• What you gain in portability you sacrifice in cooking area.  Portable grills typically aren’t the best option for large cookouts or gatherings.
• Be careful to purchase a grill that’s well made from a reputable brand.  Some bad manufacturers cut corners, especially on the cheaper portable grills.

Portable Grills – Additional Reads:

• Best table top grills
• Best boat grills

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Types of Grills Are There?

There are four main types of grills when it comes to fuel type, which are gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric grills, and we are going to tell you about each of them below in a little more detail.

Gas Fueled Grills

This is one of the most popular types of grills, and it is well-loved for its high levels of convenience. Gas grills are able to ignite with the push of a button, and they can heat up and cool down quite quickly. They typically feature temperature control knobs, which allows the user to have complete control over the temperatures that they are using to cook.

The majority of gas grills will have more than one burner, which allows you to create multiple cooking zones, so you can get everything cooked at once, rather than one at a time. They don’t get as hot as charcoal grills, but they do usually peak within the 400 °F to 600 °F range. Natural gas grills will have an unlimited fuel supply, but they do require you to instal a natural gas line from your grill to your home.

Charcoal Fueled Grills

Charcoal is able to deliver impressive levels of heat, up to 700 °F. They also create a mouthwatering char-grilled flavor with everything that you cook on them, and they are usually the least expensive grill option. They can either be used to grill directly over the coals, or indirectly if you move the coal over to one side, which allows you to cook foods slower.

The main downside to using a charcoal grill is that you will need to use briquettes or lump charcoal for fuel, which can be difficult to light at times, especially if you have never used this type of grill before.

There also aren’t any temperature control knobs, which means that temperature regulation will take much more technique than gas grilling. They also take longer to heat up and cool down due to their excellent levels of heat retention.

Wood Pellet Fueled Grills

Wood pellet grills are becoming more and more popular, and they use hardwood pellets as their main source of heat. They also offer a combination of desirable features from both gas and charcoal grill styles. Pellet girls are powered by electricity, which is very convenient, and they can also be ignited by a simple switch.

Pellet grills will have user-friendly knobs and variable temperature settings, and they can be ignited by a power switch. They also provide your food with an irresistible hardwood smoked flavor. The only downside is that they aren’t as widely available, and they are often more on the expensive side than other grilling options.

Electric Powered Grills

Electric grills are the highest on the list when it comes to convenience and user-friendly features. However, they will not get as hot as other grill options, and you won’t get any of the delicious char grilled or smoked flavoring. Although, they do plug in, which is really convenient, and they heat up very quickly, so you can get started almost straight away.

Electric grills do not need any fuel, and they are really easy to use. One of the best things about them is that they are easy to clean, and their small size makes them great for places with limited space.

What is the Healthiest Type of Grill?

Eating healthy on the grill is totally possible!

The healthiest type of grill is a gas grill, and this is because the fuel will burn cleanly and without any volatile organic compounds contaminating your food. They don’t produce smoke or soot, which means that your food will be healthier in comparison to other cooking methods.

You can also use a cooking grid with this type of grill to allow fats to render and drip away from the food, reducing the number of calories and boosting the overall flavor.

What is the Easiest Grill to Use?

The easiest type of grill to use is either a gas grill, pellet grill, or electric grill.  Each of these grill types are incredibly easy to heat up and are also simple to clean once you’re done cooking.  Better yet, they all make spectacular food even with the ease of use factor!

What is the Best Grill for Steaks?

Charcoal or wood-fired grills are typically the best types of grills to use for grilling steaks, which is due to the additional flavor and charring that they are able to provide. A charcoal grill also gives you the option to add different types of wood to the fire to change and improve the smokiness and enhance the overall flavor of the meat.

What is the Most Versatile Grill?

Pellet grills are super versatile, and most of them will have temperature ranges from 200-500 degrees, which allows you to smoke, grill, bake, or sear on your pellet grill.  Kamado grills are equally as versatile but require more work to build your fire.

Which Grills Last the Longest?

The grills that typically last the longest are those that are made from powder-coated steel or high quality stainless steel, as these will be the most durable and resistant to corrosion. However, heavier-duty stainless steel is also a great option as it will last for a very long time.

Choosing the right grill will involve considering the quality, features, style, and price of the product that you are looking at. Using a stainless steel grill will ensure that your grill will be resistant to corrosion, and the grill will not be easily scratched, dented, or damaged. When it has been covered, it can last for many years.

Types of Grills – Wrap Up

Be sure to think about all of the things that you want out of your grill.  Looking for that traditional smoky BBQ flavor?  A charcoal, Kamado, or pellet grill is probably the way to go.  Convenience more important to you?  A gas, electric, or portable grill may be a better fit.

In any case, I hope this rundown of the types of grills out there has been helpful to you!  Did you end up purchasing one?  Which one did you get?  Let us know in the comments section below.

The post What Are the Different Types of Grills? [& Guide To All Types] appeared first on Own The Grill.

Kamado grills have exploded in popularity in recent years and for good reason!  These grills hone over 3,000 years of cooking technology and are undoubtedly a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

Most kamado grills are made with ceramic which allows superb insulation for your grill while also not faltering to intense heat over time.  Because of the high level of insulation, kamado grills serve as a fantastic charcoal smoker, grill, roaster, and pizza oven all in one.

Normally, all of that versatility means you’re giving something up – whether it’s in the quality department or elsewhere.  What makes kamado grills so great is that you don’t have to sacrifice to get the best of a smoker, grill, roaster, and oven in the same unit.

You’ve probably heard of the famous Big Green Egg – but there are quite a few other kamado grill brands out there that make incredible products.

In this post, we’ll go over our top picks and brands for the best kamado grill on the market.  If you stick around until the end, we’ll touch on pros and cons of kamado grills, along with other helpful information on how to use and care for your grill!

Quick Look at Our Top Picks:

1. Kamado Joe Classic III – Top Choice
2. Primo Oval XL 400
3. Blaze Cast Aluminum 20″ Kamado Grill – Made of Cast Aluminum
4. Pit Boss 22″ Ceramic Kamado Grill
5. Kamado Joe Big Joe III
6. Chefood 16″ Ceramic Kamado Grill
7. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Grill
8. Duluth Forge 18″ Kamado Grill

Best Kamado Grill Reviews

Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill (Overall Best Kamado Grill)

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Kamado Joe is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best brand when it comes to kamado grills.  They are well known and well respected, and have a history of making fantastic, high quality products.  Big Green Egg gets a lot of press but for our taste, Kamado Joe is superior.

They’ve taken proven design principles that date back thousands of years, and added their own flavor and improvements.  The result is one of the best kamado grill lines in the industry.

In particular, we love the Kamado Joe Classic III grill, which got a fairly major redesign in 2017.

One of my favorite and most innovative features of Kamado Joe grills is their patented divide and conquer system.  Basically, the grates inside of the grill are tiered which essentially doubles the amount of space you have to work with.

The best part is, the tiered grates allow you to set up multiple heat zones in your Kamado Joe.  An innovative half-moon internal heat deflector can partially block off heat, allowing both indirect heating and an open flame.

Different custom cooking surfaces (like laser cut stainless steel, soapstone, cast iron grate, and cast iron griddle) are also available and can be interchanged to hyper customize your grill.  You can truly cook different foods with different cooking styles and at different temperatures at the same time.

One of the big improvements made in 2017 was the addition of an air lift hinge which reduced the weight of the dome by a staggering 96%.  You can literally open the lid of this thing with a single finger.

The top vent is the main component to control your air flow and temperature.  It’s rain and mold resistant and powder coated with aluminum.  The dual-adjustment top vent lets you control your temperature from smoking range (225°F) to searing range (750°F).

A wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides a truly air tight seal, which is incredibly important, and is build solidly to outlast competitor’s gaskets.

As far as ease of use goes, a bunch of other features are included to make like as easy as possible for you, the grill master.  Namely, a multi panel firebox that’s quite sturdy and a slide out ash drawer make fire management and clean up easier than it should be.

Other attributes of the Kamado Joe are a built in stainless steel latch, stainless steel cooking grates, a built-in thermometer, and folding side shelves.

On top of all of that, Kamado Joe backs their product with a lifetime warranty on ceramic, 5 year warranty on all metal parts, a 3 year warranty on the heat deflector and a 1 year warranty on other parts.

Things We Like:

• Overall design and quality of construction is off the charts good.  This kamado grill is undoubtedly one of the best on the market.
• Versatility without sacrificing anything in terms of performance.  You can do everything on this grill, and do it well.
• Multilevel grilling might sound a little bit unnecessary or excessive, but I can assure you it’s not!  It’s one of the best features about this grill and allows you to cook different foods with different cooking styles and at different temperatures at the same time.
• Ease of use is as good as it gets.  Fire management is made easy with an intuitive, sturdy fire box and clean up is simplified with a removable ash tray.
• You don’t need to pay for extra accessories, unlike some other brands (most notably Big Green Egg).  Everything you need comes included.

Things We Don’t:

• If you’re on a strict budget, you might find the amount of grilling area you get with Kamado Joe to be a little less than what you were hoping for the price.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be truer in this instance.  Yes, Kamado Joe grills are expensive.  But, they are of the utmost quality and will create a lifetime of delicious food and memories when cared for properly.

Kamado Joe is our pick for best kamado grill brand overall.  Up and down their line of grills, all you see is quality.  They also put a significant amount of time, money, and energy into innovating their product.  So what you see now is the culmination of years and years of improvements and tweaks.

This is the sort of grill that you have to buy one time and you are set.  While the Kamado Joe Classic II is our personal favorite, if you’re looking for a different size or maybe an older iteration, Kamado Joe also offers:

• Kamado Joe Classic Joe II Charcoal Grill ( 18 inches, older model, slightly cheaper)

• Kamado Joe Big Joe III Charcoal Grill (24 inches, bigger model)

*Note, you can also read our complete Kamado Joe Classic and our Kamado Joe Big Joe review right here*

Primo Oval XL 400

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If you’re looking for a quality ceramic kamado grill at a price point that’s a little more palatable than other brands on the market, the Primo Oval XL 400 is an excellent option.  With 680 square inches of total cooking surface area, it has plenty of space to grill a load of burgers or smoke a big brisket.

Just because the price is good doesn’t mean that Primo cuts corners.  They use some of the highest quality ceramics in the business to construct their grills – which means superior heat, moisture, and flavor retention.  Oh and by the way – all Primo products are made in the USA.

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the Oval XL.  The lid sits higher than other brands on the market, which means that proper rotisserie cooking is made easy on this Kamado.  Furthermore, elevated cooking grids are half moon shaped which allow for customization of your set up.

On the warranty front, Primo backs their products with a 20 year warranty – so you can be assured that this grill will last for decades!

We’ve done a deep dive on Primo – if you’re interested in learning more about their kamado grills, check out our Primo Review here next.

