Kamado reviews

[dml85]

I'm looking to take a dive into charcoal smoking.  I have a GOSM that I'll probably sell if I find a good alternative.  I see that there's an offbrand BGE named Kamado at my local Sams Club.  I'm just not sure of the quality or ease of use, etc.  I love the fact that it's so well insulated that it can go low and slow for long periods of time on top of going 700 degrees to sear steak or cook pizza.  

So essentially it'll replace my grill and smoker since it can do both.

My question is just basically does anyone have one?  How do you like it?  Would you buy it again?  

 

[TulsaJeff]

I think you are talking about the Chargriller version.. I don't have one of these but I have heard excellent things about it. I have heard that you may need to spend a little time sealing it up a little better with RTV and perhaps making some small mods to get rid of the air leaks initially but that it is well worth the money.

I am hoping that there are folks here on the forum who may have this unit and can confirm what I have heard. I also plan to have one of these soon so I can compare it to the Big Green Egg ceramic cooker.

Obviously the Big Green Egg is going to have a longer life span but for someone watching their dollars and wanting the Kamado style cooking, this may just be the ticket.

 

[jirodriguez]

Also keep in mind with the BGE and Kamado cookers you are usually limited to one rack, so if you are thinking your are going to toss on a big pan of baked beans, a brisket, and some ABT's all at the same time you may want to reconsider. Also those things are really, really, heavy, make sure you get the wheeled cart.

 

[dewetha]

replace? never give up any grill or smoker you have! as soon as you do you will wish you had it back. additions only!

FWIW. I am looking to get back into some charcoal grilling and a second smoker and think one of these would be sweet. I could smoke a brisket or two on the kamado and do  my ribs and sides in the gas smokers 

 

[frank4820]

Hi I have a Kamado smooker when I first got it I had trouble keeping temp.
but I found when put wet chips on the cols the temp. Dropped than close the upper
and lower dampeners to one there are five setting. temp. Stayed at 220-250e if I can help let me know

 

[kristje]

Also keep in mind with the BGE and Kamado cookers you are usually limited to one rack, so if you are thinking your are going to toss on a big pan of baked beans, a brisket, and some ABT's all at the same time you may want to reconsider. Also those things are really, really, heavy, make sure you get the wheeled cart.

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• kristje
• Sep 1, 2012

you mean like this. this is a chargriller acorn bought from lowes for $350. works awesome

 

[switch]

I have a large big green egg and I am not limited to "one" rack -- I do jerky with 4 racks. Definitely not a lack of grill real estate that's or sure.

Sure it's heavy, I think mine is 150lbs -- it's a tank but mine sits in a big cedar table on wheels.

I can't speak for other ceramic egg type grills but as a guy who has owned all kinda of conventional charcoal grills in the past -- never again, BGE for life.

 

[gofish]

Pizza over charcoal does taste amazing.  I have seen pizza done over a Weber kettle & even on a gas grill.  Here's one of the first ones I ever did.  I will say it's got 'character'  ... Temp control on these type cookers are key. 

 

[smokindeadstuff]

i have the Chargriller Kamado and love it.   I right at this moment have 32 lbs of pork butt on it.   It also weighs a total of 100 lbs including its cart.  Im doing my first competition with it in 2 weeks.   Wish me luck!