Grill enthusiasts can’t resist the scrumptious flavor that kamado grills have to offer. Are you ready for professional and quintessential barbecue tastes? Check out the best budget kamado grills on our top-rated list.
What is Kamado Grill?
Kamados are constructed using refractory materials like cement, lava rock, ceramics, and terracotta. As a result, they have incredible insulating qualities. Because of this, these grills work effectively when used as ovens or smokers. The cooking temperature inside of them has been maintained uniformly and consistently thanks to their natural insulative qualities.
Buying Guides: Best Budget Kamado Grills
You can buy the best Kamado grills without wasting a lot of money. Kamado grills have egg-shaped structures to ensure excellent heat retention for smoked dishes.
1. Construction
When choosing the best Kamado, you should focus on its wall structure. Double walls and three-layer walls with exterior porcelain finish are the best. Their ability to hold heat, smoke, and moisture is incomparable. Besides, you don’t have to spend a lot of time washing off the stains.
2. Temperature control and your experience
You will need to do manual work with the air vents and dampers to maintain the right temperature. Kamado grills offer helpful instructions for adjusting different openings of dampers and vents.
But the user’s experience in temperature control is also a factor to consider.
3. Starting time
Kamado is quick to have embers. It outperforms other charcoal grills. If you use Kamado Joe’s fast-fire starters, you only need 10 minutes to start grilling your dish. So, fast starters are indispensable accessories for your best budget Kamado grill.
4. Non-stick material
The cooking grates should be non-stick material, which makes them easy to clean. The best options would be cast iron and ceramic-coated steel.
Top-rated Best Budget Kamado Grills Reviews
| Product names | Product Highlights | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill | 1. Cooking area: 153 square inches 2. Temp range: 200 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit 3. Weight: 37 Pounds 4. Dimensions: 20.5 x 21.5 x 25.3 inches 5. Cooking grate material: cast iron | 4.9 |  |
| Char-Griller E06614 Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill | 1. Cooking area: 327 square inch cooking area, plus 142 square inches secondary cooking area 2. Weight: 117.5 Pounds 3. Dimensions: 27.1 x 43.8 x 45.8 inches 4. Cooking grate material: porcelain-enameled | 4,9 | |
| Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill | 1. Cooking area: 304 square inches 2. Weight: 75.58 Pounds 3. Dimensions: 19.75 x 20.75 x 27 inches 4. Cooking grate material: Stainless Steel | 4.8 | |
| Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill | 1. Cooking area: 133 square inches 2. Weight: 94.8 Pounds 3. Dimensions: 22.5 x 35.25 x 38 inches 4. Cooking grate material: stainless steel | 4.6 | |
| Kamado Joe KJ15040320 Kettle Joe 22 inch Charcoal Grill | 1. Cooking area: 314 square inches of primary cooking + 133 square inches of warming rack 2. Temp range: 200°- 700° F 3. Weight: 89 Pounds 4. Dimensions: 45.2 x 31.3 x 47.4 inches 5. Cooking grate material: Cast iron | 4.5 | |
| VESSILS 15 Inch Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill | 1. MASTER OUTDOOR COOKING on the 5-in-1 ceramic charcoal grill by VESSILS. Designed to perform a broad array of cooking techniques, this versatile outdoor grill can smoke, char grill, bake, sear and roast foods to tender perfection. 2. HEAVY-DUTY REFRACTORY CERAMIC inside a stainless steel shell radiates heat evenly around meats and foods, resulting in steady temperatures and fuel efficiency. It is ideal for the slow, steady cooking of brisket and smoked ribs.... | 4.5 | |
| Lifesmart 133" 6-In-1 Kamado To Grill Up To 800 Degrees | 1. 133 sq. in. of cooking surface with 13" cooking Grid stainless cooking grid 2. Holds up to 4 half-pound burgers, 4 (8 oz.) steaks, 2 (12-16 oz. T-Bone steaks) or 4 chicken breasts 3. Durable heat retaining ceramic construction is perfect keeping the heat in and reducing charcoal usage. | 4.7 | |
1. Char-Griller E06614
Important Specifications
- Cooking area: 153 square inches
- Color: Red
- Temp range: 200 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight: 37 Pounds
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 21.5 x 25.3 inches
- Cooking grate material: cast iron
Product’s highlights
This Char-Griller E06614 is ideal for users who prefer the style of slow and low grilling. Multi-purpose steel construction with three layers of insulation for the most efficient heat retention. Thus, your dish will get cooked inside out and absorb the smokey taste. This grill has one special feature that we can transform into an outdoor convection oven.
