Showdown - Kettle vs. Kamado Grilling

Let’s face it: we know that charcoal grilling adds amazing flavours and produces great-tasting meals that inspire grill enthusiasts everywhere to take their time and enjoy the grilling process as much as the fanfare from their family and friends.

Deciding between a new charcoal Kettle or a Kamado Grill can be a challenge as both have their unique advantages and offer distinctly different cooking experiences. This blog will help you understand the differences and benefits to help you make the best choice for your grilling needs.

SHOWDOWN: EXPERT ADVICE ON CHARCOAL GRILL OPTIONS AT-A-GLANCE

We asked our experts to pick a specific charcoal grill based on various budgets. *Note all pricing shown is current as of the date this Blog was published and is subject to change at any time due to market circumstances.

Weber:

22” Master Touch Kettle - $389.99

·       Assorted colours: Smoke, Slate, Spring Green, or Ocean Blue

·       Large 443 square inch cooking surface

·       An 80 square inch rounded Warming Rack

·       Nearly 75 years of tradition

·       Cooking grates and charcoal separating baskets are included for indirect cooking.

·       Integrated Lid Catch

Broil King:

18” Keg 5000 Charcoal BBQ - $899.99

·       Best Insulated Kamado

·       Heavy Cast Iron Cooking Grill

·       Lowest price point Kamado-style option

MasterBuilt:

Gravity 800 Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker - $999.99

·       Automatic Temperature Control

·       Comes with a full-size griddle

·       The gravity-fed hopper holds up to 10 hours of charcoal

·       Great value!

Ambiance:

21” Louisiana Grills LGK25 - $1,599.99

·       Magnetic Catch on the lid

·       Larger Size than comparable Kamados

·       Comes with Cover

·       See in-store

Big Green Egg:

18” Big Green Egg Large Original Nest Kit - $2,499.99

·       The ‘Original’ Kamado

·       Lifetime warranty on Ceramics

·       262 sq inches in cooking space with a diameter of 18.5 inches

·       Comes loaded with the most common EGGcessories

Kamado Joe:

18” Classic Joe 3 with Cart - $2,599.99

·       Harvard Engineered SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber

·       Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket

·       3 different levels for cooking grills

·       Countless accessories

There are several key differences between kettle and kamado grills, including design, heat retention, versatility, and temperature control. Let’s take a closer look.

Design:

• Kettle grills are typically made from metal and have a round shape, allowing for mostly direct grilling.
• Kamado grills are uniquely egg-shaped and made from thick ceramic, providing excellent insulation for both direct and indirect cooking. Plus, the distinctive look is a great conversation starter.

          Heat Retention:

• Kettle grills provide moderate heat retention suitable for quick grilling sessions.
• Kamado grills have superior heat retention due to their thick ceramic walls, which maintain consistent temperatures for hours.

Versatility:

• Kettle grills are primarily used for grilling and light smoking and are very easy to transport to picnics, cottages, and tailgating events.
• Kamado grills are capable of grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting.

Temperature Control:

• Kettle grills offer basic temperature control and often require more attention.
• Kamado grills have precise temperature control with adjustable vents and superior insulation, making it easier to manage cooking temperatures.

BENEFITS OF KETTLE GRILLS:

1. Kettle grills are beloved for their simplicity and efficiency. Here are some benefits:
2. Affordability: Generally, more budget-friendly.
3. Portability: Lightweight and easy to move around.
4. Ease of Use: Simple design makes them user-friendly.
5. Quick Heating: Heats up quickly for fast grilling sessions.
6. Versatility in Fuel: Can use charcoal, wood, or a combination of both for added flavour.

BENEFITS OF KAMADO GRILLS:

1. Kamado grills are well known for their versatility and superior cooking capabilities, offering numerous benefits:
2. Heat Retention: Excellent for maintaining consistent temperatures, ideal for low and slow cooking.
3. Versatility: Can grill, smoke, bake, and roast with ease, making it perfect for a variety of recipes.
4. Fuel Efficiency: Uses less charcoal due to superior insulation, saving you money.
5. Flavour: Provides deep, smoky flavours due to better control over airflow and temperature.
6. Durability: Built to last with high-quality materials, ensuring a long lifespan with proper care.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DECISION:

Choosing the right grill can elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights. When deciding between a kettle and a kamado grill, consider your cooking style, budget, and what features are most important to you. Here are a couple final questions to help guide your decision:

How do you like to cook? If you enjoy quick, straightforward grilling, a kettle grill may be your best choice. If you want to explore various cooking techniques like smoking, baking, and roasting, a kamado grill is more versatile.

How much time are you willing to spend managing the grill? Kettle grills require more attention to maintain temperature, while kamado grills offer better temperature control and longer heat retention, allowing for more relaxed cooking sessions.

Both kettle and kamado grills offer unique advantages that can enhance your outdoor cooking experience. By understanding their differences and benefits, you can make an informed decision that best suits your grilling needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a kettle grill or the versatility of a kamado grill, both will bring delicious flavours to your table.

Embrace the joy of grilling, experiment with new techniques, try a Variety Of Flavoured Charcoal, and enjoy every moment spent perfecting your BBQ skills.

Don’t forget to check out the amazing assortment of Charcoal BBQ Accessories to help save you time and enhance your grilling.

Happy grilling!

HAVE YOUR SAY: CLICK HERE SURVEY - Do you prefer Kettle or Kamado Grilling?