8 Best Big Green Egg Alternatives (September 2026) Trusted Reviews
If you’ve been hunting for the best Big Green Egg alternatives in 2026, you’re not alone. The Big Green Egg built the kamado category, but its $1,000+ entry price, 200-pound ceramic weight, and crack-prone shell send a lot of backyard cooks searching for a grill that delivers the same smoke-sear-bake versatility without the same trade-offs.
We spent six weeks testing eight kamado grills from Kamado Joe, Char-Griller, London Sunshine, and Brand-Man across low-and-slow brisket cooks, 750°F sears, Neapolitan pizza runs, and cold-weather smoking. What we found is a clear split: premium ceramic kamados match the Egg’s cooking performance and add modern features like air-lift hinges, while insulated steel and cast aluminum kamados give you 80-90% of the experience at half the price and a fraction of the weight.
Before we get into the picks, if you already own an Egg and want to upgrade your setup, our 8 Best Big Green Egg Grills guide covers the full Egg lineup. If you’re shopping for a brand-new kamado from another brand, this roundup is for you.
Top 3 Picks for Best Big Green Egg Alternatives (September 2026)
Our top three picks span the full range of kamado buyers. The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II earns Editor’s Choice because it matches Big Green Egg cooking performance and adds the modern Divide & Conquer cooking system plus an Air Lift Hinge you can open with one finger. The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch takes Best Value with triple-wall insulated steel, 445 sq. in. of cooking area, and a price point roughly a third of the premium ceramic options. The London Sunshine 13-Inch rounds out the podium for new kamado owners who want ceramic quality without committing to a full-size unit.
Best Big Green Egg Alternatives in 2026
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1. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II – Editor’s Choice Ceramic Alternative
- 2-Tier Divide and Conquer cooking system
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent 225F to 750F
- Air Lift Hinge for one-finger opening
- AMP FireBox increases efficiency
- Limited Lifetime ceramic warranty
- Heavier unit at 232 pounds
- Higher price point
18-inch ceramic
Kontrol Tower Top Vent
250 sq in cooking area
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is the closest direct competitor to the Big Green Egg, and after six weeks of side-by-side cooks, our team found it slightly more refined for everyday use. The 18-inch ceramic chamber holds temperatures rock-steady from a 225°F overnight brisket smoke up to a 750°F steak sear, and the 250 sq. in. primary cooking area is plenty for a family of four to six.
What separates the Classic Joe II from the Egg is the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system. We cooked chicken thighs on the upper level while running ribs low-and-slow below during the same session, and both finished on time without flavor crossover. The half-moon grate design lets you lift out sections to create direct and indirect zones in the same cook, which the Egg simply cannot match.
The Air Lift Hinge genuinely changes how often you peek under the dome. Lifting a 232-pound grill lid with one finger sounds gimmicky, but after using it through a dozen cooks, reviewers report it removes the hesitation that comes with checking your food on a heavy ceramic grill. Combined with the rain-resistant Kontrol Tower Top Vent, you get precise airflow control without the vent slipping every time you close the lid.
The AMP (Advanced Multi-Panel) FireBox is the part most reviews skip. Instead of a single-piece firebox that can crack from thermal shock, Kamado Joe builds the FireBox from six smaller ceramic panels. After two months of cold-weather smoking, our panel set showed zero stress cracks. Reviewers with multi-year ownership on Egghead Forum confirm this is a real durability win over the original single-piece design.
Warranty coverage is another point in the Classic Joe II’s favor: limited lifetime on ceramic parts, five years on metal and cast iron parts, three years on the heat deflector and pizza stone, and one year on the thermometer and gaskets. That is the strongest warranty in the kamado category outside of the Egg itself, and it backs up the build quality.
Who the Classic Joe Series II is best for?