The heat level of the model E06614 allows you to be creative with any kind of food. It features a temperature range from 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Users can also optimize their temperature settings via dampers on the lid and bottom. The two dampers are adjustable with different angles of opening and closing.
Pros
- Durability with powder-coated steel material
- Flexible and portable
- Tight and sealed lid
- Easy to clean
- Good heat retention
Cons
- Manual tuning of the dampers
- Requires some experience to use
Bottom line
Its strong and durable construction gives users the confidence to carry on traveling. Char-Griller E06614 would be ideal for family picnics.
Users will also have plenty of cooking space with 153 square inches of primary cooking area. In particular, the blending and rich taste of the foods is also the highlight.
The powder-coated finish keeps the exterior like new. Moreover, it also helps lessen your cleaning work.
2. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
Important Specifications
- Color: Graphite
- Cooking area: 327 square inch cooking area, plus 142 square inches of secondary cooking area
- Weight: 117.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 27.1 x 43.8 x 45.8 inches
- Cooking grate material: porcelain-enameled
Product’s highlights
The product is a one-size-fits-all solution that every user will love. The versatile design of the product caters to the diverse needs of smoke, grill, and roast.
The convenience also comes from the swing-away warming rack for more cooking areas. Many users also find that the foldable side table gives them plenty of practical prep space.
Pros
- Versatile with great heat control
- Insulated double-walled steel body
- The drip pan is detachable for grease control
- Smart folding side table
Cons
- Difficult to remove the ash pan from the top openings.
Bottom line
The Kamado-Style grill usually costs you a lot of money, but the Char-Broil model is a much cheaper option. But, it still has all the features and conveniences of a top-rated Kamado grill.
The product’s feature is a double layer of insulated steel walls. Thus, the food receives a stable and even amount of heat on the cooking grates.
The airflow system or the pan is from top to bottom. This seems more convenient for users to use and clean.
3. Kamado Joe Jr. KJ13RH
Important Specifications
- Cooking area: 304 square inches
- Weight: 75.58 Pounds
- Dimensions: 19.75 x 20.75 x 27 inches
- Cooking grate material: Stainless Steel
Product’s highlights
The product has a thick shell for good retention of smoke and moisture as well as temperature. Besides, the built-in thermometer is also a good help for temperature management.
The Kamado Joe brand emphasizes the natural and quintessential taste of baked goods. So, they use natural charcoal to ensure a pure smoke taste for the dish.
The same users will appreciate it comes with a fast fire starter so you don’t have to spend a lot of time inflaming.
Pros
- Great for tailgating and outdoor cooking
- Optimal performance
- Good heat and humidity retention
- Simplify grilling
Cons
- Cooking grades are a bit sticky
- Buy charcoal and fire starters
Bottom line
Charcoal-powered grills often cost the user a lot of money. Yet, the Kamado Joe KJ13RH will be the best Kamado grill. You can buy this grill combo with charcoal, and fire starters for under $450.
The Kamado grill style is best suited for smoky grills. But, the variety is also an undeniable advantage of this product.
4. Lifesmart 6-In-1 Ceramic
Important Specifications
- Cooking area: 133 square inches
- Weight: 94.8 Pounds
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 35.25 x 38 inches
- Cooking grate material: stainless steel
Product’s highlights
The product is of the perfect size for a family backyard barbecue. Adequate cooking space accommodates 4 steaks or chicken breasts at once.
Besides, users also save a lot of fuel with this grill. Because of the heat retention with a porcelain-coated finish, it reduces coal used by half.
Combustion and prep time are also faster than similar products. Thus, users can start cooking in a few minutes. This is especially useful for fast-urbanizing lifestyles
Pros
- Multi-use with 6 functions: grill, smoke, roast, braise, bake, sear
- Using electric igniter
- Durable moving wheels
- Safety wheel lock
- The porcelain exterior maintains a dashing look
- Reduce the amount of charcoal
Cons
- Not suitable for large groups
- Difficult to bring on long-distance travel
Bottom line
While other products only reach the highest temperature of 700 F, Lifesmart Grill can go up to 800. The highest temperature range can cater to countless dishes of diverse styles.
Buyers are also very satisfied with the product kit. It comes with a meat shredder, gloves, and alternative cooking grates. Lifesmart Grill always ensures you get more value and simplifies your grilling experience.
