Char-Griller Akorn Jr.
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First Published
The Akorn Jr. is the kamado grill that shouldn't exist at this price. At $130, it's a tenth of the cost of a Big Green Egg — and while it's not a BGE killer, it's a legitimately capable little cooker that punches absurdly above its weight.
What We Love
- +$130 — cheapest kamado worth buying
- +Insulated steel holds temp well
- +153 sq in is perfect for 2-4 people
- +Weighs only 37 lbs — genuinely portable
- +Effective top and bottom vents
- +Excellent for learning kamado techniques
Watch Out For
- −Steel body will eventually rust (3-5 years)
- −Tight interior limits food size
- −No built-in thermometer (add your own)
- −Legs are wobbly on uneven surfaces
- −No ash pan — cleanup is messy
- −Paint chips after heavy use
Specifications
Cooking Area
153 sq in
Material
Insulated steel
Weight
37 lbs
Fuel
Lump charcoal
Temp Range
200°F - 700°F
Dimensions
21" x 20" x 25"
Warranty
1 year
The Full Review
I bought the Akorn Jr. as a tailgating grill, expecting it to be a toy. It's not. This thing holds 225°F for 6+ hours on a single load of lump charcoal and sears at 700°F when you open the vents.
The insulated steel body works similarly to ceramic — it traps heat and radiates it evenly. Temperature control via the top and bottom vents is responsive and predictable once you learn the sweet spots.
I smoked a 4 lb pork butt on this grill. It took 8 hours at 250°F, used about 5 lbs of lump charcoal, and the result was legitimately excellent pulled pork. On a $130 grill. That's remarkable.
For searing, load it with lump charcoal, open both vents fully, and wait 15 minutes. You'll hit 650-700°F — enough for restaurant-quality seared steaks.
The downsides are real: steel will rust eventually (ceramic kamados last decades), the interior is tight (forget about a full brisket), and there's no ash pan. But at this price, these are acceptable trade-offs.
This is the grill I recommend to anyone who's curious about kamado cooking but doesn't want to drop $1,000+ to find out if they like it. If you love it, upgrade to a BGE or Kamado Joe later. If not, you're out $130.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest kamado rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller Akorn Jr. (this) | 4.2 | $130 | A $130 kamado that actually works. |
| Kamado Joe Jr | 4.7 | $399 | The classic kamado experience shrunk to tabletop size — same ceramic walls, same fuel efficiency, perfect for couples or camping. |
Who Is It For?
Kamado-curious cooks who don't want to spend $1,000+ to experiment. Tailgaters who want real kamado performance in a portable package. Apartment dwellers who need a small, versatile charcoal option.
Final Verdict
The Akorn Jr. at $130 is the best kamado value in existence. It won't last as long as a ceramic kamado, but it'll teach you everything you need to know about kamado cooking for a fraction of the cost. Buy it, learn on it, decide if you want to upgrade.
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