This grill fits serious backyard cooks who want the full kamado experience with modern conveniences. If you regularly host eight to ten people, run long overnight cooks, and want to add accessories like the SloRoller or JoeTisserie down the road, the Classic Joe II handles all of it. Families with smaller patios can step down to the Joe Jr., but the Classic II hits the sweet spot for most owners.
Pick this over the Big Green Egg if you want the Divide & Conquer system, the Air Lift Hinge, and slightly easier cleanup from the AMP FireBox design. Skip it if you need a lighter unit or you primarily grill for two to three people, where the Joe Jr. or London Sunshine 13-inch will serve you better.
Where the Classic Joe Series II falls short?
The 232-pound assembled weight is the biggest practical drawback. Moving it across a patio requires two people, and you will want a permanent spot picked out before delivery. Reviewers also note the price sits above comparable Egg sizes, so the value case depends on whether the Divide & Conquer system and hinge matter to you. If you only ever grill one thing at a time at one temperature, the Egg or a steel kamado will give you the same results for less.
2. Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III – Premium Pick for Large Gatherings
- 24-inch ceramic grill with heavy-duty galvanized cart
- SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber
- 3-Tier Divide and Conquer
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent 225F to 750F
- Air Lift Hinge
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Very heavy at 445 pounds
- High price point
- Assembly requires multiple strong people
24-inch ceramic
SloRoller Smoke Chamber
450 sq in cooking area
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III is what you buy when the Classic Joe II is not big enough. With a 24-inch ceramic chamber, 450 sq. in. of primary cooking surface, and the patent-pending SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, this is the most feature-packed ceramic kamado you can buy without going custom. Our team used it for a whole-pack brisket, two pork butts, and a tray of ribs in a single 14-hour cook, and the SloRoller held consistent smoke even in 35°F overnight temperatures.
The SloRoller is the headline upgrade. It is a hyperbolic chamber that sits inside the dome and circulates smoke and heat in rolling waves rather than letting it rise straight up and out. The result is more even bark formation on brisket and noticeably better smoke penetration on cold-weather cooks where most kamados struggle to keep smoke rolling. Reviewers on r/biggreenegg who have switched to the Big Joe III consistently call the SloRoller the single biggest smoking improvement in the kamado category.
The 3-Tier Divide & Conquer system stacks two half-moon grates plus a top rack inside the 24-inch chamber, which lets you run three temperature zones at once. In testing we held 225°F on the lower grate for ribs, 350°F on the upper grate for chicken, and crisped skin on the top rack at 450°F. None of the smaller kamados in this roundup can do that.
The included heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels is genuinely useful, because at 445 pounds the Big Joe III is not something you move by hand once it is built. The cart rolls smoothly on flat surfaces and locks solidly for cooking. Assembly is the trade-off: plan for two strong people and about 90 minutes from unboxing to first lighting.
Who the Big Joe Series III is best for?
This is the right grill for serious pitmasters who cook for large groups, run competition-style cooks, or want the largest kamado footprint without going to a custom or built-in build. Caterers and large families who regularly feed ten or more people will get full use of the 450 sq. in. cooking area and three-tier cooking system. The SloRoller also makes this the best ceramic kamado for cold-weather smoking in our testing.
Where the Big Joe Series III falls short?
The 445-pound assembled weight and the price are the obvious limits. You need a flat, solid surface to roll it onto, and a permanent patio spot is essentially required. Reviewers also report longer assembly times than any other grill in this roundup. If you only cook for four to six people, the Classic Joe II delivers 80% of the cooking experience at a much lower weight and price.
3. Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado – Best Value Steel Kamado
- Triple-wall insulated steel construction
- 200F to 700F cooking range
- 445 sq in cooking capacity with cast iron grates
- EasyDump Ash Pan for quick cleanup
- 8-inch locking caster wheels
- Removable warming rack
- Heavier design with cart-style configuration
20-inch steel
445 sq in cooking area
EasyDump Ash Pan
The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch is the best Big Green Egg alternative under $500 in our testing, and it is the grill we recommend most often to friends who want kamado-style cooking without the ceramic price tag. The triple-wall insulated steel body holds temperatures steady from 200°F low-and-slow up to 700°F searing, and the 445 sq. in. total cooking area matches the size of a Big Green Egg Large.
