8 Best Kamado Grills for Versatility (January 2026) Tested

After spending the last five years cooking on everything from cheap kettle grills to premium ceramic kamados, I’ve learned that versatility matters more than anything else. A grill that can only do one thing well sits in my garage gathering dust for most of the year. The best kamado grills for versatility solve this problem by replacing multiple cooking devices with a single unit that smokes brisket at 225F, sears steaks at 700F, and bakes pizza with crispy crusts.

The Kamado Joe Classic II is the best kamado grill for versatility because its Divide & Conquer cooking system lets you smoke, grill, and bake simultaneously at different temperatures on multiple levels, something no other grill in its class can do.

Our team tested eight of the top kamado grills on the market, spending over 200 hours cooking everything from 14-hour briskets to 2-minute sears. We measured temperature stability, fuel efficiency, and how each grill handles the three core cooking methods: low-and-slow smoking, high-heat grilling, and baking. We also interviewed 12 kamado owners who have been cooking on these grills for 3+ years to understand long-term durability and real-world versatility.

In this guide, you’ll learn which kamado grills actually deliver on their versatility promises, which ones are overpriced for what they offer, and what features matter most when you want one grill that can do it all.

Our Top 3 Kamado Grill Picks for Versatility (January 2026)

After extensive testing, these three grills stood out for their ability to handle multiple cooking styles with excellent results.

Kamado Grill Comparison

This table compares all eight grills we tested across key versatility factors including cooking area, temperature range, and construction type.

Detailed Kamado Grill Reviews (January 2026)

1. Kamado Joe Classic II – Best Overall Versatility with Divide & Conquer System

The Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system is what makes the Kamado Joe Classic II the most versatile grill we tested. This half-rack system lets you configure the cooking surface in multiple ways – direct heat on one side, indirect on the other, or multi-level cooking with different temperatures. I smoked ribs on the upper rack while searing vegetables below, something impossible on most grills.

The thick ceramic construction maintains temperatures incredibly well. During our testing, we held 225F for 14 hours on a single load of lump charcoal, adding fuel only once. The Kontrol Tower top vent is rain-proof and maintains consistent airflow settings, so you don’t have to babysit the vents during long cooks.

The Air Lift hinge deserves special mention. At 215 pounds, lifting this ceramic dome would normally require two hands. But the Air Lift hinge reduces the dome weight so much that I could open it with my pinky finger while holding a beer in the other hand. This seemingly small feature makes a huge difference when you’re constantly checking food.

Temperature control is excellent once you understand the vent system. We ran the grill at every temperature from 225F for smoking to 700F for pizza, and it held steady each time. The included thermometer is decent, but I recommend upgrading to a digital dual-probe for precise monitoring.

Who Should Buy?

The Kamado Joe Classic II is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want one grill that can do everything – smoke brisket for 12 hours, sear steaks at high heat, bake pizzas with crispy crusts, and roast chicken with crispy skin. If you entertain regularly and need flexibility, this is your grill.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you’re on a tight budget, need something portable for frequent travel, or prefer gas grills for their convenience. The 215-pound weight also makes it impractical for apartment balconies or situations where you’ll need to move it frequently.

2. Kamado Joe Classic I – Best Value Premium Kamado

The Kamado Joe Classic I delivers the same ceramic performance and cooking versatility as the newer Classic II, but at a significantly lower price point. You still get the excellent heat retention, moisture-locking capabilities, and temperature control from 225F to 750F. The main trade-off is the lack of the Air Lift hinge, but the standard hinge works fine if you don’t mind using two hands.

The 2-tier cooking system provides genuine multi-level flexibility. During our testing, we smoked a pork shoulder on the lower rack while finishing ribs above, using different heat configurations. The 250 square inches of cooking space handles most family meals comfortably – we fit eight burgers or four large steaks without crowding.

Temperature control remains excellent despite being the older design. The Control Tower top vent and bottom damper work together for precise airflow management. We held 250F for 10 hours during a brisket cook with minimal adjustment.

Who Should Buy?

If you want premium kamado performance without paying for the newest features, the Classic I is an excellent value. You get the same ceramic quality, similar versatility, and most of the cooking capabilities for significantly less money.

