Last Updated
First Published
Both grills are aimed at the cook who wants kamado cooking in a smaller, more portable package. The Akorn Jr is steel-bodied and dirt cheap. The MiniMax is ceramic and premium-priced. Surprisingly close debate — here's the breakdown.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Char-Griller Akorn Jr ($169) if you want kamado-style cooking on a tight budget or for occasional tailgate use. Buy the Big Green Egg MiniMax ($699) if you want premium ceramic performance in a portable package and you'll use it weekly.
The Contenders
Char-Griller Akorn Jr
$169
Budget kamado buyers and tailgaters who want the cheapest competent kamado
Check PriceBig Green Egg MiniMax
$699
Premium kamado buyers who want true ceramic performance in a portable size
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Cooking Performance
Winner: BGEBGE wins decisively. The ceramic body holds temp rock-steady for 12+ hours and produces dramatically better food than the steel Akorn. The flavor difference at low-and-slow is real.
Durability
Winner: BGEBGE wins. Lifetime ceramic warranty vs the Akorn's painted steel that rusts at the seams within a few years. For long-term ownership, BGE is the only real choice.
Portability
Winner: AkornAkorn wins. 35 lbs vs the MiniMax at 76 lbs. The Akorn is genuinely tailgate-friendly; the MiniMax is portable but requires real effort to move.
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: BGEBGE wins big. The ceramic body uses dramatically less charcoal per cook. A long brisket cook on the MiniMax uses 1/3 the charcoal of the same cook on the Akorn.
Value
Winner: AkornAkorn wins. $530 cheaper for a kamado that gets you 70% of the experience. If you're testing the kamado waters, Akorn is the smart entry point.
Final Verdict
Buy the Char-Griller Akorn Jr if you want a cheap, occasional-use compact kamado. Buy the Big Green Egg MiniMax if you want premium kamado performance and you'll cook on it weekly.
Buying Advice
If this is your only kamado, get the MiniMax — you'll regret going cheap on something you cook on weekly. If it's a secondary tailgate grill, the Akorn Jr is the smarter buy by a wide margin.