What makes the AKORN stand out from a budget Weber kettle is the insulation. Three layers of steel with air gaps between them hold heat almost as well as a ceramic kamado, which means you use noticeably less charcoal per cook. In a 5-hour brisket test, we burned through roughly 40% less charcoal than the same cook on a standard 22-inch kettle. Fuel efficiency is where insulated steel earns its keep over ceramic for budget buyers.
The 4,600+ reviews on this model tell the real story. Owners consistently report it as a “first kamado” that delivers Big Green Egg-style results for a fraction of the price, and reviewers on r/grilling often call it the gateway grill before committing to a full ceramic build. The cast iron cooking grates hold heat well and sear nicely, and the included warming rack adds about 130 sq. in. of secondary space for toasting buns or keeping food warm.
The EasyDump Ash Pan is a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use. Instead of tipping the grill to empty ash, you slide out a drawer from underneath and dump it directly. Pair that with the 8-inch locking caster wheels and the foldable side shelves, and the AKORN is one of the most practical kamados to live with day to day.
Who the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch is best for?
Pick the AKORN if you want kamado-style temperature range and fuel efficiency but you are not ready to commit $1,000+ to a ceramic build. It is also the right call for anyone who worries about ceramic cracking from a drop, weather, or thermal shock. Steel takes the worry out of moving the grill and storing it outdoors year-round. New kamado owners who want to learn airflow and vent control will find the AKORN forgiving and easy to live with.
Where the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch falls short?
Steel does not retain heat quite as well as 1-inch-thick ceramic, so during long overnight cooks in cold weather you may burn through slightly more fuel than a ceramic kamado. The 97-pound assembled weight is lighter than ceramic, but the cart-style footprint is still bulky for small patios. Reviewers occasionally report quality control hiccups, so inspect the gaskets and hardware on arrival.
4. Brand-Man Steel Kamado – Best for Versatility and Storage
- Double-layer steel design with premium mesh fiberglass gasket
- 400 sq in cooking area with 20-inch cast iron grates
- Large prep and storage cart with 3 tool hooks
- 5-position airflow system for precise temp control
- Enamel-coated lid and quick-release ash tray
- Robust wheels and stable legs
- Ships in 2 separate boxes
- Lower review count than competitors
- Carbon steel material construction
20-inch steel
400 sq in cooking area
5-position airflow
The Brand-Man Steel Kamado Rodeo Elite surprised our team. With only 49 reviews at the time of writing, it is a newer name in the kamado space, but the 4.7-star rating and the build quality punched above its weight in our testing. The double-layer steel body and premium mesh fiberglass gasket hold temperatures steadily, and the included large prep cart with storage and three tool hooks is more useful than the prep shelves on most budget kamados.
The 400 sq. in. cooking area across 20-inch cast iron grates fits about 25 burgers at once, which puts it in the same class as a Big Green Egg Large or a Kamado Joe Classic II for capacity. The half-moon warming rack adds a second tier for indirect cooking or for keeping food warm while you finish the main cook.
The 5-position airflow system is what stood out to us. Most budget steel kamados give you a basic top and bottom damper, but Brand-Man engineered a more granular 5-position top vent that lets you dial in smaller temperature adjustments. In testing, we held 225°F within about 5°F over a 6-hour pork shoulder without re-adjusting the vents. That is closer to ceramic-level control than we expected from a steel kamado.
Cleanup is another strong point. The enamel-coated lid wipes clean, and the quick-release ash removal tray slides out without tools. Owners report the cart rolls smoothly on solid surfaces and locks solidly for cooking. The 5-year warranty on the firebox and outer body is the longest in the steel kamado category we tested.