Blaze Aluminum 20″ Cast Iron

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The Blaze Cast Aluminum Kamado is the only grill on this list that’s made out of aluminum.  You might think naturally that this is a lower quality material than ceramics or steel.  While that technically is true in a lot of situations, I can assure that Blaze spared no expense in constructing this world beater of a grill.

The aluminum is an inch and a quarter thick in a lot of the parts of the shell, and it does an excellent job of insulating and providing consistent heat and smoke when it’s cooking your food.

Temerature control is precise and easy here, and the lid is incredibly easy to open and close.  It fits very nicely so you almost will never have heat escape issues, even in cold and windy weather.

The 20″ diameter gives plenty of space to get to work with on the grate.  Beneath the main cooking grate there is a second 18″ grate that almost doubles your total cooking surface area.  Aesthetically, it’s a super sleek unit and a welcome addition to any back patio.  For more on this grill, check out our in depth review of Blaze Kamado grills next.

Big Green Egg, Large (18″)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of Big Green Egg at some point over the last few years.

Frankly, their ceramic grills have iconic status and kind of put kamado into the spotlight.  That sort of thing only happens with a truly quality product.

The Big Green Egg comes in 7 different model sizes.  No matter how much space you have or what your cooking needs are, there’s a Big Green Egg size that will suit your needs.  Here are all of the sizes offered:

• Mini – 10″
• MiniMax – 13″
• Small – 13″
• Medium – 15″
• Large – 18.25″
• XL – 24″
• XXL – 29″

Insulation wise, Big Green Egg grills are first class.  They use the highest quality ceramics and the results show it.  It’s shocking how good these grills are at retaining heat, and how easy it is to manage temperature while you grill.  They also come with all of the features you’d expect to see on a high quality kamado grill.

The catch with Big Green Eggs is the monumental prices.  For each size grill they offer, they are the most expensive grill on the market for that size.  Also, those prices aren’t even inclusive of a lot of accessories that you’ll likely need.

Things like a stand, side shelves, and a chimney cap all come at an extra cost.  It’s a little aggravating to buy an extremely expensive grill then have to shell out more cash for features that come standard for other brands (like Kamado Joe).

All of that said, they really are worthy of consideration.  The quality and design are undisputedly at the top of the list, and you’ll be equipped to make incredible food if you end up with one.

Things We Like:

• Made with the highest quality both from a design and construction perspective.  NASA grade ceramics are used in the construction of the main ceramic shell.  Heat retention and control are off the charts good.
• Wide range of sizes offered.  From 10″ diameter to 29″ diameter and everywhere in between, there’s a Big Green Egg size to fit your needs.
• All around durability.  When cared for properly, a Big Green Egg will last decades.  Even if you don’t care for it well, they are designed to last.  Heat and weather exposure won’t break down the outer surface of these grills.  (You should take good care of any grill you have though )
• Trusted brand name.  I’m firmly against paying extra only for the sake of a brand name.  In the case of Big Green Egg, their brand has a long history of quality products.

Things We Don’t:

• Prices are super expensive, especially considering the fact that you aren’t done after buying the grill itself.  Many of the necessary attachments and accessories come at an extra cost.
• You can’t buy them online.  This is a minor annoyance, and some people prefer shopping in person anyways, but a lot of other brands offer the convenience of online shopping.

If you do end up buying a Big Green Egg, make sure that you do it from an authorized dealer.  If you don’t, you won’t have a warranty and you won’t get help from them by the way of customer service.  They have a list of Big Green Egg authorized dealers on their website.

Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Cooker, 22″

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If your heart is set on a ceramic grill but you want something a little less pricey than a Kamado Joe, then Pit Boss is very much worth a look.  Pit Boss is a trusted name in the grilling community, and their brand appears quite a bit on this website!

In particular, the Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker makes a great alternative for a little less cost.

All of the main design and construction features you’d expect from the best kamado grill are there.  Namely, a heavy duty ceramic body and an easy to use tamper to give you full control over the temperature.  When it comes down to it, those two features are at the core of what make ceramic kamado grills so special.

On top of that, the grates have a dual tier feature that actually give you a whopping total of 662 square inches of cooking space.  That’s a ton of space for a kamado grill.  I should point out though that the dual tier setup is not similar to the Kamado Joe in that the pit boss is only set up for 1 zone cooking.

Bamboo foldable side tables are a really nice feature along with locking wheel casters.

Things We Like:

• Nice price point all things considered for a ceramic kamado grill.  You’ll be hard pressed to find something this size and quality for this price.
• Core features are great, namely the heavy duty ceramic construction and tamper make temperature control a breeze.  Temperatures can get up to 700 degrees.
• Lots of cooking space with a dual tier cooking grate.  662 square inches of total cooking area is a lot for a kamado grill.

Things We Don’t:

• You have to purchase a heat deflector if you plan on smoking or indirect cooking, which is a tiny bit annoying as both of these cooking methods are part of the appeal of a kamado.
• Maintaining consistent low temperatures has been a challenge for some owners.  Pit Boss doesn’t specify how low the temperature range goes, but they market this grill as a smoker so we’d reasonably expect for it to go as low as 225°F.  Some owners have mentioned that the fit of the vent made maintaining a low temp tough.

Char-Griller AKORN Jr (Best Portable Kamado Grill)

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We’re going to take it to the low end of the price spectrum here with the Char-Griller AKORN Jr, which gets our pick for best kamado grill for the money.

It’s also got a small profile at only 20.5 x 21.5 x 25.3 inches.  So if you don’t have a ton of space for a full size kamado (which are typically pretty big), then the E06614 could be a great fit in that regard.

The downside of a smaller grill is naturally the amount of cooking area you’ll have to work with will be relatively small too.  In this case, the diameter of the cooking grate is 14 inches, meaning you have a total of 153 square inches of cooking area.  That’s plenty for a small family, but if you plan on cooking for lots of people at once this might not be the choice for you.

What I love especially about this kamado is how high quality the construction is, even considering the smaller size.  It’s made of steel, but has dual air-flow dampers, a hinged locking lid, and triple wall steel with insulation that allow it to retain heat like a more expensive ceramic kamado grill.

The steel construction does come with a few benefits too – namely it’s less fragile than a ceramic grill.  You would never take a ceramic kamado with you on the road.  But due to the size and build of the AKORN Jr, you can achieve the benefits of a kamado in a camping or tailgating setting.

Performance wise the grill has a temperature range of 200-700°F, which more than stands up to some of the bigger, better known kamado grills on the market.

Things We Like:

• Entry level price point for a grill that performs like an expensive one.
• Steel construction is highly durable and can take a beating.
• The most portable and lightweight kamado grill.  This is the one you want to take with you camping or tailgating.
• Fuel efficient.  The AKORN Jr heats efficiently and quickly, and can easily maintain high temperatures without churning through fuel.

Things We Don’t:

• Total cooking surface area isn’t super big.  153 square inches is plenty for a lot of situations, but if you need to cook food for a big group of people all at the same time it will be challenging.
• Shelf life for stainless steel kamados will be significantly less than a ceramic one.

Chefood 16″ Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill

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Chefood is a relatively unknown brand, but they do make a really nice kamado grill.  In fact, their 16″ Ceramic Kamado Style Charcoal Grill is a great small ceramic kamado grills.

One important thing to note off of the bat, the 16″ refers to the outside diameter of this unit.  The cooking area is actually only 13.25″ in diameter with a cooking area of 138 square inches.  The grates are made of stainless steel and do a wonderful job of cooking your food.

Because of the ceramic construction, the Chefood 16″ is the perfect small grill, even in cold climates.  The downside of ceramic is that it weighs a lot.  In this case, the unit weighs a little over 90 pounds so while it’s small, it’s not necessarily easy to transport.

An adjustable bottom air damper and top vent temperature control system make managing your fire and heat really easy.  All in all, this is a really nice ceramic kamado grill at a great value.  If you want to go even smaller, Chefood has a 13″ diameter model too.

Another thing I like a lot here is that a waterproof cover is included with the cost of the grill, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about spending on!

Things We Like:

• Incredible price for a ceramic kamado.  You’d be hard pressed to find a better price on a ceramic grill.  For that reason alone it belongs in our list.
• Compact size is ideal for tighter patio spaces.
• Great heat retention thanks to a well made and designed ceramic shell.
• Grill cover included, which is one less thing to have to worry about.

Things We Don’t:

• Not a ton of cooking surface area. If you’re going to need to cook for lots of people, the lack of a ton of cooking area might be problematic.
• Even though it’s small, it’s not quite portable.  That’s kind of the nature of the beast with ceramic, but part of me wishes this was a little more lightweight so it could be taken on the go.

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker (Best Kamado Grill on a Budget)

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Kamado grills have a perception about them that they are really expensive.  That’s definitely true, with an important distinction.  The ceramic ones are super expensive.

Steel kamado grills are a perfectly viable option and are capable of cooking incredible food.  And they’re generally way more affordable.  The Char-Griller Akorn Kooker is without a doubt one of my favorite steel kamados.

With dimensions of 26.6 x 24.8 x 21.65 in it’s reasonably sized – but features more cooking area than you might expect.  It has 314 square inches of primary cooking space (cast iron grates) along with a 133 square inch warming rack for a grand total of 447 square inches to work with.  That’s a lot for a kamado.

The heavy duty 22 gauge steel shell is insulated to help retain heat and provide easy temperature control.

Features like a locking lid, 2 folding black metal shelves, easy dump ash pan, and a built in heat gauge make you feel like you’re getting real value out of this grill.  The cart also comes with built in wheel casters that can be locked into place.

If you’re ok not going ceramic, this is by far one of the best kamado grills you could end up with.

Things We Like:

• Great value.  While this one is steel and not ceramic, the value is still there.
• Lots of nice accessories included, like folding side shelves, easy dump ash pan, and a cart.
• Heavy duty steel is durable and is not prone to breaking or shattering like ceramic would be.
• Generous amount of total cooking area, especially considering the size of the grill.  Definintely more than a lot of similarly sized grills.

Things We Don’t:

• Longevity – Compared to ceramic, steel grills simply don’t last as long.  Make sure you do everything you can care wise to extend the shelf life.
• Inconsistency has been somewhat of a problem to some owners who cite missing parts or faulty components upon delivery.

Duluth Forge Kamado Grill, 18″

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The Duluth Forge 18″ Kamado Grill is for sure an under the radar pick and is a lesser known brand.  But, it strikes a really nice balance of quality and affordability.

If you’re set on getting a ceramic grill and on a budget, this one if definitely worth consideration.  It’s the cheapest full size ceramic kamado grill on this list.

1.25” thick ceramic walls allow for nice heat retention and good air circulation while you cook.  A dual top vent allows for fast starting, searing, and heat adjustment – with maximum control along the way.

Stainless steel was the material of choice for all bands, hinges, springs and hardware.  A porcelain coated steel cooking grate is non-stick and also very easy to clean.

Like all of the other choices on this list, it’s possible to do everything from smoking to searing on this grill.

