The Best Kamado Grills for Outdoor Kitchens in (Built-In & Freestanding Picks)

If you’re serious about outdoor cooking, a Kamado grill is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. 

These heavy-duty, charcoal-fueled cookers lock in heat and flavor like nothing else, perfect for searing steaks, smoking ribs, or baking pizza in your outdoor kitchen.

Whether you’re building an island setup or want a freestanding showpiece, here are the best Kamado grills to fire up this year.

Think of a Kamado grill as a smoker, oven, and charcoal grill all rolled into one. 

Its thick ceramic (or insulated metal) shell holds heat like a vault, so your food cooks evenly and stays juicy, no flare-ups or hot spots. 

You can smoke brisket low and slow, sear steak at 700°F+, or even bake pizza, all on the same cooker.

Unlike gas or pellet grills that constantly lose heat through vents, Kamados capture almost all of it inside the dome. That means stable temperatures, less fuel burned, and better flavor.

If you’re comparing specs or wondering how these grills stack up, check out our Kamado Grill Comparison Chart for a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Before you pick your Kamado, think about how you want it to live in your space. 

Some people want a permanent, built-in showpiece that blends right into their outdoor kitchen. Others prefer the flexibility of a freestanding setup that can move with the seasons (or your next backyard redesign).

Let’s break down both:

Brands like Blaze and Coyote make this process easier with island sleeves and trim kits designed to hold the grill safely.

Pros: Sleek, integrated look, extra counter space, and adds serious resale value.
Cons: Permanent setup, not easy to move or adjust once installed.

Pros: Easy to move, no installation required, generally lower cost.
Cons: Takes up floor space, and doesn’t have that seamless “built-in” look.

In short:

If you’re building your dream outdoor kitchen and want a long-term centerpiece, go built-in.

But if you love flexibility and prefer to rearrange your setup, or want to take your Kamado with you if you move, a freestanding model is your best bet.

Blaze Kamado Grill — Best for Built-In Islands

1¼" Cast Aluminum Body | 400 sq. in. Cooking Space | Lifetime Warranty | Lift-Assist Hinge | Precision Airflow Control | Built-In Ready

If durability had a name, it’d be Blaze.

The Blaze 20-Inch Kamado is the only Kamado made from solid 1¼-inch cast aluminum, which means it’s virtually indestructible, no cracks, no rust, and no weather damage.

Think of it as the last grill you’ll ever need to buy.

Design & Build
The Blaze Kamado’s heavy-duty aluminum body gives it incredible insulation and long-term reliability, even in coastal or humid climates.

Its tongue-and-groove lid seal locks in every bit of heat and smoke, while the lift-assist hinge makes opening and closing the dome effortless.

Inside, you get 400 sq. in. of cooking space on stainless-steel hex-shaped grates, enough for about 14 burgers or a full family dinner. The middle grate setup supports a charcoal basket, water pan, or rotisserie, adding versatility for any cooking style.

Performance & Features
Blaze’s cast-molded top vent and adjustable bottom draft door give you precise airflow control for both low-and-slow smoking or high-heat searing.

The built-in thermometer keeps temps easy to monitor, while the thick aluminum body minimizes fuel use.

Primo Oval XL — Best for Large Gatherings

Patented Oval Design | 400+ sq. in. Cooking Area | Dual-Zone Flexibility | American-Made Ceramic | Lifetime Warranty | Built-In or Freestanding

If you love hosting backyard feasts, the Primo Oval XL is built for it. 

This American-made ceramic Kamado stands out with its patented oval design, giving you true dual-zone flexibility and over 400 square inches of cooking space, enough for four chickens or a full rack of ribs at once.

Design & Build
The oval shape isn’t just for looks, it’s what sets Primo apart. It lets you cook over direct and indirect heat at the same time, perfect for multitasking meals. 

The reversible stainless-steel grates add flexibility, and optional cradles, tables, or expansion racks make it easy to build your dream setup.

Handcrafted in the USA, its triple-thick ceramic shell offers superb insulation, Primo claims up to 77% higher efficiency than traditional round Kamados, giving you steady heat and minimal fuel use.