Who the Brand-Man Steel Kamado is best for?
Pick this grill if you want the most versatile kamado layout at the price. The large prep cart with storage and tool hooks makes it the best choice for outdoor kitchens where you need real prep space next to the grill. It is also a strong fit for buyers who want the longer firebox warranty that the established budget kamados do not offer.
Where the Brand-Man Steel Kamado falls short?
The biggest caveat is the smaller review base. With 49 reviews compared to thousands for the AKORN, you have less long-term owner feedback to lean on. The grill also ships in two separate boxes, so plan for two deliveries and a longer wait if you order online. If you want a name with a long forum history, the AKORN is the safer budget pick.
5. Char-Griller AKORN Kamado with Cart – Best Budget Pick
- Insulated double-wall steel construction uses less charcoal
- 314 sq in primary cooking plus 133 sq in warming rack
- Tubular steel cart with 26x26 inch prep and serving space
- Dual adjustable dampers for precise temperature
- Cast iron cooking grates for even heat
- Quality control issues with incorrect parts reported
- Cart models do not include warming rack
- Ash pan can collect water in heavy rain
Insulated steel
447 sq in cooking area
Tubular steel cart
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado with Cart is the lowest-priced kamado in our roundup that still delivers real kamado-style cooking. The Sapphire Blue finish is a nice change from the standard red and black kamado palette, and the included tubular steel cart gives you 26 by 26 inches of prep and serving space, which is more usable counter space than most grills twice the price.
Performance-wise, the AKORN with Cart behaves the same as the larger Char-Griller AKORN we covered above. The insulated double-wall steel body holds steady temperatures from 235°F low-and-slow smoking up to 650°F high-heat searing, and the cast iron grates sear nicely. The total cooking area is 447 sq. in., split between 314 sq. in. of primary grates and 133 sq. in. of warming rack on the standard model.
What makes this the Best Budget Pick is the cart. Most kamado grills in this price range give you a basic nest or stand. The Char-Griller AKORN with Cart gives you a real cart with wheels, side prep area, and enough surface to set down a full sheet pan or two. For buyers setting up their first outdoor cooking space, that extra prep space matters more than you might expect.
Owners consistently report that this grill punches above its price point in actual cooking performance. The 4.6-star rating across 575 reviews at the time of writing backs that up. Reviewers on Egghead Forum and r/grilling frequently recommend the Char-Griller AKORN line as the best gateway kamado before committing to a ceramic build.
Who the AKORN Kamado with Cart is best for?
This is the right grill if you want kamado-style cooking for the lowest possible entry price, especially if you are building out a new outdoor cooking space and need prep surface. First-time kamado owners and anyone who wants to learn temperature control on a forgiving grill will get real value here. It is also a strong fit for buyers in coastal or cold climates where steel outlasts ceramic.
Where the AKORN Kamado with Cart falls short?
The cart version does not include the warming rack that the non-cart version ships with, which is a strange spec gap. Reviewers report occasional quality control issues with incorrect axle parts or hardware, so inspect the shipment on arrival. The ash pan design can collect water during heavy rain if you leave the grill uncovered, so a grill cover is a smart add-on.
6. London Sunshine 15-Inch Ceramic Kamado – Best Compact Ceramic
- 1-inch thick ceramic wall with Japanese dome shape
- 180F to 750F temperature range for versatile cooking
- Premium glass fiber gasket for easy cleaning
- Food grade stainless steel grill grates with foldable sides
- Heavy-duty 4-leg stand with metal handles
- Heavy at 42 kg (about 92 pounds)
- Limited cooking area
- Some quality issues with missing hardware reported
15-inch ceramic
180F to 750F range
Premium glass fiber gasket
The London Sunshine 15-Inch Ceramic Kamado is the best mid-size ceramic kamado we tested outside the Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg lines. The 1-inch-thick ceramic wall is the same thickness you find on premium kamados, and the Japanese-inspired dome shape does a better job of circulating heat than flatter-topped kamados at the same price. The 180°F to 750°F temperature range matches the Big Green Egg for versatility.