Things We Like:

• A nice value pick, and a really nice price for what you get.  A great option if you want a ceramic but don’t want to completely break the bank.
• 1.25″ thick ceramic walls, are perfect heat retainers and insulators.
• Stainless steel bands, hinges, springs, and hardware are durable and give the grill a commercial feel.
• 567 square inches of total cooking area.

Things We Don’t:

• Doesn’t come with important accessories like a stand.  Unless you have a table pre made to fit your grill, you’ll need to purchase a stand separately.
• Customer service could be better according to a few owners.  Any time you spend a lot of money on something, you should be able to get in touch with somebody who will help you.

What is a Kamado Grill?

We mentioned at the beginning of this article that the underlying design principles for kamado grills have actually been around for around 3,000 years.

Even though it’s been a recent explosion in popularity, it’s pretty cool that these pieces of cooking equipment rely on such a tried and true method.

A traditional kamado grill is made from heat resistant minerals (like ceramics or cement) that are incredibly resistant to heat.  As such, kamado grills have extremely good insulative properties and almost never ever fault or crack.

For those reasons, a kamado makes a great smoker or even an oven – which is why from time to time you’ll hear people refer to them as a ceramic grill or a kamado smoker.

How Does a Kamado Grill Work?

The science behind a kamado grill is actually pretty simple – which makes sense since the methodology has been around for over 3,000 years!

Charcoal fuel is lit in the cooking chamber as your source of heat.  After you light your fuel, cooking grates and racks are placed.

Thick insulated walls retain heat and moisture.  Air finds its way in through an intake at the bottom of the grill.  The intake and vent on the top of the grill can be adjusted to control airflow and by extension, temperature.

Once you light your fire and set your vents initially, your grill will barely fluctuate in temperature if at all.  For beginners, it can take a couple of tries to get the hang of this as it’s hard to adjust drastically if you set the wrong temperature initially.

If you’re smoking or cooking with indirect heat, you’ll use a special heat deflector plate which goes in between the grate and your coals to deflect direct heat from reaching your food.

Kamado Grill Pros and Cons

Just like anything in life, there are upsides and downsides to even the best kamado grill.  For us the pros vastly outweigh the cons, but nonetheless a kamado isn’t the right fit for every aspiring grill master.

Kamado Grill Pros

• With proper care, a kamado grill will quite literally last you a lifetime.  It’s the kind of thing that can be passed down a few generations, which is pretty cool.
• They are true all in 1 units.  Thanks to good air ventilation and heat control systems, most of these grills have a temperature range from 200-700°F.  That’s a wide enough range to sear, roast, bake, smoke and grill all on the same product.
• World class insulation means that you’ll achieve consistent results, even if you live in cold or windy climates.  Consistent heat is an uphill battle in colder weather, even with a well made gas grill or charcoal grill.
• Due to that insulation, kamado grills are extremely efficient with fuel.  You’ll find yourself going through a small amount of charcoal for how often you fire up the grill.
• Meat results are super juicy after cooking on a kamado grill.  Because of the airflow design, minimal moisture escapes the main chamber and ultimately remains in your food.
• Starting your fire is really easy in a kamado.  The process is a little bit different than other grills, but after the first time you’ll have it down and it’s super simple.
• Many of the best kamado grills have attachments and accessories that really let you do some fun stuff.  Wok pans, baking stones, and many other add ons only add to the versatility of your grill.
• Temperature control is pretty easy on the quality grill models.  It’s literally as simple as twisting a knob in most cases.

Kamado Grill Cons

• They aren’t for the budget conscious.  A bona fide ceramic kamado grill will run you close to $1,000 minimum, and it can go up from there.  Steel options are cheaper but aren’t quite the same quality as ceramic.
• Lots of brands (cough, Big Green Egg) charge extra for accessories that feel like they should come standard with your purchase.  It’s a little lame to pay a lot for a grill then have to shell out more for crucial accessories.
• Learning how to manage your heat and your coals can be tricky at first.  As long as you stick with it though, you’ll eventually learn how to best manage your airflow and heat.
• Most kamado grills are not portable.  The ceramic material used in construction weighs a lot – resulting in a 200+ pound grill a lot of times.  Obviously that’s not ideal if you need to grill on the go.
• Clean up is a pain in many poorly designed models.  An ash tray is an essential component of any charcoal fueled grill, but you’d be surprised how many kamados lack this feature.
• Many medium and small models are not suited for 2 zone cooking.  So you really only get maximum versatility from bigger, more expensive models.

Best Kamado Grill – Buying Tips

Any time you’re making a big purchase, it’s importantly to thoroughly consider all aspects of the product you’re about to buy.  We thought it would be helpful to put together the top things to look for all in one place when shopping for a kamado grill.

Construction – Steel vs Ceramic

Perhaps right off the bat, you need to decide whether you’re looking for a steel or a ceramic grill.

Ceramic is the superior choice in our opinion, and more true to the spirit and design intent of the kamado grill.  The ceramic material just does a fantastic job of insulation and heat retention.  When taken care of well, a ceramic grill will have a super long shelf life too.  The “catch” is that ceramic kamados are markedly more expensive than steel ones.

Steel grills have a few more benefits than just being cheaper.  Heavy duty steel construction means more durability in the sense that if you drop a steel kamado, it will probably be fine.  Drop a ceramic, and you’re out of luck.  Steel is also much more lightweight and portable if that’s important to you.

The downside of steel is that generally it’s not as good of an insulator and they won’t last as long – even if you take great care of it.

Price

On a similar note, think about your price range before you start shopping.  If your budget is $500 or less, you’re probably automatically looking at a steel kamado or a small ceramic.

For a “regular” sized ceramic kamado grill, prices start pretty close to $1,000 and only go up from there.  It’s just something that’s better to think about on the front end instead of getting too excited and worked up about a model that’s out of your price range.

Size

Size is another obvious sounding consideration but it’s a really important one.  How many people are you going to cook for on a regular basis?  It’s important to think about to make sure you get a kamado that’s the right size for your needs.

We see models with cooking grate diameters as small as 10″ and as large as 29″ – which is a vast difference in terms of surface area.  Have an idea of what you think you’ll need before you start shopping.

Removable Ash Tray

We touched on this a bit earlier, but for me personally a removable ash tray is an absolute must.  Cleaning up after you grill is already a little bit of a drag, and the last thing you need is a complicated clean up process.

Too many kamado grills don’t have an easy ash management system.  Be sure to look for a grill that has an easy to remove ash pan.  This will help tremendously to keep your grill clean and prevent ash buildup.

Ventilation System

The two most important design components of a kamado grill is the insulated shell/egg shape, then the ventilation system for airflow management.  Without good airflow management, you’ll be out of luck.  It’s crucial to have good airflow to control temperature and deliver delicious results.

Vents with double wheels have a little extra precision compared to vents with only one.  Beyond that, you should check to make sure the manufacturer has put sound science behind the design of their ventilation flow.

Cooking Grates

The grate portion of the grill is easy to overlook with all of the other excitement going on with kamado grills, but the grate is also quite important.

After all, it’s the surface that comes into direct contact with your food.

Enameled steel, stainless steel, and cast iron grates are all ideal types of grates.

Aside from the material of your grates, it’s ideal to have hinged grates.  Hinged grates will let you access underneath the grates while you cook so you can add fuel without having to cause too much trouble to your food.

Warranty

I harp on this all the time on Own the Grill, but a manufacturer’s warranty is incredibly important.  Not only does it protect your expensive purchase, but I view it as a sign of competence and higher likelihood that the product itself is quality.  The thinking goes, if the manufacturer is willing to put their money where their mouth is, odds are it’s a pretty high quality product.

Trusted brands like Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg come with generous warranties.  If you’re buying from a lesser known brand just make sure you do your research into the warranty offered by the grill manufacturer.

What Makes a Kamado Grill Stand Out vs Other Grills

Compared to other types of grills, kamados are different in a lot of ways.  Visually, the egg shape looks pretty different than your traditional charcoal grill or gas grill.

At the end of the day, the best kamado grill stands out because of its versatility.  And it’s not just versatility for versatility’s sake.  A proper kamado grill truly excels at many different aspects of outdoor cooking.  You can grill, roast, smoke, sear, and bake just as well (if not better) compared to top of the line appliances that are designed to do just one of those things well.

You can’t say the same for any other type of grill.  Ultimately, that’s what separates kamado grills.

Now, there’s a flavor argument to be made too.  Some think ceramic grills make the best tasting food.  That part is more subjective, but I’ll certainly say that ceramic grills make some spectacularly delicious food.

Is a Kamado Grill For You?

Most often, I see kamado grills purchased by home grillers as a second grill.

That’s not to say beginners can’t have success with a kamado, quite the opposite.  It’s just that with the price tag of a ceramic grill, you just don’t see a lot of first time grill owners laying down that kind of cash.

A little bit of experience also helps for you to truly appreciate all features of the best kamado grill.  After grilling on gas or a normal charcoal grill, a kamado feels like driving a Mercedes – and you have enough personal reference points to appreciate it.

If you’re the type who likes to cook lots of foods with many different cooking methods, one of these grills is a perfect choice for you.

Instead of buying separate roasters, smokers, pizza ovens, and grills, you can consolidate and own just one kamado grill without sacrificing at all in the quality department.

If you live in a cold weather climate, kamados are also a great choice.  These things are incredibly insulated because of the ceramic shell.  Where a lot of gas and charcoal grills would falter in cold weather and wind, a ceramic grill will get the job done no matter what the forecast looks like.

How to Use a Kamado Grill

After all of this talk, you might be wondering how exactly to use a kamado grill.  After all, they are kind of intimidating looking to some who haven’t been exposed to them before.

In reality, properly using a kamado grill isn’t tough at all.  Here’s a step by step guide for how to use a kamado grill:

Add Charcoal/Fuel to Your Firebox

• Make sure your firebox is clean when you start.  If you cleaned thoroughly after your last cook you should be good, but double check to make sure there aren’t any unwanted materials in the firebox.
• You don’t need to fill the entire firebox.  The amount of fuel you use depends on how long your cook is – but very rarely is it necessary to fill the whole box.  This part will take a few trys to get the hang of the optimal amount of charcoal needed for how long you cook.
• Kamado grills use primarily lump charcoal or briquettes. Stack your charcoal into the firebox.  Start with larger pieces on the bottom and work your way to the top of the stack with smaller pieces.  This is important to ensure that smaller charcoal pieces don’t fall to the fire grate and obstruct airflow.

Fire it Up!

• First make sure your top and bottom vents are completely opened.
• Create a small depression in the middle of your coals.  Then, place a fire starter
  

  fire starter

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  in the depression.  Light your fire starter.
• Once the fire starter is burning strong, begin to place a few lumps of charcoal on top of the fire starter.  Add more coals once the initial coals catch on fire.
• After your fire is burning strong, add in any extra attachments and racks that you might need for the type of meat you are cooking.