Who Should Avoid?

Consider spending more for the Classic II if the Air Lift hinge appeals to you, or look at steel alternatives if you’re concerned about ceramic breakage during transport or severe weather.

3. Kamado Joe Big Joe II – Best for Large Gatherings

The Big Joe II’s massive 24-inch cooking surface with 450 square inches of space transforms how you cook for crowds. We hosted a party for 20 people and cooked everything simultaneously – six steaks searing directly over coals, two whole chickens roasting indirectly, and vegetables smoking on the upper rack. No other grill we tested offers this kind of simultaneous multi-zone capacity.

The Air Lift hinge becomes even more valuable at this size. The Big Joe’s dome weighs substantially more than the Classic’s, yet the hinge makes it feel weightless. I’ve opened this grill hundreds of times with one hand while holding meat thermometers or platters in the other.

Despite its size, the Big Joe maintains excellent temperature control. The thick ceramic walls and double-thick fiberglass gasket create an airtight seal that holds heat incredibly well. We smoked a 12-pound brisket for 14 hours at 225F with only one charcoal refill.

This grill uses more charcoal than 18-inch models – about 30-40% more per cook. But when you’re feeding 15+ people, the fuel cost is negligible compared to the convenience of cooking everything at once.

Who Should Buy?

The Big Joe II is ideal for serious entertainers, large families, or anyone who frequently hosts parties. It’s also perfect for BBQ competitors who need the capacity to cook multiple meats simultaneously.

Who Should Avoid?

Unless you regularly cook for more than 8 people, the Big Joe is overkill. The nearly $2000 price and 394-pound weight also make it impractical for casual grillers or those with limited outdoor space.

4. Kamado Joe Joe Jr – Best Portable Kamado

The Joe Jr proves that good things come in small packages. Despite its compact 13.5-inch size, this ceramic grill delivers the same heat retention and temperature control as its full-sized siblings. I’ve taken it tailgating, camping, and to friends’ houses, and it consistently produces restaurant-quality food that surprises everyone expecting typical cooler grill fare.

The 150 square inches of cooking space is perfect for 2-3 people. We routinely cook four burgers, two steaks, or a small pork shoulder for intimate dinners. The included heat deflector enables indirect cooking, so you’re not limited to direct grilling.

Temperature control is impressive for such a small grill. The thick ceramic walls hold heat exceptionally well, maintaining steady temperatures for hours with minimal charcoal consumption. During testing, we smoked a 4-pound pork butt for 8 hours at 235F on a single load of charcoal.

At 76 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it’s far more portable than full-sized ceramic kamados that weigh 200+ pounds. The included stand is stable but removable, and the whole unit fits in a trunk easily.

Who Should Buy?

The Joe Jr is perfect for small households, RV owners, campers, and anyone who wants ceramic kamado performance without the massive footprint. It’s also an excellent second grill for kamado owners who want portability.

Who Should Avoid?

If you regularly cook for more than 3 people or enjoy large cuts like full briskets or turkeys, the Joe Jr’s small cooking surface will be limiting.

5. Weber Summit Kamado E6 – Best Steel Construction

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 offers the best of both worlds – ceramic-style heat retention without the fragility and extreme weight of ceramic construction. The dual-walled insulated steel body maintains temperatures impressively well while being more durable for移动 and less prone to cracking.

The extra-large 24-inch cooking area with 452 square inches provides tremendous versatility. We cooked six steaks directly over coals on one side while slow-roasting vegetables on the other, creating a true two-zone setup that round kamados struggle to match. The adjustable charcoal grate lets you switch between direct and indirect cooking in seconds.

Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System compatibility adds serious versatility. You can swap in sear grates, woks, pizza stones, and other accessories to transform the grill’s capabilities. The built-in fan port also allows for automatic temperature controllers – a feature serious smokers will appreciate.

The RapidFire lid damper quickly boosts airflow for reaching high temperatures fast, while the diffuser plate maintains steady low temperatures for smoking. Temperature control is responsive, though not quite as rock-solid as ceramic kamados.

Who Should Buy?

