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The Best Kamado Grills under $1000 in 2023

by Alexander Wong

Kamado grills are the latest craze, even though they’ve been around for a few millennials. Then, like now, everyone loves the versatility of this all-in-one backyard grill.

But you’re reading this because you want the best kamado grill under 1000, right? We found the best. Let’s look at what makes them so special.

Top Kamado Grill Under $1,000:

1. Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill

Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red

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People who wanted a high-quality kamado and didn’t mind paying the price loved it. Many first-time users have expressed some surprise at the learning curve. This isn’t a beginner’s kamado, but beginners can cook very well with it if they put in the time and effort to learn how to cook with this unique type of grill.

We say that this is the best kamado ceramic grill for the money, and we think you’ll agree.

2. Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Grill

Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker, 22"

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Since this is a smaller kamado, we paid extra attention to those who were looking for a portable kamado grill. We were happy to see that most people thought this one was small and light enough to take along on camping trips.

The general feeling is that this is a great option for anyone wanting a fully functional, yet portable, kamado.

3. Char-Griller 6714 Acorn Jr Kamado Kooker

Char-Griller E6714 Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill, Black

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With such a great price and simple design, this model shows up often in kamado barbeque reviews. Everyone likes simplicity. More experiences kamado users weren’t very impressed with the heat retention, though.

4. Primo Kamado Grills and Smokers

Primo Grills and Smokers 773 All-in-One Kamado Round Grill with Cradle Shelves, Ash Tool and Lift

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Those who have prior experience with kamado grills remark on the incredible build quality and supreme functionality of this grill. Many pros are fans. Is this the best ceramic kamado grill? We think so.

5. Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic Charcoal

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Some people are afraid of ceramics. That extends to ceramic kamado grills, as well. Who hasn’t had something made of ceramic break? It can be a shattering experience if you’ll pardon the pun. Ceramic-shy cooks like this grill because it can’t crack. We like that feature too.

6. Lonestar Chef SCS-K15B Kamado Grill

Lonestar Chef SCS-K15B Charcoal Kamado Grill, 15", Blue

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It’s not for competitions or pros, but the average backyard cook likes this mini kamado grill. Everyone likes the value and the extras you get.

7. Tusy Kamado Grill

TUSY Charcoal Grill,18-inch Advanced Grill Ceramic with Digital Thermometer, Stable Rack for Moving Anywhere, Suitable for 5-12 People Camping Barbecue -Black

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People are impressed with the value, just like we are. They’re happy to get such a well-made and functional kamado for such a great price.

8. Duluth Forge 18 Inch Kamado Grill

Duluth Forge 140030 DF-CC-18-BK kamado Grill, 18 Inch, Black

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The excellent online reviews have made this one of the most popular big green egg-style grills. The tall profile is familiar to many people, so they naturally gravitated to this one. All in all, everyone was happy with their purchase and would recommend this kamado to their friends.

What Is A Kamado Grill?

Sometimes called a Japanese egg grill because of its unique shape, a kamado is essentially a highly versatile, well-insulated outdoor charcoal-fired oven.

They go back at least 3,000 years, but the modern kamado was first introduced to America soon after World War II. They’re not a fad. Their popularity has been on a steady increase over the past several decades.

They can be used for grilling, smoking, slow cooking, and baking. This versatility is due to the wide range of temperatures that are achievable and the incredible insulation they offer.

Kamado grills were originally made of terra cotta, a material that is still used for high-quality grills today. Ceramics is another popular material that modern kamados are made from.

Larger ones are sometimes made of steel. Even smaller models are sometimes made from steel to keep the price down.

Either way, steel kamados must be insulated very well to retain the advantages of a true kamado grill.

One advantage of kamado grills that is largely absent from regular charcoal grills is the control over the cooking process that you can have once you gain a little experience.

You can slow cook or smoke a big, tender roast at a steady 250 degrees for hours. Or you can sear cook a London broil at a scorching 550 degrees.

Many kamados allow two-zone cooking. In other words, you can simultaneously cook something right over the hot coals and bake something else slowly away from the direct infrared energy of the coals.

Some kamados come with a divider of sorts to accomplish this. Others have an oval shape, so the coals can be concentrated on one side of the grill, while the food cooks on the other.

How Kamado Grills Work And How To Use Them

Kamado grills use charcoal, or sometimes wood, as a heat source.

They’re always made of highly insulating material. Sometimes the entire grill, body, and lid, are made of a single material.

The most common are ceramic and terra cotta. But many kamados have a steel exterior shell.

This allows a thinner layer of the more expensive insulating material to be used, which makes for a more affordable grill.

Larger grills are often made this way for enhanced durability.

The insulating material isn’t just there to contain heat. That’s only half of its purpose. It absorbs heat while the grill is at its peak temperature, then radiates that heat back into the interior when the coals begin to cool. That’s the kamado’s secret to steady, even heat.

The egg shape of the kamado allows the cooking grate or rack to be placed well above the coals. This prevents flare-ups and allows a much wider range of cooking techniques.

You can’t cook a pizza on a regular charcoal grill, can you? Well, you can in a kamado. In fact, pros can even bake peach cobbler and pies in one.

Many people like to use kamados as smokers, and they’re well suited to that purpose.