Adjusting the Vents for Optimal Temperature

This is the part that takes some time and practice to completely master, but here are a few tips for when you get started:

• After your fire is burning, close the lid and completely open your vents.
• Closely monitor your built in thermometer.  You should start shutting your vents when the internal temperature of your kamado reaches about 100°F below your desired temperature.
• Continue to monitor your temperature and gradually close off your vents the closer you get to your target temperature.
• Once you are in very close range of your target temperature, the vents should be positioned so that you can make any final adjustments using only the top vent.  Adjust the top vent as needed to fine tune your temperature.
• If your temperature keeps rising past your target temperature, close off the top vent even more.

As soon as you reach your target temperature, the beautiful thing is that your flame management is pretty much done!  The best kamado grills are designed to maintain a stable temperature at this point in the process without messing with the vents anymore.

Best Kamado Grill – Wrap Up

I hope that this complete guide and our top picks of the best kamado grill have helped you on your journey to delicious BBQ!  Kamado grills truly are one of the most, if not the most, versatile and high quality buys you can make when it comes to cooking equipment.

In this day and age, there are a ton of cheaply made products.  At the end of the day, you want a grill that is made with the sort of craftsmanship and care that lasts a lifetime.

For anybody who is serious about BBQ, considering a kamado grill is an absolute must.  You just can’t ignore how efficient and simply fantastic these things are when it comes to cooking food.

The post Best Kamado Grill – Our Top Reviews and Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Own The Grill.

In terms of design features, versatility, and durability, all of their grills are second to none and bona fide contenders for the best kamado grill, period.

Specifically, we wanted to dedicate an entire article to the Kamado Joe Classic grill, which is one of their best sellers and a fantastic choice for beginners and experts alike.  As you’re about to see, there really isn’t anything these cookers can’t do.

Another topic we’ll touch on is the difference between the Kamado Joe Classic II and Classic III.  You might have noticed these two different grills at different price points, so we’ll help to clear up any confusion between the two.

Stick around until the end for some Kamado grill knowledge and how to get the most out of your Kamado Joe Classic II or III!

Kamado Joe Classic III Review

Kamado Joe Classic III Ceramic Kamado Grill

With multiple cooking racks, an abundance of accessories, and an easy-lift lid, the Kamado Joe Classic III has everything you love to see in a ceramic grill.

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The Kamado Joe Classic III is the newest iteration of the “Classic” line of grills.  While many of the features are the same as the Classic II, there are a few upgrades that are definitely worth pointing out.

Perhaps the most noteworthy improvement is the introduction of a technology that Kamado Joe calls their SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber.  As the name suggests, it’s a hyperbolic chamber that distributes heat and smoke in rolling, recirculating waves.

By doing this, your food gets perpetually surrounded by even amounts of heat and smoke – which enhance the quality and smokey flavor of your end results.  It also virtually eliminates the possibility of hot spots showing up on your grill.

The next upgrade comes with an improved cart.  Not that the cart for the Classic II isn’t good, but the III’s cart is just frankly better.  Instead of a wiry cast iron, the Classic III has a heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheel casters.

Last but not least, the Divide and Conquer system actually features 3 layers for you to work with vs just 2 – so you’re rewarded with a little bit of extra cooking space with the Kamado Joe Classic III.

Otherwise, this grill includes all of the same design and extra features that the Classic II includes.  The temperature range is similar at 225-750°F, and the easy clean removable ash pan, premium gasket, vent control tower are all basically the same design.

Things We Like:

• All around quality of design, ceramics, and other parts is incredibly high.  No stone was left unturned in the design and construction of this grill.
• Maximum versatility and a 3 tier cooking system that allows you to cook in different styles.  Everything from smoking low to baking pizzas hot is possible on this grill.
• SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber is legit and will definitely enhance the quality and smokey flavor of your food.
• Heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart and side tables come included with your grill, which is a clear step up from the Classic II
• Easy to use, especially for a kamado grill.  All of the cooking and clean up features are there to help make your life easier as the grill master.
• Temperature management is made easy by a simple and straightforward top vent tower that lets you precisely control airflow.
• Lifetime warranty on ceramics and 3-5 year warranty on most other parts.

Things We Don’t:

• A clear step up in price compared to the Classic II and for some, the added benefits might not justify the cost.  We’re on the edge as to whether it’s worth it or not.

Kamado Joe Classic II Review

Kamado Joe Classic II 18-in Ceramic Grill

• Can easily grill, smoke, bake, roast, and more
• Ceramic shell can maintain temperature range of 225-750ºF
• Abundance of accessories & add-ons available to enhance cooking set up

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The most prominent feature of any kamado cooker is its egg shaped chamber, which is typically constructed of high quality ceramics.

In the case of the Kamado Joe Classic II, the premium ceramic chamber is a distinct red and does a fantastic job of insulating and retaining heat.

The key to any proper charcoal grill is a quality ventilation system.  The Classic II has an excellent one which is primarily controlled by a top tower vent.

From here, you can precisely choose your desired temperature with visual markers.  The vent will maintain a consistent airflow and setting even when the dome is opened and closed.

Speaking of the dome, in 2017 the Kamado Joe Classic II got a major redesign – and one of the most notable improvements was the addition of an air lift hinge.  The ceramics in kamado grills are quite heavy, and opening your lid is usually a burdensome task.  With the air lift hinge, the dome can be lifted with a single finger with a reduced effective weight of 96%.

We haven’t even gotten to some of the best cooking features yet!  The Classic II is designed to consistently maintain temperatures from 225°F to a scorching 750°F.  That’s a wide enough range to smoke meats low and slow or to crank up the heat to sear a steak.  It will actually get hot enough to bake Neapolitan style pizza too!

One of the most unique features of Kamado Joe grills is their Divide and Conquer system.  It’s essentially a multi level grate with a half moon design on each layer.  Each of the half moons can be mixed and matched with different types of cooking surfaces to suit your needs!  In fact, here’s a complete list of the different types of half moon cooking surfaces you can get:

• Traditional stainless steel cooking grate
• Soapstone
• Cast iron cooking grate
• Cast iron reverse-able griddle
• Fish and vegetable grate
• Ceramic pizza stone
• Deflector plate (for multiple heat zones)

This Divide and Conquer system alone provides the sort of versatility that most other grills can only dream of.  You can literally cook different foods on different surfaces at different temperatures with different styles, all at the same time.

Another consideration is that this system essentially doubles the 18″ diameter cooking surface since it’s 2 tiers on the Classic II.  So you have a total of 508 square inches of cooking surface area to work with (you can get up to 660 square inches with an additional expander rack).

The Kamado Joe Classic II is an efficient burner of charcoal, especially if you use quality lump charcoal, so you don’t have to generally worry to much about cleaning up ash.  But for when it’s time to clean out your ashes, an intuitive slide out ash drawer makes the process incredibly easy.

Many other high quality kamado brands (cough, Big Green Egg) charge you extra for a cart, but Kamado Joe includes a cast iron cart with locking wheels to house your grill.  It makes moving and locking in these heavy units a lot easier, and it’s built to last a long time.

There are also some pretty great other features that enhance your cooking and increase the durability of these grills.  Namely, a multi panel fire box, wire mesh fiberglass gasket, folding side tables, and stainless steel latches all help to make your experience as easy and pain free as possible.

The other thing is that as far as premium, high quality ceramic kamado grills go, this price point is about as good as you’re going to get.  I say that with a little bit of pause because the Kamado Joe Classic II isn’t exactly cheap, but the value for your money is definitely there – especially compared to the quality and price of other brands.

Things We Like:

• All around quality of design and construction is spectacular.  No stones were left unturned, and no corners were cut in the creation of this cooker.
• Maximum versatility thanks to some intelligent design features and availability of tons of accessories.  Everything from low and slow smoking to baking pizza on scorching heat is possible here.
• Easy to use, especially for a kamado grill.  All of the cooking and clean up features are there to help make your life easier as the grill master.
• Temperature management is made easy by a simple and straightforward top vent tower that lets you precisely control airflow.
• Cast iron cart and side tables come included with your grill, whereas these features cost extra with some other brands.  Everything you need to get going comes standard.
• Lifetime warranty on ceramics and 3-5 year warranty on most other parts.
• All things considered, the price is pretty reasonable.

Things We Don’t:

• Even though the price is relatively good and the value is there, it’s still a steep price tag for many budgets.

A Brief History on Kamado Grills

Kamado grills are one of my favorite types of grills.  Not only are they high performance cookers, but they have a pretty neat place in history too.

These grills are based on pretty ancient technology that has withstood the test of time.  As early as 3,000 years ago in Asian countries, clay vessels were used to cook food and gradually tweaked and perfected as time went on.

Eventually, a clay pot cooker with a removable lid was created in Japan – which was introduced to Americans after World War II.  Americans were astonished at how good the food was that came off of these cookers.

From there, improvements and modernizations have been made to the kamado grill which brings us to today’s designs.  Most modern kamado grills are made of ceramic (although some are made of steel) and utilize tried and true design features to deliver perfect food.

A Brief History on Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe is somewhat of a new kid on the block in the grilling space.  They opened for business in 2009 after Bobby Brennan and Kerry Coker founded the company.  They were dissatisfied with the lack of premium options in the outdoor cooking market and vowed to create a premium brand that delivered a world class kamado grill.

And they’ve done exactly that.  Kamado Joe has led the industry in innovative features and quality from pretty much day 1 of their existence.  Today, many of the features they first came out with are being copied by other brands who are trying to play catch up.

All of that to say, Kamado Joe is one of the most respected brands in the space.  If you want to see how we think they stack up to other brands, check out our Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg comparison next.

Getting the Most Out of a Kamado Joe Classic

Whether you end up with a Kamado Joe Classic II or III, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you get the most out of your grill.

The first suggestion we have is to use lump charcoal.  If you’ve never been introduced to lump before, it’s basically an organic, premium type of fuel for your kamado grill – and is somewhat of a hybrid of wood logs and chunks and charcoal.

Lump charcoal is a little more expensive vs briquettes, but kamados are efficient burners so you won’t be spending too much for ongoing fuel costs.

Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

• 100% natural - pure, dense South American hardwood blend
• Low ash and superior burn (max temperatures over 1,100ºF
• Waterproof & dustproof packaging with carry handle and zip top closure

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Second, we’d suggest utilizing Kamado Joe’s extensive line of accessories.  They have some really good stuff that can take your grill into the stratosphere.  We already touched on the different cooking surfaces you can use in the Divide and Conquer cooking setup.

On top of that though, they sell accessories to completely customize your cooking experience:

• Rotisserie kit
• Pizza stone
• Grill expander (more cooking surface area)
• Cast iron dutch oven
• Cast iron wok
• Rib rack
• Accessory rack

Final Thoughts

No matter whether you end up with a Kamado Joe Classic II or III, you’re ending up with a spectacular cooker that essentially serves as a premium grill smoker combo.  Both of these units are bona fide top of the line grills, and worth every penny (even though they are expensive!).

If you want something with a little bit more cooking area, check out our Kamado Joe Big Joe review next.  The Big Joe shares lots of similarities with the classic, but as the name suggests is bigger!

Which one did you end up with?  Let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Kamado Joe Classic II and III Reviews – A Closer Look At Top Performing Kamado Grills appeared first on Own The Grill.

