Smoking meat is a cooking technique that has been around for centuries. It involves cooking meat at low temperatures for an extended period, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. One of the essential tools for smoking meat is a kamado grill. Kamado grills are versatile ceramic grills used for smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking.
Not all kamado grills are created equal when it comes to smoking meat. The best kamado grill for smoking should have a large cooking surface area, excellent heat retention, and precise temperature control. The type of charcoal used can also affect the flavor of the meat, so it’s essential to choose a kamado grill that can accommodate different types of charcoal.
When purchasing a kamado grill for smoking, the size is critical. The grill size will depend on how much meat you want to smoke. A smaller kamado grill might be sufficient if you only smoke for a small family. However, a larger kamado grill might be necessary if you plan to smoke for larger gatherings.
In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various kamado grills to identify the best kamado grill for smoking. We evaluated each grill based on its cooking surface area, heat retention, temperature control, and overall build quality. After thorough testing, we’ve identified the top kamado grills to help you achieve perfectly smoked meat every time.
Best Kamado Grills for Smoking
We have researched and tested various kamado grills to bring you our top picks for smoking. Kamado grills are versatile and efficient, allowing you to easily grill, smoke, and bake. Our selection includes grills of different sizes, features, and price points to fit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list below for the best kamado grills for smoking.
Kamado Joe Classic IIl (US $1999)
We highly recommend the Kamado Joe Classic III for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line kamado grill for smoking. Its innovative features and high-quality construction make it a standout choice.
Pros
- The SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber is a game-changer for smoking. It distributes smoke and heat evenly, enhancing flavor and reducing hot spots.
- The 3-Tier Divide & Conquer system allows for multi-level, half-moon cooking, simultaneously cooking different foods in different styles at different temperatures.
- The Kontrol Tower Top Vent maintains consistent airflow for precise temperature management and is rain and mold-resistant.
Cons
- The Kamado Joe Classic III is a significant investment, and may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
- Assembly can be time-consuming and requires some technical know-how.
- The grill is heavy and may require assistance to move.
The Kamado Joe Classic III is constructed with heavy-duty materials and features a sturdy cart with locking wheels, making it easy to move around your outdoor space. The air lift hinge significantly reduces dome weight, making it easy to lift with a single finger.
We found the Classic III incredibly versatile, perfect for smoking, grilling, and even baking. Its large cooking surface allows you to cook for a crowd, while the precise temperature management system ensures that your food always comes out perfectly.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kamado Joe Classic III for anyone looking for a high-quality kamado grill for smoking. Its innovative features, precise temperature control, and versatile cooking capabilities make it a standout choice.
Humos – 23” ExtraLarge Ceramic Kamado (US $899)
If you’re looking for an all-in-one grill, oven, and smoker, the Humos Kamado Grill is a great option. It’s perfect for outdoor cooking and offers a cooking area of 305 sq inches.
Pros
- The grill is made of heavy polyester fabric with PU coating, making it waterproof, tearproof, and fade-resistant.
- It comes with convenient handles that make removal and adjustment of the cover easy and hassle-free.
- The cover’s anti-wind design helps prevent it from slipping or blowing off in strong wind seasons.
Cons
- The grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 227 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some customers have reported issues with the inner base cracking after a few months of use.
- The grill cover is not washer/dryer machine safe, so it must be hosed with water and air-dried in the sun for cleaning.
Overall, we recommend the Humos Kamado Grill for anyone who wants an all-in-one outdoor cooking solution. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and offers a large cooking area. The only downside is its weight, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t plan on moving it around too much.
Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill (US $169)
If you’re looking for a portable and versatile kamado grill for smoking, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. is a great option. It has a compact frame and built-in handles that make it easy to take on the go, while still offering 155 square inches of cooking area and precise temperature controls for searing steaks, smoking wings, or grilling up to 8 burgers at once.
Pros
- The triple wall steel construction holds heat like ceramic, producing flavorful barbecue and allowing you to use less charcoal.
- The insulated design with locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture like expensive ceramic kamados, making it a great option for smoking.
- The indexed adjustable dual dampers and thermometer make it easy to control the heat levels, while the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan makes clean up quick and easy.
Cons
- Assembly can be a bit tricky, especially with the handle.
- The cooking area may be a bit small for larger gatherings.
- Some users have reported paint chipping or peeling issues after extended use.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. and were impressed with its performance. The grill heated up quickly and held a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, allowing us to smoke a brisket to perfection. The cast iron cooking grates kept flare-ups low, while the hinged lid allowed for easy access and kept the lid in place while we cooked.
One thing to note is that assembly can be a bit tricky, especially with the handle. We found that using a socket wrench set and a skinny, long Philips screwdriver helped make the process smoother. Additionally, the cooking area may be a bit small for larger gatherings, but it’s perfect for small groups or families.