Performance & Features
With its large cooking area and precise airflow system, the Primo Oval XL transitions effortlessly from slow smoking to high-heat grilling. 

The ceramic body retains moisture for tender results, while its efficient design makes temperature control almost effortless.

The BSTRD Kamado — Best European Design

Cordierite Ceramic Build | Fiberglass Handle | Precision Top Vent | Fully Equipped Out of the Box | 20-Year Warranty | Dutch Design

If grilling had a fashion week, The BSTRD would be front row.

Formerly known as The Bastard, this high-end Dutch Kamado combines serious performance with minimalist European design. 

It’s built from stove-grade cordierite ceramic, the same material used in industrial ovens, giving it rock-solid insulation and steady heat control. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or firing up a pizza at 700°F, The BSTRD keeps temperatures locked in perfectly.

Design & Build

The matte black finish, fiberglass handle, and sleek silhouette make it as stylish as it is functional. 

Every grill comes fully equipped right out of the box, cooking grates, heat shield, and inner firebox included, so you can start cooking immediately.

The precision top vent lets you fine-tune airflow with ease, while the cool-touch handle stays comfortable even during long sessions at the grill.

Performance & Sizes
The BSTRD’s thick ceramic walls maintain consistent heat through wind, rain, or frost. It’s available in multiple sizes, with the Urban Large (≈19¼″) being the go-to for most home setups.

Coyote Asado Kamado — Best Luxury Ceramic Option

22¼″ Dome | 254 sq. in. Cooking Area | Built-In or Freestanding Design | Stainless Diffuser Grate | Premium Ceramic Build | High-End Finish

The Coyote Asado brings luxury craftsmanship to the classic Kamado design.

Built from heat-resistant ceramic, this model holds temperatures like a pro, from slow-smoking ribs at 225°F to searing steaks at 700°F+. 

With its 22¼-inch dome and 254 sq. in. of cooking space, it’s the perfect middle ground for families and frequent grillers who want restaurant-level performance in a refined package.

Design & Build
The Asado’s design is both elegant and flexible. It’s explicitly built for either freestanding or built-in installation, making it a great choice for outdoor kitchens that want a seamless, custom look. 

For island setups, Coyote recommends a 22½-inch cutout width, 17-inch height, and 24-inch clearance on all sides for safe airflow.

Its polished ceramic shell provides even heat distribution and superior insulation, while the stainless-steel diffuser grate and precision-tuned top vent help you dial in perfect cooking temps every time.

Performance & Features
The Asado performs as good as it looks, maintaining low, steady heat for hours with minimal fuel use. 

Coyote’s accessory lineup (including a pizza stone, heat deflector, and chicken roaster) turns this Kamado into a versatile, all-season cooking powerhouse. Whether you’re smoking, roasting, or baking, it’s built to deliver consistent, flavorful results.

Char-Griller Akorn — Best Budget Kamado

Triple-Wall Steel Construction | 20″ Cooking Dome | 300+ sq. in. Cooking Area | Cast-Iron Grates | Built-In Ash Pan | Affordable & Portable

If you want Kamado performance without the premium price tag, the Char-Griller AKORN™ is your best bet. 

Built from triple-wall insulated steel with a ceramic-coated interior, it heats up quickly, holds temperature well, and weighs far less than traditional ceramic models, making it ideal for patios or smaller outdoor setups.

Design & Build
The AKORN’s 20-inch dome offers roughly 300 square inches of cooking space, plenty for family dinners or weekend BBQs. 

It features cast-iron grates with a removable center section for easy refueling, a built-in damped ash pan for simple cleanup, and folding side shelves for prep space.

Despite its lighter weight, the steel construction feels solid and well-balanced. The exterior coating helps protect against rust and wear, while the triple-wall insulation retains heat more efficiently than most budget Kamados in its class.

Performance & Features
While it doesn’t have the same heat-holding power as ceramic models, the AKORN makes up for it with responsiveness. 

You’ll need to tweak the vents a bit more often, but once dialed in, it maintains steady temperatures for smoking or high-heat grilling.