Simply put, they place a tremendous amount of thought, care, and expertise into each one of their grill designs – and the quality of their products show it.

The Kamado Joe Big Joe is one of their flagship grills, and is a cooker suited to get some serious grilling and smoking done.  As you’re about to see, the Big Joe can handle just about anything when it comes to cooking outdoors.

In this article, we’ve compiled our thoughts for a complete Kamado Joe Big Joe review.  We’ll be covering two separate generations of Big Joe – the II and the III.  By the end, you should have a great idea of the capabilities of this grill, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.

Kamado Joe Big Joe III – Our Review

Kamado Joe Big Joe III 24-in Ceramic Kamado Grill

• 452 sq. in. of primary cooking surface area, up to 864 sq. in. with Divide and Conquer cooking racks
• Easily holds steady temperatures between a range of 225ºF and 750ºF
• Lifetime warranty on ceramics

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The Kamado Joe Big Joe III is the newest iteration of the Big Joe.  All of the features we list out below apply to the Big Joe III – but there are a few extra features and improvements worth noting for the newer iteration.

Most notably, the third generation of the Big Joe introduces Kamado Joe’s SloRoller Technology.  In short, this technology utilizes a hyperbolic chamber which distributes heat and smoke throughout your cooker in rolling, recirculating waves.

Practically, this means that while your food cooks it’s surrounded by even amounts of heat and smoke.  This perfect evenness contributes to enhanced smokey flavors for you food – and it also eliminates the small possibility of hot spots appearing in your cooker.

The Big Joe III also features 3 tiers of their Divide and Conquer cooking system, so you’re afforded even more space to get to work and make delicious food.

As far as other major upgrades go, the other one of note is the rolling cart.  The Big Joe II features a cast iron rolling cart.  There’s nothing wrong with it, and it’s a quality cart – but the Big Joe III features a heavy duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheel casters.

Those are the big highlights of the Kamado Joe Big Joe II vs III – the third generation still has the wide temperature range of 225°F to 750°F and comes with all of the great features that the II does.

Things We Like:

• Design quality is second to none.  Zero corners were cut, and seemingly every single square inch of this cooker is well thought out design wise.
• SloRoller technology contributes to even better tasting food with more consistent results.
• Extremely versatile cooker – everything from low and slow smoking to searing steaks to baking pizza on scorching heat is possible on the Big Joe.
• 3 tiers of cooking grates means the most cooking surface area of any kamado grill on the market.
• Easy of use factor is there, especially for a kamado grill.  You’re not going to find an easier kamado grill to operate and maintain.
• Top tower vent is highly adjustable and straightforward.  It allows for you to precisely control your airflow and therefore manage your temperature.
• Galvanized steel cart and side tables come included with your grill.  As mentioned above, these features cost extra with other brands, so the base pricing for Kamado Joe Big Joe III’s is a turnkey price.  Everything you need to get going comes standard.
• Lifetime warranty on ceramics and 3-5 year warranty on most other parts.
• Fiberglass gasket lasts for decades and ensures an airtight seal.

Things We Don’t:

• The Kamado Joe Big Joe III is expensive, with a higher price tag than the Big Joe II.

Kamado Joe Big Joe II Review

Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-Inch Ceramic Kamado Grill

• Easy-to-lift airlift hinge
• 452 sq. in. cooking surface area
• High performance 1 1/4 inch thick ceramic shell backed by a lifetime warranty

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The most notable feature of the Kamado Joe Big Joe II is undoubtedly the bright red, egg shaped ceramic cooking chamber.  You won’t find a better insulator than the ceramics used to construct the shell of this grill.

The secret sauce for high performance in any charcoal grill is a quality ventilation system.  A proper ventilation system allows for you to precisely and predictably control your temperature.  No matter whether you’re grilling a ribeye steak or smoking a BBQ brisket, temperature control and precision is crucial to achieve tasty results.

The Big Joe II features a top mounted vent where you can easily control your airflow, smoke levels, and temperature.  It’s easy and intuitive to use, and has some great visual indicators to let you know exactly where to place the vents to achieve certain temperature levels.

On the topic of temperature levels – the Big Joe II is designed to be able to steadily maintain temperatures of 225°F to 750°F.  That’s an incredibly wide temperature range, and affords you the ability to smoke meats low and slow, sear, grill, roast, and even bake Neapolitan style pizza all on the same cooker.

One of the most unique features you’ll find on all full sized Kamado Joe grills (including the Kamado Joe Classic) is their Divide and Conquer cooking system.  Essentially, they’ve designed a double layered circular cooking grate, which is where your food sits as it cooks inside of the egg shaped chamber.  The cool part is that each of these circular cooking areas are divided into removable half-moon shaped grates.

There are a couple of implications if this two tiered, removable grate system.  First, it allows for you to set up multiple heat zones in your grill – so you can cook some food with direct heat and some with indirect heat simultaneously on the different layers.

Second, the removable nature of the half moon grates allows for you to interchange different cooking surfaces to best compliment the food you’re cooking and the style you’re cooking it with.  Kamado Joe offers interchangeable half moon cooking surfaces in each of the following styles:

• Traditional stainless steel cooking grate
• Soapstone
• Cast iron cooking grate
• Cast iron reverse-able griddle
• Fish and vegetable grate
• Ceramic pizza stone

The grill also comes with a quality deflector plate to help set up multiple heat zones.  All of this means that you’re actually to cook different foods, at different temperatures, on different surfaces, with different styles at the exact same time on the Kamado Joe Big Joe.  Even if that sounds too ambitious for you to do all at once, the versatility and ability to easily change between different styles of cooking is an undeniable luxury.

On top of all of that, there are a few more design features of the Big Joe that make it stand out from the competition.  Ceramic grills by nature are heavy – the Big Joe II in fact is about 375 pounds!  With many ceramic grills, opening and closing the lid takes effort.  Usually about 20 to 25 pounds of force is required to open the lid, and on the way down you have to be extremely careful to let it down slowly to not allow all of that inertia to damage your grill.

Kamado Joe designed an air lift hinge system to solve this problem.  The air lift hinge reduces the force required to open the lid by 96% – you can actually open it with a single finger!  On the way down, the lid also naturally closes slowly and safely so you don’t have to worry about it slamming shut.

The Big Joe also goes above and beyond with their gasket, one of the most important components of a kamado grill.  Many other competitors utilize felt gaskets or other inferior materials.  Kamado Joe on the other hand has a fiberglass gasket in place that is of the utmost quality and ensures an airtight seal and extended shelf life.

One more thing that I really appreciate about Kamado Joe is that they include a generous amount of “extra” features with their grills.  I put extra in quotes because some of the features, like a rolling cart and side tables, feel like they shouldn’t be so extra – but lots of other competitors (like Big Green Egg) charge extra.

With Kamado Joe, features like a rolling cart, folding side tables, and heat deflector plates are all included in the base price.

The Big Joe II also features a multi panel fire box, wire mesh fiberglass gasket, folding side tables, and stainless steel latches.  Each of these features contribute to an overall ease of use and great user experience with the Big Joe II.

Things We Like:

• Design quality is spectacular and so were the materials used for construction.  Zero corners were cut, and seemingly every single square inch of this cooker is well thought out.
• Extremely versatile cooker – everything from low and slow smoking to searing steaks to baking pizza on scorching heat is possible on the Big Joe.
• Easy of use factor is there, especially for a kamado grill.  You’re not going to find an easier kamado grill to operate and maintain.
• Top tower vent is highly adjustable and straightforward.  It allows for you to precisely control your airflow and therefore manage your temperature.
• Cast iron cart and side tables come included with your grill.  As mentioned above, these features cost extra with other brands, so the base pricing for Kamado Joe Big Joe II’s is a turnkey price.  Everything you need to get going comes standard.
• Lifetime warranty on ceramics and 3-5 year warranty on most other parts.
• Fiberglass gasket lasts for decades and ensures an airtight seal.

Things We Don’t:

• The Kamado Joe Big Joe II is expensive, there’s no way around it.  Relative to other ceramic grills on the market we think the price is justified, but it’s definitely a premium price.

Getting the Most Out of Your Kamado Joe Big Joe

If you’re going to dive in to the world of kamado grills, here are a few of our favorite tips for how you can get the most out of your Kamado Joe.

First, you should definitely plan to use lump charcoal to fuel your kamado grill.  Kamado Joe sells their own brand of lump charcoal but you can use any kind you want!  Lump charcoal is a type of organic, all natural fuel that burns extremely clean and has zero additives in it like many charcoal briquettes do.  Most importantly, lump charcoal produces minimal ash when it’s burned, which is key for all kamado grills – by design their ventilation systems will get clogged up with too much ash.  You can read more about the difference between lump charcoal vs briquettes here.

The second piece of advice we like to give is to make sure you utilize Kamado Joe’s extensive line of accessories.  Their base units are more than enough to make delicious food, but their attachments and accessories can really take your set up to the next level.  Here are a few examples of the sort of enhancements you can make to your grill:

• Rotisserie kit
• Pizza stone
• Grill expander (more cooking surface area)
• Cast iron Dutch oven
• Cast iron wok
• Rib rack
• Accessory rack

Final Thoughts

I hope this extensive look at the Kamado Joe Big Joe II and III has helped you determine whether or not this grill is a good fit for you!  Although expensive, the Big Joe delivers on a premium grilling and smoking experience, and can literally provide a lifetime of value to you, your family and friends.

Have any more questions about the Kamado Joe Big Joe?  Let us know about them in the comments section below.

The post Kamado Joe Big Joe II and III Review – A Closer Look At One Of The Top Kamado Grills On The Market appeared first on Own The Grill.

One of the ways to preserve your Big Green Egg and keep it in great shape is by cleaning it regularly.

Keep reading to find out more about how to clean a Big Green Egg.

6 Easy Steps for How to Clean a Big Green Egg

Use our easy-to-follow cleaning process to keep your Big Green Egg well-maintained and in tip-top condition. It’s always smart to brush the grates with a wire brush before they get a chance to cool down.

A deep clean for all of the inside parts should be done once or twice a year, depending on how much you use your kamado grill.  Here is a step by step guide for how to deep clean a Big Green Egg:

Step 1: Remove the Ash

Stir the charcoal around. This will get any ash to fall into the bottom of the Egg. If the charcoal is damp, throw it away.

Step 2: Light it Up

This step is known as the ‘High Temp Burn’. If you can still use your old charcoal, great! If not, then get some new lump charcoal and fill your grill to its half.

Then, light up your Egg to the hottest temperature. Set the timer and leave it for a full hour. This process should melt away the buildup inside your grill and grate. It’ll be easier to scrape it off later.

It’s important to mention that if your daisy wheel is full of gunk, that can make it hard to open. If you place it on the grill grate during the high temp burn, that should make the process a lot easier.

