With its iconic design and myriad of cooking options, the Big Green Egg has become a favorite among barbecue lovers. Unfortunately, many would-be grill masters opt not to purchase one when they discover how much they cost. Additional accessories, such as stands and shelves, only add to the sticker shock.
Thankfully, there is a wide selection of alternative kamado grills that let you cook like a pro without seeing your budget go up in smoke.
Kamado grills are barbecues that have their origin in Japanese cooking. They let you grill, smoke and roast food separately or all at the same time.
Kamado grills can be cart-mounted for easy mobility. They can also be installed as permanent fixtures in your outdoor kitchen. The shape and material of the grill you choose will determine what safety considerations need to be in place for proper installation and placement. Metal grills get hot and require gloves to move or handle while cooking. Ceramic grills can be damaged if they fall or are bumped against bricks or cement.
Additional components like utensil hooks, stands, shelves and chimneys let you customize your kamado grill to your liking. To get the most out of your barbecue, choose grill accessories that complement the kind of cooking you plan to do the most.
What you need to know: Available in two sizes, this ceramic grill features a hinge that makes opening its lid easy.
What you’ll love: The Classic Joe II includes two shelves for preparing food and hanging tools. It also comes with a cart on locking wheels for stability.
What you should consider: While it includes accessories that the Big Green Egg doesn’t, the grill itself is only slightly less expensive.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
What you need to know: This ceramic grill features two cooking racks and foldable shelves.
What you’ll love: With its stylish bamboo shelves, glossy black finish and metal stand, this grill looks great. It can reach temperatures over 700 degrees and comes in two sizes.
What you should consider: Buyers have noticed that some of the hinges and hardware pieces included with this grill are not very durable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Vision Grills Kamado Professional
What you need to know: No time for charcoal? You can get cooking with gas right away with this grill.
What you’ll love: Enjoy traditional kamado cooking with modern conveniences. This grill lets you quickly convert from charcoal to gas and back again easily. It is available in five colors and includes a cover.
What you should consider: Some of this grill’s metal components are prone to rust, and the gas conversion insert is sold separately.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
What you need to know: This budget-friendly kamado grill features an LCD screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
What you’ll love: This grill has smart connectivity, a sturdy cart with wheels and a fan that lets you precisely control its cooking temperature. It’s made of triple-insulated steel.
What you should consider: This grill takes some practice because it can reach extreme temperatures quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
What you need to know: Made from steel, this kamado grill won’t ever crack or chip.
What you’ll love: Adjustable dampers on the top and bottom of this grill make it easy to keep its interior temperature right where you need it. It includes a stainless steel warming rack and folding side shelves for prepping food and hanging utensils. It’s available in three colors.
What you should consider: The grate that comes with this grill is prone to breaking.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This portable grill is great for camping, RVing or cookouts at the park.
What you’ll love: This ceramic kamado grill’s small size doesn’t mean it lacks power. With 150 square inches of cooking space, you can grill up to seven burgers at a time.
What you should consider: No accessories are available for this grill, and some buyers are disappointed with how heavy it is.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
What you need to know: This portable grill is mounted on a sturdy tripod.
What you’ll love: This steel grill comes in five colors and can grill eight burgers at once. Carrying handles on the sides make it easy to lift and move. It features a pan that separates from the grill for convenient ash disposal.
What you should consider: Buyers feel that some of this grill’s plastic components may not stand the test of time, and its assembly poses some challenges.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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