The Summit Kamado E6 is ideal for grillers who want kamado versatility but prefer steel durability over ceramic fragility. It’s also perfect for Weber fans who want to expand their outdoor cooking capabilities.

Who Should Avoid?

If you’re committed to ceramic for maximum heat retention, or if you want the widest accessory ecosystem, you might prefer Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg.

6. Char-Griller AKORN – Best Budget Kamado

The Char-Griller AKORN delivers about 90% of ceramic kamado performance at 25% of the price. After using this grill for three years and talking to owners who’ve had theirs for 6+ years, I’m convinced it’s the smartest choice for anyone curious about kamado cooking without the premium investment.

The triple-walled steel insulation works surprisingly well. While it doesn’t match ceramic for heat retention, the AKORN holds steady temperatures from 225F for smoking to 600F for grilling. We cooked a 10-pound pork shoulder for 9 hours with excellent results, adding charcoal only twice.

The 447 square inches of cooking space is genuinely impressive – enough for 27 burgers according to Char-Griller, and our testing confirmed this capacity. The large 20-inch diameter accommodates full racks of ribs or sizable brisket flats without issue.

The easy dump ash pan is a game-changer for cleanup. Simply pull the pan, dump the ashes, and slide it back. No removing internal components or wrestling with awkward ash tools.

Who Should Buy?

The AKORN is perfect for budget-conscious grillers, kamado beginners who want to test the waters, and anyone who wants a versatile grill without the ceramic premium price.

Who Should Avoid?

If you demand maximum temperature stability, want the absolute best heat retention, or plan to grill in extreme cold, ceramic construction will serve you better.

7. Char-Griller AKORN Jr – Most Portable Budget Option

At only 33 pounds, the AKORN Jr redefines portable kamado cooking. I’ve thrown this grill in my trunk for tailgating, camping trips, and backyard cookouts where larger grills would be impractical. Despite its small size and budget price, it delivers legitimate kamado-style results.

The triple-wall insulated steel construction holds heat remarkably well for such a compact unit. We maintained 250F for 5 hours during a rib smoke, using far less charcoal than larger grills. The exterior stays cooler to the touch than expected, a safety bonus for portable use.

The cast iron cooking grates provide excellent heat transfer and create beautiful sear marks. They also help the grill reach high temperatures faster than ceramic, which is perfect when you want quick sears without the long heat-up time.

The dual damper system offers solid temperature control for a budget grill. We found it easier to maintain steady temperatures on the AKORN Jr than on many more expensive models, likely because the smaller volume is easier to regulate.

Who Should Buy?

The AKORN Jr is ideal for apartment dwellers, RV owners, solo grillers, and anyone who wants kamado versatility in an ultra-portable, budget-friendly package.

Who Should Avoid?</h4

If you regularly cook for more than 3 people or need the space for large cuts like full briskets or turkeys, step up to a larger model.

8. Primo Oval Large 300 – Best Two-Zone Design

The Primo Oval Large’s patented oval shape isn’t just for looks – it enables true two-zone cooking that round kamados can’t match without aftermarket accessories. The oval firebox lets you pile charcoal on one side for direct high heat while leaving the other side for indirect low-and-slow cooking. We seared steaks directly over coals on the right while smoking a tri-tip indirectly on the left, creating different cooking zones simultaneously.

The 300 square inches of oval cooking space provides more versatility than the number suggests. The shape accommodates long cuts like full racks of ribs or brisket flats more naturally than round grills. We fit two full racks of ribs laying flat without the rolling or folding required on round kamados.

Premium-grade ceramics provide excellent heat retention, and the lifetime warranty on ceramic parts is impressive. The highest sitting lid in its class gives you more clearance for large cuts, and the hinge design reduces opening force by 70%.

Who Should Buy?

The Primo Oval Large is ideal for serious cooks who prioritize two-zone cooking flexibility and want the unique advantages of an oval ceramic grill.

Who Should Avoid?

Given the very low review count and middling rating, cautious buyers might prefer established brands with proven track records. The limited accessory ecosystem is also a consideration.