However, it’s important to note that this trick can leave a bit of discoloration on your wheel, but that can be easily fixed. All you need to do is take it apart by removing the screw. Then, spray its parts with a black grill spray paint. It’ll look brand new!  Spray painting isn’t necessary if you don’t want to – the discoloration is only aesthetic and does not affect the performance of your grill.

Step 3: Let It Cool Off

Shut your grill down and let it cool. This makes it easier to clean off all the buildup that’s been accumulating in your grill.

Now, get your cleaning supplies. For the best results, get a vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed for ceramic grills.

Step 4: Let the Cleaning Begin

Use a stainless steel brush and scraper to scrape away any residue and buildup. Vacuum everything up and wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. Take out any leftover charcoal, along with the fire box and the fire ring.

Top Grill Brush

GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper

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The fire box is located at the very bottom of your Big Green Egg, while the fire ring is right above it, with the grate lying between the two. You can also vacuum both the fire box and ring after you remove them from the grill.

After you finish cleaning them, make sure to place the fire box back to the bottom of your Big Green Egg, then the grate, then finally the fire ring.

A pro-tip: avoid using cleaning supplies that contain any harsh chemicals. Since the Big Green Egg is made from ceramic, it’s permeable. This means the chemicals can easily soak into the grill itself and leak back into your food as you’re grilling.

Step 5: Check the Gasket

Take a look at your gasket. Does it look worn out from all that grilling and smoking? If so, then it’s time to replace it with a new one.

First, make sure you remove the old gasket completely. You can use some rubbing alcohol to clean away any remnants of the old gasket and its sticky self-adhesive strip.

Gaskets are typically made of gray or black felt. They come with a self-backing adhesive strip to make replacing them easier.

Step 6: Proper Storage

Keep your Egg covered and safely stored. You can also try using a grill cover if you want the best resistance against weathering.

Do you have a cabinet table for your Big Green Egg? Is it grimy and gunky, and crying out for some attention?

To get your table spick and span before your next grill, you can simply wipe it down with a 1:2 white vinegar and water solution. It’ll clean, disinfect, and keep the cabinet in great shape for longer.

Pro-tip: to get your table looking cleaner and shinier, try this mixture:

• 2 parts vinegar
• 2 parts olive oil
• 1 part lemon juice

Mix the ingredients well. Then, use a microfiber cloth and start wiping away. The olive oil will help preserve the integrity of the table and give it a good polish. Lemon juice is antibacterial thanks to its low pH balance. It’s safe to use for polishing and cleaning all types of materials.

Try to find a large cover to protect both the Egg and the table from the weather elements. It’ll save you money in the long run.

The ‘Magic’ of the Big Green Egg

If you’re already the proud owner of an egg, you know how special these cookers are and why it’s so important to know how to clean a Big Green Egg.

When it first was introduced to the public in 1974, the Big Green Egg was just another innovative outdoor cooker. Now, it’s become a ceramic marvel. It’s a great piece of investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. The Big Green Egg even has a following who call themselves ‘EGGheads.’

Read ahead to find out what makes the Big Green Egg so great!

The Glazed Ceramic Build

The ceramic body is what makes this outdoor cooker such a big hit. It keeps in the heat and moisture inside. What you get is deliciously succulent foods, dripping in their juices. Nothing comes out dry or tasteless.

Consistent Temperature Control

Regulating the Big Green Egg’s temperature is a piece of cake thanks to its ceramic build. There are vents on both the top and the bottom. You can use them to adjust and control the temperature, smoke concentrations, and humidity.

Using the vents means you can rest assured that your food is cooking to perfection without having to lift the lid to check on your food. Unless you have to baste the meat, you don’t have to open the lid at all.

Another benefit? You save money on charcoal. Since the heat is so well distributed, you don’t need to use as much charcoal as with other types of grills.

Even temperature control also means less chance of food getting charred or burned. So even if you’re not the savviest of outdoor cooks, you’ll get it right every time.

A pro-tip: If you do need to open the lid during the cooking process, make sure you vent or ‘burp’ the Egg first. To do that, carefully open and close the lid just a tad several times.

By venting the Egg, you’re allowing the outside air to enter. This cools down the Egg before you can safely check on your food. This prevents any bursts of hot air or flare-ups from scalding you.

Built With Safety in Mind

The ceramic construction keeps the Egg’s surface cool on the outside, even while it’s cooking at full power. This gives you peace of mind, especially if you have kids and pets running around.

It’s a safety perk that greatly reduces the risk of injuries and accidents. And you won’t find it in metal grills.

How to Clean a Big Green Egg – Final Thoughts

We hope our step-by-step directions have made it clear on how to clean a Big Green Egg. All it takes is a bit of time, a few simple all-natural cleaning products, and your grill will be as clean as new.

You’ll know your hard work paid off in the end when it’s time to grill again. The smell and taste won’t disappoint!

The post How to Clean a Big Green Egg – It’s Easier Than You Think! appeared first on Own The Grill.

Kamado grills, in particular, provide an excellent cooking environment – which is why they have become so popular.

A kamado grill creates that consistent cooking environment and will allow the cook to prepare anything that you could normally prepare on a grill, smoker, or even an oven.

Since they use hardwood lump charcoal you have a much wider range of flavor and smoking possibilities than with almost any other type of grill. One of the leaders in the modern Kamado grill is Blaze – and specifically their 20″ Kamado grill.

We’ll take a closer look at Blaze’s Kamado grill and go over its strengths, limitations, and more!

Blaze Kamado Grill Review

Blaze 20-in Cast Aluminum Kamado Grill

• 1.25" thick cast aluminum body has excellent heat retention & durability
• Cast molded exhaust cap allows precise heat control
• 20" diameter stainless steel cooking greats

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The Blaze Kamado is a unique kamado grill that brings all the benefits of traditional ceramic kamado grills, enhances them, and adds to them.

Whereas most kamado grills are ceramic, the Blaze Kamado is made from cast aluminum and is up to an inch-and-a-quarter thick in some places.

This all-aluminum design provides unmatched levels of robustness and durability to the amazing temperature and heat retention that Kamado grills are known for.

From The Top…

These grills are hefty, no question. So Blaze’s decision to pre-install a hinged lid with assisted lift. This makes the grill easy to open and close securely.

The 304 stainless hinge hardware means not only will it not bend or distort easily, but it won’t rust, so you can have it stored outside with confidence. If you live in an area where it rains or snows routinely throughout the year, knowing you won’t have to replace the hinge hardware on your grill can be a pleasant change of pace.

Since one of the main attractions of the Blaze Kamado is its ability to control the temperature to a very fine degree, that means you can’t have a lot of heat loss.

The tongue-and-groove fit of the lid and the cooking vessel ensures that there is minimal loss of heat or smoke and that the airflow inside is unaffected by the outside weather.

This lid fit also removes the need for a gasket, as you would see in a ceramic kamado. One less thing to worry about, and one less thing to have to spend money on in the future. Win-win.

One of the most common pain points with ceramic kamados is the exhaust cap – which controls your airflow and therefore temperature. It’s typically made of inferior plastics on a ceramic grill – but the exhaust cap on the Blaze Kamado is molded cast aluminum, so you won’t ever have to deal with the hassle of a faulty exhaust cap.

…To The Bottom…

The all-metal construction means the Blaze Kamado is non-porous, and thus will not absorb the flavors and tastes of anything you cook on the grill. Your grill will stay hotter, longer, and more of that wonderful smokey flavor will have time to cool and condense on the food, giving it the taste you are after.

Feel free to use any sort of ignition fluid, material, or device to start your coals, you do not have to worry about the unit absorbing any of that flavor into the housing or combustion chamber.

This all-metal design also means the grill is more robust and durable overall. Especially compared to modern ceramics, which are definitely far more advanced than their Asian counterparts from a thousand years ago, but are still delicate in many ways and prone to breaking under certain circumstances.

The silver finish and stainless accents really make the whole appearance look modern and sleek.

…And Everything In Between

Blaze 20-in Cast Aluminum Kamado Grill

• 1.25" thick cast aluminum body has excellent heat retention & durability
• Cast molded exhaust cap allows precise heat control
• 20" diameter stainless steel cooking greats

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With a 20” diameter cooking surface that consists of hex-shaped stainless steel grill grates that produce perfect sear marks and char lines, while aiding the heat retention even further. The cast molded exhaust cap allows the best way to regulate the heat, without the usual risk of falling and breaking.

This exhaust cap will give the user precise control over the internal temperature, though it does have a learning curve that will take a little practice to get really good at. But, like with anything, you only get better by using it more.

Beneath the main cooking grate, and nearly doubling your cooking area, there is an 18-inch multi-purpose grate that can be used for grilling as well. Being closer to the primary heat sources, it is a good place to put a final sear on the meat, or anything that may need a higher degree of heat than the top rack.

Additionally, it can hold liquid like broth or drippings used for additional moisture and flavor, or wet wood for additional smoke production. With both of these grates being stainless steel, cleanup is a breeze.

Super-Easy Clean-Up

Even though the Blaze Kamado uses hardwood lump charcoal, there really is no way the cleanup could be any simpler. There is a full-width ash pan that just lifts out.

This is arguably one of the greatest improvements that the Blaze Kamado grill has over its ceramic competitors. The lift-out ash pan means there is no more scraping the ashes out manually. Since the interior is the same cast aluminum surface as the outside, dirt and debris simply have a hard time adhering to the aircraft-quality metal.

Cook Outside Year-Round

Not only is the inside easy to clean and low maintenance, but the outside is as well. It stands up to the wettest and coldest weather you can throw at it, and it will still let you cook in most of it!

The plenty thick cast aluminum construction retains heat just as well as ceramic kamado grills, and with the tight fit of the lid and vent, you can grill, roast, bake, and even smoke for more of the year than ever before. The heat retention and cooking ability of the Blaze Kamado won’t let a little snow rain on your parade.

Buy It For Life

While the price point of a Blaze Kamado certainly isn’t in the “impulse buy” category, you still want to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money. With the Blaze Kamado, there really is no better feature than the lifetime warranty.

Blaze backs their Kamado grills fully with a lifetime warranty from defects in workmanship or manufacturing, on every single part from the body to the hinges. Make sure you register within 30 days of purchase though, that is their one catch for covering your new Kamado grill.

F.A.Q.

What Is A Kamado Grill?

What we recognize currently as a “kamado” grill is actually a method of cooking that goes back thousands of years in Asia. The earliest examples are made of clay and date to older than 1,000BCE.

It revolves around a large jar-shaped vessel usually constructed from ceramic material and has a removable dome-shaped lid. The lid will contain a vent or damper of some sort to facilitate air movement. The word “kamado” is Japanese and translates roughly to “cooking stove”.

The kamado grill was introduced to the US, for all intents and purposes, following World War II. Members of the military had seen them used extensively overseas and had brought some back. Recently they have seen a surge of popularity as a result of the artisan barbecue and smoking communities.

Since they have such masterful control over the temperature, they can rival some of the most expensive digitally controlled electric smokers, and produce dishes that are like nothing else you have had from a grill.