But multi-task grilling is where the awesomeness really shines through. Due to their size, the coals can be concentrated on one side, so food can be cooked indirectly on the other.

Direct grilling is also easy in a kamado. You can sear at up to 750 degrees. Using a Kamado isn’t nearly as intimidating as it may seem.

The best egg barbeque grills, which is what kamados are sometimes called, have a straightforward temperature control system. There are one or two vents on top of the lid and a damper near the bottom of the grill.

Generally, you open the vents and damper up for hotter temps. Colder temps require a more restricted airflow. It takes practice but getting there is half the fun.

You begin by making sure the cooking grate is clean. But you already knew that, didn’t you?

Then you load it up with charcoal. Again, this requires some experience.

Trial and error will tell you how much you need to use, but you’ll need less than you would with a regular charcoal grill.

Use paraffin cubes, a chimney, or an electric starter to get the coals going. No one likes the taste of Naptha lighter fluid.

Now, here’s the difference between kamados and other charcoal grills. Once the coals are going, you close the lid and allow the grill to preheat like an oven. You don’t want to just start cooking right away.

A Kamado is capable of holding temps from about 240 degrees to up to 700 degrees for hours, once you get the hang of it. A good thermometer is a must. Look up some good kamado-friendly recipes and get cooking!

Factors To Consider

Consider these seven key features when shopping for a kamado grill, and you’re sure to pick the right one.

Build Quality

Avoid uninsulated steel. There are several cheap knock-offs that are basically weirdly shaped conventional charcoal grills. All hardware should be securely attached to the grill’s body. Dampers and ash doors need to be easy to slide and firmly integrated into the grill.

Price Factor

Given the rising popularity of kamado grills, some unscrupulous manufacturers are making cheap, low-quality models.

They see how expensive the good ones are, and want to trick people into buying their inferior products at an incredible price.

Ask yourself if the price makes sense. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

On the other hand, carefully scrutinize any grill that costs over $1,200. Quality kamados are costly, but very expensive ones may be lacking in actual value.

Cooking Area

Many sizes are available, from small personal models to big family-sized ones. The cooking area has no effect on the grill’s functionality other than the amount of food it can cook. Don’t let anyone tell you that smaller grills don’t get hot enough or bigger ones get too hot.

Choose a size just big enough for your needs. That way, you get the best value.

Heat Retention

Excellent heat retention is one of the main advantages of kamado grills. It’s what allows them to cook so evenly.

Ceramics, terra cotta, and similar materials offer the best heat retention, but they are also the most expensive. Insulated steel is the cheapest, but it does not retain heat very well.

Additional Accessories

We’ve seen all kinds of accessories, from trailer hitches to ash brushes. If you can find a grill that comes with everything you need, go for it. You’ll save money by bundling like that. Above all, make sure that you can at least buy everything you want separately.

Ease Of Use

Kamado grill reviews are full of regrets that people have over choosing an unrealistically complicated grill. Avoid grills that have complicated and unnecessary moving parts. We’ve seen some with ventilation fans. Don’t be fooled by silly bells and whistles.

FAQs

How Long Do Kamado Grills Last?
The best ones can last a lifetime. The cheaper or larger steel ones will eventually rust, no matter how well you take care of them. Still, that could take many years. But ceramics and terra cotta ones will last forever, as long as they don’t get cracked from rough handling. Don't worry. You can get an affordable Kamado Grill that will last for the rest of your life.
Can They Be Dangerous?
The most serious issue is flash. That’s when you open the grill, and the rush of oxygen over the hot coals causes a fireball. You can avoid this by opening the dampers a few minutes before opening the grill. There’s also a danger of getting burned on the hot grate, but you should be wearing fireproof gloves when you use any grill anyway.
What's The Best Way To Light A Kamado?
You shouldn't use lighter fluid with any charcoal grill. It can impart a chemical flavor to the food. Instead, use an electric starter or a chimney. Parrafin cubes also work very well. Keep in mind that you'll probably use a lot less charcoal than you would with a regular grill. It won't take long to get the coals going.
Are You Supposed To Use Briquettes Or Lump Charcoal?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Briquettes produce a lot of ash, which can block airflow through the dampers. But briquettes are easier for beginners to deal with. Lump charcoal produces less ash, but it takes some practice to get the right-sized bed of coals with a lump. Competitive Kamado grillers use lump charcoal.
Do Well-Insulated Kamados Stay Cool To The Touch?
One manufacturer claims that their Kamado is so well insulated that you can hug the lid when it's up to cooking temp. Don't try this. The body and lid of any Kamado will get hot, just not as hot as an ordinary charcoal grill. You should always use insulated fireproof gloves.

Conclusion

Well, it looks like we’ve done a good job of showcasing the best kamado smoker grills. Hopefully, you’ve done a good job of paying attention. If you did, you likely have your favorite in mind by now.

Our favorite is Kamado Joe’s. It’s a good choice for anyone who doesn’t mind spending that much on a great grill. If you need to go cheap, go with the Char-Griller. For portability, consider the Pit Boss.

Now’s the time to get the best kamado grill under $1000. Can’t you just smell the charcoal burning now?

5/5 - (1 vote)

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