Overall, we would recommend the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. for anyone looking for a portable and versatile kamado grill for smoking. Its heavy-duty construction and best-in-class features make it a great value for the price.
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill (US $375)
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use grill, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The Kamado style allows for both high heat grilling and low and slow cooking, making it perfect for smoking.
- With a large cooking area of 447 square inches, you can cook up to 27 burgers at once, making it great for entertaining.
- The triple-walled steel insulated design, cast iron grates, locking lid, and foldable side shelf workstations with BBQ tool storage hooks make it a great value for its price.
Cons
- The grill is heavy, weighing in at 97 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported that the ash pan can be difficult to remove and clean.
- The grill cover and smokin’ stone are sold separately, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want to use them.
We’ve been using the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The Kamado style grill allows us to cook at high heat for searing steaks and burgers, while also being able to smoke meats low and slow for hours. The cast iron grates provide great sear marks, and the warming rack is a nice feature for keeping food warm while the rest of the meal is cooking.
The indexed adjustable dual dampers and thermometer make it easy to control the heat levels, and the easy dump ash pan makes cleanup a breeze. The foldable side shelf workstations with BBQ tool storage hooks are a nice touch, and the bottom storage shelf is great for storing charcoal and other grilling accessories.
Overall, we highly recommend the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use grill that can handle both high heat grilling and low and slow smoking.
Char-Griller E56520 AKORN Cart Charcoal Grill (US $385)
If you’re looking for a durable and affordable kamado grill for smoking, the Char-Griller E56520 AKORN Cart Charcoal, Sapphire Blue Kamado Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The insulated design uses less charcoal and maintains a specific temperature for juicy meat.
- The tubular steel cart construction provides 26″ x 26″ of prep/serving space.
- The cast iron cooking grates enhance flavors and heat evenly.
Cons
- The Kamado Kooker with cart does not come with a warming rack.
- Some customers have reported scratches on the lid upon delivery.
- Assembly may be difficult for some users.
We recently used the Char-Griller E56520 AKORN Cart Charcoal, Sapphire Blue Kamado Grill to smoke some ribs, and we were impressed with its performance. The insulated design of the grill meant that we used less charcoal and still achieved a juicy and flavorful result. The cast iron cooking grates were also a great addition, as they enhanced the flavors and heat distribution.
One downside to this grill is that it does not come with a warming rack, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, some customers have reported scratches on the lid upon delivery, so you may want to inspect the grill upon arrival. Assembly may also be difficult for some users, so be sure to set aside enough time to put it together.
Overall, we would recommend the Char-Griller E56520 AKORN Cart Charcoal, Sapphire Blue Kamado Grill for anyone looking for an affordable and durable option for smoking and grilling.
Kamado Joe Jr. 13.5 inch Portable Charcoal Grill (US $364)
If you’re looking for a portable and high-quality kamado grill for smoking, the Kamado Joe Jr. is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The thick-walled, heat-resistant shell locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature, making it easy to achieve flavorful and juicy results.
- The cast-iron air vent allows for precise temperature control, so you can easily adjust the heat to your desired level.
- The 304 stainless steel cooking grate is durable and easy to clean, ensuring that your food doesn’t stick to the surface.
Cons
- The grill is not very stable in the stand, which can be a bit of a problem when you’re opening the lid.
- It takes a while to heat up, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to use it for a cookout.
- The delivery process can be a bit awkward, as the grill is heavy and may require two people to transport.
We’ve had a great experience using the Kamado Joe Jr. for smoking, grilling, and roasting. The portable size makes it easy to take with us to tailgates, camping trips, and other outdoor events. The thick-walled ceramic shell does an excellent job of retaining heat and locking in moisture, so our food always comes out juicy and flavorful. We also appreciate the cast-iron air vent, which allows us to precisely control the temperature.
We’ve noticed that the grill is not very stable in the stand, which can be a problem when you’re opening the lid. However, this minor issue can be easily solved by holding onto the grill while opening it.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kamado Joe Jr. for anyone who wants a high-quality and portable kamado grill for smoking. It’s durable, easy to use, and always produces delicious results.
Outvita Ceramic Grill (US $117)
If you’re looking for a portable and versatile kamado grill, the Outvita Ceramic Grill is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The ceramics wall of this outdoor grill has a strong heat preservation effect, and the thick-wall heat-resistant shell can lock smoke and water vapor at any temperature.
- The thermometer on the outside of the grill makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature and control the heat level, while the vents on the top and bottom promote air circulation.
- This kamado grill can be used for smoking, char grilling, and roasting, and the enamel steel grill can hold food like hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegetable kebabs without letting them fall through the gaps.
Cons
- The handle of the portable charcoal grill is made of bamboo, which can be a bit flimsy and may not be durable over time.
- The grill area is suitable for 3-4 people, so it may not be ideal for larger gatherings or parties.