The use of ceramics brings advantages like heat retention and airflow precision. Kamado grills will retain the heat for quite some time, allowing them to be used for much longer and lower temperature cooking, like smoking and baking.

They can be held at consistent temperatures starting around 200 degrees for as long as they have sufficient charcoal and air. Because of this precise airflow management and temperature control, kamado grills often find function as a wood-fired oven surrogate, being used to roast or bake just about anything from meats to bread, pizzas, and cakes.

How Are Kamado Grills Different From Other Grills?

The main differences can be summed up by saying that a kamado grill looks differently, feels differently, and most importantly, works differently than a conventional grill whether it is gas or charcoal.

Shape

First of all, and probably the most notable factor is their shape. They are not shaped like any other grill you have likely used in your life. They are generally shaped like a large ellipsoid, or egg, with the top being hinged or otherwise removable, to allow access to the interior. Inside they will have a round grill surface similar to the one you would see inside any other charcoal grill. There may or may not be other dividers or heat reflectors to assist with indirect cooking or smoking, depending on the options of the grill or dealer.

Weight

Another difference that is immediately noticeable, is the weight. They are quite dense and are frequently much heavier than expected. Small ones can clock in around a hundred pounds, while large ones may be in the 500-pound range.

Because of their size, they often come with or have available as an option, a stand or nest that will support the grill and allow it to be moved or repositioned. When looking at a larger grill, be sure you can either move it yourself or be able to get a stand for it.

Operation

Beyond the obvious appearance differences in appearance or weight, kamado grills will operate in a different way than your traditional charcoal grill. With a conventional charcoal grill, you need to buy conventional charcoal, which is less consistent and efficient than hardwood lump, and it does not last as long. The food is cooked over the burning coals, utilizing the direct heat from the coals as the cooking heat.

A kamado grill uses its thermal mass to absorb a large portion of the heat energy generated by the burning coal and radiates it back in a uniform fashion to the food.

To do this, a kamado grill needs large amounts of mass. In most models, this is why they are made from incredibly thick ceramic materials. The Blaze Kamado is actually made from a single piece of cast aluminum, so not only do you get the benefits of the radiant heat, you have less weight and no porous interior for odor or taste to cling to.

Since they have a vent at the bottom, and a vent to damper at the top, they are able to precisely control the air movement inside the cooking vessel. This allows for extremely consistent temperature regulation since the vessel itself helps buffer against sudden temperature changes by absorbing and releasing heat from its mass. Once they are preheated they can offer incredible temperature stability.

Final Thoughts On the Blaze Aluminum Kamado

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with Blaze grills in general.  They make fantastic built in grills, luxury grills, and as you just read, they make a fantastic kamado grill too. 

It’s in our opinion their kamado is one of the highest performing grills on the market, regardless of shell material. While it’s expensive, we find that it’s a fair price for how good it is.

The post Blaze Kamado Grill Review – How Does It Stack Up? appeared first on Own The Grill.

The Kamado cooking style carries plenty of benefits. We’d like to show you how a kamado grill works so that you can get the best results when cooking and use all of its potential. Simply put, nothing beats the flavor of food cooked with a kamado grill!

So with that in mind, let’s get right into our Kamado Grill guide!

Choosing the Right Kamado

The prices for a kamado grill can range from $200 up to few thousand. It all depends on what materials a kamado grill is made of and on its size. The most expensive and the best ones are ceramic kamado grills which are truly an investment for years.

For those with a lower budget, on the other hand, the manufacturers offer kamados made of stainless steel or part cast-iron aluminum. One upside of this solution is undoubtedly a much lower price but the downside is definitely the poorer insulation.

If a kamado is a complete novelty to you then you need to know that the best ones in terms of quality are undisputedly ceramic kamado grills.

They are characterized by better durability ( rust resistance ) and a definitely better temperature control. The downside is high price, a decent ceramic grill will usually cost over one thousand dollars. The price is definitely steep – but it could be worth it to you, especially if you fall in love with this cooking style.

Currently the best choice in my opinion is Kamado Joe Classic, which is big, made of ceramics and it comes with just about every extra feature you could want out of a grill.

How to Start a Kamado Grill

There are few different methods that you can use to get the charcoal burning. Before I share them with you, I’d like to remind you what charcoal is the best for kamado.

In order to get the most authentic and aromatic charcoal grill flavor I suggest only using the 100% Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Why?

Hardwood Lump Charcoal is characterized by burning faster while reaching much higher temperatures, it offers better temperature control, doesn’t contain chemical additives that impact the food’s flavor and it produces much less ash.

For comparison, charcoal briquettes are cheaper, but it contains chemical additives, burns longer, reaches much lower temperatures and produces more ash.  If you want to check out a deep dive on this topic, we’ve written a comparison of lump charcoal vs briquettes you can check out next.

So, can briquettes be used with kamado grill?

The answer is yes, but you have to remember about few things. There is a good reason why manufacturers suggest to only use Hardwood lump charcoal, it differs from briquettes significantly.

The main argument in favor of using lump charcoal instead of briquettes mixed with charcoal in a kamado grill is the amount of ash left after the charcoal burns down.

Briquettes definitely produce much more ash which is not good if you want to cook for many hours, large amount of ash can block the air vents which plays a key role when cooking on a kamado.

Let me start with an important note, don’t use Lighter Fluid to get charcoal burning.

According to the instruction, after using lighter fluid one has to wait some time for the chemicals to burn out before starting to cook. The truth is, even after some time one can feel the chemical flavor in the food and in the air from the burning of the lighter fluid.

Today I’d like to show you three methods of getting lump charcoal burning in a kamado that are free of chemicals and cheaper in a long run.

Method 1: Electric Starter

1. Open all the air vents all the way
2. Place few pieces of lump charcoal on the bottom of the grill, then place an electric starter on top of it.
3. Wait for about 10-15 minutes before smoke shows up and the charcoal gets burning, then unplug it and remove the electric starter and put it away in a safe place to cool down ( remember that it’s hot so make sure it’s in a safe place ).
4. Add some new charcoal, close the lid, adjust the air vents accordingly and wait 15-20 minutes for the grill to reach the right temperature for cooking.

It is not an expensive method, but it is certainly the best one when it comes to getting lump charcoal burning in a kamado.

No chemical additives, doesn’t require any tinder ( like paper ), doesn’t get your hands messy and is very easy for everyone. It might be a downside that you need to have a source of power nearby which might pose a problem to those staying outside.

Method 2: Charcoal Chimney

1. Remember to open all air vents.
2. Put 2 newspaper sheets on the bottom of the charcoal chimney, then fill up the chimney with lump charcoal. If you don’t have newspapers, you can put one of the paraffin cubes described above.
3. Next set the newspapers or the cube on fire and wait for 10-15 minutes until all the charcoal gets covered with ash.
4. Pour the hot charcoal into the kamado and fill up the remaining space with even more new charcoal.
5. Close the lid, leave the air vents open and wait for about a dozen minutes until the kamado grill warms up and reaches the right cooking temperature.

What’s the advantage of this method? The charcoal chimney starter makes it possible to get the charcoal burning evenly in a short time without using chemical tinders.

All you need to get charcoal burning in a chimney is some newspaper or lighter cubes ( one is enough ). Charcoal chimney starter is something that I think every grilling enthusiast should have.

It’s an infallible method that allows to get charcoal burning fast and easily without using chemical agents.

Method 3: Charcoal Fire Starters

1. Open all air vents.
2. Place some lump charcoal on the bottom of the grill, then place the recommended amount of charcoal fire starters.
3. Wait a moment for smoke to appear and 10-15 minutes for the charcoal to get hot.
4. Once the charcoal is burning well already, add some new lump charcoal and close the lid of the grill. Leave the air vents open until you reach your desired cooking temperature.

Lighter Cubes are non-toxic and odor-free, the cubes are made of paraffin wax. When burning, they generate a huge flame which allows to get the charcoal burning fast and easily. ( The cubes burn for about 10 minutes ).

Usually one such cube or alternatively two is enough to get a grill burning, a package containing 24 cubes costs about 4 dollars so I think that it’s a pretty cheap and effective solution compared to toxic chemical tinders.

It is also great when combined with the chimney starter method described below.

How to Control Temperature In a Kamado Grill

For those just beginning their journey with Kamado or grilling as a whole, it might look like a difficult and complicated task. The reality is that there’s nothing difficult about it, with a little practice you can easily achieve and maintain the desired temperature.

The only thing you have to keep in mind is that increasing the temperature in a kamado is always easier than decreasing it.

That’s why you have to plan ahead what you want to cook, if your plan is to cook ribs at low temperature, then get the grill burning with a small amount of  charcoal and don’t add any more. If you want to cook food in a higher temperature, however, like steaks, then feel free to add a large amount of charcoal in order to reach the highest temperature possible.

High Temperatures

• Start by closing the lid and opening all air vents all the way.
• Get the charcoal burning using one of the methods described in detail above. Then wait for your Kamado to warm up, soon before it reaches the desired temperature ( preferably about 20-25 degrees before the target temperature ) partially close the top air vent ( leave about ¼ of the air vent open ).
• Next wait for a while and see again if the temperature is right.
• If the temperature inside the grill is too high then close the top air vent in order to lower the temperature, if the temperature is too high, however, then open the top air vent accordingly to increase the temperature fast.

Low Temperatures

• If you’re planning to sear meat at low temperatures, you have to get your kamado grill burning a little differently. Start by getting a small amount of charcoal burning, why? Too much charcoal will cause the grill to warm up too much and it will be difficult to get the temperature down.
• Then open the top air vent halfway and open the draft door halfway. Close the lid and wait for at least half an hour. In the meanwhile, the grill should warm up to a low enough temperature, don’t add any more charcoal or else you’ll get the temperature much higher.

Cooking on a Kamado Grill

When looking at the structure of a kamado, it looks like a regular charcoal grill. However, one big bonus here is the thick walls that are great for holding heat inside the grill. I love Kamado for being both a grill and a smoker. It is perfect for both, it makes it possible to sear meat at low temperatures ( about 225 degrees ) for many hours and can reach high temperatures ( about 900 degrees F ) to sear for tasty steaks or hamburgers.

The key to achieving it all is control of the air vents that air flows through.

Let me also touch the subject of cooking techniques, a traditional charcoal grill makes it possible to cook using the direct or indirect method. When it comes to Kamado, the default method is direct heat radiating from the charcoal directly into the food.

If you wish to cook on a kamado using the indirect method, on the other hand, you need heat deflectors. These are special ceramic plates that allow to split the cooking area into different parts. That way you split the space into a two-area cooking space fast and easily or get the charcoal entirely separated from the food which makes perfect conditions for slow meat searing. Depending on what kamado grill you have, you need to look for accessories that match your model.

How to Sear on a Kamado

Let’s start by getting the charcoal burning, use one of the methods described above to do that. The best way to get charcoal burning for meat searing at low temperature is the charcoal burning from above method. It consists of pouring charcoal on the grill and then setting it on fire using lighter cubes ( it’s the best to use one ). That way the charcoal will be burning from above, which results in the charcoal burning longer.

