Kamado grills are one of the most interesting and ancient cooking devices with a very rich history. It is said that they were created in China around 1,700 years ago, and were originally nothing like the modern version. In fact, it’s the Japan that contributed a lot to this grill, since they upgraded the cooker that was mostly used for rice, into a charcoal-fueled stove known as Kamado.
Nowadays, this versatile charcoal cook-stove is extremely helpful for cooking food items by grilling or by smoking them, Moreover, with their interesting, egg-like design, great portability and amazing and even cooking they provide – this would be a great choice for any BBQ enthusiasts. But how to make this choice is a whole other matter.
Naturally, when you want to choose the best, you need to turn to the best brands. And one of the most popular brands that makes some of the best kamado grills is Char-Griller. This company is dedicated to making high-quality products that would be affordable for almost everyone. And their most high-quality and great Kamado grill is Char-Griller Akorn. People seem to really love the quality of materials, easy controls and comfortable cooking process this device provides.
So we’ve decided to take a closer look at this model in this akorn grill review, and see, what is it about this charcoal grill that so many people love and how to use it properly.
Char-Griller Brand Overview
Char-Griller is making some of the cheapest but high-quality cookers in the world. That is because the focus of the Char-Grill is to create great grills that would stand the test of time and be safe and. Hence, the product prices are more viable and popular, even among budget-conscious customers.
Moreover, the Char-Griller brand is very popular among the more experienced cooks that like to grill or slow-cook the dishes using Char-Griller’s super cheap Offset Smokers. But this is not the best choice for those that just venture into the BBQ cooking world, since Offsets are pretty tricky to work with.
But that doesn’t mean that Char-Griller makes products only for professionals. In fact, one of the reasons why Akorn grills are so beloved is because they are more affordable, and people with little to no knowledge about charcoal grills can use it pretty easily.
Akorn Grill In-Depth
Main Specs Overview
| Total Cooking Surface | 20 inches |
| Primary Cooking Area | 314 sq. in. |
| Temperature Ranges | 200 – 700°F (93°C – 371°C). |
| Cooking Surface Material | Insulated, Triple-walled steel body |
| Assembled Height (inches) | 45.2 inches |
| Assembled Width (inches) | 31.3 inches |
| Assembled Depth (inches) | 47.4 inches |
| Assembled Weight (inches) | 100lbs (45kg) |
| Lid Material | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Warming Rack Area | 133 sq. in. |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty |
| Key Features | Portable design, large cooking area, removable ash pan |
Design and Build Quality
The Char Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill has a design similar to its original Japanese one, but with better features. For example, one of the biggest Char Griller Akorn features is that it has an insulated, triple-walled steel body, that allows it to retain heat for a longer duration.
Moreover, the reason why Akorn grill is considered one of the best charcoal grill smokers, is that it has an ideal design for heat distribution that allows for a very efficient cooking. Plus, it has a large cooking area of 20 inches in diameter and the cooking grates are sturdy and made from cast iron. And these allow the Akorn Kamado grill to retain heat for a prolonged period. Finally, Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill also has a small, removable circle in the middle that will allow you to add coals.
Ease of Assembly
The assembly of the Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is generally quite simple. You will put it together in 30-60 minutes and start cooking once you read the instructions. However, Kamado Grills, unlike conventional Smokers, retain heat for a long time. Therefore it is easy to get a higher temperature here than bringing it down.
Ease of Use
The Akorn Kamado Kooker is pretty easy to use. It has two dampers that allow you to control and choose the proper cooking temperature. However, Kamado Grills, unlike conventional smokers, retain heat for a long time. Therefore it is easy to get a higher temperature than to bring it down.
Performance
The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Kooker is sufficiently versatile for outdoor use. With a few added accessories, you can use it to smoke, grill, make a pizza, or even use it as a standard oven. It is affordable, efficient, relatively light considering its size, and has an excellent overall performance.
Cleaning
Of course we couldn go on with our akorn grill review, without mentioning proper care. Akorn Kamado Grill is very easy to clean – all you have to do is to remove the ash after cooking and then detach the ash pan at the bottom. It has cast-iron grates and a porcelain-coated interior that makes it easy to wipe away the grease build-up after each use.
But if you don’t want to experience any problem in the long run, remove the grease properly every time you use it.
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker: Overall
The Good
- Incredibly versatile and can handle a broad range of temperature.
- Light in weight, which increases its portability.
- The Ash Pan is removable; hence you can clean it easily.
The Bad
- Some customers were not satisfied with the cast iron grates, which tends to rust over time.
- According to a few charcoal grill reviews from users, often usage requires more maintenance.
Accessories to Use with Akorn Grill
Another thing we must mention in our Akorn Kamado Kooker review is its versatility. By adding a few simple accessories, it can become a smoker, a pizza maker, and many more.
So let’s take a look at the most basic and common accessories you can add to your Akorn Kamado Grill:
Char-Griller Smokin’ Stone
It is a must-have for people who love smokey meat or making pizzas. Smokin’ stone helps by decreasing the direct heat, while still allowing indirect heat to move up to the grill and smoke your meat. The cordierite body makes it incredibly strong and is great at heat absorption and retention.
Char-Griller Akorn Cover
It’s always better to pick a separate cover for your grill. It will help you protect it against the weather and reduce any build-up of moisture, dirt, or dust. Which significantly helps to increase the grill’s lifespan.
Automatic BBQ Temperature Controller
This little device will allow you to measure the temperature of your charcoal grill and adjust it automatically. It’s a perfect accessory for people who want a super easy, set it once, and forget it type of grill. It will reduce your hassles and worries and also bring down the total coal-consumption.
Tips for Proper Use of Akorn Grill
Of course, our akorn reviews would not be complete without proper guidelines and safety tips for how to use a char griller:
- When the coals are already hot or warm, don’t use lighter fluid on them. If you don’t want to risk an imminent explosion, avoid using highly volatile liquids like kerosene or gasoline. It is best to use solid, electric, or other types of starters specially made for lighting charcoal briquettes.
- Be careful while handling the electric starter. Unplug it with caution after use and store it only after it has cooled down. Never use an electric starter if you’re standing on wet ground or during rainfall.
- Let the coals burn out altogether before you dispose of them. Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil while disposing of cold ashes. If you must throw away the ashes before it gets a chance to cool down completely, then soak it well in water and wrap it up in a non-combustible container.
- Once you light up the gtill, please do not touch the wood chunks or the briquettes to check their temperature. Also, keep the grill uncovered until it’s ready to cook. Charcoal grills need oxygen to burn properly, so make sure all the vents are open while cooking.
Conclusion
So overall, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Grill is a great choice for anyone that’s looking for an affordable, effective and portable grill. And more importantly, with the right care, it will serve you for a very long time.
Thus, we sincerely hope that our Akorn Grill review 2023 helped you learn more about this great charcoal grill! And remember – proper hygiene will allow you to enjoy the grilling season and avoid stomach diseases or food poisoning. So always store the food items meant for grilling or smoking separately in individual plastic bags to prevent cross-contamination.
With that said – remember to grill safely and enjoy your meal!