- Although the support legs of the patio grill are secured by 12 hardware screws, some users have reported stability issues.
In our experience, the Outvita Ceramic Grill is a solid choice for anyone who wants a portable and versatile kamado grill for smoking, char grilling, and roasting. The ceramics wall and thick-wall heat-resistant shell make it easy to lock in smoke and water vapor at any temperature, while the thermometer and vents allow for easy temperature control and air circulation. The enamel steel grill is also a nice touch, as it can hold food without letting it fall through the gaps.
However, we did notice a few drawbacks to this grill. The handle is made of bamboo, which can be a bit flimsy and may not hold up over time. Additionally, the grill area is only suitable for 3-4 people, so it may not be the best option for larger gatherings or parties. Finally, although the support legs are secured by 12 hardware screws, some users have reported stability issues.
Overall, we think the Outvita Ceramic Grill is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable and versatile kamado grill for smoking, char grilling, and roasting. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks before making your purchase.
Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill (US $1299)
We highly recommend the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient grill that can easily smoke, grill, and sear.
Pros
- The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system allows for multiple cooking styles and temperatures at once, making it perfect for smoking and grilling.
- The Kontrol Tower Top Vent provides consistent airflow management for precise temperature control, from 225F all the way up to 750F for searing.
- The Air Lift Hinge makes lifting and closing the grill dome easy with a single finger, providing a comfortable grilling experience.
Cons
- The grill is heavy and may require two people to move it around.
- The price point is higher than some other charcoal grills on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the gaskets and thermometer.
We were impressed with the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures and produce delicious, smoky flavor. The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system allowed us to smoke ribs on one level while grilling burgers on the other, and the Kontrol Tower Top Vent made it easy to adjust the temperature as needed. The Air Lift Hinge was a nice touch, making it easy to open and close the grill dome without straining our arms.
The grill itself is well-built and sturdy, but it is quite heavy and may require two people to move it around. The price point is higher than some other charcoal grills on the market, but we feel that the quality and versatility of the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill justifies the cost. Some users have reported issues with the gaskets and thermometer, but we did not experience any problems during our testing.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile grill that can handle all their smoking, grilling, and searing needs.
Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill (US $1,249)
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable kamado grill that can handle smoking, searing, and grilling, then the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The dual-walled insulation allows for precise and quick temperature changes, while also minimizing the amount of charcoal burned during a cook.
- The steel construction and porcelain-enameled finish make this grill durable and long-lasting.
- The extra-large 24″ cooking area can handle any size feast, and the adjustable grate allows for low and slow smoking or high-heat searing.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit steep for some budget-conscious buyers.
- Assembly can be time-consuming and may require some technical know-how.
- The grill may be heavy and difficult to move around.
We were impressed with the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill’s ability to maintain consistent low temperature for smoking, thanks to the diffuser plate. The built-in lid thermometer also displays the temperature inside the grill and includes cooking zone indicators, making it easy to monitor your food.
The RapidFire lid damper boosts air flow to quickly reach high heat, which is great for searing steaks or grilling chicken. And when you’re done cooking, the One-Touch cleaning system makes clean up hassle-free.
Overall, suppose you’re willing to invest in a high-quality kamado grill that can handle all your smoking, searing, and grilling needs. In that case, the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best kamado grill for smoking, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend looking at the following factors before making a purchase:
Size and Capacity
The size of the kamado grill is an important consideration. It should be large enough to accommodate the amount of food you plan to smoke, but not so large that it takes up too much space in your backyard. Consider the number of people you will be cooking for and the types of food you plan to smoke. The capacity of the grill should also be taken into account. Look for a grill with a large cooking surface area and multiple racks for smoking different types of food at once.
Material and Durability
Kamado grills are typically made from either ceramic or metal. Ceramic grills are known for their superior heat retention and durability but can be more expensive. Metal grills are typically more affordable, but they may not retain heat as well as ceramic grills. Look for a grill with a sturdy construction and high-quality materials that will withstand the elements and frequent use.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial when smoking meat. Look for a kamado grill with precise temperature control features, such as adjustable vents and dampers. Some grills also come with temperature gauges to help you monitor the temperature inside the grill. This will help you achieve the perfect temperature for smoking your meat.
Accessories
Accessories can enhance the functionality of your kamado grill. Look for a grill with additional features such as side tables, shelves, and hooks for storing utensils. Some grills also come with accessories such as pizza stones and griddles, which can expand the range of foods you can cook on your grill.
Warranty
A warranty is an important consideration when purchasing a kamado grill. Look for a grill with a warranty covering the grill and its components. A good warranty will give you peace of mind and protect your investment in the grill.
In summary, when looking for the best kamado grill for smoking, consider the size and capacity, material and durability, temperature control, accessories, and warranty. By considering these factors, you can find a grill that meets your needs and helps you achieve delicious smoked meats.
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