Remember not to use too much charcoal, the best will be hardwood lump charcoal.  After getting the charcoal burning, allow the hot charcoal to warm up your grill, which should take 15-30 minutes.

In the last stage, once the temperature inside the grill is right, put a smoking stone inside the kamado, which is there to separate hot charcoal from the food, thus creating conditions for indirect cooking. Then you can put the cooking grates on and wait for 5-10 minutes until the temperature stabilizes. Putting a smoking stone in for a short while will cause the temperature to shift. After few minutes, make sure that the temperature is right, if it isn’t then wait few more minutes, if it is then you can place meat on the grates.

This method is a pretty precise one because getting the right temperature is crucial for being able to sear meat for many hours. The structure of a Kamado is brilliant when it comes to meat searing possibilities. It might look like something complicated, but once you get a little experience it will come to you easily.

Safety Tips for Kamado Grills

To most people, the basic safety rules for cooking on a grill are obvious, but each of us has met someone to whom obvious things tend to be complicated. That’s why it is better to recall the basic safety rules when cooking on a kamado grill.

This article might be read by someone who is just starting on their journey with kamado and is completely confused, which is why my each remark might be valuable for someone like this.

The first important thing is not to open the kamado lid rapidly. Why? Opening the lid rapidly might result in a huge wave of fire or a huge amount of smoke coming out. It is dangerous, which is why the lid should be properly opened in order to avoid this, how to do it?

Before opening the lid, make sure that the air vents are open. Then open the lid just a little and for few seconds until a large amount of oxygen reaches the grill. Now you can open the kamado lid completely without worrying about a sudden wave of fire, remember not to open the lid too rapidly.

Here are a few more quick pointers on using your cooker:

• Weather conditions such as rain or snow are no threat to a kamado. If you’re not using the kamado, however, I recommend buying a grill cover that will allow you to keep your kamado clean and extend its lifespan.
• Before cleaning a kamado grill, make sure it has cooled down completely. Ash removal should be done after it cools down as well.
• Don’t put hot ceramic stones or grates on flammable surfaces. It is the best to put them on grass or stones.
• Don’t put ceramic elements in water, it often results in the ceramics cracking in the future.

Final Thoughts

That’s it when it comes to the safety rules when cooking on a kamado grill. If you have any suggestions or feedback, I invite you to discuss it below the post, you can leave your comment and share your thoughts with us. I wish you safe grilling and great food!

The post How to Use a Kamado Grill – Our Advice for Beginners appeared first on Own The Grill.

While both brands are similar in the sense that they manufacture the same type of grill, they have different features and designs that make them unique. Both are quality grills though that can’t be recommended enough.

While you really can’t go wrong with either of the two brands, it might not be exactly clear which one is the best fit for your needs.

That’s why we’ve created this resource to compare Primo vs Kamado Joe Grills!  Let’s dive into what makes them different from each other to help you decide on which one might be fit for your needs and grilling goals.

Primo – Quick Brand Overview

Primo is one of the highest quality kamado grill manufacturers on the market, plain and simple. All of their grills are made in the USA (something most other grill manufacturers cannot say) and come in many different sizes. They have large sizes to fit the needs of people who cook for large families or events. The smaller sizes are also perfect for individuals or smaller families.

Primo is unique in the sense that they offer a gas fueled kamado grill – almost all of the other kamado grill brands only offer the traditional charcoal fueled grills.  So if you want the ease of a gas grill but some of the benefits that an egg shaped grill offers, then Primo might be a great choice.  Of course, Primo offers plenty of charcoal fueled grills as well.

Their grills have a 2-zone cooking system and an oval design. For the main parts of the grill, there is a lifetime warranty so you can be guaranteed to have a grill that will work until you are ready to upgrade to a new one.

If you want more on the Primo brand, check out our Primo Kamado Grill Reviews resource next!

Kamado Joe – Quick Brand Overview

You’ll know a Kamado Joe by the impossible to miss vibrant red color of their ceramic egg shaped cookers. They are truly a show stopper of a grill but also have the performance and extra features to back it up.

If you are looking for a grill that’s extremely easy to clean, the Kamado Joe should be at the top of your list too. All of their grills have features like a slide-out ash drawer to make cleaning up much easier and quicker. So, you won’t have to spend hours after each barbecue cleaning your mess.

The airlift hinge makes lifting and closing the lid on the grill extremely easy. The lids also seal tighter than competitive grill brands, so it’s easier to keep your food at the ideal cooking temperature.

Bottom line, Kamado Joe is positioned as a manufacturer of extremely high quality and high performance grills.  They don’t miss a beat when it comes to design philosophy and execution.

Primo vs Kamado Joe – Head to Head

Kamado Joe Classic III

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The Kamado Joe Classic III is Kamado Joe’s flagship grill that is built with a superior quality ceramic shell. Their “Divide and Conquer” cooking system is multi-level and has a half-rack design to maximize cooking space – you’ll be shocked how much food you can grill or smoke at once. The patented Kontrol Tower is perfect for airflow management and is also rust-proof.

It comes with two side shelves and a slide-out drawer to keep you clean and organized during grilling. The latch is stainless-steel and airtight made with a thick wire mesh gasket. This grill is also amazing at maintaining the perfect levels of smoke and moisture to give you restaurant-quality meat.

The Air Lift Hinge reduces weight on the dome and makes lifting the lid very easy despite the heavy ceramic design. The firebox is multi-panel and is made from 6 different pieces. Its incredible design makes it able to withstand extremely high heat.  It also comes with a fiberglass gasket with an air-tight seal.

If you’re looking for a similar grill on a tighter budget, the Kamado Joe Classic II is one generation older than the III but still offers many of the same features and overall quality.  For a deep dive on the difference between generations, check out our review of the Kamado Joe II and III next!

Primo Oval XL 400

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For a larger oval-shaped grill, you check out the Primo Oval XL. It’s 18.5 inches by 25 inches and has 680 square feet of cooking space. This is a massive amount and is big enough to cook for a large family or even a party or family gathering. The large oval design makes it extremely efficient for cooking a large amount of food at the same time.

It’s also a solid choice if you are looking for a grill that can cook evenly both on low heat and high heat. The efficient high heat cooking features are amazing for meat while the low cooking features are extremely efficient for cooking vegetables and fish.

It’s also very easy to clean and doesn’t require much repair or maintenance work, even if you use it every day. The high-quality ceramics, hardware, and glazes make it weatherproof and able to withstand the worst of snow and storms.

The light-up system is easy to use and dramatically reduces flare-ups, so this grill is not only powerful but very safe to use. The specially made Primo ceramics enable you to cook with less fuel. The grill has 2 zones, one with direct heat and one for cooking with indirect heat.

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

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The Kamado Joe Big Joe III is the answer if you are looking for a kamado grill with maximum cooking ability.  It has a 24″ diameter cooking grate that can hold a ton of food, not to mention the divide and conquer which adds up to two more layers of cooking grates.

It’s efficient at maintaining heat due to the heavy ceramic walls. Like the Kamado Joe Class series, it has the patented Kontrol Tower which allows for you to easily and consistently set your temperature and smoke levels.

Some additional features include a slide-out drawer for emptying ashes, which makes cleaning the grill very easy and manageable.  A stainless-steel latch means an extra airtight seal every time.  The firebox is soundly constructed and does an excellent job of maintaining consistent heat during your cook.

We think the Big Joe is one of the all around best grills on the market, period.  It takes a little bit of learning to master the art of kamado, but if you’re up for it then you’ll be able to max out your BBQ potential on this grill.

Similar to the Classic, the multiple Big Joe generations are available for purchase – check out our Kamado Joe Big Joe II and III review for more depth on this topic.

Primo Oval Junior 200

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If you’re looking for a smaller grill that can easily fit into a tighter space, the Primo 774 Oval Junior is one of the best options. It’s also one of the more inexpensive grills, so it’s a good choice for a griller who wants a high-quality grill but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. It might also be a good choice if you don’t grill very often and can’t justify spending too much money on a grill.

The cooking surface is 210 square inches, so it’s small, but still gives you enough room to cook up a couple of burgers for the family.

It is made with high-quality ceramic which makes it extremely efficient and durable. The stainless-steel cooking grates are completely reversible to give you more options for your cooking space. The ceramic blend is also coated with a scratch-resistant glaze, so your grill will look newer for longer.

One of the best parts about this grill is that it has all the features you need, but it comes in a small and basic design. It will also blend in effortlessly with your outdoor area since it’s small in stature and not showy. It still has sleek and modern glazing though.

The Oval Junior is perfect for everyone, as long as you aren’t looking for a fancy upgrade from your current grill. The Primo 774 does not have side shelves, wheels, or a cart. It might also not be the best choice if you need storage space.

Primo All-in-One Kamado Grill

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This grill is similar to the Kamado Joe Classic, but with some slightly different features. It’s a portable 28-inch grill with ceramic walls. The glazed coats make it easy to cook on high heat and keep moisture.

It features 280 square inches of cooking space. The top vent is made of cast iron, and the draft door is constructed from stainless steel. Since the ceramic is premium grade, it’s completely weatherproof and reduces fuel consumption as well as average cooking times.

It also features reversible cooking grates, side shelves, and a thermometer so that you can easily monitor your cook without lifting the lid.

Another fantastic feature is that this grill arrives 95% assembled, so all you have to worry about is the finishing touches before you get to grilling.  Finally, the cart stand is high quality with locking wheel casters that allow you to house your grill anywhere you want on your patio.

Primo vs Kamado Joe – Bottom Line

At the end of the day, both of these brands make grills that do an excellent job of grilling and smoking delicious food.  No matter which grill you go with between the two, you’re sure to have a cooker that’s made with super high quality ceramics and materials.

The main difference in our mind comes with the extra accessories and add-ons.  Kamado Joe grills simply come with better technology innovations which allow you to do more on your grill.  The end result is a more versatile and higher performance grill.

Of course, Primo is still an excellent option if you are don’t need the bells and whistles – plus they are made in the USA (Kamado Joes are not) which might be a deal breaker!

Which Grill Is Best?

So while we’d give the nod to Kamado Joe in the battle of Primo vs Kamado Joe, both brands are quite viable and the choice comes down to personal preference.

All the grills in the Kamado Joe and Primo Series are a great choice for simple and classic grills. Kamado Joe has more patented features which makes ventilation and two-zone cooking much more efficient. If you want to grill meat, fish, and vegetables all at the same time; Kamado Joe might be the better choice.  Or if you want “extras” like rotisserie and pizza oven attachments, Kamado Joe is for you.

If you are on a stricter budget or just want a more inexpensive grill to use a few times a year, the Primo line might have more to offer you. Most of the grills cost less than the Kamado Joe lineup but still have amazing effective grilling features. They are also heavy-duty and high-quality, so you know you will get amazing results no matter what you’re cooking up for family or friends.

The post Primo vs Kamado Joe – Which Kamado Grill is Superior? appeared first on Own The Grill.