It’s also one of the few Kamados under $400 that still delivers that authentic charcoal flavor and long cook times without burning through fuel. 

Char-Griller backs it with a 5-year burn-through warranty, which is impressive at this price point.

Big Green Egg — Best Classic Kamado

Classic Ceramic Design | Multiple Sizes (Mini to 2XL) | Up to 672 sq. in. Cooking Area | 900°F Max Heat | Huge Accessory Range | Lifetime Ceramic Warranty

The Big Green Egg is the grill that started it all, the original ceramic Kamado that turned backyard BBQs into an art form. Decades later, it’s still one of the most reliable and best-supported options on the market.

Available in sizes from the Mini (133 sq. in.) all the way up to the 2XL (672 sq. in.), there’s an Egg for every space and cooking style. Even the Large Egg (18.25″ cooking grate) gives you 262 sq. in. of space, perfect for most families and everyday cooks.

Design & Build
The Egg’s thick ceramic body locks in heat and moisture, letting you grill, bake, roast, or smoke with steady precision. 

It’s freestanding by default but easily customizable with modular tables, stainless “EGGcrete” islands, and nest kits that make it built-in ready.

It’s one of the most recognized designs in the BBQ world, simple, durable, and backed by an enthusiastic global community of “Eggheads” who swear by it.

Performance & Features
This Kamado can hold up to 900°F for hours, yet is just as capable at low-and-slow cooking. 

The airflow system offers reliable control for everything from ribs to pizza, and the accessory lineup is unmatched, from baking stones to rotisserie attachments.

Big Green Egg also provides a lifetime warranty on its ceramic components (with standard use conditions), making it one of the safest long-term investments in outdoor cooking.

There’s no one-size-fits-all Kamado. The right choice depends on your space, cooking style, and budget, whether you’re planning full weekend BBQs or quick weeknight grilling.

1. Cooking Capacity

Think about how much food you typically cook.

For small families or couples, a mid-size Kamado (250–300 sq. in.) like the Large Big Green Egg offers plenty of room.

For larger groups (6–12 people), go big, the Primo Oval XL (400 sq. in.) or Big Green Egg XL (452 sq. in.) gives you generous space and true two-zone cooking flexibility.

2. Material Matters

Your grill’s body material directly affects performance and durability:

Ceramic Kamados (Primo, Big Green Egg, The BSTRD) hold heat exceptionally well and use very little fuel.

The tradeoff? They’re heavy and can crack if dropped or exposed to moisture in freezing temps.

Metal Kamados like Blaze (cast aluminum) and Char-Griller (steel) heat up faster and are easier to move. Cast aluminum won’t rust, ever, while steel models should be kept covered or repainted occasionally for longevity.

3. Airflow Control

Airflow makes or breaks a Kamado cook. Look for dual vent systems (top and bottom dampers) for precision heat control.

Big Green Egg’s dual vents maintain steady airflow even when you open the lid.

A built-in thermometer is handy, but it’s always worth checking accuracy with a digital probe before long cooks.

4. Accessories & Setup

The right add-ons make Kamado cooking more versatile:

• Heat deflectors or diffuser plates for indirect smoking.
• Multi-level grates for layering foods.
• Ash tools and dump pans for easy cleaning.
• Covers and rotisserie kits for year-round use.
• Some brands bundle useful extras. For example, Primo’s all-in-one packages come with tables, grates, and tool hooks.

Where and how you place your Kamado has a big impact on how long it lasts. These grills are built tough, but a little care goes a long way toward keeping them in top shape for decades.

Even the best Kamados show a bit of wear over time. Gaskets eventually compress from heat cycles, and metal bands can loosen slightly, both are easy fixes with periodic maintenance. Avoid using lighter fluid or harsh chemicals on ceramic surfaces, since the porous material can absorb them and affect your food’s flavor.

Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Around the Right Kamado

A Kamado isn’t just another grill, it’s the heartbeat of a great outdoor kitchen.

Whether you’re drawn to the all-weather durability of the Blaze, the handcrafted ceramic of the Primo, or the classic feel of the Big Green Egg, the right Kamado turns every cookout into something special.