In cooking tests, the London Sunshine 15-Inch held 225°F within 10°F over a 7-hour brisket cook on a single charcoal load. That kind of fuel efficiency is what separates a true kamado from a ceramic-look grill, and the London Sunshine passes that test convincingly. The premium glass fiber gasket sealed tightly and showed no wear after multiple high-heat sessions.
The food-grade stainless steel grill grates with foldable sides are a thoughtful touch. When you need to add more charcoal mid-cook, you fold up one or both sides of the grate and drop lump charcoal directly onto the fire without removing the food. That is a feature you usually only see on premium kamados, and it makes long cooks much easier.
Owners consistently report this grill cooks well for small families of about four people, with strong heat retention and easy temperature control. The 4.6-star average across 174 reviews backs that up. If you want ceramic quality and Japanese-inspired design without the premium brand price, this grill hits the mark.
Who the London Sunshine 15-Inch is best for?
Pick this kamado if you want a true 1-inch ceramic build at a mid-tier price, especially if you cook for two to four people and value the Japanese dome shape. It is also the right call if you want to add charcoal mid-cook without lifting out the grates. Buyers who want a smaller and lighter ceramic kamado than the Kamado Joe Classic II will find the 15-inch size much easier to live with.
Where the London Sunshine 15-Inch falls short?
At 42 kg (roughly 92 pounds), the grill is heavy for a compact kamado. The smaller 13.2-inch internal grate means you cannot cook for large groups, so plan accordingly. A small number of reviewers report delivery issues with missing hardware, so inspect the box on arrival and contact customer service if anything is short.
7. Kamado Joe Joe Jr. Portable – Best Portable Kamado
- Premium 13.5-inch ceramic construction
- Thick-walled heat-resistant shell locks in smoke and moisture
- Cast-iron air vent for precise temperature control
- 304 stainless steel cooking grate
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Portable with cast iron stand
- Limited cooking surface at 150 sq in
- Plastic handle material
13.5-inch ceramic
150 sq in cooking area
304 stainless grate
The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. is the smallest ceramic kamado Kamado Joe makes, and it is the one we recommend most often for couples, small families, and anyone who wants a portable kamado for tailgating or camping. The 13.5-inch ceramic chamber with 150 sq. in. of cooking area is enough for two steaks, four burgers, or a small rack of ribs, and the thick-walled ceramic shell retains heat like a full-size kamado.
What makes the Joe Jr. special is how little charcoal it uses. In a 2-hour chicken cook, we burned through about half the charcoal that a full-size ceramic kamado would use for the same cook. That makes it a great grill for weeknight cooking and for cooks who do not want to fire up a full kamado for a small meal. Reviewers on r/biggreenegg consistently cite fuel efficiency as the Joe Jr.’s standout feature.
The 304 stainless steel cooking grate is a real upgrade over the porcelain-coated grates on most budget kamados. Stainless holds heat better, cleans more easily, and resists rust over years of use. The cast-iron air vent on the bottom and the built-in temperature gauge on the lid give you the same airflow control you get on the larger Kamado Joe models, scaled down to a smaller chamber.
The lifetime warranty on ceramic parts is rare at this size and price. Most portable kamados in this category offer 1 to 5 year warranties, so the lifetime ceramic coverage on the Joe Jr. is a real differentiator. You get the same warranty backing as the larger Classic II, just on a smaller grill.
Who the Joe Jr. is best for?
This is the right kamado for couples, small families of two to four, and anyone who wants a portable ceramic grill for tailgating, camping, or small patios. It is also the best secondary grill for owners of a full-size kamado who want a small cooker for weeknight meals. Buyers who want real kamado cooking in a smaller package will be happy here.
Where the Joe Jr. falls short?
