Here’s an overview of the Best Kamado Grill that we’ll explore today:
Kamado grills sit at the intersection of heat control, versatility, and fuel efficiency. Their thick ceramic walls and dome-shaped lids create excellent heat retention and stable airflow, enabling precise smoking, baking, grilling, and roasting. This comparison examines five portable, tabletop to mid-size kamado options across three brands (Grilla Grills, Char-Griller, London Sunshine) and a spectrum of price points from budget to premium. My testing approach combines hands-on cooking tests (temperature control, heat retention, and recovery), build quality assessments (materials, latching, venting, and durability), and real-world usability (mobility, assembly, and maintenance). The result is a practical guide to help you match a kamado to your cooking style, space, and budget.
1. Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill
- Brand: Char-Griller
- Manufacturer: Char-Griller
Overview: The AKORN Jr. blends a ceramic-appearing ceramic-like performance with steel construction and a compact footprint. It features 155 square inches of cooking space, a powder-coated finish, an easy-dump ash pan, and a locking lid for portability. Its design emphasizes heat retention comparable to ceramics while leveraging lighter materials for weight and transport, which is ideal for tailgating or small patios.
Performance-wise, the AKORN Jr. demonstrates surprisingly even heat and reliable temperature control for its size, aided by cast iron grates and a triple-wall steel structure. The 33-pound weight and mobility features (easy mobility) make it user-friendly for quick setups. However, as a smaller kamado, it has limited total cook space and may require more frequent refueling for longer sessions. The lid seal and venting behavior are decent but not as refined as premium ceramic bodies, which can affect long-smoke stability. Best use cases include direct grilling, quick burgers, and small rib racks.
Pros
- Compact and portable with locking lid
- Even heat for its size
- Easy-dump ash pan simplifies cleanup
- Cast iron grates add heat retention and sear quality
Cons
- Limited cooking surface (155 sq in)
- Heat retention not on par with full ceramic kamados
- Requires assembly and may have variable fit between parts
2. Ceramic BBQ Charcoal Kamado Grill 13 inch Portable Tabletop BBQ Bright Gray
- Brand: London Sunshine
- Manufacturer: London Sunshine
Overview: This 13-inch ceramic kamado from London Sunshine emphasizes ceramic insulation, a robust 0.8” thick wall, and a tabletop form factor with bamboo handles and a steel stand. It offers a wide temperature range (180–750°F) and includes a premium setup with a glass fiber gasket, thermometer, and both top and bottom vents. It’s positioned as a versatile table-top option that can handle smoking, baking, grilling, and high-heat searing.
In practice, this model excels at heat retention and gentle, even airflow due to its ceramic construction. The 10.7 square inch cooking surface is modest but suitable for small gatherings or outdoor excursions. The integrated thermometer and well-sealed lid help with precise control, while the bamboo handles and stand improve portability and ergonomics. The main caveats are the limited cooking area and the need for assembly, but those trade-offs are common at this size. This is ideal for single-dish cooks who want consistency in a compact footprint.
Pros
- Excellent heat retention with ceramic walls
- Thermometer-equipped top vent aids precision
- Portable with bamboo handles and steel stand
- Wide 180–750°F range suitable for multiple cooking styles
Cons
- Small cooking surface (10.7 sq in)
- Tabletop footprint limits batch size
- Assembly required
3. Ceramic Charcoal BBQ Kamado Griller – Portable Tabletop The Cadet Series Smoker
- Brand: London Sunshine
- Manufacturer: London Sunshine
Overview: The Cadet Series offers a 13-inch ceramic kamado format with similar insulation and venting as the Bright Gray model, but with a distinct green finish and a focus on multi-function capability. It maintains the same 0.8” ceramic wall and dome design for efficient airflow and fuel usage, and uses bamboo handles with a steel stand for stability.
Performance-wise, The Cadet Series delivers consistent heat and moisture retention, making it suitable for smoking at lower temps and quick sears at higher temps within its 180–750°F range. With a 90 sq in cooking surface and the same premium features (glass fiber gasket, thermometer, top vent, bottom vent), it is a solid middle-ground option for buyers who want a compact ceramic kamado with reliable controls. The trade-off remains the limited cook space and modular stand, which can affect larger cooks or outdoor catering setups.
Pros
- Reliable ceramic construction and heat retention
- Wide temperature range for various cooking styles
- Bamboo handles with steel stand for portability
- Integrated thermometer and premium vents
Cons
- Moderate cooking area (90 sq in)
- Tabletop design limits batch size
- Multiple components require assembly
4. Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Tabletop Charcoal BBQ Grill Smoker for Outdoor Cooking
- Brand: London Sunshine
- Manufacturer: London Sunshine
Overview: This orange 13-inch kamado builds on the standard London Sunshine ceramic design with an upgraded waterproof top vent cap for weather resistance. It maintains a 0.8” ceramic wall, high heat potential up to 750°F, and integrated gasket, thermometer, and vents. The waterproof vent is a notable enhancement for outdoor use across varied weather conditions.
In practice, the waterproof vent cap reduces moisture ingress and improves vent reliability during rain or high humidity, aiding consistent airflow management. The cooking experience remains centered on ceramic performance, with even heat and moisture retention for smoking and baking. The downsides are similar to the other 13-inch London Sunshine models: limited cook space and assembly requirements. This option suits buyers in variable climates who value weather resilience and precise vent control.
Pros
- Waterproof top vent cap improves weather resilience
- Excellent heat retention and even cooking
- Thermometer and premium vents included
- Compact for portability with bamboo handles
Cons
- Small cooking area (same 90 sq in class)
- Higher price for premium vent feature
- Assembly required
5. GRILLA Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill with Adjustable Vent
- Brand: Grilla Grills
- Manufacturer: Grilla Grills
Overview: The Kong Ceramic Kamado by Grilla Grills is the only non-tabletop option in this list with a dramatic 600 sq in cooking space and a heavy stainless steel construction. It emphasizes an adjustable damper venting system, sure-latch lid, and high-temperature capability up to 700°F+. Its substantial size and durable build point toward more serious outdoor cooking and potential for larger gatherings.
Performance-wise, the Kong excels at multi-zone cooking thanks to its large surface and precise airflow control. The stainless steel construction and powder-coated finish improve longevity, and the adjustable vent provides fine-tuned temperature management across a wide range. The main drawbacks are its weight (over 213 pounds) and footprint, which limits portability and suitability for small patios or camping trips. This model targets serious enthusiasts who need maximum cook capacity and robust reliability, rather than portability.
Pros
- Massive 600 sq in cooking space
- Precise damper venting system for temperature control
- High heat capability (up to 700°F)
- Stainless steel cooking grates and durable build
Cons
- Very heavy and not portable
- High price point and larger footprint
- Requires more space and setup effort
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about kamado grills to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: For buyers prioritizing portability and budget, Char-Griller’s AKORN Jr.
delivers solid performance with practical features. If you want true ceramic performance in a compact, weather-ready package, London Sunshine’s 13-inch line (Bright Gray, Cadet, and Upgraded Orange) offers excellent heat control and versatility, at a modest premium.
For serious outdoor chefs who need scale and durability, the Grilla Kong stands out with its expansive cook space and advanced venting, though it sacrifices portability. Decide based on space, typical batch sizes, climate exposure, and how much you value weatherproofing versus cooking capacity..