Best Kamado Grill 2024
Testing kamado grills is an intense experience for a griller. It requires playing with fire (literally) and high temperatures, albeit in a controlled, responsible manner. The most critical element to kamado performance is heat, specifically temperature control and how well the grill maintains a temperature. To smoke meat low and slow, that magic number is 225 F. Good smokers, kamado or otherwise, will stick to that temperature for 12, 15, or 20 hours. This means a temperature gauge is key, as is the ability to control airflow through vents or dampers.
We monitor the internal temperature of the kamado grills as they go.
To capture temperature data, we place a thermocouple on each kamado grill. Essentially a sensitive temperature sensor made of a probe and connected wire, the thermocouple hangs suspended just 1 inch above the grill grate. It is connected to a data logger and eventually a computer that records changes in heat levels over time.
Then it’s time to fire up each grill.
We try to run temperature tests on all grills at the same time. We also use the same weight and brand of lumps of charcoal (4.4 lb or 2 kg), often from the same bag. This also applies to the lighters (one per grill).
A consistent level of heat is the key to good kamado smoker performance.
Then we fire them up as directed in their manuals, if any. This usually means letting the coals catch for 15 minutes with the lid open, then closing the grill. At this point, the vents remain wide open until the grill reaches within 50 degrees of the target temperature.
We carefully play with the vents to get there. Finally, we release the controls and observe.
We follow the same procedure for our test at a higher temperature with a target of 350 F. The idea here is to simulate the heat efficiency needed to roast chicken and other poultry.
We smoke ribs along with other food for anecdotal testing.
And speaking of food, we also do a lot of “anecdotal testing.” We smoke one rib (225 F) in each grill. We butterfly (aka spatchcock) chickens and also roast them or cook them beer can style. Sourced from your local Costco, they weigh approximately 5 pounds each. Finally, we grill a set of four 8-ounce burger patties at high heat (600 F).
Hamburgers, anyone?
Want more options? Here are the other two kamado grill models we rated for this test group. They didn’t make it into my selection, but you might want to take a look for comparison:
Watch this: CNET Smart Home Gas Grill Testing
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