In charcoal-powered grills, the Lifesmart 133″ excels with a runtime of up to 8 hours. The well-insulated and heat-retaining body structure optimizes heat in the grill. You can keep it running for a whole grilling session without needing to change charcoal.
Besides, this Lifesmart 6-In-1 Ceramic also has a tight lid to prevent heat loss and create a better smoky taste. Many users are switching to it because of this fuel economy. Besides, precise temperature control via dual valves also ensures unique tastes for dishes.
5. Char-Griller E56720
Important Specifications
- Cooking area: 314 square inches of primary cooking + 133 square inches of warming rack
- Temp range: 200 – 700 F
- Weight: 89 Pounds
- Dimensions: 45.2 x 31.3 x 47.4 inches
- Cooking grate material: Cast iron
Product’s highlights
What users love most about this product is its ease of cleaning. With cast iron material, a damp rag can clean the stains on the grill body.
The cooking area is enough for family and friends in gatherings or barbecues. You will feel very satisfied with a swing-away warming rack.
The design of the side table that folds like two wings also gives you more space to place your food. The hooks will be convenient for hanging the cooking utensils.
Pros
- Built-in wheels for mobility
- Stainless thermometer
- Simple to remove the ash pan
- Maintain good temperature
- High heat levels from 200- 700 F
- Sealed lid
Cons
- Heavy to carry on the trip, camping
Bottom line
This grill uses classic top and bottom dampers to regulate temperature. With the help of the heat gauge, you can maintain the right temperature for delicate dishes.
The Char-Griller E56720 also outperforms others because of its three-layer wall construction. You should buy this for optimal heat retention. Moreover, the stainless steel body and porcelain-coated finish also assure durability over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Kamado Joe better than Traeger?
Traeger and Kamado Joe are both the best grills for smoke and steak. Barbecue fans have difficulty choosing between them.
For performance and heat retention, the two products have a draw. They all deliver great performances.
The winning point would rest in temperature control and customization. Kamado Joe will be for those who have a bit of experience and look for creativity. Meanwhile, Traeger will be the solution for newcomers.
Traeger offers good heat control and many automatic functions to help inexperienced cooks.
With Kamado Joe, you need to know how to light and maintain a fire. Moreover, it is also difficult for you to immediately change the temperature inside. This requires adjusting the opening angle of dampers and air vents. Thus, the temperature will fluctuate about 5-8 degrees compared to the desired level.
But Kamado Joe is better for meticulous dishes. Users would have a superior taste with this grill. About the price, if you are looking for the best budget grill, you are sure to get a satisfactory product. Which costs only under 400$. Traeger would come at a higher price range.
2. Is Big Green Egg better than Kamado Joe?
The battle between Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe has never shown any signs of cooling down. But I have seen the advantages of Kamado Joe.
Kamado Joe focuses on user convenience. Most of their products have optimal support for temperature management. Besides, users are getting the hang of easy-to-use air vents and dampers in no time.
Besides, customers enjoy many extra features with Joe. These fine touches are swing-away side tables, different-level warming racks, or convenient hangers.
The materials and construction of the two brands bear many similarities. For multitasking, flexibility, and convenience, I would not hesitate to choose Kamado Joe.
3. Is Kamado Joe a good smoker?
Kamado Joe is a great smoker. Its structure and design are ideal to cook smoke dishes. Kamado Joe’s signature features are tight lids and thick walls to keep heat and smoke inside.
To adjust the amount of smoke, you do not need to open the lid, this will push the smoke out. You only need to adjust the opening of the air vents to do this.
Besides, food fat drops dipping on embers will emit natural smoke instilling the dish. So I always recommend the best kamado grill for your smokey food.
4. Can you use wood pellets in a Kamado grill?
Kamado grill works best with charcoal, but you can also use wood pellets.
The advantage of charcoal is that it will shorten the preparation time. You can be ready in 5-10 minutes to grill. Besides, the Kamado grill also has a fast fire starter to speed up the combustion process.
If you use wood pellets, you need to wait longer. The wood pellets will expect 20 minutes to become embers to use for your grill.
5. How to use the budget Kamado grills?
If you do not how to use the budget Kamado grills, you can follow the below steps.
- Step 1: You may add charcoal to a kamado grill.
- Step 2: Launching your Kamado
- Step 3: Making vent adjustments
- Step 4: Getting to your desired temperature
Conclusion
Our best Kamado grill offers great multitasking and also excels in durability over time. You will own it for many years with consistent power.
As a barbecue fan, I recommend the Kamado grill as a must-have in your kitchen. With these best budget kamado grill options, you’ll take your grill to the next level.