<blockquote class=”body-blockquote”><strong>The Expert: </strong>I’m a food writer from Kansas City, Missouri, who regularly interviews pitmasters and tells stories about barbecue. As a result of where I live, I eat more grilled meat than I should, have served as a certified barbecue judge, and <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZgD2pn8CAQ” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>co-created a barbecue documentary</a>. I am also the author of two cookbooks: <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cookies-Beer-Bake-Pair-Enjoy/dp/1449470882/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”><em>Cookies & Beer</em></a> and <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Broth-Bowl-Drinking-Nourishing/dp/1449472664″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”><em>Stock, Broth & Bowl</em></a>. I regularly test appliances for national publications and have owned a host of different smokers and grills over the past two decades.</blockquote><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider in a Kamado Grill</h2><p>Kamado grills are available in a wide variety of configurations and sizes, including ones that offer multi-level racks for more cooking space. Be sure to check how ash is emptied. Slide-out ash drawers at the bottom are preferable; otherwise, you need to remove the grates and scoop out the ash. To choose the right kamado grill for you, think about your budget and how many people you’re typically going to be feeding.</p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Make Your Backyard Sizzle: <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g40412007/best-grill-brands/” target=”_blank”>Best Grill Brands</a> • <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/a28242781/best-portable-grills/”>Best Portable Grills</a> • <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/food-drink/g3115/best-small-grills/” target=”_blank”>Best Small Grills</a> • <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/g43643309/best-grill-accessories/”>20 of the Best Grill Accessories</a></strong></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Cooking Surface</h3><p>Kamado grills range widely in size, so it might be simpler to think of what you need in terms of how many burgers a given grill can hold. A Kamado Joe Junior (148-square-inches) can fit a half-dozen burgers. The Kamado Joe Kettle Joe (363-square-inches) has room for roughly twice as many burgers, and the Kamado Joe Big Joe II (604-square-inches) is able to handle four times as many as the Joe Junior. Think about how often you’re cooking for a crowd when you’re trying to decide which grill to get.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Shape</h3><p>Oval-shaped kamado grills are great for two-zone cooking where you’re grilling steaks over direct heat while letting smoke gently infuse chicken breasts on grates that are further away from the charcoal. Round kamado grills are good for the even heat distribution you need for smoking or baking.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Temperature Range</h3><p>Best known for their insulating properties, kamado grills often have wide temperature ranges that can be used for lots of different cooking methods. Keep an eye on the lowest range if, for instance, you’re thinking about smoking brisket, or check the max temperature if you’re hoping to fire a pizza.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Construction</h3><p>Typically kamado grills are made from ceramic, which tends to be heavy but can crack over time. The ovular grills may also be porcelain-coated metal (often steel), which is lighter and often less expensive; but may not retain heat as effectively.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Grill Class</h3><p>Entry-level models tend to be smaller and lighter without as many accessories. Mid-range and premium models often feature built-in stands or carts with lockable wheels. Luxury models are ceramic grills with wide cooking surfaces and lots of customization options.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected Kamado Grills</h2><p>I compared a wide range of options at different price points and sizes available to put together my recommendations. I also read user reviews to understand the benefits or drawbacks of each kamado grill and watched videos of the grills in action.</p>” />