Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
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The Akorn answers the question every curious griller asks: 'Can I try kamado cooking without spending $1,300?' The answer is a resounding yes — with some caveats.
What We Love
- +$299 entry into kamado cooking
- +Triple-walled insulated steel construction
- +Holds temperature surprisingly well
- +Lightweight compared to ceramic kamados
- +314 sq in cooking area
- +Easy to move and reposition
Watch Out For
- −Steel will eventually rust (ceramic won't)
- −Not as fuel-efficient as ceramic
- −Temperature recovery is slower after lid opening
- −Smaller than Big Green Egg Large
- −Ash management is basic
Specifications
Cooking Area
314 sq in
Material
Triple-walled insulated steel
Weight
97 lbs
Temp Range
200°F - 700°F
Warranty
2 years
The Full Review
The Akorn gives you about 80% of the kamado experience at about 25% of the price. For anyone kamado-curious, that's a compelling proposition.
The triple-walled insulated steel does a respectable job of heat retention. It's not ceramic-level performance, but I held 225°F for a 6-hour pork butt cook without much fiddling. Temperature swings were maybe 15-20°F, compared to 5°F on a Big Green Egg.
At 97 lbs, it's nearly half the weight of a ceramic kamado. You can actually move it — roll it into the garage for winter, bring it to a friend's house. Try that with a Big Green Egg.
The Achilles heel is longevity. Steel rusts. In Minnesota's climate, I'd give an Akorn 3-5 years before rust becomes an issue, versus essentially forever for a ceramic kamado. But at $299, buying two Akorns over 10 years is still cheaper than one Egg.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest portable kamado rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller Akorn Kamado (this) | 4.3 | $299 | A steel kamado at a fraction of the ceramic price. |
| Weber Q 2200 | 4.5 | $269 | The Aussie icon. |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | 4.4 | $249 | The car-camping king. |
Who Is It For?
Curious grillers who want to try kamado cooking affordably. Renters who might move and need a lighter option. Budget-conscious cooks who want the kamado experience without the investment.
Final Verdict
The Akorn is the smart way to test kamado cooking. If you love it, upgrade to ceramic later. If kamado isn't your thing, you're only out $299. Either way, you'll get years of great cooking.
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