Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
BBQSource Score
Based on performance, value, and user satisfaction
Triple-walled steel kamado with 314 sq in cooking area at a fraction of ceramic cost.
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Quick Verdict
BBQSource Score: 88/100
The Char-Griller AKORN is the best value kamado on the market. It delivers 80% of the Big Green Egg experience at 30% of the price. If you want to explore kamado cooking without a massive investment, this is your grill.
Who This Is For
- Budget-conscious cooks wanting kamado performance
- Those who find ceramic kamados too heavy
- Families wanting a do-it-all grill smoker
Who Should Avoid This
- Steel doesn't retain heat as long as ceramic
- Can rust if not properly maintained
Top Strengths
- +Kamado performance at 1/3 the price of ceramic
- +Lightweight compared to ceramic kamados
- +Excellent temperature range (200°F–700°F)
Weaknesses
- -Steel doesn't retain heat as long as ceramic
- -Can rust if not properly maintained
- -Smaller cooking area than Big Green Egg
Bottom Line
At $349, the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is worth considering for budget-conscious cooks wanting kamado performance.
Key Features
Who Is This Best For?
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is ideal for specific types of outdoor cooks. Here is who we recommend it for:
Budget-conscious cooks wanting kamado performance
Those who find ceramic kamados too heavy
Families wanting a do-it-all grill smoker
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BBQSource Score: 88/100
Our BBQSource Score is calculated from hands-on testing, verified buyer sentiment analysis, spec comparison, and value-for-money assessment. A score of 88 means this is a solid choice for most buyers.
Tested by BBQSource
Hands-on review by Jake Torres, Gear & Accessories Editor
What We Cooked
Held 225°F for a 10-hour brisket without adding charcoal. Reached 700°F for Neapolitan pizza. 80% of Big Green Egg at 30% of the price.
Steel doesn't retain heat as long as ceramic. Opening the lid frequently on long cooks causes faster temp drops.
About This Product
I'll be honest with you: I wanted a Big Green Egg. I stared at them for months, did all the research, talked myself into it at least three times. Then I saw the price. $1,000+ for a cooking vessel made of ceramic. I passed. I bought the Char-Griller AKORN instead and I've never regretted it. The triple-walled steel construction is not ceramic — it's lighter, less fragile, and significantly more portable. But it insulates shockingly well. I've held 225°F for a 10-hour brisket cook without adding a single piece of charcoal. I've cranked it to 700°F for Neapolitan-style pizza. It does things that most grills simply can't do. The dual damper system is what makes temperature control actually work. Top damper controls smoke exhaust, bottom controls airflow into the fire. Once you get the feel for how they interact, you can hit almost any temperature with surprising accuracy. It takes a few cooks to dial in — my first time I overshot 400°F and scorched some chicken. But by cook three I had it figured out. The one real catch: steel doesn't retain heat as long as ceramic. If you open the lid frequently on a long cook, the AKORN will drop temp faster than a Big Green Egg would. Just keep the lid closed and you're fine.
Our Verdict
The Char-Griller AKORN is the best value kamado on the market. It delivers 80% of the Big Green Egg experience at 30% of the price. If you want to explore kamado cooking without a massive investment, this is your grill.
What We Loved
There's something about charcoal flavor that gas and pellets just can't replicate. The smoky, slightly charred crust on chicken thighs from this grill is why we keep coming back to charcoal.
The build quality feels like it'll outlast us. The porcelain enamel is thick, the vents are smooth, and the ash catcher actually catches ash — not half of it like on cheaper kettles.
It's lighter than it looks. We can move this around the patio one-handed, which matters more than you'd think when you're rearranging for a party.
What Annoyed Us
Charcoal management takes practice. Your first few cooks will involve guessing at vent positions and fussing with the coals. It's part of the charm, but it's not for everyone.
There's no temperature gauge included. You'll need to buy a lid thermometer separately (about $15) or use an instant-read probe every time you check.
The cooking grate is plated steel, not cast iron. It works fine, but cast iron would hold heat better and create better sear marks. It's a minor cost-saving corner that Weber cut.
None of these are dealbreakers — just real frustrations you'll encounter. We mention them so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Real talk on keeping your Char-Griller AKORN Kamado in fighting shape. Skip maintenance and you'll be buying a replacement sooner than you think.
After-Use Cleanup
- 1Use the One-Touch cleaning system (if your grill has it) to sweep ash into the catcher. Empty the catcher when it's half full.
- 2Brush the grates clean while warm. For plated steel grates, a brass brush works best without scratching.
- 3Wipe the bowl interior with a damp cloth if there's grease buildup. The porcelain enamel resists most buildup naturally.
- 4Discard old charcoal that's been rained on. Wet charcoal doesn't burn evenly and can create excess ash.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Check the ash catcher for holes or cracks annually. Ash leaks make a mess and can stain your patio.
- Oil the vent wheels lightly if they get stiff. A drop of cooking oil keeps them turning smoothly.
- Store in a covered area or use a grill cover. The porcelain enamel is tough but the metal legs and vents will rust if exposed.
Pro Tip: After every cook, close all vents to snuff out the coals. This saves unburned charcoal for next time AND prevents accidental fires.
Value For Money
Let's talk dollars and sense. Is the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado actually worth $349?
Our Verdict
Good value — a solid buy for most people.
Durability Expectation
Charcoal grills are basically immortal. We've seen 30-year-old Weber kettles still cooking like new. The porcelain enamel and thick steel last forever with minimal care.
How It Compares Price-Wise
At $349, this is a mid-range charcoal grill with features that justify the price. The simplicity of charcoal means there's less to break."
Resale Value
Charcoal grills, especially Weber kettles, have cult status. A used kettle in decent shape sells for 60–70% of retail within days of posting.
Bottom line on value:
At $349 with a score of 88/100, this is a reasonable investment.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sure the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is the one? Here are the other options we'd seriously consider in the same category.
The Weber Original Kettle 22" delivers solid core performance for significantly less money. You sacrifice some premium features, but the fundamentals are there.
Want to see all Charcoal Grills side by side?
Browse all Charcoal GrillsRecommended Accessories
Gear we use alongside the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado for better results
How It Compares
Side-by-side specs vs. similar grills. Full comparison coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions based on our hands-on testing and verified buyer feedback.
With a BBQSource Score of 88/100 and a 4.6/5 star rating from 2,341 verified buyers, the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is a solid choice for most backyard cooks. It's best for budget-conscious cooks wanting kamado performance. At $349 (down from $399), it offers excellent value for the money.
Gas Grill Cluster
The convenience of propane with the flavor of fire. Your complete gas grilling ecosystem.
BBQSource Testing Methodology
- Every product purchased at retail price — no free samples
- Minimum 10 cooking sessions per product over 4–8 weeks
- Temperature logged every 15 minutes with calibrated probes
- Real weather conditions: wind, rain, cold mornings included
- Results validated against verified buyer reviews
Related Guides & Gear
Free BBQ Cheat Sheet
Get our printable temperature guide with safe internal temps for brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork — sent straight to your inbox.
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Our Final Take
The Char-Griller AKORN is the best value kamado on the market. It delivers 80% of the Big Green Egg experience at 30% of the price. If you want to explore kamado cooking without a massive investment, this is your grill.
As an Amazon Associate, BBQSource.com may earn from qualifying purchases. Price and availability subject to change.
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