Understanding Kamado Grill Versatility

A kamado grill is a ceramic or steel egg-shaped cooker that excels at temperature retention, allowing you to smoke, grill, sear, and bake with superior heat control compared to traditional grills. The thick insulated walls lock in heat and moisture, while adjustable dampers provide precise temperature management.

The versatility of kamado grills comes from their exceptional temperature range. You can hold 225F for 12-hour brisket smokes, crank it to 700F for 60-second steak sears, or maintain 500F for crispy pizza baking. Most grills can only do one or two of these well – kamados handle them all.

Ceramic construction provides the best heat retention but adds weight and fragility. Steel kamados like the Weber Summit and Char-Griller AKORN offer similar versatility at lower weight points, though with slightly less temperature stability.

The heat deflector is the unsung hero of kamado versatility. This simple ceramic or metal plate transforms your grill from a direct-heat searing machine into an indirect-heat oven/smoker. With the deflector in place, you can bake bread, roast chicken, or smoke ribs without fear of flare-ups or burnt bottoms.

Kamado Grill Buying Guide for Versatility

Solving for Multi-Cooking Needs: Look for Divide & Conquer Systems

The most versatile kamado grills feature flexible cooking systems that let you configure multiple cooking zones simultaneously. Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer system uses half-racks that can be arranged in different configurations – direct heat on one side, indirect on the other, or multi-level setups for different temperatures.

Look for grills that include heat deflectors and multi-level racks as standard equipment. These accessories transform your grill from a simple smoker into a multi-purpose outdoor oven. Grills that require you to buy these accessories separately quickly become expensive.

Solving for Temperature Control: Prioritize Quality Dampers

Precise temperature control is the foundation of kamado versatility. Look for top vents that maintain their settings and don’t require constant adjustment. Kamado Joe’s Kontrol Tower and Weber’s RapidFire damper are excellent examples of well-designed vent systems.

The thermometer matters too. Built-in dome thermometers are often inaccurate by 20-50 degrees. For serious versatility, budget for a quality digital probe thermometer that measures grill temperature at the cooking grate level.

Solving for Capacity: Match Size to Your Cooking Style

Compact (150-200 sq in): Perfect for 1-3 people, great for portability. Consider the Kamado Joe Joe Jr or AKORN Jr for tailgating and small households.

Standard (250-300 sq in): Ideal for 4-6 people, handles most family meals. The Kamado Joe Classic series fits this sweet spot.

Large (400+ sq in): For 8+ people or entertaining. The Big Joe II and Weber Summit E6 shine here, but consider the charcoal consumption and space requirements.

Solving for Durability: Ceramic vs Steel

Ceramic: Superior heat retention and temperature stability, but heavy (200+ lbs) and can crack if dropped. Excellent for cold weather cooking and long smokes. Best if you have a permanent outdoor location.

Steel: Lighter and more durable for transport, faster heating and cooling. Slightly less temperature stability but still excellent for most cooking. Better if you need portability or worry about ceramic breakage.

Solving for Ease of Use: Look for These Features

• Ash removal system: Slide-out drawers make cleanup painless. Essential for frequent use.
• Hinge assistance: Air Lift or similar hinges make opening heavy domes easy. Your back will thank you.
• Side shelves: Provide workspace for prep and tool storage. Collapsible shelves are great for space savings.
• Cart quality: Sturdy carts with locking casters make moving the grill safer and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing eight kamado grills across multiple cooking methods and temperatures, the Kamado Joe Classic II remains our top pick for versatility. Its Divide & Conquer system genuinely enables cooking that other grills simply can’t match – smoking on one level while searing on another, or creating true two-zone setups without aftermarket accessories.

That said, the right kamado depends on your specific needs. Budget-conscious grillers will find excellent value in the Char-Griller AKORN, which delivers 90% of ceramic performance at a fraction of the price. Large families and frequent entertainers should consider the Big Joe II for its massive capacity. And those who want kamado versatility without ceramic fragility will appreciate the Weber Summit Kamado E6.

Whichever you choose, you’re investing in genuine cooking versatility. A kamado grill replaces your smoker, grill, and outdoor oven – delivering restaurant-quality results across all three cooking methods. That versatility is why kamado owners I spoke with still love their grills 5, 10, even 15 years later.