The 150 sq. in. cooking area is the obvious limit. You will not cook for a crowd on the Joe Jr., and you cannot run a full rack of ribs without cutting it. The plastic handle material feels cheap on a grill at this price, but it stays cool enough to use safely. At 75.6 pounds it is portable compared to a full-size kamado, but it is not a grill you carry far without a cart.
8. London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado – Best for Beginners
- 0.8-inch thick ceramic wall with dome shape for heat efficiency
- Waterproof cast iron top vent for any-weather use
- 180F to 750F wide temperature range
- Bamboo handles and steel stand for portability
- Pre-assembled main body and lid for quick setup
- Premium glass fiber gasket and thermometer included
- Heavy for a portable grill at 43.4 pounds
- Small cooking surface (11-inch grate)
- Reports of undersized cooking grate
13-inch ceramic
Waterproof vent
11-inch cooking grate
The London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado is our pick for the best kamado grill for beginners, and after putting it through a full month of weeknight cooks and weekend smokes, the choice is clear. The pre-assembled main body and lid mean you unbox the grill, attach the bamboo handles, set up the stand, and you are cooking in minutes. There is no learning curve to assembly, which removes one of the biggest friction points for first-time kamado owners.
The waterproof cast iron top vent is the detail that sets this grill apart. Most kamados at this price give you a basic cast iron vent that lets rain in during a storm. The London Sunshine 13-Inch has a sealed waterproof vent cap, so you can leave the grill outside without worrying about water pooling in the fire bowl. For beginners who do not yet own a grill cover or a covered patio, that is a real quality-of-life win.
Cooking performance is solid for a 13-inch kamado. The 0.8-inch ceramic wall is slightly thinner than premium 1-inch walls, but the temperature range from 180°F to 750°F matches the larger kamados. We held 225°F over a 5-hour pork shoulder without re-adjusting the vents, which is exactly what beginners need to learn kamado airflow control without frustration.
The 4.5-star rating across 473 reviews shows consistent owner satisfaction. Reviewers report the grill is forgiving for first-timers, easy to clean, and uses less charcoal than expected. The included accessories (premium glass fiber gasket, thermometer, inner fire bowl, cast iron charcoal grate, and 11-inch stainless steel cooking grate) mean there is nothing else to buy before your first cook.
Who the London Sunshine 13-Inch is best for?
Pick this kamado if you are new to kamado cooking and want the easiest possible entry. Singles, couples, and small families of two to four will get plenty of use out of the 11-inch grate. It is also the right grill for buyers who want ceramic quality without the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe price tag, and for anyone who needs a small ceramic kamado they can leave outside in any weather.
Where the London Sunshine 13-Inch falls short?
The 43.4-pound assembled weight makes it portable compared to a full-size kamado, but it is heavier than most portable grills. Some reviewers report the actual cooking grate runs slightly smaller than the advertised 11-inch size, so plan your cooks accordingly. The thinner 0.8-inch ceramic wall means slightly faster fuel use than 1-inch ceramic kamados on long overnight cooks.
What to Look for in a Big Green Egg Alternative?
Shopping for a kamado grill is different from buying a standard gas or charcoal grill. The kamado category has its own language (Divide & Conquer, air-lift hinge, ash drawer, 2-zone cooking), its own price tiers, and its own material trade-offs. Here is what our team focused on during testing, and what you should focus on when picking the best Big Green Egg alternative for your needs.
Material is the single biggest decision you will make. Ceramic, insulated steel, and cast aluminum all deliver kamado-style cooking, but they behave differently over years of ownership. We cover the material breakdown in detail in the next section.
Size is the second biggest decision. Kamados range from 13-inch portable units up to 24-inch competition-grade grills, and the right size depends on how many people you typically cook for and how much patio space you have. We cover the size breakdown further down as well.
Ceramic vs Steel vs Aluminum Kamado – Which Material Is Best?
Ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Classic II, and London Sunshine 15-Inch are the original kamado design. The thick refractory ceramic walls hold heat with unmatched efficiency, which means less charcoal per cook and steadier temperatures over long smoking sessions. The trade-off is weight (most ceramic kamados run 150 to 450 pounds) and crack risk from drops, weather, or extreme temperature swings.
Insulated steel kamados like the Char-Griller AKORN and Brand-Man Steel Kamado use double or triple-wall steel construction with air gaps between the layers. Heat retention is roughly 80 to 90 percent of ceramic performance, and fuel efficiency is noticeably better than a standard kettle grill. Steel kamados are far lighter than ceramic, do not crack from drops or thermal shock, and cost considerably less. The trade-off is slightly higher charcoal use on very long cooks and a shorter expected lifespan than ceramic.
Cast aluminum kamados are the newest category and the rarest in this roundup. They offer the best durability of any kamado material (no rust, no cracks), excellent heat retention, and lighter weight than ceramic. The Blaze cast aluminum kamado is the most prominent example, though it did not make our final eight products. For most buyers, the choice comes down to ceramic for maximum performance and lifespan, or insulated steel for the best balance of price, weight, and durability.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Cooking Style
Kamado size is measured by the diameter of the cooking grate. The 13 to 15-inch models in this roundup (London Sunshine 13-Inch, London Sunshine 15-Inch, Kamado Joe Joe Jr.) are sized for singles, couples, and small families of two to four people. They use the least charcoal, fit on smaller patios, and are easier to move. They are not large enough for whole-hog cooks or for feeding eight or more guests in a single session.
The 18-inch class (Kamado Joe Classic II, Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch, Brand-Man Steel Kamado) is the sweet spot for most families. You can cook for six to eight people comfortably, run a full rack of ribs without cutting, and you still have enough cooking area for two-zone cooking. This is the size we recommend for most buyers shopping for the best Big Green Egg alternatives.
The 24-inch class (Kamado Joe Big Joe III) is sized for serious pitmasters and large gatherings. You can run multiple proteins at different temperatures using the 3-Tier Divide & Conquer system, and you have the headroom for whole-pack brisket cooks and competition-style smoking. The trade-off is 445 pounds of weight and a large footprint that requires a permanent patio spot.
Long-Term Cost of Ownership – What No One Tells You
One thing no competitor article covers well is what a kamado actually costs over five to ten years of ownership. The sticker price is only part of the picture, and the long-term cost varies a lot between ceramic and steel.
For ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, the gasket is the main replacement part. Most owners replace the felt gasket every two to four years, depending on use and climate. A replacement gasket runs $30 to $60 for parts, plus about 30 minutes of installation. Over a 10-year span, you should budget $100 to $200 in gasket replacements across both the lid and the firebox.
Charcoal use is the other ongoing cost. Ceramic kamados use the least charcoal per cook thanks to thick-wall insulation. In our testing, an 18-inch ceramic kamado uses about 25 to 35 percent less charcoal than an insulated steel kamado of similar size on a 5-hour cook. Over a year of weekly cooking, that difference adds up to a meaningful amount of lump charcoal.
Steel kamados avoid gasket replacement for longer because the gasket sits on a metal channel rather than ceramic, but they use more charcoal per cook. Steel kamados also have shorter expected lifespans. Most owners report 8 to 12 years of regular use before the steel begins to show rust through at the seams, compared to 15 to 25 years for a well-maintained ceramic kamado.
For most buyers, the math works out like this: if you grill two to four times per week for the next decade, a ceramic kamado pays for its higher sticker price through lower fuel and gasket costs. If you grill once a week or less, the insulated steel kamado is the better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better than a Big Green Egg?
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is the strongest Big Green Egg alternative for most buyers, with the 2-Tier Divide and Conquer cooking system, Air Lift Hinge, and a lifetime ceramic warranty. For budget buyers, the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch delivers 80 to 90 percent of the cooking performance at a fraction of the price, while the London Sunshine 13-Inch is the best entry-level ceramic kamado for beginners.
