Gear guide

Best Kamado Grills (2026)

Straight answer

The best kamado grill is the Kamado Joe Classic II. It smokes from 225°F to searing at 750°F and has 250 sq in of cooking space on a 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system.

Side by side

ModelFuelCapacityTemp rangeStandout spec
117632262 sq in (1688 sq cm)200°F - 750°F (93°C - 399°C)grid diameter in: 18.25-inch (46 cm) diameter cooking surface
Char Griller Akorn445200-700°Finsulation: Triple-walled insulation for maximum heat retention and fuel efficiency
KJ23RHCsmoke from 225°F all the way to searing at 750°Fbody material: Premium 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill
Primo Oval Large 300300 sq in. / 1,935cm2151 - 850 F+optional rack area: 195 sq. in. / 1,258cm2

The picks

Kamado Joe Classic II

Best overall for versatility

The Kamado Joe Classic II is model KJ23RHC. It has 250 square inches of cooking space. The 18-inch ceramic body covers smoke at 225°F through searing at 750°F. The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system cooks at different temperatures at once. It weighs 227.7 lbs and includes the double-thick Wire Mesh Fiberglass Gasket for an air-tight seal.

Model KJ23RHC250 sq in cooking area18-inch ceramic body225°F–750°F temperature range227.7 lbs2-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System

Big Green Egg Large

Best ceramic for capacity

The Large Big Green Egg has SKU 117632. Its 262 sq in grid sits on an 18.25-inch diameter surface. Temperature ranges from 200°F to 750°F. It holds a 20 lb turkey, 12 burgers, or 8 steaks. The ceramic construction retains heat and moisture, and it carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

SKU 117632262 sq in cooking area18.25-inch grid diameter200°F–750°F temperature rangeHolds 20 lb turkey, 12 burgers, or 8 steaksLimited Lifetime Warranty

Primo Oval Large 300

Best oval shape for cooking area

The Primo Oval Large 300 has 300 sq in of cooking area and 195 sq in optional rack space. Temperature range is 151°F to 850°F+. The patented oval shape offers superior cooking efficiency and accessibility, and it weighs 152 pounds. Warranty is Limited Lifetime Parts with Limited 5-Year Parts Against Rust-Through.

300 sq in cooking area195 sq in optional rack system151°F–850°F+ temperature range152 lbsPatented oval shapeLimited Lifetime Parts; Limited 5-Year Parts Against Rust-Through

Char-Griller Akorn

Best lightweight kamado grill

The Char-Griller Akorn has 310 sq in primary cooking area and 445 sq in total. Temperature range is 200°F–700°F. Triple-walled insulation retains heat and fuel efficiency. It holds up to 23 burgers, weighs 89.3 lbs, and has a 3.1 lb max charcoal capacity. Included are one grill grate lifter and cast iron cooking grates.

310 sq in primary cooking area; 445 sq in total200°F–700°F temperature rangeTriple-walled insulation89.3 lbs3.1 lb max charcoal capacityIncludes grate lifter and cast iron cooking grates

FAQ

What temperature range does the Kamado Joe Classic II cover?

It smokes from 225°F to searing at 750°F.

How much food can the Big Green Egg Large hold?

It holds a 20 lb turkey, 12 burgers, or 8 steaks.

What warranty does the Primo Oval Large 300 carry?

Limited Lifetime Parts and Limited 5-Year Parts Against Rust-Through.