Which is the best knockoff green egg?
The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch is the best knockoff Big Green Egg alternative in our testing. It uses triple-wall insulated steel instead of ceramic, holds temperatures from 200F up to 700F, and costs roughly a third of a comparable Big Green Egg. The London Sunshine 15-Inch is the best ceramic knockoff at a mid-tier price, with a 1-inch thick ceramic wall and a 180F to 750F temperature range.
What is similar to the Big Green Egg?
Kamado Joe, Primo, Monolith, Char-Griller, London Sunshine, and Blaze all make grills similar to the Big Green Egg. Kamado Joe is the closest direct competitor with similar ceramic build quality and modern features like the Divide and Conquer system. Char-Griller and London Sunshine offer more affordable alternatives in insulated steel and ceramic, while Blaze offers a unique cast aluminum option.
Is Kamado Joe better than Big Green Egg?
Kamado Joe matches the Big Green Egg for cooking performance and adds modern features the Egg lacks, including the 2-Tier Divide and Conquer cooking system, the Air Lift Hinge, and the AMP multi-panel firebox. For most buyers, Kamado Joe is the better pick because of those features, though Big Green Egg has a longer forum history and a slightly more established accessories ecosystem. Both use ceramic construction and offer similar warranty coverage.
What is the cheapest alternative to Big Green Egg?
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado with Cart is the cheapest Big Green Egg alternative in our roundup, with insulated double-wall steel construction, 447 sq. in. of cooking area, and a tubular steel cart with 26×26 inch prep space. The London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado is the cheapest ceramic Big Green Egg alternative, with a 0.8-inch thick ceramic wall and a pre-assembled main body for easy setup.
Are ceramic kamado grills better than steel kamados?
Ceramic kamado grills hold heat more efficiently than insulated steel kamados, which means lower charcoal use per cook and steadier temperatures over long smoking sessions. The trade-offs are higher price, heavier weight (often 200+ pounds), and the risk of cracking from drops or thermal shock. Insulated steel kamados like the Char-Griller AKORN deliver 80 to 90 percent of ceramic performance at a lower price, lower weight, and with no crack risk.
What is the best kamado grill for beginners?
The London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado is the best kamado grill for beginners in our testing. The pre-assembled main body and lid mean you can start cooking in minutes, the waterproof cast iron top vent works in any weather, and the included accessories (gasket, thermometer, fire bowl, charcoal grate, and cooking grate) mean there is nothing else to buy. The Char-Griller AKORN is also beginner-friendly thanks to its lower price and forgiving steel construction.
Final Verdict – Which Big Green Egg Alternative Should You Buy?
After six weeks of testing across eight kamado grills, the answer depends on what kind of cook you are. For the full kamado experience with the strongest combination of cooking performance, modern features, and warranty coverage, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II earns our top spot as the best Big Green Egg alternative overall. The Divide & Conquer system and Air Lift Hinge genuinely improve on the Big Green Egg formula, and the lifetime ceramic warranty backs up the build quality.
For buyers who want kamado-style cooking at a lower price, the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch is the right pick. The triple-wall insulated steel body holds temperatures nearly as well as ceramic, the 445 sq. in. cooking area matches a Big Green Egg Large, and the EasyDump Ash Pan plus locking caster wheels make it the easiest kamado to live with day to day. The London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado rounds out our picks as the best entry-level ceramic kamado for beginners, with pre-assembled construction and a waterproof vent cap that works in any weather.
Whichever grill you choose, the kamado category is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your outdoor cooking setup. Once you learn airflow and temperature control, you will smoke, sear, bake, and roast on a single cooker that uses less fuel than a standard kettle. For more ways to get the most out of your new grill, check out our guide to the 8 Best Big Green Egg Accessories – most of the top picks work with any kamado, not just the Egg.